The Israel Defense Forces Intelligence Directorate’s Unit 9900 is sharing tactical intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance information that assists Saudi forces in tracking Houthi deployments and identifying infrastructure. The exchange is coordinated through CENTCOM rather than through direct bilateral military operations.
Saudi Arabia is concentrating on powerful strikes against a broad range of targets in Houthi-controlled territory in an effort to degrade military capabilities and infrastructure.
“Two main points need to be made about this. First, it serves Israel’s interests quite well because it wears down the military strength of an Israeli enemy that is preparing and planning to harm us in the future,” the official told the Jerusalem Post.
In addition, we are monitoring and observing methods of operation and tactics, and learning a great deal from what is happening there, including about weapons that are not necessarily manufactured by the Houthis,” they continued.
The ongoing strikes are also forcing the Houthis to expend substantial resources, the official said.
“The Houthis are accustomed to building up their forces, not employing them on this scale. They are a serious enemy, well-structured for the long term, but this presents them with a significant challenge. It is no coincidence that they operate sequentially rather than simultaneously against their enemies,’ the official added.
According to the official, pressure on Saudi Arabia is also changing relationships and alliances across the region.
“The question here is who will intervene on Saudi Arabia’s behalf. There is apprehension among countries, but we assess that there will be intervention. Everything remains open, and it is not too late for that to happen.”
Meanwhile, the IDF is completing preparations in the sea, air, land and electromagnetic spectrum domains for a potential Houthi attack as part of a multi-front scenario involving Iran, Hezbollah and Shi’ite militias operating from Iraq.
Saudi officials said in September that security cooperation with Israel against the Houthis does not replace or advance formal diplomatic normalization. Riyadh continues to demand a clear path toward a Palestinian state.
