Last Updated:
Saudi Arabia and Israel held talks mediated by CENTCOM to help Riyadh defend itself from rising Houthi attacks after Pakistan ruled out deployment of military assets.
A satellite image shows a closer view of the damage at the Saudi Arabia East-West pipeline after Houthi attacks. (Reuters)
Saudi Arabia is grappling with its most severe security threat as the Iran-backed Houthi rebels launched an unprecedented initiative last week, seizing several islands along Yemen’s Red Sea coast and strengthening control of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Despite being part of the same Mecca Defence Agreement, Pakistan has refused to intervene in the crisis.
With the US and Pakistan rejecting calls for help, Saudi Arabia has reportedly turned to its Western allies, including Israel, for assistance as Houthi attacks continue to target cities and infrastructure across the country. Israel and Saudi Arabia held talks mediated by the US Central Command aimed at helping Riyadh defend itself through intelligence assistance, reported the Jerusalem Post.
The meeting came as the security situation in Saudi Arabia has raised concern among other countries, particularly based on a scenario where the United States reaches an understanding with Iran and the Houthis that may leave other Gulf countries exposed to continued attacks.
What Did Israel, Saudi Arabia Discuss?
According to the report, Saudi Arabia and Israel held talks mediated by CENTCOM to help the Saudis protect themselves from rising Houthi attacks. The request was made by Riyadh, focusing on intelligence support based on Houthi military deployments in the area and identifying plans for possible future operations.
According to Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had indirectly appealed for assistance against the Houthi offensive from other Gulf states and Egypt. Bloomberg has reported that Riyadh asked Britain for support in repelling the Houthis from the Bab al-Mandab Strait and defending itself against strikes on its oil infrastructure.
However, security officials say Israel’s security establishment has expressed concerns about US President Donald Trump’s plans to help Saudi Arabia develop a civilian nuclear programme due to its proximity to Israel. Trump has linked the issue with Saudi Arabia’s decision to join the Abraham Accords to normalise relations with Israel.
Houthi Attacks Intensify
Saudi Arabia’s outreach to Israel describes the scale of the crisis in its ongoing conflict with the Houthis, who have intensified their attacks against the regime, including a drone attack on oil pipelines and pumping facilities that led to a partial shutdown of activity. Houthi leaders also announced a blockade against Saudi shipping in the Bab el-Mandeb, which allowed Riyadh to bypass the Strait of Hormuz.
Apart from seizing several strategically located islands along the Red Sea, the Houthis have also carried out attacks against Saudi Civilians near the Yemen-Saudi Arabia border. The Houthis on Monday fired dozens of missiles and drones at a military air base in Khamis Mushait in southern Saudi Arabia, targeting aircraft hangars, radar systems, runways and ammunition depots in retaliation for Saudi airstrikes in Yemen.
The United States and the UK have ruled out direct strikes on the Houthis, offering military intelligence instead. Pakistan, which is part of the Mecca Defence Pact with Saudi Arabia and Turkey, ruled out the deployment of military assets to fight the Houthis.
About the Author
Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master’s in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in int…Read More
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
September 15, 2026, 6:17 PM IST
Read More
Source link
[ad_3]
