Middle East Tensions Rise as Saudi Cleric Urges Defense Against Houthis and Israeli Soldiers Killed in Gaza

Saudi Arabia's top cleric has issued a rare statement urging the kingdom's troops to defend against Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in neighboring Yemen.

Grand Mufti Sheikh Saleh al-Fawzan addressed his message to soldiers defending the kingdom's borders and members of the Saudi-led coalition fighting the Houthis in Yemen, peppering it with Quranic verses and religious edicts.

The statement comes as Saudi Arabia has struggled to contain Houthi attacks on its oil facilities, cities, and ships off its coast. Al-Fawzan said protecting the nation and defending against aggression is a 'greatest duty' where lives are sacrificed for God's sake.

In another development, two Israeli soldiers were killed in Gaza while inspecting an unexploded Israeli drone near a military post.