Saudi Arabia should accept Israel's 'helpful' offer to fight Houthis: Trump

Trump also said that the Abraham Accords (2020), a series of agreements to normalise relations between Israel and several Arab countries, could see Saudi Arabia join the framework | Image Credit: Bloomberg

US President Donald Trump has said Saudi Arabia should accept Israel's offer to help in the fight against Houthi rebels, describing Israel's support to the country as "very helpful" amid escalating regional hostilities.

Answering reporters ahead of a rally in Georgia at White House on whether Saudi Arabia should accept Israel's offer, Trump said, "Yeah, I do, sure. Israel has been very helpful to Saudi Arabia."

Trump also said that the Abraham Accords (2020), a series of agreements to normalise relations between Israel and several Arab countries, could see Saudi Arabia join the framework, saying the prospect was "maybe more than ever."

Asked by a reporter whether an Abraham Accords agreement with Saudi Arabia was back on the table, Trump said, "Yeah, I think so. Yeah, I think so. Maybe more than ever. The Abraham Accords is one of our great achievements. And, yeah, I would say maybe more than ever. But Saudi Arabia is very happy to have Israel's support and our support. Yeah."

In an interview with Israeli media on Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was asked whether Saudi Arabia had sought Israel's help. He said, "There are barely any Middle Eastern states that aren't asking us for help," according to The Times of Israel.

Israel and Saudi Arabia were considered close to reaching an agreement to normalise relations before the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack. However, Saudi Arabia has consistently maintained that normalisation with Israel would require a clear pathway to Palestinian statehood.

Meanwhile, Iran has denied involvement in Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and expressed readiness to help resolve differences between the parties involved, according to Iranian state broadcaster IRIB.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said that Tehran was prepared to use its capabilities to end the conflict if requested by the parties.

"The last 12 years have shown that foreign intervention and blockade are not the solution. The Yemeni people have resisted the blockade designed by Britain and America for years; the countries of the region must work to end this situation," the spokesperson said.

"Iran denies claims of involvement in the Yemeni operation. Resolving the issue requires respect for Yemeni sovereignty, cessation of intervention, and an end to the air and naval blockade. The Yemeni armed forces [Houthis] are acting in their own interests.