Israel and Saudi Arabia have reportedly held US Central Command-mediated talks aimed at strengthening Riyadh’s defences against escalating Houthi attacks, with discussions focusing on possible Israeli intelligence assistance.
Walla reported the talks on Tuesday, citing Middle Eastern diplomatic sources, as the Houthis intensified missile and drone operations against Saudi targets.
Recent attacks reportedly included strikes on Saudi oil pipelines and pumping facilities, partially disrupting operations along a major pipeline. Saudi civilians were also reportedly wounded in attacks near the Yemen border.
Meanwhile, the Houthis have seized strategically positioned Red Sea islands and restricted Saudi vessels from passing through the Bab al-Mandab Strait, according to the report.
Saudi Arabia Reportedly Seeks Israeli Intelligence Assistance
Diplomatic sources said Riyadh’s request likely centres on Israeli intelligence capabilities to map Houthi deployments and identify preparations for future military operations.
Israel has developed intelligence and operational capabilities around strategic regional waterways, including during operations connected to the Strait of Hormuz.
Furthermore, Bloomberg reportedly said Saudi Arabia had requested British assistance to defend its oil infrastructure and counter Houthi activity around Bab al-Mandab.
Shared Security Concerns Drive Quiet Cooperation
The escalating threat has increased concerns in Riyadh that future US understandings with Iran and the Houthis could leave Saudi Arabia exposed to unresolved security challenges.
Separately, Israel reportedly remains concerned about Washington allowing Saudi Arabia to develop a civilian nuclear programme. President Donald Trump has linked progress on the nuclear issue with Saudi-Israeli normalisation.
Saudi Arabia, however, wants movement towards resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict before advancing diplomatic relations.
Nevertheless, shared regional security concerns could encourage further cooperation between Israel and Saudi Arabia even without formal normalisation, as Houthi military operations increasingly threaten Saudi infrastructure and strategic Red Sea shipping routes.
