Pepe Escobar: A Terrifying Incident Just Happened in the Mid-East - Saudi & Israel Collaborate?

Escobar’s Assessment of the Conflict

Pepe Escobar described the Saudi–Houthi conflict as nearing a dangerous escalation. He alleged that Israeli advisers, including a major general, were on Saudi soil working alongside U.S. CENTCOM and Saudi forces against Yemen. He also said Saudi Arabia was drawing Turkey and Pakistan further into the conflict, although both countries publicly described their roles as defensive.

These claims were made during the discussion and were not independently confirmed in the subtitles.

Risks of Escalation

Escobar warned that Saudi air strikes on Houthi (Ansarullah) targets could prompt attacks on major Saudi oil and transport infrastructure, including Abqaiq, Yanbu, the East–West pipeline, Aramco facilities, and an airport. He argued that such attacks could severely damage Saudi Arabia’s economy and deter international investors.

He also portrayed Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as increasingly isolated and paranoid, and suggested that divisions within the House of Saud could deepen.

Pakistan and Turkey

Escobar said Pakistani troops were reportedly protecting Mecca and Medina, rather than being stationed near the Saudi–Yemeni border or assigned offensive duties. He said Pakistani public opinion opposed joining the war and cautioned that casualties among Pakistani or Turkish personnel could sharply widen the conflict.

Diplomacy and Ansarullah’s Aims

Escobar assessed that diplomacy had little room to advance. He said Iran was attempting mediation and that China might have been asked to help, while noting that China’s involvement was unconfirmed. In his view, Saudi resistance to negotiations, combined with the involvement of CENTCOM and Israel, left no clear path to de-escalation.

He said Ansarullah’s stated aims included ending the blockade and other pressure on Yemen, and having Saudi Arabia acknowledge its role in starting the war in 2015.

Possible Developments in Yemen

Escobar said Ansarullah could consolidate its control in Yemen, potentially taking Taiz and Marib through military advances and tribal agreements. He suggested that this could leave the movement in control of areas containing most of Yemen’s population, amounting to the practical unification of the country.

Presenters and Contributors

• Pepe Escobar
• Nima (interviewer; surname not given)