Key Takeaways
- The U.S. State Department has rejected participation in a United Nations conference aimed at advancing a two-state solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, labeling it a "publicity stunt" that could undermine ongoing diplomatic efforts.
- Israel may broaden its military operations in Gaza if current negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage release remain stalled, according to an Israeli official cited by The Jerusalem Post.
- EssilorLuxottica CEO Francesco Milleri anticipates a significant acceleration in sales of Meta Smartglasses, with forecasts now "really higher than before," signaling strong demand for the tech-enabled eyewear.
Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East remain high as the United States has announced its refusal to participate in a United Nations conference focused on a two-state solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The U.S. State Department described the conference as an "unproductive and ill-timed" event that could prolong the conflict and embolden Hamas. This stance aligns with Israel's decision to also boycott the event, which was co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia and aimed to establish a roadmap for Palestinian statehood while ensuring Israel's security.
Simultaneously, an Israeli official, cited by The Jerusalem Post, indicated that Israel might expand its military operations in Gaza if ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire and the release of hostages do not progress. This comes amidst continued efforts to secure a breakthrough in talks, which have been bogged down by competing demands from both sides.
In the technology sector, EssilorLuxottica's (ESLX) CEO Francesco Milleri has expressed heightened expectations for the sales of Meta (META) Smartglasses. The company expects sales to accelerate, with current forecasts "really higher than before." This optimistic outlook follows strong performance in 2024, where Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses reportedly sold 1 million units, with projections for 2025 ranging from 2 to 5 million units. EssilorLuxottica is also considering expanding its smartglass production capacity beyond the currently anticipated 10 billion pieces. The success of the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses has driven a significant surge in the global smart glasses market, with shipments growing by 210% year-over-year in 2024.
Ed Liston is a senior contributing editor at TheStockMarketWatch.com. An active market watcher and investor, Ed guides an independent team of experienced analysts and writes for multiple stock trader publications.