On the path to normalization? Israel aided Saudi Arabia in the fight against the Houthis | First publication
Diplomatic sources claim that Israel provided intelligence assistance to Saudi Arabia against the Houthis, mediated by the United States. The Houthis have intensified attacks on oil infrastructure and civilians, and imposed a naval blockade. Concerns in Jerusalem over a US-Iranian agreement that would leave Saudi Arabia exposed.
Diplomatic sources in the Middle East claim that Saudi Arabia and Israel have held talks mediated by the US Central Command, aimed at helping the Saudis defend themselves against the Houthi army through intelligence. This comes amid a significant escalation of Houthi attacks on the Saudi regime in the past week, including a drone attack on oil pipelines and pumping stations that led to a partial shutdown of the main pipeline, as well as an attack on Saudi civilians at a mosque near the Yemen border. In addition, the Houthi army seized strategic islands in the Red Sea and banned the passage of Saudi vessels through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, imposing an economic and political blockade. Security officials express concern that the US will reach understandings with Iran and the Houthis that would leave Saudi Arabia and other countries exposed to attacks. Meanwhile, the US decision to allow civilian nuclear development for Saudi Arabia has raised concerns in Jerusalem, and President Trump linked any progress on the issue to normalization. The Saudis, for their part, are interested in political progress with Israel after resolving the Palestinian conflict.