Saudi Arabia Rejects Israeli Offer to Join Fight Against Houthis

By חדשות כיפה

Translated & summarized from Kipa by baba

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Hebrew · 5 newsrooms covering

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu proposed that Israel join the fight against Yemen's Houthi rebels, seeking to advance normalization with Saudi Arabia. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman vetoed the offer, citing concerns over Saudi public opinion. The proposal was reportedly mediated by the U.S. amid escalating Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, which have caused significant casualties. Despite Netanyahu's public condolences and calls for regional unity, direct military cooperation remains blocked by the Crown Prince.

The story in 6 lines · by baba

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu offered Israeli involvement in the fight against Yemen's Houthis.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman vetoed the Israeli offer, citing public opinion concerns.
The proposal was reportedly mediated by the United States to foster normalization.
The move comes amid escalating Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, causing casualties.
Netanyahu expressed condolences to Saudi Arabia following a deadly Houthi attack.
Direct Israeli-Saudi military cooperation against Houthis is currently opposed by the Crown Prince.

Saudi Arabia Rejects Israeli Offer to Join Fight Against Houthis — Editorial illustration generated by baba News, not a photograph of the event.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sought to involve Israel in the campaign against the Houthi rebels in Yemen, aiming to strengthen ties with Saudi Arabia and pave the way for normalization between the two nations. The initiative, reportedly mediated by the United States, was met with a veto from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

According to diplomatic and informed sources cited by Haaretz, bin Salman rejected the proposal, fearing that an alliance with Israel would be poorly received by the Saudi public. The Crown Prince views direct Israeli military intervention in Yemen as "off the table" due to this opposition. The objective behind Netanyahu's proposal was to "join hands with the Saudis," fostering closer relations and establishing a foundation for a future normalization agreement.

This diplomatic effort occurs amidst escalating Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia. In early September, Houthis advanced along the Red Sea coast, capturing the strategic city of Mocha, though Yemeni government forces later retook it. Recent Houthi assaults have targeted Saudi Arabia, including strikes on Riyadh's international airport. One attack on Saturday resulted in at least 12 deaths and 309 injuries, while another on Sunday caused one death and 11 injuries.

Following the Saturday attack, Netanyahu issued a message of condolence to Saudi Arabia, condemning the assault and expressing sorrow for the victims. He stated, "Israel looks forward to a strong Middle East, a Middle East that stands united against threats, protects its people, and builds a future of security, cooperation, and prosperity for all the peoples of our region." Despite this public message, sources indicate that direct military cooperation against the Houthis remains opposed by the Crown Prince at this time.

The possibility of Israeli-Saudi normalization has been a recurring theme in recent discussions, notably by former US President Donald Trump and Senator Lindsey Graham, who advocated for a regional peace settlement post-war with Iran.