Israel's Yemeni Expertise Could Save Saudi Oil Exports

Israel has a unique opportunity to help Saudi Arabia counter the threat posed by Iran's Yemeni proxies, the Houthis.

The Houthis have been gaining control of strategic coastal points in Yemen and are now threatening to disrupt maritime traffic through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, which connects the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean.

This would block Saudi Arabia's west coast oil exports, making it even more dependent on its east coast route that is currently under Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

Riyadh has sought help from America and other allies but so far received little assistance. However, Israel has developed expertise in dealing with Iranian proxies, particularly in Yemen.