Riyadh: Saudi Arabia is reportedly seeking intelligence assistance from Israel as it struggles to counter an escalating Houthi offensive in Yemen and growing threats to the Red Sea’s Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
According to Israeli media reports, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman approached Israel indirectly through US Central Command (CENTCOM), seeking information on Houthi threats around the strategic waterway.
The reported outreach comes despite Saudi Arabia not having diplomatic relations with Israel. Riyadh is facing increasing pressure after Houthi forces expanded their control along Yemen’s Red Sea coast and threatened Saudi-linked shipping.
Saudi Arabia’s options have also narrowed as the US and UK have reportedly ruled out direct military strikes against the Houthis, offering intelligence and advisory support instead. Pakistan, a key Saudi defence partner, has also reportedly declined to deploy forces for combat operations in Yemen, while indicating it could defend Saudi territory.
The Houthi advance and threats to shipping routes could significantly affect Saudi Arabia’s oil exports. Israeli assistance, if provided, is expected to focus mainly on intelligence sharing rather than direct military intervention.