Saudi Arabia seeks Israeli intelligence help to counter Houthis: Jerusalem Post
Riyadh seeks intelligence support through US Central Command amid escalating Houthi attacks on Saudi territory and energy infrastructure.
Saudi Arabia and Israel held US Central Command-mediated talks on intelligence assistance to help Riyadh counter Houthi attacks yesterday (15 September), according to The Jerusalem Post.
A regional diplomat confirmed the talks to the newspaper, saying the discussions focused on helping Saudi Arabia strengthen its defences against the Iran-backed Houthi movement. A source familiar with the discussions said they were "good discussions".
The talks followed a meeting between CENTCOM chief Admiral Brad Cooper and Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, along with other Saudi officials.
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Saudi Arabia's request was reportedly focused on intelligence support to build a clearer picture of Houthi military deployments and identify potential plans for future operations, the sources said.
The Houthis have intensified attacks on Saudi Arabia in recent days, including a drone strike on oil pipelines and pumping facilities that caused a partial shutdown along a major pipeline.
The group has also seized strategically located islands along the Red Sea and barred Saudi vessels from passing through the Bab el-Mandab Strait, according to the report.
Saudi Arabia has also sought British assistance to repel the Houthis from the Bab el-Mandab Strait and protect its oil infrastructure, Bloomberg reported.
The developments come as Riyadh faces growing security concerns linked to the Houthi advance along Yemen's western coast and repeated attacks on Saudi territory.
