Israeli executives were initially pleased with a covert operation involving exploding pagers that targeted Hizbollah militants in Lebanon, but were later criticized by a former European spymaster for being illegal and disproportionate. The operation, known as “Operation Grim Beeper,” killed 37 people and injured thousands, sparking a debate among western security officials about the ethics and implications of such actions. The operation has raised concerns about the vulnerability of supply chains to sabotage and the potential for copycat attacks. Despite differing opinions, some officials viewed the operation as a strategic move in the context of an ongoing conflict with Hizbollah. Western countries may criticize Israel for its disregard for civilian casualties, but the Israeli military’s aggressive tactics in Gaza and Lebanon far exceed their threshold. Israel’s focus on targeted killings for security differs from Western allies, with Israel carrying out over 2,000 operations in the early 2000s compared to the US’s less than a fifth. While the West may not approve of such operations, the unique security challenges faced by Israel shape their approach to conflict.
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Investors seek to profit from Russia as Trump pursues rapprochement
Investors are exploring ways to make sanctions-proof bets on Russian bonds and the rouble in anticipation of potential easing of sanctions by the US under President Trump's administration. Some are considering trading Russian assets that have been shunned by the west in hopes of a rally if sanctions are relaxed as part of a ceasefire deal in Ukraine. However, trading roubles directly is challenging due to sanctions and capital controls, leading to low trading volumes....
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