Israel Hayom: Saudi Arabia Asked Israel for Intelligence to Counter Houthis
World
Saudi Arabia has asked Israel for assistance in countering the Houthis amid their advance toward the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait. According to Israel Hayom, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman appealed to several Middle Eastern countries, including Israel, for support.
Citing diplomatic representatives in the region, the publication reported that requests to the Gulf states and Egypt were delivered directly, while the appeal to Israel was conveyed through the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). Riyadh’s main request to Israel was for intelligence assistance.
According to Israel Hayom, bin Salman warned that a blockade of Bab el-Mandeb could cause serious damage to the region and the global economy. As the Houthis advance and threats to shipping increase, the publication said indirect or direct contacts may already be taking place over possible Israeli assistance.
At the same time, Israel is unlikely to rush into direct military involvement. One concern is that active intervention could trigger renewed Houthi missile and drone attacks against Israeli territory.
Riyadh’s request comes amid broader efforts by Saudi Arabia to secure support against the Houthis. The crown prince had earlier asked U.S. President Donald Trump for military assistance. Washington declined direct military action against the Houthis but offered intelligence and targeting support to Saudi Arabia.
The situation around Bab el-Mandeb has intensified after the Houthis seized several strategic positions along Yemen’s Red Sea coast, including islands near the strait. Their advance is increasing risks for regional shipping and energy routes.
Israel Hayom also points to the potential political significance of the crisis for relations between Riyadh and Jerusalem. According to the publication, the situation could create an opportunity for closer cooperation between the two countries and provide bin Salman with an additional argument in favor of closer ties with Israel in the face of domestic opposition to such a policy.
According to Israel Hayom, bin Salman warned that a blockade of Bab el-Mandeb could cause serious damage to the region and the global economy. As the Houthis advance and threats to shipping increase, the publication said indirect or direct contacts may already be taking place over possible Israeli assistance.
At the same time, Israel is unlikely to rush into direct military involvement. One concern is that active intervention could trigger renewed Houthi missile and drone attacks against Israeli territory.
Riyadh’s request comes amid broader efforts by Saudi Arabia to secure support against the Houthis. The crown prince had earlier asked U.S. President Donald Trump for military assistance. Washington declined direct military action against the Houthis but offered intelligence and targeting support to Saudi Arabia.
The situation around Bab el-Mandeb has intensified after the Houthis seized several strategic positions along Yemen’s Red Sea coast, including islands near the strait. Their advance is increasing risks for regional shipping and energy routes.
Israel Hayom also points to the potential political significance of the crisis for relations between Riyadh and Jerusalem. According to the publication, the situation could create an opportunity for closer cooperation between the two countries and provide bin Salman with an additional argument in favor of closer ties with Israel in the face of domestic opposition to such a policy.
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