Israel rooting for the Saudis

The Saudi-led Sunni coalition against the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen has no greater supporter than – Israel.

 

Israel is already dealing with Iranian-supported proxies on its northern and southern borders, and views the Shi’ite country’s spread into Iraq and Yemen as worrisome, especially in conjunction with its nuclear program.

 

When Shi’ite Houthi rebels took Yemen’s capital in September, it sent shock waves to countries on the Red Sea, scared of Yemen becoming an Iranian hub. Besides Israel, these countries are Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea and Djibouti.

 

The new Saudi leadership role in the region, demonstrated by King Salman and his ability to put aside Sunni differences such as Qatar’s and Turkey’s support for the Muslim Brotherhood, could provide a counter-force to Iran absent a US force doing so.

 

Read More: Analysis: Israel rooting for the Saudis – Middle East – Jerusalem Post