Israel and Saudi Arabia Establish Secret Intelligence Pact Against Houthis

The Government of Saudi Arabia has entered into a covert intelligence-sharing arrangement with the Government of Israel to counter an escalating offensive by Iran-aligned Houthi rebels. Facilitated by the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), the cooperation provides Riyadh with satellite and signals intelligence on Houthi military positions, weapons infrastructure, and operational plans. This security tie follows intensified Houthi drone and missile strikes on Saudi oil pipelines and the seizure of strategic locations, including the port of Mokha and Perim island, which threaten the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

To coordinate these efforts, CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper organized a secret military summit in Germany involving military chiefs from the United States, Israel, and seven Arab nations. During the summit, Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir briefed participants on Israeli operations across multiple fronts. Admiral Cooper reassured regional leaders that the United States will not withdraw its forces from the Middle East despite Iranian attacks on U.S. bases.

While Saudi Arabia sought direct military assistance from President Donald Trump and the United Kingdom, the U.S. declined direct intervention, offering instead target-selection support and intelligence. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham agreed to send military advisers to protect oil infrastructure. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed willingness to participate in a comprehensive war against the Houthi movement. The arrangement marks a shift in regional dynamics, moving normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia from a political project to a security imperative.