Gaza War Has Financial Reason Mainstream Media Won't Cover

Israel sees “a real economic interest" in Gaza, and that explains why no matter the extent of global outrage, Tel Aviv’s military campaign in the beleaguered enclave rages on, Ray McGovern, former CIA analyst and co-founder of Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity, told Sputnik.

“The Israelis see a real economic interest in dominating Gaza. And that's why, of course, [Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu has made it very clear: no, they have no intention of leaving Gaza. It's going to be part of Israel unless they are faced down by people who think it important to defend the Palestinians, and will act to end that genocide that's going on right now, and that our government, the United States, is not only enabling, but providing arms for and other political support,” McGovern said.

In late December, the Biden administration bypassed Congress and approved more weapons and munitions for Israel. The package was pushed through via an emergency determination and covered a sale worth $147.5 million, all the while amid Washington’s rhetorical calls for an end to civilian deaths.

'Rich Gas Fields Offshore'

“On the economic side, which is all-important, of course, Israel has overriding interest in protecting its 'rights' to the territorial waters of Gaza, where there are rich gas fields offshore. Israel claims sole ownership of those territorial waters. And, there's this design for an East Med pipeline which would permit Israel to export to Italy and elsewhere in the European Union the natural gas it has seized by military force from the Palestinians in Gaza. And that's something that you really don't see in the in the mainstream press here, do you?" the pundit queried.

“So genocide is genocide, and unless that stopped, Israel will not only profit from ‘additional security’ for a while, but will also profit from having a better 'claim' or a semi- or a quasi-legal claim to the waters off Gaza, which, as people know, are very rich in gas deposits,” McGovern stressed.

Analysis

Bibi’s Holy Grail: Why Does Israel Want Control of Corridor Between Gaza and Egypt?

16 January, 19:07 GMT

As Israel’s war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip rages on, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is insisting that he "will not compromise on full Israeli control" over Gaza, stating on January 20 that "this is contrary to a Palestinian state." As the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) intensify strikes on the city of Khan Younis, and the bloody quagmire relentlessly racks up the civilian death toll, any viable deal on a ceasefire and release of the roughly 130 hostages still held captive by Hamas is yet to be agreed. The Israeli military has so far failed to defeat the militant group in Gaza, itself facing troop and equipment losses, while global protests condemning the “genocide” against Palestinians show no sign of abating.

Looking ahead, McGovern suggested that "a lot will depend on the outcome of the genocide in Gaza, whether that's allowed to continue or whether we [the United States] will finally say [...] 'No more arms until you stop the murder in Gaza.'"

Analysis

US Resolve to Give Israel ‘License’ in Gaza War Will Hurt It 'Long Term' - Analyst

24 December 2023, 10:20 GMT

Gaza War Has Financial Reason Mainstream Media Won't Cover - Ex-CIA Analyst

'Rich Gas Fields Offshore'