The missile to Riyadh and Trump's alert: The crisis in Saudi Arabia that brings a mega-deal with Israel closer
The escalation against the Houthis, which included the launch of a ballistic missile toward Riyadh, is increasing pressure on Saudi Arabia. In Israel, assessments indicate that the gap between Riyadh's security needs and the aid it receives may bring it closer to security cooperation with Israel, as part of a broad normalization deal.
A sharp escalation against the Houthis in Yemen, which for the first time included the launch of a ballistic missile toward Riyadh, is creating growing pressure on Saudi Arabia and raising concern in Washington. The missile was intercepted by the Saudi air defense system, with no casualties reported. However, the broad wave of attacks, including damage to energy facilities and threats to shipping routes in the Red Sea, is forcing Saudi Arabia to spread its military efforts. Against this backdrop, sources in Israel assess that the gap between Riyadh's security needs and the aid it actually receives from its allies may actually bring it closer to security cooperation with Israel. This assessment is based on Israel's experience and capabilities in intelligence and air defense against the Houthis. The article suggests that the continuation of the campaign may incorporate these capabilities into Saudi considerations and advance a broad normalization deal.