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Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sought to take part in military action against the Houthi movement in Yemen, but Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman blocked the effort. The report cited two unnamed diplomatic sources.

According to the sources, Netanyahu pushed for intervention in the hope of advancing normalization and closer ties with Saudi Arabia. Israel is said to have tried, through U.S. mediation, to persuade Riyadh to allow its involvement in the conflict with the Houthis.

One source claimed the crown prince rejected the offer because an alliance with Israel would be poorly received by the Saudi public, arguing that as long as he refuses, an Israeli military intervention in Yemen is off the table. Another source said the aim was to join efforts with the Saudis, develop relations and pave the way for a future normalization deal. Saudi authorities have not commented on the report.

Key Takeaways

• Haaretz cited two anonymous diplomatic sources for its report on the alleged Israeli initiative.
• Mohammed bin Salman reportedly rejected Israel's participation, citing likely public backlash in Saudi Arabia.
• Saudi Arabia has issued no official response to the claims.