Israeli Concerns Grow on Ukraine Crisis Derailing Operations in Syria

Missile fire is seen from Damascus, Syria May 10, 2018. (Reuters)
Missile fire is seen from Damascus, Syria May 10, 2018. (Reuters)
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Israeli Concerns Grow on Ukraine Crisis Derailing Operations in Syria

Missile fire is seen from Damascus, Syria May 10, 2018. (Reuters)
Missile fire is seen from Damascus, Syria May 10, 2018. (Reuters)

At a time when the Israeli government is trying to show a neutral stance towards the Ukrainian crisis, fearing the wrath of Russia or the US, senior security sources revealed that such a conflict will inevitably affect Israel, especially in its conflict with Iran and its military activities in Syria.

So far, Israel has kept to urging thousands of its citizens to leave Ukraine.

Israeli analyst for the Hebrew newspaper Maariv, Tal Lev-Ram, cited sources as saying that “Israel is not a central player in the battle between major forces currently taking place in Ukraine.”

“Nevertheless, a war erupting in Europe will dramatically affect strategic issues,” the sources added.

“On the nuclear issue, the crisis in Ukraine comes at a critical stage due to negotiations held by major powers with Iran.”

“Israel is watching with concern how Iran continues to advance - slowly but efficiently - with its nuclear program.”

According to Lev-Ram’s report, security generals assert that “Iran today is far from being at the top of the Biden administration’s priorities, and the confrontation with the Russians will push it more and more away from the US agenda.”

Iran will exploit this well in its favor and allow itself to carry out bolder steps in its nuclear program.

Even though Israel considers Russia a fair player when it comes to handling Iran’s nuclear ambitions, its security agencies fear that a crisis in Ukraine would push Moscow closer to Iran thereby straining the Israeli army’s operations in Syria.



UN Suspends All Trips into Houthi-Held Areas after More Staffers Detained

27 December 2024, Yemen, Sanaa: A Houthi supporter brandishes a rifle during a demonstration against the United States and Israel following Israeli air strikes on significant facilities in the Yemeni cities of Sanaa and Hodeidah, which are under Houthi control. (dpa)
27 December 2024, Yemen, Sanaa: A Houthi supporter brandishes a rifle during a demonstration against the United States and Israel following Israeli air strikes on significant facilities in the Yemeni cities of Sanaa and Hodeidah, which are under Houthi control. (dpa)
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UN Suspends All Trips into Houthi-Held Areas after More Staffers Detained

27 December 2024, Yemen, Sanaa: A Houthi supporter brandishes a rifle during a demonstration against the United States and Israel following Israeli air strikes on significant facilities in the Yemeni cities of Sanaa and Hodeidah, which are under Houthi control. (dpa)
27 December 2024, Yemen, Sanaa: A Houthi supporter brandishes a rifle during a demonstration against the United States and Israel following Israeli air strikes on significant facilities in the Yemeni cities of Sanaa and Hodeidah, which are under Houthi control. (dpa)

The United Nations on Friday suspended all travel into areas held by Yemen’s Houthi militias after more of their staff were detained by the militants.

The Houthis have already detained UN staffers, as well as individuals associated with the once-open US Embassy in Sanaa, Yemen’s capital, and aid groups.

“Yesterday, the de facto authorities in Sanaa detained additional UN personnel working in areas under their control,” the UN statement read. “To ensure the security and safety of all its staff, the United Nations has suspended all official movements into and within areas under the de facto authorities’ control.”

Before Friday, the UN had a total of 16 Yemeni staff in Houthi detention. Staffers were trying to get a headcount across the UN agencies working in the country and had halted their work, which provides food, medicine and other aid to the impoverished nation.

In June, the UN acknowledged 11 Yemeni employees were detained by the Houthis under unclear circumstances as the militias increasingly cracked down on areas under their control. Several dozen others from aid agencies and other organizations are also held.