Saudi Arabia Asked Israel for Help Against Houthis Via US
Translated & summarized from Cursorinfo by baba
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sought Israeli help against Yemen's Houthis via U.S. intermediaries, confirmed by President Trump. Israel is now considering expanding its role in Yemen, with Prime Minister Netanyahu seeing potential for normalizing relations with Saudi Arabia. Israel has developed intelligence capabilities in Yemen and is exploring an alliance with Somaliland to improve operational reach. This potential cooperation faces concerns in Riyadh about public reaction, leading to limited Saudi enthusiasm for now.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman requested Israeli aid against Houthis via U.S. intermediaries.
- President Trump confirmed Israeli support for Saudi Arabia and discussed normalization with Riyadh.
- Israel is reportedly considering expanding military operations in Yemen.
- Israel has established intelligence capabilities in Yemen and is exploring an alliance with Somaliland.
- Somaliland could significantly reduce Israel's operational distance to Yemen.
- Saudi Arabia fears public backlash from overt cooperation with Israel.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia, through American intermediaries, requested assistance from Israel in combating the Houthi rebels in Yemen approximately two weeks before an incident involving a Flydubai aircraft. U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that Israel provided support to the Kingdom. Amidst this development, Israel is reportedly considering expanding its military operations in Yemen, according to an analysis by Maariv newspaper's commentators Mati Tuchfeld, Ben Caspit, and military correspondent Avi Ashkenazi.
President Trump stated that the normalization of relations between Jerusalem and Riyadh is back on the table, noting that Saudi Arabia is pleased to receive support from both Israel and the United States. These remarks coincide with assessments in Israel that the situation in Yemen may gain increased significance. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly focusing more on the possibility of a military operation in Yemen, especially as parliamentary elections approach. This comes after reports that the Pentagon had prepared for a potential large-scale campaign against Iran, a move Trump later stated would not happen before the U.S. midterm elections.
According to an Israeli diplomatic source, Netanyahu believes that Israel's significant assistance to Saudi Arabia against the Houthis could encourage Riyadh to resume discussions on normalizing relations. Israel possesses advantages in intelligence, precision strikes, and missile interception, though Saudi Arabia is concerned about potential negative public reaction to overt cooperation. Despite the tense situation in Yemen, Riyadh's interest in this initiative is currently described as limited.
Since October 2024, Israel has established significant intelligence capabilities and operational infrastructure in Yemen to counter the Houthis, including a dedicated unit within military intelligence. Concurrently, the Mossad has pursued an alliance with Somaliland, a self-declared state in the Horn of Africa. Israeli security sources view Somaliland as a "strategic security asset," potentially reducing the distance to Yemen from approximately 2,500 kilometers to a few hundred kilometers. This proximity would enhance Israel's ability to gather intelligence, conduct strikes, and facilitate aircraft operations or pilot evacuations, transforming Yemen from a distant target into a more accessible operational area.
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