President Donald Trump revealed last night (Friday) that Israel is assisting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in dealing with attacks by Houthi rebels in Yemen. He also expressed optimism regarding the prospects for advancing a historic normalization agreement between Jerusalem and Riyadh.
Speaking with reporters on the White House lawn before departing for a political rally in Georgia, Trump was asked whether Saudi Arabia should accept the assistance offered by Israel in the campaign against the Houthis. He replied decisively: “Yes, I think so. I think they will. Israel has been very helpful to Saudi Arabia.”
This statement is particularly notable given the absence of formal diplomatic relations between the two countries. Trump did not specify whether the assistance involved intelligence, security coordination, or another form of support, and no official confirmation regarding the scope or nature of this cooperation has been released. When asked whether the possibility of Saudi Arabia joining the Abraham Accords was back on the table, he responded in the affirmative, stating that it is possible now “maybe more than ever.” He suggested that Saudi Arabia is pleased with the joint support it receives from Israel and the United States, and noted that Washington perceives a new diplomatic opportunity in the wake of the escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Trump’s remarks come amid a sharp escalation in the conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. Over the past week, the Kingdom has been subjected to severe attacks, including a missile strike on the King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, which claimed the lives of at least 12 people. The Houthis have intensified their attacks against Saudi targets and strategic sites, and the threat posed by their missiles and UAVs has become a major security challenge for Riyadh. Israel, having gained extensive experience in dealing with a similar threat originating from Yemen, provides a foundation for a shared security interest that could lead to expanded cooperation.
In a special interview for the program “The Patriots” this week, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed Israeli assistance to countries in the region, noting that almost every nation seeks help from Israel. However, he did not explicitly confirm the details of any engagement with Saudi Arabia—a country that, according to reports, has not openly participated in military strikes against the Houthis. Despite Trump’s optimism, normalization still faces a significant hurdle: the Saudi demand for a clear pathway toward the establishment of a ‘Palestinian’ state—a condition Riyadh has given no indication it is willing to abandon, even in light of the shared threat.