{"id":4873,"date":"2023-12-30T19:59:08","date_gmt":"2023-12-30T19:59:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.inthedays.com\/?p=4873"},"modified":"2023-12-30T23:07:10","modified_gmt":"2023-12-30T23:07:10","slug":"how-the-israel-hamas-war-in-gaza-could-go-global-in-2024","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.inthedays.com\/?p=4873","title":{"rendered":"HOW THE ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR IN GAZA COULD GO GLOBAL IN 2024"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"4873\" class=\"elementor elementor-4873\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-7048c28d elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"7048c28d\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-70884da7\" data-id=\"70884da7\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-69648a90 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"69648a90\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-648fcf8e\" data-id=\"648fcf8e\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-310e6adf elementor-widget elementor-widget-html\" data-id=\"310e6adf\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"html.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<center><h5><strong>To view the popup window, place your cursor on the <font color=\"blue\">blue words.<\/font><\/h5><\/center><p><\/p>\n\n<div>DAYS OF NOAH - VIOLENCE<\/div>\n<div><blockquote> \"But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.\"\n<span> \u2014 Matthew 24:37<\/blockquote><\/div>\n\n<div><blockquote>\"\"And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with <div class=\"tooltip\"href=\"#\"style=\"color:blue;\"> violence  <span class=\"tooltiptext\"<span style=\"text-decoration:\"><font color=\"#F1563A\"> Strongs 2555: <\/font> chamac\u00e7, khaw-mawce\u00b4; from <font color=\"#F1563A\">2554<\/font>; violence; by implication, wrong; by meton. unjust gain:\u2014cruel(-ty), damage, false, injustice, x oppressor, unrighteous, violence (against, done), violent (dealing), wrong<\/font><\/span><\/div> through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth.\" \n<span> \u2014 Genesis 6:13<\/blockquote><\/div> \n\n<div>WARS AND RUMORS OF WARS<\/div>\n<div><blockquote>\"For <div class=\"tooltip\"href=\"#\"style=\"color:blue;\"> nation  <span class=\"tooltiptext\"<span style=\"text-decoration:\"><font color=\"#F1563A\">1484: <\/font>ethnos, eth\u00b4-nos; probably from 1486; a race (as of the same habit), i.e. a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-Jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan): \u2014 Gentile, heathen, nation, people.<\/span><\/div> shall rise against <div class=\"tooltip\"href=\"#\"style=\"color:blue;\"> nation  <span class=\"tooltiptext\"<span style=\"text-decoration:\"><font color=\"#F1563A\">1484: <\/font>ethnos, eth\u00b4-nos; probably from 1486; a race (as of the same habit), i.e. a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-Jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan): \u2014 Gentile, heathen, nation, people.<\/span><\/div>, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.\n<span> \u2014 Matthew 24:7<\/blockquote><\/div>\n\n<div><blockquote>\"Keep looking <div class=\"tooltip\"href=\"#\"style=\"color:blue;\">up  <span class=\"tooltiptext\"<span style=\"text-decoration:\"><font color=\"#F1563A\"><\/font>And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. Luke 21:28 <\/font><\/span><\/div> church and <div class=\"tooltip\"href=\"#\"style=\"color:blue;\">Pray Always!<span class=\"tooltiptext\"<span style=\"text-decoration:\">Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man. Luke 21:36<\/span><\/div><\/h5><\/blockquote><\/strong><\/font>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1e681e5f elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1e681e5f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><strong><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/strong><\/p>\n<div data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" data-en-clipboard=\"true\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><b>Article Source: <a style=\"color: #0000ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/2023\/12\/30\/news\/how-the-israel-hamas-war-in-gaza-could-go-global-in-2024\/?utm_campaign=iphone_nyp&amp;utm_source=message_app\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">New York Post<\/span><\/a><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>A parade of US officials have descended upon Israel and Arab countries in recent weeks to meet local leaders and\u00a0determine an end-game to the Israel-Hamas war.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>They followed President Biden, who sat in on Israel\u2019s War Cabinet back in October.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>At 11 weeks, it is the longest campaign in a century of Arab-Israeli conflict.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>And with the death toll in Gaza surpassing 20,000 (including 7,000 armed Hamas members),\u00a0it\u2019s also the deadliest for civilians.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>This extraordinary US involvement reflects the recognition that the conflict could easily become regional \u2014 if not extend across the entire planet.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u201cThe Israel-Hamas war exposes the delicate equilibrium of our hyper-globalized world,\u201d wrote\u00a0MarketWatchcolumnist Jurica Dujmovic\u00a0just after the Hamas attack.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Here are many of the key reasons how \u2014 and why \u2014 that delicate equilibrium could be upended in 2024.