Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) sought intelligence assistance from Israel to prevent the Houthis from blocking the Bab al-Mandab Strait, an Israeli newspaper has claimed.
According to the report, bin Salman sought assistance from Israel and other Gulf countries through direct contacts, as well as indirectly through the United States (US) Central Command (CENTCOM).
The Israeli newspaper claimed that the US refusal to launch attacks against Ansarullah, another name used for the Houthis, has left Saudi Arabia in a difficult position.
It said that Saudi Arabia is facing attacks from multiple fronts while its export routes are also being disrupted. Saudi authorities have not yet responded to the Israeli newspaper’s claims.
The reported request comes amid increased Houthi attacks targeting Saudi Arabia, including its energy infrastructure. Saudi cities have also faced security alerts as the Houthis continue their advance along Yemen’s Red Sea coast.
The Bab al-Mandab Strait connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and is a key maritime route for international trade and energy shipments. Recent Houthi advances in Yemen’s Red Sea coastal areas have increased concerns over the security of shipping through the waterway.
