Saudi Arabia in an alliance trap - how Israel can help it out of the bind

Saudi Arabia faces an unusual security predicament against threats from Iran, the Houthis, and militias in Iraq, harming its security and energy export capacity. Riyadh is diversifying its alliances (US, Pakistan, Turkey, Mecca Alliance), but no partner provides full protection. The article argues that Israel has relevant capabilities (intelligence, air defense, cyber) and Jerusalem should offer gradual, discreet cooperation without pushing for rapid normalization.

Saudi Arabia is in an unusual security predicament, facing threats from three fronts simultaneously: from the east, the war with Iran and disruption in the Strait of Hormuz harm oil export capacity; from the south, the Houthis attack strategic facilities and threaten the alternative export route through Bab el-Mandeb; from the north, pro-Iranian militias in Iraq join the threat circle. The threat harms two key assets of the kingdom: its security and its ability to export energy. The Saudi response is a multiplicity of crutches: strengthening the security relationship with the US, deepening cooperation with Pakistan, the Mecca Alliance with Pakistan and Turkey, and regional frameworks. However, no partner provides a complete answer. The US remains the most important crutch, but experience has taught not to rely on it alone. Pakistan provides military depth, Turkey brings a large army, but they lack a shared threat perception. The article argues that Israel has relevant capabilities: intelligence on Iran and its proxies, early warning, missile and drone defense, cyber, infrastructure protection, and operational experience against the Houthis. The recommendation is not to pressure Riyadh for rapid normalization, but to offer practical, gradual, and discreet cooperation in early warning, air defense, intelligence, and maritime security, and to ensure Israel a significant place in the Saudi partner basket.