Former President Donald Trump recently stated that Saudi Arabia should accept offers of security assistance from Israel to combat Houthi rebels in Yemen. When asked by reporters at the White House whether Riyadh should utilize such support, Trump responded affirmatively, asserting that Israel has already been helpful to the kingdom.

Reports indicate that this offer of assistance was reportedly extended by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu through United States mediation. According to diplomatic sources cited by Haaretz, the proposal is viewed by Israel as a potential pathway to strengthen diplomatic ties with Riyadh. While the Middle East Eye frames the comments as a direct recommendation for Saudi Arabia to accept Israeli intervention, the Times of Israel emphasizes Trump’s broader outlook on regional diplomacy, noting his claim that normalization between Jerusalem and Riyadh could be back on the table, potentially more so than in the past.

There is a subtle difference in how the outlets characterize the nature of the interaction. The Middle East Eye focuses on the specific tactical suggestion of accepting Israeli help against the Houthis, whereas the Times of Israel places the comments within the context of Trump's long-term goal of regional normalization. Neither outlet provided a formal response from the Saudi government regarding these suggestions, leaving the kingdom's official stance on such cooperation unaddressed.