Daijiworld Media Network - Jerusalem
Jerusalem, Ot 23: Israeli military intelligence continues to provide Saudi Arabia with capabilities to support its military operations against Yemen’s Houthi rebels through US mediation, a defence official confirmed on Thursday.
The assistance is being provided in line with Israel’s national interests and directives from its political leadership, the official said, noting that the confrontation between Sunni and Shi’ite groups reflects wider developments across the Middle East.
According to the official, Sunni countries are closely watching the Houthis’ escalating attacks against neighbouring Saudi Arabia, allegedly supported and encouraged by Iran. These countries are concerned that they could become targets next.
Saudi Arabia is focusing on launching major strikes against a wide range of targets in Houthi-controlled areas, aiming to weaken the group’s military capabilities and damage critical infrastructure.
The Israeli defence official said the operations served Israel’s interests by weakening the military strength of an adversary that could pose a future threat. Israel is also monitoring the tactics and methods being used in the conflict to gain insights into military operations and weapons, including those not necessarily manufactured by the Houthis.
The official added that sustained attacks were eroding the Houthis’ capabilities and forcing them to devote considerable resources to the conflict. Although the group was well organised and had built up its forces over the long term, the current scale of operations presented a significant challenge.
The pressure on Saudi Arabia is also reshaping alliances and relationships across the Middle East, creating potential opportunities for new cooperation, the official said. However, uncertainty remains over which countries may intervene to support Riyadh.
Meanwhile, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) is completing preparations across the maritime, aerial, ground and electromagnetic domains to respond to a possible Houthi attack as part of a wider multi-front conflict involving Iran, Hezbollah and Shi’ite militias operating from Iraq.
The preparations include integrating new technologies and sensors, improving connectivity within the IDF and between organisations, and strengthening coordination with the US military.
The United States has a significant interest in protecting Israel’s home front, as thousands of American troops, aircraft and military systems, including air defence equipment, are stationed in the country.