Saudi Leadership Divided on Response to Houthi Attacks on Riyadh

Saudi Arabia's leadership is experiencing internal divisions regarding how to respond to the Houthi movement, following an unprecedented Houthi attack on the capital, Riyadh. According to Israeli public broadcaster Kan, citing a source within pro-Saudi Yemeni forces, Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan advocates for a diplomatic solution and a ceasefire.

Conversely, Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, brother of the Crown Prince, is pushing for military action. The source indicated that Prince Khalid views a ceasefire at this stage as "catastrophic" and supports a military operation aimed at least at retaking areas lost to the Houthis near the Bab el-Mandeb strait. This comes about a week and a half after the Houthis seized control of Bab el-Mandeb, highlighting Riyadh's struggle to formulate a clear strategy and rally international support.

Tareq Saleh, a prominent commander of pro-Saudi forces in Yemen whose troops lost territory near Bab el-Mandeb, is currently in Riyadh. Discussions in the Saudi capital suggest preparations for a broader offensive by pro-Saudi forces against the Houthis amid escalating tensions. Earlier, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed his group thwarted "criminal operations" by Saudi Arabia in Sanaa, comparing them to ISIS tactics.

In the past 24 hours, Riyadh was targeted by the Houthis for the first time since renewed clashes. Israeli media shared footage of flames and thick smoke near King Khalid International Airport. Reports also indicated damage to an Aramco oil facility near the airport, increasing pressure on the Saudi leadership to decide on a response.