Geopolitics Weekly
Posts
🚀 Middle East tensions skyrocket

🚀 Middle East tensions skyrocket

and Putin gives warning

Ross Crabtree
July 29, 2024

In partnership with

Hello there,

This week has seen dramatic twists and turns - not least Turkish President Erdogan’s threat to intervene in the Israel-Hamas conflict.

This as French railway companies have completed repairs on tracks that were sabotaged ahead of the start of the Olympics in Paris.

All we can say is that the next week will likely be eventful!

More below ⤵️

Major Story

A deadly rocket strike in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights , which claimed the lives of 12 children and teenagers, has put Israel and Hezbollah on the brink of all-out war. This tragic incident, the deadliest cross-border attack since the escalation in October, has heightened fears and led to significant security measures. At the University of Haifa, located less than 50km from the Lebanese border, staff have been instructed to work from home to avoid potential danger. The growing sense of vulnerability is palpable, with parents now assisting police and guards to patrol kindergartens. This moment is deemed critical, especially with memories of Hezbollah's reach during the 2006 war still fresh.

Cross-border fire between Israel and Lebanon has steadily increased since October 8, when Hezbollah launched rockets and shells at Israeli sites in solidarity with Hamas. This escalation has led to frequent attacks on northern Israel and the Golan Heights, which Israel annexed in 1981. In retaliation, Israel has conducted air strikes and missile attacks into southern Lebanon, with over 450 deaths reported in Lebanon, including around 100 civilians, and Israel losing 23 civilians and 17 soldiers. Despite these deadly exchanges, both sides had previously seemed to avoid a full-scale confrontation.

The question now is how far Israel will go in response to the recent tragedy. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed that Hezbollah will "pay a heavy price," while other government officials have echoed calls for severe retaliation. However, Israel is aware of the heavy toll a war with Hezbollah could exact. Hezbollah, backed by Iran, is a formidable force with an estimated 150,000 rockets and missiles. An Israeli attack could potentially draw in Tehran, further complicating the situation. Meanwhile, Netanyahu faces internal pressure as his popularity wanes, and there is concern that he might escalate the conflict to bolster his political standing. As the region stands on edge, international calls for restraint grow louder, hoping to prevent the tinderbox from igniting into a full-blown inferno.

Promotion

Tired of Unoriginal Investing News? Try The Daily Upside.

99% of news outlets serve algorithms, not readers, churning out uninspired content by "journalists" who barely understand the topics. In the financial and investing space, this is a complete waste of time.

But The Daily Upside is different. Created by Wall Street insiders and bankers, this fresh, insightful newsletter delivers valuable insights that go beyond the headlines.

And the best part? It’s completely free. Join 1M+ readers and subscribe today.

Other News

1️⃣🇺🇸🇮🇳 US-India: U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the need for a "just and enduring peace" in Ukraine during a meeting with Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. This discussion follows reports of an upcoming visit to Ukraine by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who recently met with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Despite Western sanctions on Russia, India maintains its trade relations with Moscow, urging dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the conflict.

2️⃣🇷🇺 Russia: Since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Russia's economy has seen unexpected growth driven by booming wages in the defense sector, leading to increased consumer spending. Real wages have surged nearly 14%, with significant pay rises across various blue-collar jobs. However, economists warn of potential slowdowns as state spending remains high, labor shortages grow, and the war's impact continues to create economic uncertainties.

What Went Under the Radar?

🇯🇵 Japan: The U.S. and Japan announced a historic overhaul of U.S. military forces in Japan to enhance defense cooperation amid rising regional tensions. U.S. Secretaries of State and Defense, Antony Blinken and Lloyd Austin, along with Japanese counterparts, revealed plans to modernize the alliance, addressing challenges from China and North Korea. This move aims to strengthen interoperability and ensure a robust joint response capability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Promotion

Smart, actionable news trusted by 1M+ subscribers

Looking for a quick way to stay on top of the latest market news?

Meet The Daily Upside, a free daily newsletter offering sharp analysis on finance, economics, and investing news. Created by Wall Street insiders and bankers, this insightful newsletter delivers valuable insights that go beyond the headlines.

And the best part? It’s completely free. Join 1M+ readers and subscribe today.