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>This extraordinary US involvement reflects the recognition that the conflict could easily become regional \u2014 if not extend across the entire planet.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:heading --><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The\u00a0Houthis<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:image {\"id\":30108430,\"linkDestination\":\"custom\"} --><\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/12\/2015-saudi-led-coalition-fighting-28072781.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-30108430\" src=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/12\/2015-saudi-led-coalition-fighting-28072781.jpg?w=1024\" alt=\"Houthi militants from Yemen have attacked Red Sea shipping vessels and tankers. The resulting disruption to global trade is both time-consuming and costly.\" \/><\/a><\/strong>\n<figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>Houthi militants from Yemen have attacked Red Sea shipping vessels and tankers. The resulting disruption to global trade is both time-consuming and costly.\u00a0AP<\/strong><\/figcaption>\n<\/figure>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:image --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>The militant Iran-backed Shiite Houthis have emerged as\u00a0unlikely players in the Israel-Hamas conflict.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>They control much of Yemen and can block Red Sea access to the Suez Canal,\u00a0through which some 30% of global container trade passes.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>The Houthis have fired at ships linked to over 35 countries, and forced the American, British and French to shoot down drones and missiles from the sky \u2014 nearly 20 in just one day this past week.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>This pesky business has spooked major shipping companies, who have rerouted their ships around Africa, adding weeks (and costs) to their journeys.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Traffic through the Red Sea has dropped by about a third, a disaster for Egypt, which depends on Suez Canal transit fees for as much\u00a0as one-fourth of its foreign currency earnings.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:image {\"id\":30108753,\"linkDestination\":\"custom\"} --><\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/12\/2023-like-maersk-hapag-lloyd-73816838-1.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-30108753\" src=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/12\/2023-like-maersk-hapag-lloyd-73816838-1.jpg?w=1024\" alt=\"Shipping lines such as CMA CGM have pulled their tankers from Red Sea waterways.\" \/><\/a><\/strong>\n<figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>Shipping lines such as CMA CGM have pulled their tankers from Red Sea waterways.\u00a0AFP via Getty Images<\/strong><\/figcaption>\n<\/figure>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:image --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>With 20% of Suez traffic comprised of oil, ongoing Houthi aggression will almost certainly see crude prices rise in 2024\u00a0as Egypt slaps on a new 15% fee for tanker traffic.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>It would also imperil industries reliant on just-in-time manufacturing for crucial components and raw materials, such as auto- and electronics-makers.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Chinese car-makers already predict weaker global sales next year, which they\u2019d hoped would offset a nagging domestic slump.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Beyond the immediate costs of the Houthi escalation, its trade disruptions could hit the world economy hard in 2024.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>In late December, for instance, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development estimated that global growth would increase at its\u00a0slowest rate since the pandemic.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:heading --><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Hezbollah<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:image {\"id\":30108445,\"linkDestination\":\"custom\"} --><\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/12\/members-lebanese-shiite-hezbollah-movement-72780682.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-30108445\" src=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/12\/members-lebanese-shiite-hezbollah-movement-72780682.jpg?w=1024\" alt=\"With hundreds of thousands of missiles, rockets and soldiers, Hezbollah poses an even greater danger to Israel than Hamas.  From their base in South Lebanon, the militant group could turn the Gaza conflict into a truly regional military confrontation. \" \/><\/a><\/strong>\n<figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>With hundreds of thousands of missiles, rockets and soldiers, Hezbollah poses an even greater danger to Israel than Hamas. From their base in South Lebanon, the militant group could turn the Gaza conflict into a truly regional military confrontation.\u00a0AFP via Getty Images<\/strong><\/figcaption>\n<\/figure>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:image --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>It is hard to overstate the danger of Hezbollah,\u00a0which like the Houthis, are a proxy of Iran.