Saudi Taps Israel for Intel Help Amid Houthi Attacks

Saudi Arabia is turning to Israel for intelligence assistance in its fight against Houthi attacks, despite signing a new defense pact with Turkey and Pakistan, sources say. The kingdom has reportedly sought help from Israel through US Central Command as Houthi forces advance along the Red Sea coast, seize strategic islands, and strike Saudi cities, airbases, and oil infrastructure.

Riyadh's request is for intelligence-sharing and threat-mapping support, not Israeli military intervention or airstrikes. This distinction matters, as it would be a lower-cost and more easily deniable ask than requiring a political decision from treaty allies.

The pressure on Saudi Arabia is real and multi-fronted. Houthi forces have seized Perim Island, closing the last of Saudi's functioning oil export corridors after drone strikes knocked out the Petroline pipeline. The Strait of Hormuz remains restricted due to the US-Iran conflict, pushing crude prices past $100 a barrel.

Saudi Arabia has also asked Britain, Egypt, and other Gulf states for support. CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper was sent to the kingdom to assess the situation and step up intelligence and targeting assistance, but Washington has been cautious about direct strikes.