Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu traveled to Abu Dhabi on Sunday to meet with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed al Nahyan, Saudi officials, and other representatives from Arab states to discuss Ansar Allah in Yemen. 

Earlier this month, Ansar Allah launched a large-scale offensive that captured much of Yemen’s Red Sea coastline and territory from Saudi and Emirati-backed forces. Ansar Allah has also caused significant damage to Saudi energy infrastructure, setting back the US and Israeli strategy in the war against Iran. 

Part of the meeting focused on getting Saudi Arabia and the UAE to set aside their different plans for Yemen’s future. While both countries back anti-Ansar Allah forces in the country, the UAE supports the Southern Transitional Council (STC) with the goal of creating a separate state in southern Yemen with Aden as its capital. 

The UAE has also trained and supported the Giants Brigades, which have been aligned with the STC. Many members are Salafists with ties to jihadist groups. 

Saudi Arabia is backing what is dubbed the “internationally recognized government of Yemen.” While the government is largely based in Saudi Arabia, the kingdom argues that the entire country must remain united under the leaders backed by Riyadh. 

Netanyahu reportedly offered to help Saudi Arabia defeat Ansar Allah. Riyadh will likely be forced to reject help from Tel Aviv, as Israel is in the middle of a genocide in Gaza and is eyeing expelling Palestinians from the West Bank as well. Ansar Allah, along with Hezbollah, are the only groups in the Middle East to consistently wage war with Israel on behalf of the Palestinians. 

However, the kingdom lacks allies and the domestic capacity to fight Ansar Allah. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has asked President Donald Trump for assistance three times, but was rejected by the American leader. While Saudi Arabia signed a mutual defense pact with Turkey and Pakistan in August, Ankara and Islamabad have yet to send direct military support to the kingdom.