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Israeli newspaper The Jerusalem Post has reported that Riyadh and Tel Aviv held discussions over intelligence-sharing, following a Saudi request for assistance in defending itself against the Houthis. The talks were mediated by the US Central Command (CENTCOM).
According to the report, regional diplomatic sources confirmed details of the meeting on Tuesday, saying the discussions between the two sides went well. The talks reportedly took place after a meeting between CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
A US official told AFP on Tuesday that a CENTCOM task force was working to strengthen intelligence-sharing and planning support with Saudi forces facing Houthi attacks. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said CENTCOM maintained a strong security partnership with its Saudi counterparts to address regional challenges.
However, AFP’s report did not mention a Saudi-Israeli meeting or CENTCOM’s mediation. *The Jerusalem Post* also did not quote any Saudi or Israeli officials directly in its report.
Meanwhile, Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported the same day that Israel Defense Forces (IDF) officials had advised Israeli leaders against taking a frontline role in the fight against the Houthis. Instead, they reportedly urged broader regional action to counter the threat.
According to Haaretz, the discussions were held behind closed doors over the past few days. Israeli officials are reportedly deeply concerned after the Houthis took control of Yemen’s strategic port city of Mokha. They believe the threat could be addressed more effectively through a broad international and regional coalition.
What the Jerusalem Post reported
Citing regional diplomatic sources, The Jerusalem Post said Saudi Arabia’s request was primarily aimed at obtaining intelligence assistance, which could help identify Houthi positions in the region and plan operations against them.
US President Donald Trump has allowed Riyadh to develop a civilian nuclear programme, a move that has raised concerns within Israel’s security establishment. The two countries are separated by as little as 15 kilometres at their closest point.
The issue was also reportedly raised in discussions with Trump. He has linked Saudi-Israeli normalisation with the kingdom’s civilian nuclear programme. Saudi Arabia has said it wants to advance the diplomatic process with Israel after a resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The Jerusalem Post also reported that Riyadh and Tel Aviv share several common security interests and that there are hopes of developing a framework for how the two sides could eventually reach a diplomatic agreement.
Citing Bloomberg, the newspaper further reported that Saudi Arabia had sought British assistance to push the Houthis out of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham reportedly agreed to send military advisers but did not commit to providing additional assistance.
