Israel-Saudi ties unlikely to improve amid Houthi threat, expert warns

Key Points:

• Despite Saudi Arabia's efforts to expand intelligence sharing and military assistance against the Houthis, Israel is unlikely to improve relations with Riyadh due to domestic political considerations and the ongoing Israeli election, according to Dr. Brandon Friedman of Tel Aviv University.
• Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has sought U.S. military assistance, with indirect approaches made to Israel through U.S. Central Command for intelligence sharing, but any Israeli support would need to be discreet and politically motivated.
• Saudi Arabia remains dependent on the U.S. for military power, with its war in Yemen largely unsuccessful, and has strained relations with both Israel and the UAE, limiting potential regional cooperation.
• With U.S. support uncertain and the Mecca Agreement between Turkey and Pakistan insufficient, Saudi Arabia may be moving toward appeasing Iran, which is using Houthi escalations to pressure Riyadh amid strategic control struggles over key maritime routes like the Strait of Hormuz.
• The ongoing conflict and attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure by Iranian-backed militias are impacting global oil supplies and prices, while Washington appears reluctant to escalate involvement ahead of upcoming political events and international summits.