Haaretz: Netanyahu Requested Participation in Strikes Against Houthis; Prince Salman Refused
Two diplomatic sources told Haaretz: Riyadh rejected the Israeli offer over concerns about its fallout on public opinion.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu requested participation in military operations against the Houthis in Yemen, presenting such involvement as a card to open a normalization track with Saudi Arabia, according to Haaretz's report citing two diplomatic sources who requested anonymity.
According to the newspaper, Netanyahu sought to persuade Riyadh of the initiative through American mediation, but Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman rejected the offer. One source explained that bin Salman believed that an open alliance with Israel would damage his image before public opinion, adding that Israeli participation in Yemen would not be on the table as long as bin Salman refused it.
The second source confirmed that Israel insisted on the military intervention as a condition for normalizing relations with Riyadh, noting that the goal was to "unify efforts with the Saudis, develop relations, and pave the way for a future normalization agreement." The same source added that the crown prince's firm refusal made Israeli military intervention in Yemen "entirely ruled out."
Saudi authorities have not issued any comment on the report thus far.
Sources — how we know this
- PrimaryAnadolu Ajansı (TR)