Netanyahu sought Saudi approval for Israeli role in Yemen campaign, Crown Prince rejected: Sources
The diplomatic outreach came amid escalating fighting in Yemen and growing threats to Red Sea trade Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a toast-raising event hosted by his Likud party in Tel Aviv, Israel, on 17 September 2026. Photo: Reuters Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sought Saudi Arabia's approval, through US mediation, for Israel to join military operations against Houthi rebels in Yemen, but Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman rejected direct Israeli participation over concerns about a public backlash within the kingdom. According to diplomatic sources cited in the report, Netanyahu's outreach had two main objectives: securing Saudi support for Israeli involvement in counter-Houthi operations along the Red Sea and advancing efforts to establish formal diplomatic relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia, say MoneyControl. US President D...
