Netanyahu Eager to Help Saudi Arabia Attack the Houthis; MBS’s Position

JAKARTA — Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is reportedly reluctant to allow Israel to become involved in the war in Yemen, fearing a negative reaction from public opinion.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly continued pressing for permission for his country to attack Houthi targets in Yemen, a diplomatic source told the daily Haaretz, as cited by the i24TV website on Monday (12 October 2026).

According to the report, Netanyahu is using US mediators to secure Saudi Arabia’s permission for Israel to intervene in the conflict, which has been under way for a decade.

Netanyahu’s main aim is to have Israel “join” Saudi Arabia and strengthen ties, paving the way for a future normalisation agreement.

However, the Saudi Crown Prince, commonly known as MBS, is said to be unwilling to give the green light to Israeli intervention. He believes such a move would be met with a negative response from the Saudi public.

As the de facto ruler, serving as both prime minister and crown prince, MBS’s approval is essential. Without his consent, Israel is highly unlikely to gain access to participate in the war.