The Economic Times

Pakistan abandons Mecca pact ally Saudi Arabia to attack Houthis in Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Kingdom reaches out to rival Israel for help

Saudi Arabia has indirectly approached Israel for intelligence assistance against the Houthis through US Central Command, despite not recognising Israel or maintaining diplomatic ties with it. The outreach comes as Houthi forces impose a maritime blockade threatening Saudi economic and energy interests, while Pakistan, a partner in the Mecca defence pact with Riyadh and Trkiye, has not committed to immediate military action.