Israel Launches Covert Recruitment Campaign Targeting Yemen Amid Regional Tensions

October 18, 2025 — Tel Aviv/Sanaa:

Israel’s military intelligence, Unit 504, has reportedly launched an online recruitment campaign targeting Yemenis, seeking to expand espionage operations against the Ansarallah (Houthi) movement, according to multiple media sources.

A series of paid advertisements, disseminated through various online platforms, appeal directly to Yemenis disillusioned with the country’s dire humanitarian and political crisis. One such ad reads: “Yemen has long experienced crisis after crisis. But real change begins with those who refuse to give up. Unit 504 gives you the tools and opportunities to build a different tomorrow.”

Another advertisement asks: “Are you tired of watching Yemen collapse?... This opportunity will not come again.” The campaign appears to be focused on critics and opponents of Ansarallah in an attempt to destabilize support for the de facto authorities in Sanaa.

Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar reports growing concerns among observers in Yemen’s capital, warning that the move reflects Israeli intentions to expand intelligence operations in the country. These operations could be aimed at preempting or retaliating against Yemen’s support for Gaza, which has remained active throughout the recent regional escalation.

A Yemeni military source, speaking to Al-Akhbar, stated: “Yemen will not stand idly by in the face of any violations of the Gaza ceasefire agreement and will retaliate in the event of any Israeli aggression.”

Despite the Ansarallah and Yemeni Armed Forces (YAF) halting offensive operations during the Gaza ceasefire, Israel is reportedly preparing to resume military action in Yemen. Hebrew-language outlet Channel 12 reported that intense internal discussions in Israel’s security establishment have led to strategic separation between the Gaza and Yemen fronts, potentially enabling further strikes on Yemeni targets despite the truce in Gaza.

Earlier this week, Yemeni President Mahdi al-Mashat reaffirmed Yemen's commitment to the ceasefire but warned that the country would remain “vigilant” against any external provocations.

The situation remains tense as both nations signal a readiness to escalate, despite the broader ceasefire context.