The Crumbling Edifice: Israel’s Economic Decline Amidst the War on Gaza Civilians
By: A. Yeganeh
In recent months, the Israeli regime's economy has been besieged by a series of unprecedented crises, revealing the inherent instability and fragility beneath its outward façade of resilience. Were it not for the US media's orchestrated narrative, designed to shield the regime from scrutiny, the Israeli government might have already crumbled under the weight of its internal contradictions. The economic domain, a crucial determinant of governmental success or failure, has witnessed significant volatility for those residing in the occupied territories.
The ripple effects of Operation Al-Aqsa Storm have exacerbated the economic woes within the occupied Palestinian territories, sending all economic indicators into a downward spiral. This instability extends beyond mere financial metrics, permeating various facets of Israeli life. A thorough examination of this economic downturn necessitates a nuanced and comprehensive approach.
The unemployment rate, a paramount indicator of governmental efficacy, has surged in the wake of the Al-Aqsa Storm Operation and the ensuing security concerns. This rise in joblessness is compounded by the reverse migration of many Zionist settlers, rendering any short-term improvement in employment statistics implausible. The Netanyahu administration is now desperately seeking international economic aid to mitigate these burgeoning issues. One glaring consequence of this turmoil is the decline in agricultural output, driven by a scarcity of farmers and the perilous conditions of agricultural lands due to erratic military bombardments. This decline portends severe difficulties in meeting the basic food needs of the regime's populace.
Commercial relations, another critical economic pillar, have been severely disrupted. The regularity of imports and exports, as well as coordination with trade partners, has been thrown into disarray since October 7, 2023. This disruption is evident in the diminished trade relations between Israel and various countries, particularly in Latin America, following the Israeli military's atrocities in Gaza. Consequently, food inflation has surged within the occupied territories, exacerbating the hardships faced by Israeli residents in securing essential commodities.
The tourism sector, historically a focal point of Israeli economic strategy, has also been hit hard. The regime's longstanding efforts to portray the occupied Palestinian territories as a desirable destination for tourists have faltered amid growing security concerns. The resultant decline in tourism has not only reduced industry revenues but also mirrored the economic stagnation witnessed during the second Intifada in 2004. With ongoing military operations in the north and south, prospects for a revival in this sector appear bleak, further complicating the regime's economic outlook.
The Operation Al-Aqsa Storm has indeed inflicted profound damage on the Israeli economy, unmasking the unsustainable nature of its growth, which had been artificially bolstered by Washington's support. The upheaval has disrupted this fragile equilibrium, leaving the regime's economic sectors languishing without the usual influx of external assistance. The potential escalation of military operations along the Lebanese border threatens to deliver a fatal blow to an already collapsing economy. This precarious situation explains the cautious approach of Israeli leaders toward initiating further military measures in this volatile region.
In conclusion, the economic landscape of the Israeli regime is marked by profound and pervasive difficulties. The once-touted economic prosperity, heavily reliant on American patronage, now appears as a mere illusion, rapidly dissipating under the pressures of internal strife and external resistance. The regime's future, shrouded in uncertainty, paints a grim picture of decline and disarray.
