Report: Saudi Arabia Turns to Israel for Intelligence Help Against Houthis

Israel and Saudi Arabia have held talks on intelligence cooperation aimed at helping Riyadh confront the growing Houthi threat, according to a report by Walla on Tuesday citing regional diplomatic sources.

The United States Central Command reportedly mediated the discussions, as Saudi Arabia faces an increasingly serious security challenge from the Iran-backed group in neighboring Yemen.

According to the report, Saudi officials sought Israeli intelligence that could provide a clearer picture of Houthi military deployments and help identify preparations for future attacks.

Israel has developed significant intelligence capabilities against Iranian forces and their regional allies. Israeli intelligence has also assisted the United States in tracking Iranian military activity around the Strait of Hormuz during the ongoing conflict.

The reported talks come as the Houthis dramatically increase pressure on Saudi Arabia.

Over the past week, the group has launched missile and drone attacks against Saudi targets, including energy infrastructure and a military airbase. A recent attack on the Khamis Mushait airbase injured 13 civilians, according to Saudi authorities.

The Houthis have also made major territorial gains along Yemen’s Red Sea coast. Their forces have seized strategic positions near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, one of the world’s most important maritime routes.

The developments have raised concerns in Riyadh that the Houthis could threaten Saudi shipping and energy exports while traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains severely restricted.

Saudi Arabia’s East-West oil pipeline, which allows oil to reach the Red Sea without passing through Hormuz, has also been disrupted following a recent attack. The pipeline normally carries around four million barrels of oil per day.

Saudi Arabia has simultaneously sought assistance from other Western allies. Riyadh reportedly asked the United States for military support against the Houthis, although Washington declined to launch direct strikes and instead offered intelligence and targeting assistance.

Despite the absence of formal diplomatic relations, Israel and Saudi Arabia share concerns over Iran and its regional proxies. The reported intelligence discussions highlight how shared security interests can produce cooperation even before a normalization agreement is reached.