Israeli Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Eli Cohen believes that "Tel Aviv, at the end of the war on Gaza, will be closer than ever to an agreement with Saudi Arabia." In a special statement to the newspaper "Elaph," he indicated that "shared enemies are the basis of the regional alliance," claiming that "Iran, which finances the 'terrorism' of the Houthis (Ansar Allah movement in Yemen) and Hezbollah, seeks to destabilize the Middle East."
Cohen explained that the Israeli attack on Yemen "sends a message to Iran that Israel is also capable of reaching Tehran." He added, "On the other hand, this attack carries a message to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that Israel is a reliable ally, and it will stand by the Kingdom in the war against Iran if necessary."
He emphasized the possibility of normalization with Saudi Arabia, stating: "In my estimation, at the end of the war, we will be closer than ever to an agreement with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which now clearly understands who its enemies are and who its partners are."
It is noteworthy that Minister Eli Cohen previously served as Foreign Minister, is a member of the security cabinet, participates in sensitive meetings and sessions, and is regarded as a prominent figure in the Likud party, being close to the party leader and Prime Minister.
Last Saturday evening, the Israeli army announced that its fighter jets targeted sites belonging to the Houthis in Yemen in response to a drone attack that targeted Tel Aviv on the previous Friday. Regional officials stated that the Israeli airstrikes targeted gas and oil warehouses and a power station in the Hodeidah port area on the Red Sea in Yemen. This came after the Houthis claimed responsibility for launching a long-range drone that struck the coastal city of Tel Aviv, resulting in the death of one Israeli and injuries to several others.
