Israel

Southern Lebanon Defies the Odds as Summer Comes Alive Again

In the villages of Marjayoun and Hasbaya, summer has quietly reclaimed its place, defying fear and hardship. Restaurants, swimming pools, vineyards, festivals, and village fairs have all come back to life, offering a tender yet powerful reminder that, even under the watchful presence of Israeli drones, the spirit of the South continues to beat ...

Challenges to Hezbollah's Resurgence and Lebanon's Sovereignty

Lebanon is navigating a complex political and military landscape, with a strong push from the United States and the international community encouraging the Lebanese government to enhance state sovereignty and work towards the disarmament of Hezbollah and other armed groups. Recently, US presidential envoy Tom Barrack presented a comprehensive plan ...

Gaza: UN Security Council to Hold Emergency Meeting Saturday

The UN Security Council will hold an emergency meeting on Gaza on Saturday at 19:00 GMT, following Israel’s announcement of a plan to take control of the city, several diplomatic sources told AFP on Friday. Earlier, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, through a spokesperson, warned Israel against “a dangerous escalation” that ...

Iran in Lebanon: The Toxic Interference of a Declining State

The Lebanese state has taken a bold and historic decision: to disarm Hezbollah and other militias, and to restore full sovereignty over the entire national territory. This goal is fundamental and shared by nations worldwide. It is an essential milestone for Lebanon to emerge from the shadow of weapons and conflict, rebuild the war-torn villages of ...

Israel Prepares to Take Control of Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced in a Thursday interview on Fox News that Israel intends to take control of the Gaza Strip, though it does not plan to directly govern or maintain long-term control. He said the goal is to eventually transfer authority to Arab forces who would pose no threat to Israel and ensure a decent quality ...

Lebanon Endorses Barrack’s Plan for Hezbollah Disarmament

On Thursday, the Lebanese Council of Ministers met in Baabda to discuss and approve the American proposal presented by envoy Thomas Barrack. Outlined in a detailed seven-page diplomatic memorandum divided into three chapters, the initiative aims to establish a durable ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel while launching comprehensive security and ...

Tehran Vows to Block Lebanon’s Sovereignty Efforts

Tehran’s open opposition to Lebanon’s push for full state sovereignty has become increasingly clear, as Lebanese authorities seek to dismantle Hezbollah’s status as a “state within a state.” The process, launched by President Joseph Aoun and the Lebanese government on Tuesday, aims to restore the Lebanese state’s full authority over ...

Iraq Divided Over Future of Pro-Iran Armed Alliance

A bill in Iraq that would further formalise the role -- and perhaps, the autonomy -- of a powerful coalition of pro-Iran former paramilitaries has sparked a heated debate, fanned in part by US pressure. Few details of the bill that could decide the future of the Hashed al-Shaabi alliance have been made public. Formed in 2014 when Iraqis were ...

Israel Approves Plan to Seize Gaza, Citing Push to ‘Defeat’ Hamas

Israel's military will "take control" of Gaza City under a plan proposed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and approved by his security cabinet, his office said in a statement Friday. Nearly two years into the war in Gaza, Netanyahu faces mounting pressure at home and abroad for a truce to pull the territory's more than two ...

Israeli Drone Strike Kills One on Saida–Tyre Highway

An Israeli drone strike on Friday targeted a vehicle on the Saida-Tyr highway near Phoenicia University, killing reporter and photographer Mohammad Chehade.  Ambulance teams retrieved Chehade’s body from the targeted vehicle and transported it to a nearby hospital. According to a statement by the Israeli Army’s Arabic ...

Former Hostages Rally for Gaza War to End as Israel Mulls Updated Plan

Hundreds of demonstrators including Israelis released from captivity in Gaza rallied on Thursday in Jerusalem as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened his cabinet to review new plans for the war. Waving Israeli flags and holding portraits of hostages still held by Palestinian militants in Gaza, the protesters gathered outside Netanyahu's ...