Trump Suggests Saudi Arabia Accept Israeli Military Aid Against Houthi Attacks

Amid ongoing Houthi assaults on Saudi Arabia, former U.S. President Donald Trump has proposed that the kingdom accept military assistance from Israel. Saudi Arabia is reportedly struggling to defend its territory and oil infrastructure from missile and drone attacks launched by the Houthi movement. The Wall Street Journal reported that recent Houthi attacks have exposed vulnerabilities in Saudi defense systems and complicated the kingdom's position in the protracted conflict.

Despite significant defense spending, modern American fighter jets, and air defense systems, Saudi Arabia has been unable to fully neutralize the threat. The Houthis' ability to independently produce rockets and drones, and maintain combat readiness under enemy fire, remains a key advantage. Iran is reportedly assisting the group with attack preparation, intelligence, training, and coordination.

Saudi forces are utilizing aircraft to support ground troops, including local factions loyal to the Yemeni government. However, defense effectiveness is hampered by a shortage of interceptor missiles. Furthermore, many attacks target areas not covered by Patriot missile defense systems. The country's geography, with a roughly 1,287-kilometer border with Yemen in mountainous and difficult terrain, allows the Houthis to conceal mobile missile launchers, making them hard to detect. Drones and cruise missiles capable of bypassing existing defenses pose an additional danger.

The kingdom's oil infrastructure, including facilities belonging to Saudi Aramco, is also under threat. The vast area these facilities cover makes constant protection by stationary air defense systems extremely challenging. Saudi authorities reported six people injured in a recent strike in Najran, southern Saudi Arabia. About a week prior, an attack on Riyadh's international airport resulted in 13 deaths and hundreds of injuries.

Washington has thus far limited its involvement to intelligence sharing and indirect support, avoiding direct military intervention. While Trump has urged Saudi Arabia to accept Israeli aid, Riyadh and Jerusalem maintain unofficial security contacts but lack formal diplomatic relations. Saudi officials have not publicly commented on the U.S. proposal, instead seeking support from other partners. The Wall Street Journal noted that Riyadh has approached Turkey, Pakistan, and several European nations, while Egypt has offered military assistance. The Saudi leadership must also balance its defense resources across multiple fronts, including threats from Iran, Iraq, and Yemen, increasing pressure on its air defense systems and potentially pushing the kingdom toward a diplomatic resolution.