//The Wire Weekly Rollup//February 11-17, 2024//

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-International Events-

Middle East: Israel began the military campaign to gain control of the city of Rafah, along the Egyptian border. This operation, while slow to begin, has so far largely comprised of large bombing campaigns. In northern Israel tensions with Lebanon remain elevated following the Israeli targeting of Hezbollah observation posts and rocket launch sites in southern Lebanon. These strikes have become more routine in response to Hezbollah rocket attacks, and when combined with the large buildup of Israeli troops in the north, questions remain as to whether or not Israel will commit to opening up yet another front while the majority of IDF soldiers remain committed to operations in Gaza.

Red Sea/HOA: This week American forces in the region stepped up alleged “self defense” targeting of Houthi facilities and equipment. Anti-Ship Cruise Missiles (ASCMs), Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs), and various Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAVs) have been the primary targets engaged daily. The Houthi targeting of commercial shipping has continued as before, with the handful of commercial ships still committed to transiting the Bab el Mandeb Strait being routinely targeted by Yemeni forces. An approximate average of one or two ships transiting the region per day have been successfully struck by Houthi cruise missiles. AC: As routine combat operations seem to have begun under the guise of “self defense” strikes, it is important to remember that the U.S. has not declared war on Yemen or the Houthi forces controlling the majority of the country (and the government sector). 

Europe: This week sentiments among various nations have increasingly indicated the desire for the Gaza war to reach a conclusion. Wednesday, French President Macron voiced objection to the Israeli campaign in Gaza in a phone call with PM Netanyahu. Specifically, Macron stated that France’s position was one of firm opposition to the current events in Gaza, and that restricting the access of aid groups to “a population in an absolute humanitarian emergency was unjustifiable”. 

This strongly-worded rhetoric follows recent rulings suggesting Dutch opposition to Israeli actions in Gaza. On Monday, a Dutch court of appeals ruled against the Dutch government, halting the export of F-35 aircraft parts to Israel, due to the legal implications of doing so. Specifically, the court ruled that “It is undeniable that there is a clear risk the exported F-35 parts are used in serious violations of international humanitarian law”. AC: Though this is merely one court’s opinion, this is the very first de facto admission by a legal power within a European nation that suggests that violations of humanitarian law are being committed by Israel. This is also the first time that a nation, legal power, or entity that is not affiliated with a pro-Palestinian movement has made these implications, lending more weight to the allegations than claims made by obviously politically motivated entities. President Macron’s statements add some weight to this idea, as he is the only European Head of State to use such strong language in the diplomatic space surrounding Israel. However, Macron’s own reputation (along with the current problems with pro-Palestinian migrants in France, and his potential motivations to satisfy this demographic) lessens the objectivity of his concerns.

Russia: Prison officials in the Yamalo-Nenets correctional district announced the death of Alexei Navalny at the IK-3 penal colony. The circumstances of his death were reportedly sudden, according to officials who state that he died shortly after collapsing. Navalny’s attorney, who spoke with him a couple of days prior, has stated that he appeared to be in good health (considering the conditions of confinement at the facility).