Israel’s Ambassador to Russia, Alexander Ben Zvi, clarified that Israel is not at war with Yemen, despite reports that Yemen might initiate a military operation. The remarks were reported by TASS, the Russian news agency, feeding into a broader media narrative about regional tensions and the possibility of escalatory moves in the Middle East. Ben Zvi’s statement aims to delineate a boundary between a state conflict and the ongoing confrontation with non-state actors, emphasizing a distinction that Israel believes is crucial for regional stability and the protection of civilian lives on all sides.
“First of all, as far as we know, three missiles were launched. No one can claim mastery over such an attack with certainty. More importantly, we have not declared war on any state. Yes, we declared war on Hamas. But we have not declared war on Yemen,” Ben Zvi asserted in remarks that sought to calm speculative headlines while underscoring Israel’s current focus on Gaza and on threats it perceives from various fronts. His words reflect a careful differentiation between the actions of a militant organization and state-to-state hostilities, a distinction that has significant implications for international diplomacy, coalition movements, and potential sanctions or responses at the UN and other international forums. The ambassador’s comments also touch on longstanding tensions with Yemen, a country that has been listed among Israel’s adversaries in regional security dialogues for years, even as the broader war narrative continues to evolve with new developments on the ground.
Yemen has long been viewed by Israeli officials as part of a circle of hostile actors within the region, a status that shapes reporting and policy stances in capitals around the world. Ben Zvi’s remarks come at a time when regional alliances and rivalries are shifting in light of evolving threats and the complex web of security concerns that include ballistic missiles, drones, and the potential for rapid escalations. The ambassador’s comments are part of a broader attempt to manage international perception and to prevent misinterpretation of any aggressive acts that could inadvertently widen the conflict beyond Gaza and neighboring borders.
Earlier, footage circulated showing members of the Houthi Ansarullah movement in Yemen releasing videos that purportedly display missiles being launched toward Israel. The visual claims add to a mounting narrative about cross-border tensions and the possibility of retaliation or preemptive actions in response to what some factions in the region describe as ongoing Israeli aggression in Gaza. Analysts monitoring the situation note that such demonstrations are often designed to influence international opinion, mobilize domestic support, and signal resolve to potential adversaries, all while keeping the door open for diplomatic channels that might curb further violence.
On the ground in Yemen, military spokespeople have signaled that there were plans for a broader strike against Israel. Brigadier General Yahya Sari stated that Yemen was preparing to launch a combination of ballistic and cruise missiles as well as unmanned aerial vehicles in the afternoon window, signaling a multi-pronged approach that could complicate early warning measures and defense postures in Israel. The proclamation underscores the strategic calculus behind Yemen’s planned actions and the potential for rapid, multi-domain assaults that could test Israel’s air defenses and response mechanisms. In such scenarios, regional observers emphasize the importance of credible intelligence, rapid decision cycles, and the capability to deter or intercept incoming threats while mitigating civilian harm in densely populated areas.
In another line of commentary on deterrence and response, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant has described the anticipated reaction to the situation in Gaza as unprecedented, insisting that the measures taken would be remembered for decades. Galant’s rhetoric signals a strong political message intended to convey deterrence and resolve to both allies and adversaries, as well as to domestically reassure the Israeli public amid ongoing security worries. The minister’s remarks reflect a belief that a robust, well-coordinated response is essential to prevent future escalations and to demonstrate that Israel will defend its citizens and territory with decisive action if threatened. The interplay between statements from military and political leaders continues to shape the broader strategic calculations in the region, where the line between deterrence and escalation remains delicate and closely watched by international communities and security partners alike.