A source apparently linked to the Houthi-led rebel government alleged in the report that the Saudi military alert was part of “Saudi-American-Israeli cooperation.” He claimed Riyadh had stationed its air force alongside other Arab states “to defend Israel.”

In recent days, several missiles have indeed landed inside Saudi territory. At the same time, the Houthis appear to be trying to embarrass Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states.

The step coincided with a statement by the Gulf Cooperation Council, which on Monday condemned Houthi actions in the Red Sea at Saudi Arabia’s request.

Notably, unlike in past incidents, Arab states and the GCC did not issue condemnations in recent days over Israel’s strikes against the Houthi government in Sanaa.

Despite a ceasefire on paper, relations between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis remain tense. In the past decade, the Saudi king led a regional coalition against the pro-Iranian Houthis after they seized Sanaa. In recent years, Riyadh has preferred a more diplomatic approach.

Originally published by Israel Hayom.