Saudis may seek help from Israel as current alliances prove insufficient against Houthis - analysis
As the campaign continues, Israeli officials assess that Israel's air defense and AI capabilities could also become part of Saudi Arabia's broader considerations.
Concerns have arisen that Saudi Arabia's conflict with the Houthis could expand beyond its borders, with the United States fearing a potential intensification where the Houthis might resume direct attacks on Israel, according to diplomatic officials. The key question now is whether the situation can be contained or if it will continue to escalate. Among the possible regional consequences is the possibility of future Houthi attacks on Israel, reminiscent of the strikes last year.
These worries stem from the US State Department's updated security guidance for Americans in the Middle East, warning of a possible rapid escalation of the military confrontation between Iran-backed Houthis and Saudi Arabia. The US Embassy in Israel also issued an alert, urging citizens to remain cautious and take into account the potential for flight disruptions, airspace closures, and transportation issues.
While these warnings may not indicate immediate developments, they underscore the administration's responsibility to inform American citizens of the situation's seriousness should the confrontation worsen. The escalation began with Saudi Arabia's confirmation that Houthis launched a ballistic missile towards Riyadh, which was intercepted by their air defense system.
No casualties or damage were reported, though residents reported hearing an explosion and seeing smoke near the airport. The Houthis also claimed to have attacked sensitive targets in Riyadh with missiles and drones, along with Aramco facilities in Yanbu. The Saudi claims regarding the Aramco strikes have not been verified.
To counteract the threat, Saudi Arabia has had to divide its efforts among defending cities and infrastructure, securing energy facilities, and protecting Red Sea shipping routes. The Houthis have intensified their attacks on Saudi Arabia and shipping in the region, declaring a naval blockade against the kingdom in July. Such disruptions in the Bab al-Mandab Strait could have significant economic and strategic consequences for the confrontation.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump returned to the White House earlier than planned, amid ongoing discussions about the extent of US involvement in the conflict. While options for action against the Houthis were examined during his stay at Camp David, no US decision to launch a strike was announced. Washington has thus far avoided direct military intervention alongside Saudi Arabia and has not agreed to Riyadh's request to take military action against the Houthis.
Israeli officials have noted that the pressure on Saudi Arabia could influence its diplomatic calculations, potentially benefiting the Abraham Accords. Israeli officials believe the escalating situation could make Israeli capabilities more appealing to Saudi Arabia, given their experience and expertise in intelligence and air defense against the Houthis. As the campaign unfolds, Israel anticipates that its capabilities could play a significant role in Saudi Arabia's broader considerations.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
