The Gulf crisis and Israel's opportunity: Iran and the Houthis are changing the map | Analysis

The Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia expose the weakness of Gulf defense mechanisms and raise questions about the ability of existing alliances to provide security. Iran seeks to maintain its influence through the Houthis, while Saudi Arabia is looking for new security partnerships, including a defense agreement with Turkey and Pakistan. Analyst Baruch Yedid examines the regional implications.

The Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia expose the weakness of Gulf defense mechanisms and call into question the ability of existing alliances to provide security in the moment of truth. The damage to strategic infrastructure illustrates a gap between declarations of shared security and the ability to provide a coordinated response to combined threats of missiles and drones. Gulf states have expressed support for Saudi Arabia but have yet to build a functioning regional defense mechanism. The Houthis seek to ensure the survival of their rule in northern Yemen and create a reality where the cost of conflict pushes their rivals toward a settlement that recognizes their control. The damage to Saudi Arabia demonstrates that even a resource-rich kingdom is not immune, and undermines the image of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The attacks could also harm Saudi Arabia's development plans, foremost Vision 2030. For Iran, the Houthis are an important component of its regional influence network, especially after the loss of the Assad regime in Syria and the damage to Hezbollah. However, the movement has its own leadership and local interests. The possibility that Iran will mediate between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis raises questions about its role in shaping a future order in Yemen. Saudi Arabia is strengthening ties with regional partners. In August 2026, a joint defense agreement was signed in Mecca with Turkey and Pakistan. On October 12, Turkish President Erdogan announced that Ankara would submit the agreement for parliamentary approval. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia is increasing coordination with Egypt regarding Red Sea and Suez Canal security. Analyst Baruch Yedid notes that within the changing reality, Israel may find a strategic opportunity, but its realization depends on how relations between regional states develop.