Netanyahu seeks Saudi approval for Israeli strikes on Houthis in Yemen, report says

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is seeking Saudi Arabia’s approval for Israeli military strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen, according to a diplomatic source cited by Haaretz. The request comes as part of broader efforts to strengthen ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia, with the aim of fostering a future normalization agreement.

The Israeli leader is reportedly working through U.S. intermediaries to secure Saudi consent for such intervention. This move is part of a larger strategy to deepen the strategic relationship between the two nations, which has been a focal point of Netanyahu’s foreign policy.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who also serves as the kingdom’s prime minister, has expressed reluctance to allow Israeli participation in the conflict. His concerns center on the potential negative impact on public opinion within Saudi Arabia, where the war in Yemen remains a sensitive issue.

Netanyahu has consistently emphasized the importance of normalizing relations with Saudi Arabia, a goal he has pursued since taking office. The October 7 attacks by Hamas, which he has linked to efforts to derail any such agreement, have further intensified his push for closer ties with the Gulf state.

Saudi Arabia has made it clear that it will only consider normalization with Israel following the establishment of a Palestinian state. Netanyahu, however, has publicly pledged to prevent such a development, a stance that has drawn criticism from some quarters and raised concerns about the feasibility of the normalization process.

The situation highlights the complex diplomatic landscape surrounding Israel’s regional relationships, with Saudi Arabia’s position playing a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of any potential cooperation. The outcome of these discussions could have significant implications for both nations’ foreign policies and regional stability.

The pursuit of normalization with Saudi Arabia underscores the strategic importance of the Gulf state in Israel’s broader geopolitical strategy. As the conflict in Yemen continues, the question of how Israel’s actions will be perceived by Saudi Arabia and its public remains a critical factor in the evolving dynamics of the region.

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