Israel-Saudi ties unlikely to improve amid Houthi threat, expert warns
An expert warns that Israel-Saudi Arabia relations are unlikely to improve in the near term due to domestic political pressures in Israel. Despite shared concerns regarding the Iranian axis and potential intelligence cooperation, the upcoming Israeli election complicates formal diplomatic progress.
Why it matters
Understanding the geopolitical friction between Israel and Saudi Arabia is crucial for regional stability and the future of the Abraham Accords.
Israel is unlikely to find the opportunity to improve relations with Saudi Arabia despite Riyadh's efforts to expand intelligence sharing and military assistance in its fight against the Houthis, Dr. Brandon Friedman told The Jerusalem Post on Monday. Friedman is the director of research at the Moshe Dayan Center for Middle Eastern and African Studies at Tel Aviv University, and a researcher on political reform in Saudi Arabia.Friedman spoke with the Post after Reuters reported that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was seeking US military assistance to confront the Houthi threat. Israel Hayom subsequently reported that Israel had been indirectly approached through US Central Command (CENTCOM) to share intelligence and provide other assistance.Saudi media confirmed that Salman discussed regional developments with CENTCOM chief Adm.
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