Saudi Arabia asked Israel for help against the Houthis

Saudi Arabia has asked Israel for intelligence and other assistance amid the rapid advance of the Houthis in Yemen.

According to Israel Hayom, the kingdom's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman conveyed a request to Jerusalem through the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) related to the threat to the strategic Bab el-Mandeb strait.

Riyadh fears a complete blockade of shipping in the Red Sea.

In recent days, the Iran-backed Houthis have made significant gains on Yemen's western coast and reached Bab el-Mandeb — the most important sea passage between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.