September 28, 2024:
So far this year Israel has conducted several military operations aimed at maintaining its security and countering threats from neighboring areas. Notably, in March, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) launched Operation Northern Shield to neutralize Hezbollah tunnels along the northern border. This operation was deemed necessary to prevent potential infiltration and attacks. Additionally, in July, the IDF responded to increased rocket fire from Gaza by launching targeted strikes on militant positions, aiming to restore calm and deter further aggression. In September Israeli forces attacked southern Lebanon to destroy Hezbollah. Israeli had already used an exploding pager attacks against over 4,000 Hezbollah operatives, which left 40 dead and the rest wounded. The next day another attack detonated hundreds of Hezbollah walkie-talkies with similar results. These two attacks caused panic among Hezbollah members and its supporters in the Iranian IRGC. Hezbollah reacted by resorting to individual couriers to deliver messages. This slowed down Hezbollah operations considerably. Meanwhile, Israel took advantage of the situation to bomb Lebanese buildings inhabited by key Hezbollah and Hamas leaders, killing them both.
Diplomatically, Israel continued to strengthen its international alliances and pursue peace with neighboring countries. In February, Israel hosted the Abraham Accords Summit, bringing together leaders from the UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco to discuss furthering economic and security cooperation. In June, Israel signed a landmark trade agreement with India, which aims to boost bilateral trade and investment in technology, healthcare, and agriculture sectors. Furthermore, Israel also engaged in back-channel talks with Saudi Arabia, signaling a potential future normalization of relations.
Economically, Israel experienced substantial saw growth and increased innovation. Israeli continued to demonstrate why it is solidify its position as an international technology center. Several Israeli startup firms quickly reached over a billion dollars in sales. Israel also revealed substantial developments of novel renewable energy sources that further reduced Israeli dependence on investments in renewable energy infrastructure, aiming to reduce the country's reliance on petroleum. In August, Israel revealed expanded and upgraded port facilities in Haifa. This will make it easier to receive imports and handle more exports. Haifa has become the busiest port in Israel, handling over 29 million tons of cargo each year. Haifa has welcomed several new shipping operations to the port. This expanded the port facilities and overall port capability to handle more cargo.
Israeli politics managed all these activities. There were elections in August that produced a coalition government headed by Yair Lapid, who promised to focus on unity and addressing socio-economic disparities. Additionally, legislative reforms were introduced in September to address judicial independence and transparency, reflecting the government's commitment to strengthening democratic institutions.