Protection against the Iranian threat: Israel's channel of contacts with Saudi Arabia

Senior Israeli officials have confirmed a sensitive channel of contacts with Saudi Arabia, mediated by the United States, involving the transfer of intelligence on the Houthis. Saudi Arabia is interested in upgrading its defense systems in cooperation with Israel, subject to American approval. The contacts are being led by the Ministry of Defense and the National Security Council, against the backdrop of Saudi concerns about Iran and the Houthis following a possible American withdrawal.

Senior Israeli officials have confirmed to Walla that there is a highly sensitive channel of contacts between Israel and Saudi Arabia, mediated by the United States. The core of the cooperation is the transfer of intelligence on the Houthis in Yemen, who have suffered painful blows from Saudi Arabia using missiles and drones, and have caused ongoing damage to Saudi infrastructure and economy. The contacts are managed by the Ministry of Defense and the National Security Council. The Saudis are interested in upgrading their defense layers, including Iron Dome, the Arrow system, and radars, in cooperation with Israel, but this process must receive approval from the American administration since these are joint projects. According to security sources, Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states fear the day when the US ends its military operations and leaves them exposed to Iran and the Houthis. CENTCOM under General Michael Kurilla has established a foundation for regional cooperation on missile warning. However, Saudi Arabia insists on linking any visible progress with Israel to progress in negotiations with the Palestinians. On the other hand, President Trump has linked approval of a Saudi civilian nuclear project to normalization with Israel.