Diplomatic and security officials in the region confirm that Saudi Arabia and Israel are in contact and holding discussions through US Central Command, with the aim of providing the Saudis with intelligence assistance to help defend against Houthi attacks.
Israel Hayom revealed this week that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had approached countries across the Middle East, and indirectly Israel as well, seeking assistance in the war against the Houthis, in which he appears to be suffering significant setbacks.
According to diplomatic officials in the region, the requests were made directly to other Gulf states and to Egypt. Israel was approached indirectly through US Central Command, or CENTCOM, with a request for intelligence and other assistance aimed at preventing the Houthis from blocking the Bab al-Mandab Strait. CENTCOM operates the joint regional command center that coordinates defensive and offensive operations in the region.
