Israel provides intelligence assistance to Saudis as Houthis continue attacks on Riyadh's assets

Israel and Saudi Arabia have reportedly held US Central Command-mediated talks to provide intelligence assistance to Riyadh, aiming to bolster its defenses against intensified Houthi attacks. These attacks include drone strikes on oil facilities, an assault on civilians near the Yemen border, and the seizure of Red Sea islands, leading to an "economic and diplomatic blockade" via the Bab al-Mandab Strait. Saudi Arabia's request for aid likely focuses on intelligence support to map Houthi deployments and future operational plans. Concurrently, Saudi Arabia has also sought British military advisors to repel Houthis and defend oil infrastructure. Separately, concerns within Israel's security establishment over a potential Saudi civilian nuclear program have led President Trump to link its progress to normalization between the two countries, despite shared security interests.