Ditched by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia rushes to Israel for help to fight Houthis - India Today

**Saudi Arabia Turns to Israel for Assistance as Pakistan Declines to Deploy Troops in Houthi Conflict**

Riyadh’s strategic calculus has shifted dramatically after Pakistan’s decision to keep its armed forces out of the escalating war between the Yemeni Houthi rebels and the Saudi‑UAE coalition. The Houthis, backed by Iran, have intensified missile and drone attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea and the Bab al‑Mandab strait, threatening a vital artery for global trade. With Pakistani troops off the table, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has turned to Washington and, unusually, to Israel for intelligence and operational support, according to reporting by *India Today* and *The Times of India*.

In a series of diplomatic overtures, the Crown Prince reportedly urged former U.S. President Donald Trump to authorize direct strikes against Houthi positions, a move highlighted by *Axios*. Simultaneously, senior Saudi officials have opened back‑channel talks with Israeli counterparts, facilitated by U.S. mediation, to share real‑time intelligence on Houthi movements and missile launches. The Israeli Defense Forces, while willing to provide technical data, have publicly advised Saudi leadership to avoid direct combat involvement, a stance reported by *The Times of Israel*. An Israeli government spokesperson confirmed that any assistance would be limited to surveillance and warning systems, not operational deployment.

The emerging Saudi‑Israeli cooperation, albeit limited, signals a pragmatic convergence of interests against a common perceived Iranian proxy. Analysts note that the arrangement could reshape regional security dynamics, especially if the United States backs Saudi requests for a more robust response to the Red Sea threat. However, the move also raises questions about the long‑term implications for Saudi‑Pakistani ties and the broader balance of power in the Middle East. An advisor to former President Trump has assured that any U.S. action regarding the Bab al‑Mandab strait will be “calm and wise,” emphasizing a preference for diplomatic pressure over expanded kinetic operations (*Arab News*).

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