Amid ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, Iran-backed Houthi rebels have continued a series of attacks targeting Saudi Arabia. In response, Saudi Arabia has reached out to Israel for assistance, with the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) mediating the discussions.

According to Israeli media outlets Israel Hayom and The Jerusalem Post, citing diplomatic and military sources, the report was published on Tuesday, September 15.

The primary objective of Saudi Arabia's outreach to Israel is to obtain intelligence regarding Houthi movements and operations.

Israel Hayom reported that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman requested assistance from CENTCOM, specifically asking to include intelligence cooperation from Israel.

Alongside Israel, Saudi Arabia has also requested similar support from Egypt and other Gulf Arab states.

However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office declined to comment on the communications, and CENTCOM did not immediately respond.

Nevertheless, citing diplomatic sources, The Jerusalem Post reported that the discussions between Saudi Arabia and Israel, mediated by CENTCOM, have been productive.

Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have urged Netanyahu’s government not to agree to any military action against the Houthis, warning that doing so could drag Israel directly into the Houthi-Saudi conflict.

In a related development, according to a report by the US media outlet Bloomberg, Saudi Arabia also requested assistance from the UK to drive the Houthis out of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and to help fend off attacks on its oil infrastructure.

The report stated that British Prime Minister Andy Burnham agreed to send British military advisers to assist Saudi Arabia, though he has not made any commitments regarding additional support so far.