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Given the weakness of the Lebanese state \u2014 the country possesses neither a president nor military chief \u2014 Hezbollah has become a militia with a country.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>The group\u2019s initial low-level shelling of Israel surged this past week with dozens of rockets fired daily.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Despite the provocations, Israel remains leery of a full-scale war on its northern front \u2014 especially as clashes with Palestinians boil over in the West Bank.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>But with nearly 2,000 rockets fired since October by Hezbollah \u2014 resulting in 15 dead and some 100,000 displaced from their homes \u2014 Israeli patience is waning.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:image {\"id\":30108797,\"linkDestination\":\"custom\"} --><\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/12\/kalashnikov-assault-rifle-rocket-propelled-18821294.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-30108797\" src=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/12\/kalashnikov-assault-rifle-rocket-propelled-18821294.jpg?w=1024\" alt=\"Hezbollah fighters battle in Beirut.\" \/><\/a><\/strong>\n<figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>Hezbollah fighters battle in Beirut.\u00a0AFP via Getty Images<\/strong><\/figcaption>\n<\/figure>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:image --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u201cWe are being attacked by the country of Lebanon even if not the army of Lebanon and it\u2019s time they paid a price,\u201d said Gen. Dan Harel, former director-general of the Defense Ministry last week.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Both Israel and the US are well aware of the severity of the Hezbollah threat.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>According to a\u00a0recent report\u00a0by Israel\u2019s Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) Hezbollah possesses up to 100,000 fighters and 200,000 missiles, including 30,000 long-range rockets that can reach Tel Aviv \u2014 along with Scuds missiles capable of evading Israel\u2019s Iron Dome defense system.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>With a pair of carrier groups already in the Mediterranean, the US is unlikely to stand by idly if Hezbollah bombardments escalate into a full-on assault.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:heading --><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Iran and terrorism<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:image {\"id\":30108452,\"linkDestination\":\"custom\"} --><\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/12\/2010-iranian-russian-engineers-began-41907499.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-30108452\" src=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/12\/2010-iranian-russian-engineers-began-41907499.jpg?w=1024\" alt=\"Iran has its fingerprints all over the Israel-Hamas war -- most notably their support of Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis.  Meanwhile, as the world is preoccupied with fighting in the Levant, Iran has rapidly escalated its nuclear enrichment program (above).\" \/><\/a><\/strong>\n<figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>Iran has its fingerprints all over the Israel-Hamas war \u2014 most notably their support of Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis. Meanwhile, as the world is preoccupied with fighting in the Levant, Iran has rapidly escalated its nuclear enrichment program (above).\u00a0AP<\/strong><\/figcaption>\n<\/figure>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:image --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Iran is not merely a patron of Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis, but a direct antagonist.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>And the regime of the mullahs is the\u00a0only player to clearly benefit from this war.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>A long-awaited peace plan between Israel and Saudi Arabia has been put on hold \u2013 as has its end-goal of forming a bulwark against Iran\u2019s aggressions.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>An emboldened Iran spells trouble on many fronts.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Even as the war rages in Gaza, Iran\u00a0has been revving up its war machine, testing\u00a0air-to-ground missiles as well as glide bombs dropped from unmanned aerial vehicles.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>All could ultimately wind up in the hands of its proxies like Hamas and Hezbollah.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Oh, and Iran is now enriching its uranium stocks with worrisome new vigor, according\u00a0to a report this week from the International Atomic Energy Agency.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:image {\"id\":30108817,\"linkDestination\":\"custom\"} --><\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/12\/attendees-listening-iranian-president-speaking-74076272.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-30108817\" src=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/12\/attendees-listening-iranian-president-speaking-74076272.jpg?w=683\" alt=\"Iranian Pres. Ebrahim Raisi and his Islamic nation are the only major winners from the Hamas-israel conflict.. \" \/><\/a><\/strong>\n<figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>Iranian Pres. Ebrahim Raisi and his Islamic nation are the only major winners from the Hamas-israel conflict..