The Tyrant Billionaire

Time flew to mid May.

During this period, an earth shattering event occurred.

On May 14, 1948, just before the end of Britain's mandate, the State of Israel formally declared its establishment.

On May 15, 1948, in the early hours, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon simultaneously declared war on Israel and launched an attack.

The first Arab Israeli War broke out.

Giannini received the news shortly after 3 a.m. When he got the call from his subordinate and heard that a war had officially broken out in the Middle East, he was startled.

"Hardy was right after all. If that's the case, Hardy might have bet correctly. If Johnson gets re-elected, we might have to reconsider Hardy's position within the consortium."

...

Hardy was having breakfast. Irina, sitting beside him, was wearing a pearl colored lace nightgown. She held a copy of the Global Times in her hand and was softly reading the news to Hardy.

Irina was a professional host, so her news reading was naturally professional.

"The seven member countries of the Arab League have mobilized a force of 43,000 troops, declared war on Israel, and launched an attack."

"The Egyptian army advanced into Palestine from Al Arish in two directions. The northern route, led by the First Brigade with a main force of 5,000 men, is moving along the coastal highway through Gaza towards Tel Aviv. The Israeli forces are fiercely resisting south of Tel Aviv, conducting night raids on the rear of the Egyptian vanguard."

"On the southern route, the Egyptian forces have captured key locations and main roads in the Negev. The Fourth Brigade is advancing towards Jerusalem via Beersheba and Hebron."

"The Syrian army, comprising two mechanized brigades, has launched an offensive from Quneitra towards the southern end of Lake Tiberias, successively capturing three Jewish settlements along both banks of the Jordan River. Currently, they are engaged in fierce battles with Israeli forces in the southern Lake Tiberias region."

"The Jordanian 'Arab Legion' entered the Old City of Jerusalem's Arab quarter yesterday and has since surrounded the Jewish quarter of the Old City, where fierce fighting is ongoing."

"The Lebanese army has captured the Malikiya border outpost in the north."

"The Iraqi forces have deployed one armored regiment, an infantry regiment, and a mechanized brigade supported by three air squadrons. They have successively occupied Nablus, Jenin, and Tulkarm, which is only 11 miles from the Mediterranean Sea, posing a threat to the Jewish city of Hadera."

In just three days since the war began, Israel had been defeated by the Arab coalition forces and was almost on the verge of collapse. Hardy thought to himself that at this time, the Jews must still be lobbying in Congress and with President Johnson.

Due to the outbreak of the Middle East war, Johnson ended his 'National Tour of Major Speeches,' which was halfway through, and urgently returned to the White House.

The Israeli ambassador, senior representatives, and various factions all sought out Johnson, requesting greater support from the United States while making more promises. How could Johnson possibly miss this opportunity?

The next day.

At the United Nations Security Council.

The U.S. representative submitted a resolution to the Security Council, suggesting that both sides of the conflict be ordered to cease fire within 36 hours.

The Soviet Union agreed with the U.S. proposal and accused the Arab countries of initiating the attack, demanding they cease their actions.

The United Kingdom opposed the U.S. suggestion and declared continued support for the Arab countries. Previously, the UK had been the suzerain state of these countries, and there were still entangled interests between them.

So the resolution did not pass at that time.

Hardy listened to his subordinate's report on the latest developments and smiled gently. This world is indeed marvelous, after all, everything revolves around interests.

Why does the U.S. support Israel, and why does the UK support the Arabs? Isn't it all driven by their respective interests?

He believed that at this time, the Jews had certainly made commitments to Johnson. When faced with life and death, they would spare no expense.

Hardy never thought that Johnson would rely solely on him, that would be unrealistic. Moreover, Hardy did not have such great influence he was not Rockefeller or Morgan, capable of single handedly supporting a president. If he were on his own, Johnson's election would most likely fail this time.

However, he was the first to invest heavily in Johnson, and this fact could never be changed. Johnson knew it in his heart, and the outside world also knew he was one of Johnson's major patrons.

Now, Hardy didn't need to do much, he just needed to continue providing steady support.

"Ring, ring, ring~!"

The phone on the table rang. Hardy picked it up, and Giannini's voice came through the receiver, "Hardy, you were right. There really is a war in the Middle East. But from what I read in the news papers, the situation for the Jews isn't looking good, they probably won't hold out for many more days."

"No, they will grit their teeth and hold on," Hardy replied.

"This is a rare opportunity for the Jews, they've waited over two thousand years and won't give up easily. Don't forget, they have a lot of support, and at this moment, they will be willing to expend all resources for this gamble. Once they win they will have a country in a very strategic location, who could resist the temptation of having a country under his command." Hardy said.

Giannini paused.

"I see that the U.S. representative has proposed a ceasefire resolution at the Security Council. Does this mean President Johnson has already agreed with the other side?"

Hardy understood what the other party was implying.

"I'm not sure either."

Giannini did not press further after all, some things were not suitable to discuss over the phone. Who knew if the call was being monitored?

"Hardy, what kind of business do you plan to pursue next?"

Hardy smiled, "Financial investments, private equity funds, insurance industry I think these sectors have great potential for the future."

Regarding financial investments and private equity funds, Giannini didn't think much of it. Anyone with a bank would invest in these areas, his Bank of America had many businesses in these sectors.