Netanyahu Offers Saudi Arabia Intelligence Aid to Advance Normalization Deal
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly pursuing covert efforts to normalize relations with Saudi Arabia, seeking to leverage the kingdom's current challenges in its conflict with Yemen's Houthi rebels. According to an analysis by Ben Caspit published on Al-Monitor, which cites Israeli political and security sources, Netanyahu aims to position Israel as a reliable regional partner for Riyadh amidst its ongoing confrontation with the Iran-backed Houthis.
Sources indicate that Netanyahu has conveyed through intermediaries Israel's willingness to provide intelligence and military consultation, particularly concerning the Houthi threat. He is also reportedly attempting to use Washington as leverage, linking potential Israeli assistance to progress on a diplomatic normalization path. A source close to Netanyahu suggested the Prime Minister views such an agreement as a significant political achievement that could aid him in future elections.
The primary obstacle remains Saudi Arabia's insistence on tangible progress toward a Palestinian state as a prerequisite for normalization. While some movement was observed prior to the October 7th Hamas attack, the subsequent war in Gaza halted the process. Recent reports suggest Riyadh has hardened its stance, demanding a binding political process for a two-state solution. However, an anonymous Saudi source cited by Kan stated that intelligence or military aid alone would not advance normalization.
Despite the public stance, Israel and Saudi Arabia have maintained clandestine security and intelligence contacts for years, including a reported meeting between Netanyahu and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in 2020. Israeli security sources highlight Israel's intelligence and operational capabilities, such as strikes against the Houthis, as a key factor in these ongoing ties. They believe Saudi Arabia lacks these capabilities and can afford to acquire solutions.
Beyond political calculations, Israel's security establishment is reportedly concerned about the Houthis' successes against Saudi Arabia, viewing the situation as alarming and potentially destabilizing for the wider Middle East. Netanyahu reportedly hopes this situation will convince Saudi Arabia that Israel is its most dependable regional ally, especially as the kingdom perceives a reduced U.S. commitment and limitations in other regional partnerships. While direct Israeli military strikes are unlikely, cooperation through intelligence sharing, advice, and operational enhancement is considered a possibility, with CENTCOM potentially mediating dialogue.