\u00a0Iranian Presidency via ZUMA \/ SplashNews.com<\/strong><\/figcaption>\n<\/figure>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:image --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Despite its reticence, the US is being drawn ever closer into a confrontation with Iran.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Earlier this month the US Air Force killed five militia members during an attack on a drone\u00a0launch site\u00a0near the Iraqi city of Kirkuk.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>The site belonged to the Iran-backed Islamic Resistance in Iraq, which the US says has\u00a0launched dozens of attacks on its forces in since the war began in Gaza.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Biden ordered new\u00a0retaliatory airstrikes\u00a0following yet another attack on US troops in Iraq last week.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Meanwhile, Israel is also targeting Iranian efforts in Syria to aid and arm Hezbollah.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>This week, 11 Iranian Revolutionary Guard-members were killed outside Damascus, reportedly by Israel.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Beyond the region, the Iranian threat is also rising.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>In December, the Mossad foiled\u00a0an Iranian plot targeting Israelis and Jews in Cyprus; the Danish government also arrested a pair of terror suspects with alleged links to Hamas.\u00a0A similar situation playedout in Brazil in early November.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>France, which saw a deadly\u00a0knifing last\u00a0month, is particularly nervous about terror as it prepares to host the 2024 Summer Olympics.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Pres. Emmanuel Macron recently said he\u2019s considering relocating the Opening Ceremonies away from the River Seine, where thousands of vulnerable spectators are expected to attend.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:heading --><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>US and European politics<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:image {\"id\":30108466,\"linkDestination\":\"custom\"} --><\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/12\/2023-washington-dc-biden-robles-74136218.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-30108466\" src=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/12\/2023-washington-dc-biden-robles-74136218.jpg?w=1024\" alt=\"US Pres. Joe Biden is struggling for support amid Arab, Muslim and black voters, many of whom opposes his policies towards Israel and may offer their ballots elsewhere come November. \" \/><\/a><\/strong>\n<figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>US Pres. Joe Biden is struggling for support amid Arab, Muslim and black voters, many of whom opposes his policies towards Israel and may offer their ballots elsewhere come November.\u00a0Getty Images<\/strong><\/figcaption>\n<\/figure>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:image --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>The Gaza conflict could have profound impact on global politics.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>In the US, Biden\u2019s base of younger, progressive and minority voters is openly revolting against his Gaza agenda.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>And reduced turnout from these demographics could doom him in crucial swing states, particularly Michigan,\u00a0where Arab and Muslim voters helped Biden secure the White House in 2020.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Four years on, Biden\u2019s Israel support is jeopardizing a repeat performance:\u00a0An early November poll of state Democrats\u00a0revealed that two-thirds of Michigan\u2019s Arab-Muslim voters are considering voting against the president\u2019s reelection.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:image {\"id\":30108845,\"linkDestination\":\"custom\"} --><\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/12\/2023-geert-wilders-stunning-election-73289737.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-30108845\" src=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/12\/2023-geert-wilders-stunning-election-73289737.jpg?w=1024\" alt=\"Holland\u2019s Geert Wilders dominated his nation\u2019s recent parliamentary elections thanks to fears of Muslim extremism.\" \/><\/a><\/strong>\n<figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>Holland\u2019s Geert Wilders dominated his nation\u2019s recent parliamentary elections thanks to fears of Muslim extremism.\u00a0ANP\/AFP via Getty Images<\/strong><\/figcaption>\n<\/figure>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:image --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Similar sentiments are emerging from another crucial Democratic constituency,\u00a0African-Americans:\u00a0A poll this month by AP and the NORCE Center for Public Affairs Research showed some 44% of blacks believe the US is too supportive of Israel, well above Whites and Hispanics.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>These figures are only expected to worsen as the war drags into 2024.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>In Europe, the Gaza crisis is pushing voters rightward, as leaders such as\u00a0Holland\u2019s Geert Wilders\u00a0\u2014 who dominated the nation\u2019s recent parliamentary elections \u2014 capitalize on fears of Muslim extremism.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Regional elections in Germany, France \u2014 as well as the European Union \u2014 could also see a shift towards the right.