he sinking of a coal carrier by a sea drone has boosted the risk of navigating the vital Bab el-Mandeb chokepoint in the Red Sea to a new level and is driving a fresh surge in insurance costs.
Huge swings in the cost of Israeli airfares have left economists struggling to get a handle on inflation in wartime.
Israel military appears to push back on goal to end Hamas
Israel’s military appeared to suggest Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s long-stated goal of destroying Hamas was unachievable, emphasising the difficulties in claiming victory in a war that’s now into a ninth month.
“To say we are going to destroy Hamas, to make it disappear — it’s simply throwing sand in the eyes of the public,” Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said in an interview with Israeli TV. “Hamas is an idea. Whoever thinks we can make it disappear is mistaken.”
After his comments attracted controversy — including a dressing down from Netanyahu — the Israel Defense Forces clarified that he was referring to “the elimination of Hamas as an idea and ideology”. There’s been speculation the group has set aside battalions to regain control of Gaza even in the event of existential losses, according to Israeli state broadcaster Kan…..more
