Saudi Arabia Seeks Israeli Intelligence Aid Against Yemen Forces, Reports Claim
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, Israeli newspaper ‘Yisrael Hayom’ has reported that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has requested assistance from several regional nations to confront the Yemeni armed forces. The publication indicated that Riyadh, through the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) in the region, has extended an indirect request of a similar nature to Tel Aviv.
Citing regional diplomatic sources, the newspaper stated that Saudi Arabia‘s request encompasses intelligence gathering and other forms of support aimed at preventing Yemeni forces from blocking the Bab al-Mandab Strait. Previously, Riyadh had approached Washington for assistance in counteracting the Yemeni armed forces and halting their advances in the Bab al-Mandab area. However, U.S. President Donald Trump did not respond to the call for direct military intervention, prompting Saudi Arabia to explore alternative regional options.
The report highlights that Saudi Arabia is facing serious concerns regarding its oil export routes, tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, and threats to navigation in the Bab al-Mandab. Consequently, Riyadh has directly appealed for aid from Persian Gulf nations and Egypt. The Israeli newspaper further noted that Saudi Arabia finds itself in a ‘deadlock’ as its three main oil export pathways face simultaneous threats: the Strait of Hormuz to the east, Bab al-Mandab to the south, and a land route leading to the Red Sea.
The Israeli report suggested that the movement of Persian Gulf countries toward Tehran is part of an effort to find solutions to existing pressures and does not signify political rapprochement with Iran. Concurrently, the Israeli website i24news reported that Saudi Arabia is seeking regional support to counter Yemen, citing increasing pressure and threats to its primary oil export routes. This website also mentioned Riyadh’s request for U.S. help to confront Yemeni forces and stop their progress in Bab al-Mandab, but noted President Trump’s non-response to direct military intervention.
A military affairs analyst from ‘Yisrael Hayom’ believes that recent developments in Yemen have negative implications for Israel. He elaborated that the Yemeni armed forces gaining control of the Bab al-Mandab Strait would harm global maritime trade and strengthen Iran’s regional standing, particularly at a time when the United States is endeavoring to avoid new conflicts. The Israeli newspaper suggested that if Riyadh faces material losses and damage to its oil exports, it might consider convergence with Iran or bolstering alliances with other regional countries, including Turkey, Pakistan, and Qatar.
The report acknowledged that Tel Aviv has not accurately assessed Yemen’s internal strength and actual capabilities. The analyst concluded by emphasizing that Israel must prepare for the possibility of renewed conflict with the Yemeni armed forces.
