Netanyahu 'offers Israeli services' in 'comprehensive war' against Houthis, says report

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has proposed Israel's involvement in a "comprehensive war" against the Houthi movement in Yemen, according to US diplomatic sources cited by Al-Akhbar. The offer comes as Israeli media report the nation's naval readiness and Saudi Arabia's requests for Israeli assistance. The conflict over the vital Red Sea and Bab al-Mandeb passage, a key maritime corridor, has heightened Israeli concerns over Houthi expansion along Yemen's western coast and the potential threat to shipping.

Israeli intelligence agencies are closely monitoring the situation, fearing that control of Mocha and Bab al-Mandeb could strain US-led maritime protection and increase the group's ability to influence ships entering the Red Sea. While Israeli media acknowledge the likelihood of intensifying Israeli naval activity in the region, they also note that the crisis may foster closer Saudi-Israeli security ties, given Riyadh's request for help to counter the Houthis.