Protests in Israel ? Iran sends missiles to Russia
Silobreaker
Bridging the gap between data and intelligence - A single platform for intelligence production and dissemination.
Strikes and protests in Israel over hostage killings highlight political divisions?
Israel saw widespread protests from September 1st to September 2nd, 2024, which coincided with a general strike on September 2nd that caused significant disruptions, including halts to flights at Ben-Gurion International Airport. The protests were sparked by the recovery of the bodies of six recently killed hostages, with many blaming Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for failing to secure a ceasefire with Hamas and a return of hostages. In a press conference, Netanyahu once again defied demands of further concessions from Israel and insisted that Israel must retain control of the Philadelphi corridor along Gaza’s border with Egypt, a stance that he has been warned jeopardises negotiations with Hamas.?
Netanyahu blamed Hamas for the failure, stating that they have refused all proposals. However, Hamas accused Netanyahu of intentionally sabotaging negotiations by adding unacceptable new demands, which it said were ‘aimed at obstructing reaching an agreement to preserve his power.’ In Israel, opposition leader Yair Lapid criticised Netanyahu, claiming that the hostages could have been saved. Yoav Gallant, Israel’s Minister of Defence, linked the deaths to Netanyahu’s decision to retain military control of the Philadelphi Corridor and Benny Gantz, Netanyahu’s main political rival, accused him of putting his personal interests before those of his country. According to Gantz, the corridor was important to prevent Hamas from smuggling weapons into Gaza but would make Israeli soldiers ‘sitting ducks’ and would not stop tunnels.?
Some analysts argue that Netanyahu has lived through years of similar protests, with his strategy largely being to ignore their demands. Although the hard-line approach risks further polarising the country, Netanyahu’s government is likely to remain firm against negotiating with Hamas and insisting on retaining control over strategic areas in Gaza. This stance is supported by far-right coalition members who have threatened to leave the government if a ceasefire is agreed under current conditions. However, Netanyahu's coalition is fragile, with key figures like Yoav Gallant expressing public dissatisfaction with the current strategy. The likelihood of domestic unrest grows as the war drags on and the opposition is likely to continue their efforts to pressure the government through strikes and protests, fuelled by public dissatisfaction with Netanyahu's policies and accusations of undermining democracy.
?Additional reading
US claims Iran has sent ballistic missiles to Russia despite sanctions
Reporting emerged from September 6th, 2024, that Iran has sent short-range ballistic missiles to Russia, despite months of warnings from the United States and European countries. The transfer is believed to have involved over 200 Fath-360 short-range ballistic missiles, only unveiled in 2022 and described as comparable to the US-built HIMARS. Iran has officially denied the allegations, stating that it does not provide military assistance to any parties involved in the conflict, considering such actions inhumane. However, Ahmad Bakhshayesh Ardestani, an Iranian MP and a member of the country’s Security and Foreign Policy Committee, appears to have admitted to the transfer less than 48 hours after the US officials warned of the shipments, revealing that Iran is circumventing Western sanctions by bartering missiles for essential goods like soybeans and wheat from Russia.??
领英推荐
The US has described the alleged transfer as a ‘sharp escalation’ in Iran's support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine. It previously warned that any supply of Iranian ballistic missiles to Russia would have consequences for the Iranian government. The missiles, which have a higher payload and speed than HIMARS, are expected to provide Russian forces with significant advantage. It is also believed that the delivery of short-range missiles could clear the way for the eventual supply of long-range missiles. According to the Institute for the Study of War, Russia may utilise the delivered missiles to target Ukraine's infrastructure during the fall and winter.
The alleged transfer underscores Iran's growing role as a key arms supplier to Russia; the country has supported Russia's war effort in Ukraine by supplying attack drones and assisting in building a drone-manufacturing factory for Russia. Some analysts describe the move as part of Iran’s broader strategy, with the country receiving military know-how from Russia in return, potentially in preparation for a conflict with Israel. The US has previously also declassified intelligence showing North Korea's provision of ammunition and missiles to Russia, while CIA Director William Burns recently highlighted the growing defence partnership between Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea, which he described as troubling and a threat to both Ukraine and Western allies in the Middle East.
?Additional reading
Contributors:
For more information, visit silobreaker.com