Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s announcement that he plans to run for office again next year has prompted protesters to take to the streets in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. They’re right to do so. That’s because Mr Netanyahu’s leadership has undermined the long-term viability of his country. His actions in Gaza and open encouragement of illegal land grabs have led to international isolation, strained relationships with key allies in the Arab world and the West and engulfed Gazans in a humanitarian crisis.
Beyond the fact that the horrific events of October 7 took place on his watch, the Prime Minister’s collective punishment of Gaza has ignited unprecedented pushback from the international community. Accusations of apartheid and war crimes have eroded Israel’s legitimacy as a state, threatened the country’s relationship with the West and prompted several European partners to recognise a Palestinian state in protest. Mr Netanyahu’s policies in Gaza have even managed to breach the country’s longtime hold on the American right, with much of the Maga movement now questioning why the US continues to champion Israel as it seeds its coffers with billions of taxpayer dollars.
As Israel’s longest-serving prime minister (he has held that role for 18 out of the past 29 years), Mr Netanyahu’s track record is one of political expediency, whether flip-flopping on a two-state solution, undermining the judiciary or attempting to limit democratic institutions, his primary concern seems to be maintaining power and avoiding prosecution rather than advancing the cause of peace and the long-term prosperity of Israel.
None of this adds up to a better outlook for the Israeli state or its people. For context, Israeli elections are won on the basis of national security. People may grumble about the economy, the lack of affordable housing and societal issues generally, but at the voting booth the deciding factor is usually “can this candidate keep us safe”. It should be abundantly clear by now that when it comes to Mr Netanyahu the answer to that question is no.
And despite US President Donald Trump’s enormous success in getting both sides to a ceasefire, the question remains: is Israel committed to a true and lasting peace with its neighbours or will the country continue on the offensive, sowing chaos in the region in order to justify violence and territorial gains? At the recent Munich Leaders Forum in AlUla, Saudi Arabia, the position of many Arab foreign ministers was clear: if Mr Netanyahu fails to keep his word on a ceasefire or commitment to ultimately end the war, Israel will find a much more hostile neighbourhood going forward.
Many Arab ministers feel if Netanyahu fails to keep his word to ultimately end the war, Israel will find a much more hostile neighbourhood going forward
Mr Netanyahu’s strategy provides a sharp contrast with the more long-term thinking espoused by countries like the UAE, who have chosen not to renege on the Abraham Accords despite condemnation of Israel’s war in Gaza and a lack of trust in Israel’s current leadership. In this, we see Arab states demonstrating a deeper commitment to the security of the region. They are putting their people first when it comes to security and economic prosperity, recognising rightly that peace is just better for business.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s recent defence pact with Pakistan, a nuclear power, sets a new precedent for strategic deterrence and frees up the kingdom from sole reliance on the US for external defence. It’s a move that could be replicated by other Arab states, simply because they no longer believe American security guarantees are enough. And for Israel, a world where Arab states rely less on America for security, prosperity and direction adds up to a Middle East that is less likely to allow them carte blanche in future.
Recipe: Spirulina Coconut Brothie
Ingredients
1 tbsp Spirulina powder
1 banana
1 cup unsweetened coconut milk (full fat preferable)
1 tbsp fresh turmeric or turmeric powder
½ cup fresh spinach leaves
½ cup vegan broth
2 crushed ice cubes (optional)
Method
Blend all the ingredients together on high in a high-speed blender until smooth and creamy.
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
MATCH INFO
Champions League quarter-final, first leg
Ajax v Juventus, Wednesday, 11pm (UAE)
Match on BeIN Sports
Tributes from the UAE's personal finance community
• Sebastien Aguilar, who heads SimplyFI.org, a non-profit community where people learn to invest Bogleheads’ style
“It is thanks to Jack Bogle’s work that this community exists and thanks to his work that many investors now get the full benefits of long term, buy and hold stock market investing.
Compared to the industry, investing using the common sense approach of a Boglehead saves a lot in costs and guarantees higher returns than the average actively managed fund over the long term.
From a personal perspective, learning how to invest using Bogle’s approach was a turning point in my life. I quickly realised there was no point chasing returns and paying expensive advisers or platforms. Once money is taken care off, you can work on what truly matters, such as family, relationships or other projects. I owe Jack Bogle for that.”
• Sam Instone, director of financial advisory firm AES International
"Thought to have saved investors over a trillion dollars, Jack Bogle’s ideas truly changed the way the world invests. Shaped by his own personal experiences, his philosophy and basic rules for investors challenged the status quo of a self-interested global industry and eventually prevailed. Loathed by many big companies and commission-driven salespeople, he has transformed the way well-informed investors and professional advisers make decisions."
• Demos Kyprianou, a board member of SimplyFI.org
"Jack Bogle for me was a rebel, a revolutionary who changed the industry and gave the little guy like me, a chance. He was also a mentor who inspired me to take the leap and take control of my own finances."
• Steve Cronin, founder of DeadSimpleSaving.com
"Obsessed with reducing fees, Jack Bogle structured Vanguard to be owned by its clients – that way the priority would be fee minimisation for clients rather than profit maximisation for the company.
His real gift to us has been the ability to invest in the stock market (buy and hold for the long term) rather than be forced to speculate (try to make profits in the shorter term) or even worse have others speculate on our behalf.
Bogle has given countless investors the ability to get on with their life while growing their wealth in the background as fast as possible. The Financial Independence movement would barely exist without this."
• Zach Holz, who blogs about financial independence at The Happiest Teacher
"Jack Bogle was one of the greatest forces for wealth democratisation the world has ever seen. He allowed people a way to be free from the parasitical "financial advisers" whose only real concern are the fat fees they get from selling you over-complicated "products" that have caused millions of people all around the world real harm.”
• Tuan Phan, a board member of SimplyFI.org
"In an industry that’s synonymous with greed, Jack Bogle was a lone wolf, swimming against the tide. When others were incentivised to enrich themselves, he stood by the ‘fiduciary’ standard – something that is badly needed in the financial industry of the UAE."
Indika
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EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS
Estijaba – 8001717 – number to call to request coronavirus testing
Ministry of Health and Prevention – 80011111
Dubai Health Authority – 800342 – The number to book a free video or voice consultation with a doctor or connect to a local health centre
Emirates airline – 600555555
Etihad Airways – 600555666
Ambulance – 998
Knowledge and Human Development Authority – 8005432 ext. 4 for Covid-19 queries
THE TWIN BIO
Their favourite city: Dubai
Their favourite food: Khaleeji
Their favourite past-time : walking on the beach
Their favorite quote: ‘we rise by lifting others’ by Robert Ingersoll
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
RESULTS
1.30pm Handicap (PA) Dh 50,000 (Dirt) 1,400m
Winner AF Almomayaz, Hugo Lebouc (jockey), Ali Rashid Al Raihe (trainer)
2pm Handicap (TB) Dh 84,000 (D) 1,400m
Winner Karaginsky, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar.
2.30pm Maiden (TB) Dh 60,000 (D) 1,200m
Winner Sadeedd, Ryan Curatolo, Nicholas Bachalard.
3pm Conditions (TB) Dh 100,000 (D) 1,950m
Winner Blue Sovereign, Clement Lecoeuvre, Erwan Charpy.
3.30pm Handicap (TB) Dh 76,000 (D) 1,800m
Winner Tailor’s Row, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer.
4pm Maiden (TB) Dh 60,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner Bladesmith, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar.
4.30pm Handicap (TB) Dh 68,000 (D) 1,000m
Winner Shanaghai City, Fabrice Veron, Rashed Bouresly.
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