Donald Trump stated that Saudi Arabia would likely accept Israeli assistance in its conflict with Houthi rebels, citing potential for renewed Abraham Accords momentum.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday that Saudi Arabia would likely accept Israeli help in its fight against Houthi rebels. Trump expressed confidence that the kingdom would cooperate with Israel and suggested that efforts to bring Saudi Arabia into the Abraham Accords could be revived.

Differing Perspectives on Cooperation

While Trump stated he believes Saudi Arabia will accept Israeli assistance, a diplomatic source cited by Haaretz reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is attempting to convince Saudi Arabia to allow Israeli intervention with U.S. mediation. According to that source, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is not interested in Israeli aid, as he believes such cooperation would be negatively received by the Saudi public.

Regional Conflict and Diplomatic Goals

The comments follow intensified Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia. On Thursday, strikes on a presidential palace complex resulted in five deaths, while a separate attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh killed 17 people and injured over 300. Trump has previously linked a potential U.S.-Saudi civilian nuclear cooperation agreement to the kingdom joining the Abraham Accords and normalizing relations with Israel.