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:heading --><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Israeli Tech<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:image {\"id\":30108471,\"linkDestination\":\"custom\"} --><\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/12\/themedialine-org-mideast-streets-book-74135528.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-30108471\" src=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/12\/themedialine-org-mideast-streets-book-74135528.jpg?w=1024\" alt=\"Israel's vaunted high-tech scene has seen development, investment and manufacturing negatively impacted by the war with Hamas. Things could easily get worse in 2024.\" \/><\/a><\/strong>\n<figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>Israel\u2019s vaunted high-tech scene has seen development, investment and manufacturing negatively impacted by the war with Hamas. Things could easily get worse in 2024.<\/strong><\/figcaption>\n<\/figure>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:image --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>After Oct. 7, about 60,000 Israelis from the<a href=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/2023\/10\/26\/business\/israel-tech-workers-consider-leaving-for-us-following-hamas-attacks\/\">\u00a0country\u2019s vaunted high-tech sector<\/a>\u00a0were drafted into the military \u2013 a 10th of its total workforce.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Tech comprises nearly 20% of Israel\u2019s total economy, some $100 billion in total, including $3.1 billion alone invested in generative AI, a number exceeded only by China and the US.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Upwards of 25% of all global cybersecurity investment is in Israel, and Avi Hasson, CEO of Startup Nation Central, an NGO promoting Israeli innovation, notes the nation is home to sizable tech-based R+D centers for more than 450 companies including NVidia, Meta and Alphabet.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Overall, technology accounts for half of Israel\u2019s exports.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Tech \u201chas a level of global relevance [in Israel] to an astounding degree,\u201d says Zoe Burian, founder of Startup Reserves, which is working with thousands of global tech professionals to take over for Israeli reservists called to serve in the war.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Little wonder Israel\u2019s\u00a0GDP is predicted to contract by 2% this quarter.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:image {\"id\":30108865,\"linkDestination\":\"custom\"} --><\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/12\/www-startupreserves-org-74135591-1.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-30108865\" src=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/12\/www-startupreserves-org-74135591-1.jpg\" alt=\"Tech \u201chas a level of global relevance [in Israel] to an astounding degree,\u201d says Zoe Burian, founder of Startup Reserves.\" \/><\/a><\/strong>\n<figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>Tech \u201chas a level of global relevance [in Israel] to an astounding degree,\u201d says Zoe Burian, founder of Startup Reserves.<\/strong><\/figcaption>\n<\/figure>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:image --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>But the impact could easily extend beyond Israel if tech exports begin to slow down, which looks likely.<a href=\"https:\/\/www.timesofisrael.com\/about-70-of-tech-firms-face-operating-difficulties-amid-reservists-call-up\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Some 70% of Israeli tech-firms\u00a0have reported operations disruptions and cancellations since October \u2014 along with difficulty securing new financing.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Investment in Israeli tech start-ups plunged 56% in 2023, the worst performance in half a decade.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:heading --><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Ukraine and Taiwan<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:image {\"id\":30108476,\"linkDestination\":\"custom\"} --><\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/12\/tajikistans-president-emomali-rahmon-russian-74135217.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-30108476\" src=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/12\/tajikistans-president-emomali-rahmon-russian-74135217.jpg?w=1024\" alt=\"As the US and world remain distracted by the war in Gaza, Russian Pres. Vladimir Putin is poised to double-down on Ukraine with new attacks on the nation nearly two years after it was invaded by Russia.\" \/><\/a><\/strong>\n<figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>As the US and world remain distracted by the war in Gaza, Russian Pres. Vladimir Putin is poised to double-down on Ukraine with new attacks on the nation nearly two years after it was invaded by Russia.\u00a0AP<\/strong><\/figcaption>\n<\/figure>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:image --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Ukraine has survived Russia\u2019s two-year invasion because of US and Western support.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>But as Congress grapples with funding for Israel, it\u2019s chafing at more aid to Kyiv.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>The world is distracted by Gaza, providing an emboldened Russian President Vladimir Putin with further\u00a0reason to redouble his military machine in Ukraine, as witnessed this week.