//The Wire//2130Z August 13, 2024//

//ROUTINE//

//BLUF: ISRAELI NATIONAL SECURITY MINISTER RAIDS AL-AQSA MOSQUE. UNREST CONTINUES IN U.K. AS PROTESTERS BECOME MORE ORGANIZED.//

 -----BEGIN TEARLINE-----

-International Events-

United Kingdom: General unrest continues as violence cools down in some areas, but intensifies in others. Most demonstrators appear to be reaching a point of regularity, with dozens of different groups protesting for varying causes. Most of the more serious outrage appears to directed towards British political leadership and authorities that continue to persecute those exercising speech.

Belgium: The European Union has backtracked on the threatening letter sent to Elon Musk, stating that the letter was sent without authorization and that Thierry Breton (the EU Commissioner who authored the letter) acted alone.

Middle East: This morning, Israeli National Security Minister Ben Gvir personally conducted an unauthorized raid to al Aqsa Mosque, leading a few thousand Israeli settlers to the highly-controversial zone. Israeli settlers raised the Israeli flag inside the courtyard compound, and conducted religious ceremonies. During the operation, Israeli forces reportedly prevented Palestinians from entering the Mosque compound.

-----END TEARLINE-----

Analyst Comments: This was not merely a casual visit to the Mosque; thousands of police and military forces surrounded the area to provide security for this operation. As such, this extremely serious provocation breaks decades of protocol and delicately established diplomatic doctrine at a time when the slightest escalation is exceptionally dangerous to the stability of the region.

Analyst: S2A1

//END REPORT//