Children are seen in a destroyed house after Israeli attacks in Gaza City, Gaza on October 07, 2023.
Mustafa Hassona | Anadolu Agency | Getty Images
From being labeled “Israel’s 9/11,” to the culmination of a “50-year time bomb,” political analysts are reacting to the Israel-Hamas conflict and contemplating what happens next as the fighting extends into a second day.
At dawn Saturday, Palestinian militant group Hamas launched an infiltration into Israel by land, sea and air. The attack came hours after a barrage of rockets were sent from Gaza into Israel. The offensive occurred during a major Jewish holiday, and a day after the 50th anniversary of the Yom Kippur War.
The attack certainly “did not come out of the blue,” said Dan Steinbock, founder of global consultancy firm Difference Group.
Massive attacks by Hamas leadership into Israel… This is no less than Israel’s 9/11.
Ian Bremmer
President of Eurasia Group
“The Israeli-Hamas War is a logical result of 50 years of failed military policies,” Steinbock said in an e-mail to CNBC. He added that the attack marked the first major direct conflict within the Israeli territory since the country’s founding.
“It is a game-changer in the Israeli-Palestine conflict,” Steinbock added.
At the time of publication, at least 250 Israelis have reportedly been killed with more than 1,860 injured, according to NBC News. The Palestinian Healthy Ministry, meanwhile, has recorded 256 deaths and 1,790 injuries in Gaza.
Getty Images
Israel’s 9/11?
“Massive attacks by Hamas leadership into Israel … This is no less than Israel’s 9/11,” said the president of Eurasia Group, Ian Bremmer, in reference to the scale of the attack.
Israel is in its “strongest geopolitical position” in decades, Bremmer said in a video analysis, elaborating on Israel’s normalization of ties with various nations. Bremmer cited the Abraham Accords, which opened diplomatic relations between Israel and the UAE, as well as Morocco and Bahrain. More recently, talks of potentially normalizing relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel had been in the cards.
“And if you are the leadership of Hamas, refusing to accept Israel’s right to exist … watching the politics of the region turn against you … Well, certainly that is part of the reason why Hamas would have decided to engage in this level of unprecedented strikes against Israel,” Bremmer concluded.
‘Massive intelligence failure’
The attack also marked a “massive intelligence and defense failure for Israel,” Bremmer highlighted, saying it was an oversight stemming from the government’s new judicial reforms.
Israel’s defense system is hallmarked by its “Iron Dome,” an anti-rocket air defense system shielding its heavily populated areas since 2011. The dome claims to have a 96% success rate, however, some of Hamas’ rockets have bypassed the defenses and struck buildings inside Israel.
Rockets launched towards Israel from the northern Gaza Strip and response from the Israeli missile defense system known as the Iron Dome leave streaks through the sky on May 14, 2021 in Gaza City, Gaza.
Fatima Shbair | Getty Images
For months, Israel has been beleaguered by political turmoil following controversial judicial reforms pushed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing government.
And that, according to Bremmer, “has clearly distracted Israeli intelligence. It’s also distracted the Israeli military,” he said, many of whom said they were not willing to serve in the military if the judicial overhaul proceeded.
Saudi-Israeli normalization?
And what does the fighting mean for both parties’ relations with other Middle Eastern counterparts?
For one, analysts expect the conflict to derail a U.S.-brokered negotiation between Israel and Saudi Arabia to establish formal relations with each other.
“The violence has certainly poured cold water on the possibility of a fast-tracked Israeli-Saudi normalization process and reminded the international community that the issue of Palestine requires urgent conflict management and mediation,” said Chatham House’s Middle East North Africa Programme Director Sanam Vakil.
From what we see so far … [this] is a Gaza and Israel war. So far there is no sign that Iran and Hezbollah plan to join. As long as this is the case the global impact is limited.
Zvi Eckstein
emeritus professor of Economics at Tel Aviv University
Just a few weeks back, Saudi Arabia had told the Biden administration of its decision to freeze efforts toward normalizing relations with Israel. According to the Saudi-owned newspaper Elaph, an Israeli official had attributed the suspension to the Israeli government’s unwillingness to make any concessions to the Palestinians.
“The Israeli-Saudi deal which was close to getting done is now over,” Bremmer said. “If anything was accomplished that Hamas wanted, that would be the single biggest thing,” he said.
