Global Media Review: Iran Proxies, UK Sanctions, and British Museum Ties
International media reports highlight Iran building a new regional proxy network, Israel and the UK plunging into a severe diplomatic crisis over settlements, and scrutiny facing a British Museum sponsor over Israeli defense investments.
Iran Builds New Proxy Network in the Middle East
Following severe blows dealt to Hamas and Hezbollah, Iran is increasingly relying on the Houthis in Yemen and pro-Iranian militias in Iraq to pressure Saudi Arabia and US allies in the Gulf, according to the Associated Press. Regional sources report that cooperation has reached new levels, with the Houthis assisting Iraqi militias in planning and executing a two-day drone swarm attack against Saudi oil facilities in July.
For decades, Tehran built a network of armed groups around Israel, spearheaded by Hezbollah and Hamas. However, these groups suffered heavy losses in the conflicts since October 7, 2023. According to officials and experts interviewed by AP, Iran is now using the Houthis and Iraqi militias to open an additional pressure front against Gulf states and raise the costs of the conflict initiated by the US and Israel against Iran in February.
UK-Israel Relations Plunge to Decades-Low Amid Sanctions
Relations between Israel and the UK have dropped to their lowest level in decades after the UK and 11 other nations announced economic sanctions on goods from West Bank settlements, prompting a series of severe retaliatory measures from Israel, according to the BBC and Le Monde. In response, Israel announced the closure of the British consulate in Jerusalem, the removal of British representatives from the international support center in Gaza, and the termination of British training teams working with Palestinian security forces in Ramallah.
The British move goes beyond a ban on settlement products, including restrictions on companies providing construction, infrastructure, and financing services, as well as limits on arms sales. British Foreign Secretary David Mlamed described "settler terror" as running rampant, contributing to ethnic cleansing in parts of the West Bank while the Israeli government turns a blind eye. In response, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar stated, "The message to any government that harms us is clear: whoever acts against Israel, Israel will act against them."
British Museum Sponsor Faces Criticism Over Israeli Defense Tech Ties
Igor Tulchinsky, the billionaire sponsor of a major upcoming exhibition at the British Museum, is facing criticism over his investment links to Israel's defense sector, according to an investigation by Middle East Eye. Tulchinsky, founder of the American investment firm WorldQuant, reportedly donated around 5 million pounds to the Bayeux Tapestry exhibition.
The investigation highlights Tulchinsky's Tel Aviv-based fund, WorldQuant Genesis, launched in April to invest in early-stage artificial intelligence, robotics, and defense technologies. The fund is headed by retired Major General Saor Tzur, former commander of the Northern Corps and the IDF Maneuvering Array. The report also notes the fund's investment in NavAiro, an Israeli company developing anti-drone swarm technology.