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Such an escalation would be felt far beyond Eastern Europe.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>The Ukraine war has been described as a \u201cmassive and historic energy shock\u201d by\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.oecd.org\/newsroom\/russia-s-war-of-aggression-against-ukraine-continues-to-create-serious-headwinds-for-global-economy.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">the OECD<\/a>, spiking global inflation and decimating economic growth, most notably in Europe.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Growth across the Eurozone is already expected to slide further in 2024,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.oecd.org\/newsroom\/economic-outlook-a-mild-slowdown-in-2024-and-slightly-improved-growth-in-2025.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">according to a recent OECD report,<\/a>\u00a0to a mere 1.4%, the lowest in the entire G20.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Beyond the economic costs, it\u2019s hard to overstate the repetitional damage to Brand America if Putin pounces while Gaza rages, particularly if Putin moves on to Moldova and the Baltics, as feared.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>The most worrisome fallout, however, could take place in China \u2014 which has been publicly supportive of Hamas as a charter member of a new \u201caxis of evil\u201d with Russia and Iran.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:image {\"id\":30108871,\"linkDestination\":\"custom\"} --><\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/12\/2022-russian-forces-pressed-siege-15569510.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-30108871\" src=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/12\/2022-russian-forces-pressed-siege-15569510.jpg?w=1024\" alt=\"The mangled results of a Russian attack on Kharkiv, Ukraine.\" \/><\/a><\/strong>\n<figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>The mangled results of a Russian attack on Kharkiv, Ukraine.\u00a0AFP via Getty Images<\/strong><\/figcaption>\n<\/figure>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:image --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>224<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>What do you think?\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/2023\/12\/30\/news\/how-the-israel-hamas-war-in-gaza-could-go-global-in-2024\/?utm_campaign=iphone_nyp&amp;utm_source=message_app#spotim-specific\">Post a comment.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Like Putin, Chinese leader Xi Jinping sees opportunity in a distracted US, most notably the fulfillment of China\u2019s decades-old promise to retake Taiwan, which it sees as historically Chinese.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>This would inevitably lead to a US response, potentially dragging America into a war in the South China Sea ignited, almost unimaginably, by Islamists in Gaza.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><em>Dan Perry is the former Associated Press regional editor for Europe, Africa and the Middle East and the author of two books about Israel.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>To view the popup window, place your cursor on the blue words. DAYS OF NOAH &#8211; VIOLENCE &#8220;But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.&#8221; \u2014 Matthew 24:37 &#8220;&#8221;And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth &hellip;<\/p>\n<p class=\"read-more\"> <a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.inthedays.com\/?p=4873\"> <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">HOW THE ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR IN GAZA COULD GO GLOBAL IN 2024<\/span> Read More &raquo;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":4903,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"pmpro_default_level":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[10,65,13],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4873","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-days-of-noah","category-violence-days-of-noah","category-wars-and-rumors-of-wars","pmpro-has-access"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.inthedays.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4873","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.inthedays.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.inthedays.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.inthedays.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.inthedays.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=4873"}],"version-history":[{"count":30,"href":"https:\/\/www.inthedays.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4873\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4906,"href":"https:\/\/www.inthedays.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4873\/revisions\/4906"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.inthedays.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/4903"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.inthedays.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=4873"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.inthedays.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=4873"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.inthedays.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=4873"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}