Israel to never abandon May 9 celebrations

Israel will never back down on celebrating Victory Day on May 9, with it being an official holiday that is enshrined in law, the country’s Ambassador to Moscow Alexander Ben Zvi said.
"Israel will never let it happen. We have this day as an official holiday, enshrined in law. There are many veterans in Israel, who have been looking forward to celebrating this day. This is a very emotional day for them. Israel has always celebrated May 9, and will always do so," the envoy said in an interview with TASS.
Zvi said that Israel will give an answer to a hypothetical request for playing the role of a security guarantor, if such a proposal comes from both Russia and Ukraine. "Yes, of course. If there is such a request," Ben Zvi said in reply to a corresponding question. "The more so, if it comes from both sides, and this is important. A request from one side only will be not enough. Both parties are to be prepared for such a move."
He also noted that Israel confirms its readiness to host a possible meeting between Presidents Vladimir Putin of Russia and Vladimir Zelensky of Ukraine. "Certainly," he said in response to a question. "However, they (Putin and Zelensky) need to make a decision," the envoy added.
According to him, Israel would consider it "a great honor" to host possible talks between the Russian and Ukrainian presidents. "We will be happy to host such a meeting in Jerusalem," Ben Zvi noted.
He also pointed out that the delegations of Russia and Ukraine could also hold meetings in Jerusalem. "What was done in Turkey can also be done in our country," the Israeli ambassador said.
Alexander Ben Zvi continued saying that Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Russian President Vladimir Putin maintain regular contact with each other. "Indeed, they are in regular contact with each other," he said. "I cannot say when exactly their next [contact] will take place," the envoy added.
Putin and Bennett have held several telephone conversations since the beginning of the year. In addition, the Israeli prime minister made a brief visit to Moscow in early March. The two leaders discussed the situation around Ukraine.
Latest news
Latest newsGreece Plans to Exclude Turkiye from Future Defense Contracts
20.Feb.2026
U.S.-Based Mars Launches Major Investment Project in Kazakhstan
20.Feb.2026
Parliamentary Elections 2026 in Armenia as a Geopolitical Referendum
20.Feb.2026
Russia and Ukraine Fail to Reach Agreement in Geneva
19.Feb.2026
The South Caucasus in U.S. Foreign Policy: Implications of High-Level Visits for Russian and Chinese Regional Aspirations
18.Feb.2026
Ukraine Imposes Personal Sanctions on Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko
18.Feb.2026
72% Against the Authorities: Economic Dissatisfaction Hits Record Levels in Turkiye
17.Feb.2026
Bulgaria Strengthens Defense: First American Stryker Vehicles Delivered
17.Feb.2026
Moscow Criticizes Plans to Build a U.S.-Backed Nuclear Power Plant in Armenia
16.Feb.2026
Washington expects Tbilisi to strengthen ties amid regional changes
15.Feb.2026

28 Feb 2026


