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World News: Netanyahu Seeks Saudi Approval for Israeli Role in Fight Against Yemen’s Houthis

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Alam Ki Khabar | Bihar News | Patna News | Samastipur News | Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly seeks Saudi approval to join operations against Yemen’s Houthis, raising questions about regional security and future diplomatic ties.

Jerusalem/Riyadh, October 14: Israel is reportedly seeking Saudi Arabia’s approval to participate in military operations against Yemen’s Houthi rebels, a proposal that could have significant implications for security and diplomacy across the Middle East.


According to a report by Israeli newspaper Haaretz, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has conveyed the proposal to Saudi Arabia through the United States. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is reportedly opposed to the idea, amid concerns that direct Israeli military involvement could provoke public anger in the kingdom and the wider Arab world.


The reported development highlights the complicated relationship between Israel and Saudi Arabia. Both countries have concerns about Iran’s regional influence, but they have not established formal diplomatic relations.


Israel’s Strategic Interests


Israel has increasingly viewed the Houthis as a security threat because of missile and drone attacks directed towards Israeli territory and attacks on commercial vessels in and around the Red Sea.


The movement’s relationship with Iran is another major concern for Israeli policymakers. Israel believes that weakening the Houthis could reduce the risks posed by Iranian-aligned groups and improve security along important maritime routes.


Participation in an anti-Houthi campaign could also provide Israel with an opportunity to strengthen security contacts with Saudi Arabia. Such cooperation, however, would depend on Saudi approval and the political circumstances surrounding the conflict.


Why Riyadh May Oppose Israeli Involvement


For Saudi Arabia, the question involves more than military effectiveness. Any visible partnership with Israel could create political difficulties at home and across the Arab world.


The Palestinian issue remains a central obstacle to normalisation between the two countries. Saudi Arabia has repeatedly stated that progress towards Palestinian statehood is essential to establishing formal relations with Israel.


Direct Israeli participation in a campaign connected to Saudi security could therefore attract criticism, even if the two countries share concerns about the Houthis and Iran.


Riyadh must weigh the potential benefits of additional military cooperation against the risk of public opposition and wider regional tensions.


Iran and the Security of the Red Sea


The relationship between Iran and the Houthis remains an important factor in the conflict. Saudi Arabia and the United States have accused Tehran of providing the group with weapons, technical assistance and other support.


The Houthis have developed the capability to launch missiles and drones and have targeted shipping in and around the Red Sea. The nearby Bab al-Mandeb Strait is a critical maritime passage connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden.


Disruption in this corridor can affect international trade, shipping costs and the movement of goods between Asia and Europe.


Israel has also faced attacks from the Houthis. Any expanded military campaign could increase pressure on the group, but it could also trigger retaliation and widen the conflict.


Saudi Arabia’s Long Military Campaign in Yemen


Yemen’s current crisis intensified after the Houthis took control of the capital, Sanaa, in 2014. In March 2015, Saudi Arabia led a coalition that intervened in support of Yemen’s internationally recognised government.


Years of military operations, including airstrikes, failed to eliminate the Houthi movement or restore the government’s authority across the country.


The Houthis continue to control substantial areas of Yemen. Their use of missiles, drones and asymmetric tactics has posed a persistent challenge to Saudi Arabia despite the kingdom’s advanced weapons systems and American support.


The prolonged war has also contributed to a severe humanitarian crisis, leaving millions of Yemenis in need of assistance.


This history helps explain why Saudi Arabia continues to regard the Houthis as a serious security concern.


Could Security Cooperation Lead to Diplomatic Ties?


The reported proposal comes amid longstanding American efforts to encourage normalisation between Israel and Saudi Arabia.


The Abraham Accords, signed in 2020, led to the normalisation of relations between Israel and several Arab countries, including the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.


Saudi Arabia has not joined the agreements. Its position on Palestinian statehood remains a major obstacle to formal diplomatic relations with Israel.


Security cooperation could potentially create additional channels of communication between Riyadh and Jerusalem. However, an agreement to cooperate against a common adversary would not automatically lead to diplomatic recognition.


The Palestinian issue, domestic political considerations and the broader regional situation would continue to shape any future negotiations.


What Comes Next?


The reported approach remains a diplomatic development rather than confirmation of an agreed joint military operation. The precise form of any potential Israeli participation, if approved, has not been established publicly.


Israel may see cooperation as an opportunity to counter Houthi attacks and strengthen its regional position. Saudi Arabia must consider whether the potential security advantages would outweigh the political risks.


Any further movement will depend on decisions in Riyadh, Jerusalem and Washington, as well as developments in Yemen and the wider Middle East.


The situation demonstrates how shared security concerns can bring countries closer together while deep political differences continue to limit cooperation.


Alam Ki Khabar

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