Al Jazara
روایت خاورمیانه 
On Tuesday, Israel and Saudi Arabia, in a conversation mediated by CENTCOM, discussed intelligence cooperation to strengthen Riyadh's defense against Houthi attacks. These consultations have begun following an increase in Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia. According to reports, the main focus of these discussions has been intelligence support.
Increase in Houthi Attacks and Seizure of Strategic Islands
In recent weeks, the Houthis have significantly increased their attacks against Saudi Arabia. In one of their latest actions, the group carried out a drone attack on Saudi oil pipelines and extraction facilities, leading to the cessation of operations at these facilities. Concurrently with these attacks, Houthi forces have seized several strategic islands in the Red Sea and prohibited Saudi vessels from passing through the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
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This situation has turned into a kind of economic and diplomatic blockade against Saudi Arabia. Security sources have stated that these concerns are not limited to the Saudis and that other countries in the region are also affected.
Security Concerns and Request for Assistance
Security sources say that concerns have arisen based on a scenario in which the United States reaches an agreement with Iran and the Houthis, leaving Saudi Arabia and other countries facing unresolved threats. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia continues to be subjected to ongoing attacks.
Sources claimed that the Israeli military has previously showcased its intelligence and operational capabilities in the maritime domain around the Strait of Hormuz. Saudi Arabia's request for assistance is likely focused on intelligence support to provide a broader picture of Houthi military arrangements and identify potential plans for future operations.
Additionally, Saudi Arabia has requested assistance from Britain to prepare for defending its oil infrastructure while pushing the Houthis back from the Bab al-Mandab Strait. The British Prime Minister has agreed to send British military advisors to assist Saudi Arabia, but has not yet committed to sending any additional aid.
Meanwhile, security officials express concern that U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to authorize the development of Saudi Arabia's civilian nuclear program may have raised serious concerns within Israel's security structure. This concern is particularly due to Saudi Arabia's geographical proximity to Israel and the country's extensive energy resources.
Saudis also wish to initiate a diplomatic process with Israel after resolving the Israel-Palestine conflict. These developments come as tensions in the region have sharply increased, and it seems that intelligence cooperation between Israel and Saudi Arabia will continue to enhance the national security of these countries.
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