Israel and Saudi Arabia discuss response to Houthi advance toward Bab el-Mandeb Strait

Israeli and Saudi officials held discussions about a potential Israeli role in countering Houthi advances toward the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, though officials indicated offensive Israeli action was considered unlikely.

Why this matters. Any coordination between Israel and Saudi Arabia on Red Sea security would mark a notable expansion of the conflict's geography beyond Iran, Lebanon and the Gulf toward the Bab el-Mandeb chokepoint.