ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - October 7, 2024

ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - October 7, 2024

ZeroFox physical security experts collect, curate, and analyze information derived from open and proprietary sources for comprehensive context of the circumstances surrounding global events. Here is today’s daily roundup of major developments.

Brief Highlights

• Kazakhstan Referendum on Nuclear Energy
• Israel Bombs Lebanon, Gaza Ahead of One-Year Anniversary of Oct. 7 Attacks
• EU Imposes Tariffs on Chinese EVs

Kazakhstan Referendum on Nuclear Energy

On October 6, 2024, Kazakhstan held a referendum on whether the country should pursue nuclear energy and construct its first nuclear power plant (NPP). Government officials throughout the country have been heavily campaigning for a "yes" vote over the past several months, setting up rallies and meetings with residents to explain the benefits of nuclear energy. The government's position has focused heavily on the importance of nuclear energy to ensure Kazakhstan's future energy needs. The government also argues an NPP will help to reduce electricity outages, which frequently plague many parts of Kazakhstan. While the government has dedicated many resources to convincing citizens to vote "yes," it has also stifled dissent from opponents of NPPs, arresting activists who have tried to voice safety concerns about nuclear energy.

Israel Bombs Lebanon, Gaza Ahead of One-Year Anniversary of Oct. 7 Attacks

On Sunday, Israel conducted airstrikes on targets in Lebanon and Gaza ahead of the one-year anniversary (October 7) attacks, with the defense minister indicating that all options against Iran remain viable. The Israeli military ramped up its bombardment of southern Beirut, marking the most intense strikes in that area since tensions with Hezbollah escalated last month. Late Sunday evening, Hezbollah launched rockets that breached Israeli defenses, hitting Haifa and Tiberias and resulting in injuries to ten individuals. The group stated it specifically targeted a military facility south of Haifa using its "Fadi 1" missiles. As Israel prepares for memorial services on October 7, security forces remain on high alert for potential retaliatory attacks, implementing mass evacuation orders in both Lebanon and Gaza.

EU Imposes Tariffs on Chinese EVs

The European Union (EU) announced an increase in the tariffs on electric vehicles (EVs) made in China, from 10 percent to up to 45 percent. Germany voted against the high tariffs as its car manufacturing industry heavily depends on exports to China, while France, Italy, the Netherlands, and Poland backed the import taxes. Since the majority of the member states backed the plan, the tariff will be imposed at varying levels on different Chinese manufacturers, including SAIC, BYD, and Geely, for the next five years based on estimates of how much Chinese state aid each manufacturer received following an EU investigation.