Israel unlikely to improve Saudi ties despite Houthi threat, expert tells 'Post' – interview

Despite Saudi Arabia's efforts to expand intelligence sharing and military assistance in its fight against the Houthis, Israel is unlikely to improve relations with Riyadh, according to Dr. Brandon Friedman, director of research at the Moshe Dayan Center. Friedman told The Jerusalem Post that any Israeli support would likely be provided "quietly" due to domestic political needs in both countries, and that current Israeli political considerations make overt cooperation "fairly unlikely as things stand." He noted that Saudi Arabia, increasingly dependent on Washington, has limited military power and has been at loggerheads with Israel and the UAE. With the US reportedly refusing aid, and the Mecca Agreement with Turkey and Pakistan proving insufficient, Saudi Arabia's final option may be to "appease" Iran, which is escalating Houthi attacks to pressure Riyadh on Strait of Hormuz demands.