Saudi Arabia has stated it does not support the attacks, and has joined global calls for a de-escalation.
“The kingdom recalls its repeated warnings of the dangers of the explosion of the situation as a result of the continued occupation, the deprivation of the Palestinian people of their legitimate rights, and the repetition of systematic provocations against its sanctities,” Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry said in a statement Saturday.
Does the conflict spread?
“From what we see so far … [this] is a Gaza and Israel war. So far there is no sign that Iran and Hezbollah plan to join. As long as this is the case the global impact is limited,” Zvi Eckstein, former deputy governor at the Bank of Israel, told CNBC via e-mail.
Eckstein, who is currently emeritus professor of economics at Tel Aviv University, said he does not see any global impact like that of the Russia-Ukraine war.
However, that may not stay for long, should Iran be found to have had a hand in the attacks, Bremmer said.
“Certainly, if it is found that Iran helped to plan these attacks by Hamas, that would be a game changer and would probably lead to Israeli strikes against Iranian military,” he said.
“The broader question is whether or not we see ongoing military collaboration for Hamas, from Iran, from Syria … that could of course lead to an expansion of the war.”
On Sunday, Lebanon’s Hezbollah militant group confirmed it launched attacks on three sites in the Shebaa Farms — a strip of land that sits at the intersection of the Lebanese-Syrian border and the Golan Heights, which is occupied by Israel. The Israeli Defense Force confirmed it has returned fire and “struck Hezbollah terrorist infrastructure.”
Review: The ST3 Pro e-scooter brings serious suspension alongside smart controls and more as Navee’s latest flagship
As a long-time rider of Segway electric scooters, my expectations are quite high for new brands looking to climb their way up to the standard that the household-name has set in stone at this point. Only within the last few months did Navee come onto my radar, with the brand offering me the chance to test out its latest flagship model, the ST3 Pro Electric Scooter, which has been quite the surprise, to say the least. At first, it seemed like it was full of gimmicks that were destined to fail, but after riding around for several weeks now, I can happily say that Segway may just have found a new challenger. Head below to get my hands-on impressions of this high-end e-scooter that still retains accessible pricing for the stunning list of features.
To get our full hands-on impression of this new flagship e-scooter, be sure to check out our review here.
Advertisement – scroll for more content
Save $500 on Luckeep’s C23 folding step-through e-bike with a removable passenger seat at a new $499 low
Luckeep is offering the lowest price yet on its C23 Folding Step-Through Two-Seater e-bike at $499 shipped, after using the promo code LKSDC23250 at checkout, which beats out Amazon’s current pricing by $101. It carries a $999 MSRP directly from the brand, though it’s never gone above $749 at Amazon in the two+ months it’s been listed, which we’ve seen taken down to $600, $569, and $519 in 2025 so far. Taking advantage of this promotional deal, though, gives you more savings than ever, as $500 is cut from the MSRP for the best new price that we have tracked.
Luckeep has designed the C23 Folding e-bike for women in particular, though that’s not to say anyone else can’t enjoy the budget-friendly commuter at this price – especially if you’re going to be regularly using it to shepherd kids to life’s appointments, as it sports a removable mini sofa backseat. What’s more, the folding design makes it far more manageable when storing it after a ride too, only adding to the versatile convenience. It comes equipped with a 750W rear hub motor that peaks as high as 1,200W alongside a 624Wh battery to provide up to 28 MPH top speeds for up to 65 miles of pedal-assisted travel.
Luckeep’s C23 folding e-bike even comes with its own security measures in the form of an NFC card, as well as smartphone or smartwatch apps, which can be used to lock and unlock the bike when you hop off. From there, you’re getting some solid stock features for such an affordable price, like the front suspension lock-out fork, all-terrain tires, an integrated headlight and taillight, and more – including the unique features I’ve already mentioned.
Aventon cuts the price further on its Aventure 2 all-terrain e-bikes to best price of 2025 at $1,499
As part of its ongoing Final Summer/Labor Day Sale running through September 3, Aventon has dropped the price further on its Aventure 2 All-Terrain e-bike to $1,499 shipped. It started this sale having fallen from its $1,999 full price to $1,699, with an additional $200 being taken off now for the best price of the year. We’ve seen discounts mostly dropping the costs to $1,599 at best this year, with this being the first time we’ve spied it going further in the last eight months. You’re looking at a total $500 price cut while the sale continues, giving you one of the most popular legacy models from this brand at the best price of 2025 – and it even beats out 2024’s Black Friday and Christmas pricing by $200 too.
LG’s WashCombo all-in-one electric ventless washer/dryer is getting up to $1,685 in savings for Labor Day starting from $2,000
As part of its ongoing Labor Day appliance sale, LG is offering its WashCombo All-in-One Electric Ventless Washer/Dryer for $2,099 shipped, while adding on several extra savings opportunities (more on those below). It normally goes for $3,300 at full price, with the costs taken down between $2,200 and $2,000 most of 2025 during sales, though we did see it drop to $1,999 back in April and fall as low as $1,800 at Best Buy, where it’s currently priced for $1,999.99 shipped, though it doesn’t come with any bonus savings. While it has fallen as low as $1,500 in past years, you’re still looking at a solid $1,201 markdown that only gets sweeter when considering the extra savings you can obtain.
Prime members can score Schumacher’s new 12A level 1 portable EV charger at a new $116 low
Amazon is offering Prime members a second chance at the best pricing on the new Schumacher SEV1670 12A Level 1 Portable EV Charger at $115.59 shipped. Only having been on the market since the end of May and carrying a $160 full price tag, it didn’t see its first discount until Prime Day when it fell to $128, which remained the lowest we’d seen it fall until today. Now, Prime members can enjoy the best new price we have tracked, which gives you $44 off the going rate and drops things $12 under the previous low.
Head off-road with $434 in free gear on Lectric’s XPeak2 long-range e-bike at $1,699 for Labor Day
As part of its ongoing Labor Day Sale running through the upcoming holiday, Lectric has increased several bundle packages on various EVs, including the XPeak2 Long-Range Off-Road e-bike that is getting $434 in free gear at $1,699 shipped. We’ve mostly been seeing this model get bundles ranging from $316 to $336 over 2025, with the increased package during this sale normally costing you $2,133 in full. Picking up this ride while the sale lasts scores you the additional gear of a rear cargo rack, fenders to go over both tires, an Elite headlight, a suspension seat post, a bottle holder and mounting adapter, a bottle-shaped e-bike lock, and water-resistant pannier bags.
Bring DJI’s Power 1000 or 2000 power stations on outdoor adventures starting from $499
Through its official Amazon storefront, DJI is offering its Power 1000 Portable Power Station at $499 shipped. While it carries a $999 MSRP, we’ve been seeing it in 2025 keep down at $699 in full at Amazon. Since the end of July it’s been staying above $549, with past discounts this year having taken the costs as low as $379 in a series of short-term Lightning sales back at the top of the year. You’re looking at a 29% markdown off the going rate here, which saves you $200 while equipping your outdoor adventures with the means to keep your personal devices running.
Keep on your budget while getting a watchful companion for the road with VIOFO’s A119 Mini 2 dash cam at $100
By way of its official Amazon storefront, VIOFO is offering its A119 Mini 2 Dash Cam for $99.98 shipped which comes right behind our earlier coverage of the more advanced A229 series of dash cams. This smaller single-cam option usually fetches $139 at full price, which has regularly fallen between $100 and $99 over the course of 2025, with one drop lower to $90 back at the end of March. While we have seen the price go as low as $86 in 2024, you’re otherwise looking at the third-best rate of 2025 that cuts $39 off the going rate while giving you one of the brand’s best budget-friendly dash cam options.
Start your EGO multi-head arsenal with a power head, 15-inch string trimmer attachment, and 5.0Ah battery for $320
Amazon is offering the EGO Power+ 56V Multi-Head 15-inch String Trimmer and Power Head Combo Kit with 5.0Ah battery for $319.99 shipped. It normally fetches $389 at full price, which we’ve mostly seen dropping between $350 and $309 in 2025, save for the one-time drop to $264 we spotted back in May. While it’s not the lowest tracked price in its history, you’re still looking at a solid $69 markdown that drops costs just $10 above Prime Day’s pricing. You can also browse the brand’s Amazon storefront here for more attachments to add to your kit’s arsenal.
The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.
The Honda Prologue is one of the best-selling electric vehicles in the US. For Labor Day, Honda is offering generous discounts on EVs, including the Prologue and Acura ZDX.
What discounts is Honda offering on EVs for Labor Day?
After delivering the first models last March, Honda’s electric SUV proved to be a surprise hit. In the second half of 2024, it was the second-best-selling electric SUV, trailing only the Tesla Model Y.
The Prologue remains a top seller in the US in 2025, outselling the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Hyundai IONIQ 5 last month. With new Labor Day discounts, Honda has made its EVs even more attractive.
Honda is offering 2025 Prologue leases starting at $159 per month. The offer is for 24 months with $1,099 due at signing and includes a $3,500 conquest or loyalty bonus. Although it’s a regional offer, it’s available in most US states.
Advertisement – scroll for more content
Alternatively, you can opt for Honda’s unique One Pay Lease deal. The offer allows you to pay the entire $4,800 lease amount upfront. For a 24-month lease, the monthly cost works out to approximately $200.
This is also a regional offer, available in California and other ZEV states. The One Pay Lease deal ends on September 2, while the $159 monthly lease deal is available until September 30. Both include the $7,500 EV tax credit, set to expire at the end of September.
2025 Honda Prologue trim
Starting Price*
Starting Price After Tax Credit*
EPA Range (miles)
EX (FWD)
$47,400
$39,900
308
EX (AWD)
$50,400
$42,900
294
Touring (FWD)
$51.700
$44,200
308
Touring (AWD)
$54,700
$47,200
294
Elite (AWD)
$57,900
$50,400
283
2025 Honda Prologue prices and range by trim (*Does not include $1,450 D&H fee)
Although the Prologue took the spotlight, Honda’s luxury brand, Acura, is selling more EVs than it even expected. Through the first half of the year, the Acura ZDX outsold the Cadillac Lyriq.
The Acura ZDX is available for lease starting at $299 per month, with over $30,000 in lease cash incentives. The offer is for 36 months with $4,699 due at signing.
Acura ZDX at a Tesla Supercharger (Source: Honda)
This is also a regional deal, available in California and other ZEV states. It ends on September 2. Acura is offering 0% APR financing on the 2024 ZDX until September 2. If you’re looking for other EV lease deals for under $300 a month, check out our updated list for August here.
Are you looking to take advantage of the savings while they last? We can help you find the right model at the best price. You can use our links below to find deals on the Honda Prologue and Acura ZDX near you.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links.More.
If you’ve been eyeing a LiveWire electric motorcycle but couldn’t justify the price tag, this might be your moment. LiveWire Group just launched a new “Twist & Go” promotion that drops prices on its entire S2 lineup by thousands of dollars – at least for a limited time.
From now through October 31, 2025, customers can score significant discounts on all three S2 models:
S2 Del Mar: Now starting at $9,999
S2 Mulholland: Now starting at $10,999
S2 Alpinista: Now starting at $11,999
For reference, those models previously hovered in the $15k – $17k range depending on trim and region, so this is a serious price cut. And it’s not just a one-off model – this covers the full S2 lineup.
LiveWire is also rolling out a free software update that adds two long-awaited features: Reverse mode (a blessing for parking maneuvers on heavier bikes or when trying to back up a slight incline) and Roll-Forward Regenerative Braking, which lets riders engage regen while twisting the throttle forwards.
Advertisement – scroll for more content
Electrek’s Take
This feels like significantly more than just a seasonal promotion. I’d say it’s clearly a response to slower-than-expected sales on what are arguably some of the most refined electric motorcycles on the market… but also some of the priciest. While the S2 Del Mar and its siblings have impressed with solid range, sporty performance, and premium styling, their premium pricing has made it tough to lure buyers away from both cheaper electric options and high-performing gas bikes. And as someone who owns an S2 Del Mar, I can tell you that its a fantastic bike to ride, but the price does make you swallow hard before pulling the trigger (and not owning a car helps, at least for me).
Slashing thousands off the price could help LiveWire move more units heading into the fall, especially as the weather cools and motorcycle sales typically dip. But it also signals that the high-end e-moto market might be hitting a ceiling, at least for now. LiveWire seems to be aware of that as well considering how they’re aggressively targetting smaller and more affordable bikes with their recent developments.
If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to go electric on two wheels, LiveWire just gave you one. But act fast, because the deal ends October 31, and inventory might not last that long.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links.More.