Saudi Arabia Turns to Israel for Houthi Intelligence as Pakistan Draws Red Line

Riyadh seeks intelligence and targeting support through US CENTCOM as Pakistan hesitates to enter Yemen conflict

News Desk: Saudi Arabia is reportedly seeking intelligence assistance from Israel through the US Central Command (CENTCOM) as Riyadh struggles to contain a rapidly escalating Houthi offensive in Yemen that has brought the Iran-aligned group closer to the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

The reported outreach is significant because Saudi Arabia and Israel do not have formal diplomatic relations. According to Israel Hayom, Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman approached Israel indirectly through CENTCOM for intelligence and other assistance aimed at countering the Houthi threat around the vital maritime chokepoint.

The reported move comes as Riyadh faces mounting pressure on several fronts, including attacks on its territory and energy infrastructure and the Houthi seizure of strategic positions along Yemen’s Red Sea coast.

Riyadh seeks intelligence as Houthi threat expands

The Saudi request reportedly focuses primarily on intelligence rather than Israeli combat involvement. The approach came as Houthi forces made major territorial gains along Yemen’s western coastline, including the capture of Mocha and advances toward the Bab el-Mandeb. Reuters reported that the Houthis also reached Perim Island, potentially tightening their grip over the crucial waterway.

Saudi Arabia has simultaneously sought assistance from other regional countries. Israel Hayom reported that Mohammed bin Salman appealed to Gulf states and Egypt for support as Saudi-backed forces suffered setbacks against the Houthis.

The reported Israeli contact does not, however, indicate an immediate diplomatic breakthrough between Riyadh and Jerusalem. An expert cited by The Jerusalem Post said expanded security cooperation would remain difficult despite the shared threat posed by Iran and its regional allies.

Saudi turns to Israel for intelligence help as Houthi attacks intensify: Report

READ: https://t.co/l0rWY2zW9fhttps://t.co/l0rWY2zW9f

— WION (@WIONews) September 15, 2026

US offers intelligence, but stops short of direct strikes

Washington has also emerged as a critical part of Riyadh’s response. Three sources cited by Reuters said Mohammed bin Salman had sought US military assistance against the Houthis, but President Donald Trump did not agree to direct American strikes. Washington instead offered intelligence-sharing and targeting assistance.

The importance of CENTCOM has increased further with the visit of its commander, Admiral Brad Cooper, to Jeddah. Saudi state media said Cooper and Mohammed bin Salman discussed regional developments and bilateral relations amid the escalating Yemen crisis.

The developments also underline the increasingly close operational contacts among the United States, Israel and several Arab states. Axios reported that military chiefs from the US, Israel, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan and Egypt recently held a secret meeting in Germany amid escalating regional tensions.

Pakistan’s position adds to Riyadh’s dilemma

Saudi Arabia’s search for additional security support comes as Pakistan has adopted a cautious position over direct military involvement in Yemen.

Islamabad has strongly condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi territory and reaffirmed its support for the kingdom’s security and territorial integrity. However, Pakistan has also signalled limits on military intervention in the Yemen conflict.

Earlier statements from Pakistani officials suggested that the recently signed Mecca defence agreement with Saudi Arabia and Türkiye could become relevant if the conflict spilled directly into Saudi territory. But subsequent reporting indicated that Islamabad stepped back from suggestions that the pact would automatically lead to military action in Yemen.

That distinction is crucial for Riyadh: Pakistan may be prepared to help defend Saudi territory, but that does not necessarily translate into Pakistani forces being deployed inside Yemen against the Houthis.

Houthis seize strategic ground near Bab el-Mandeb

The immediate catalyst for Riyadh’s growing concern is the speed of the Houthi advance.

The Iran-aligned group captured the Red Sea port of Mocha and subsequently moved toward strategic islands, including Perim, which sits in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The development has placed one of the world’s most important maritime corridors under unprecedented pressure.

Reuters reported that the Houthi advance could give the group and its Iranian backers significant leverage over a second major maritime corridor after disruption around the Strait of Hormuz.

The crisis has already begun affecting Saudi energy infrastructure. Saudi Arabia shut down a major oil pipeline after a drone attack, according to AP, while the Houthis continued attacks on Saudi targets.

Saudi officials have also reported Houthi attacks involving missiles and drones against areas including Khamis Mushait, Abha and Jazan, with dozens of people reportedly wounded in recent attacks.

Why Bab el-Mandeb matters

The Bab el-Mandeb is the narrow maritime gateway linking the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the wider Indian Ocean. Its strategic importance has increased sharply because disruptions elsewhere in the region have made alternative routes more critical for energy shipments.

For Saudi Arabia, the stakes are particularly high. Any sustained Houthi threat to shipping through the strait could complicate the movement of Saudi crude from Red Sea facilities and increase the cost and time involved in reaching international markets.

Analysts have warned that a prolonged disruption could have consequences far beyond Yemen, potentially affecting oil prices, shipping insurance and global supply chains.

A new and sensitive security equation

The reported Saudi approach to Israel therefore reflects the severity of Riyadh’s predicament rather than an immediate diplomatic realignment.

For Israel, intelligence cooperation against the Houthis would also fit a broader regional security picture in which the group is viewed as part of an Iranian-aligned network. For Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, the immediate priority is protecting its territory, energy infrastructure and access to maritime trade.

With the Houthis consolidating positions along the Red Sea, Washington reluctant to launch direct strikes and Pakistan hesitant to enter the Yemen battlefield, Riyadh appears increasingly dependent on intelligence-sharing and regional coordination.

The reported Saudi-Israeli contact through CENTCOM could consequently become one of the most sensitive elements of the rapidly changing security equation around the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb.