'If it were for the money, I wouldn't do this job': Lebanese Army continues to attract candidates
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
L'Orient-Le Jour
an hour ago
- L'Orient-Le Jour
US confirms death of American in West Bank
The U.S. State Department on Sunday confirmed an American citizen had died this week in the West Bank, with family and Palestinian officials attributing his death to arson by Israeli settlers. The Palestinian Authority and witnesses reported on Thursday that Israeli settlers had set fire to homes and cars in the West Bank village of Silwad, the latest attack in the occupied territory. Khamis Ayyad, 41, died from smoke inhalation due to the fires, the Palestinian health ministry said. Speaking Friday at a press conference in Chicago, Ayyad's family said he had moved to the West Bank several years ago with his wife and children, but continued to work for an American company. He is at least the second American citizen killed in West Bank settler violence in July, after a 20-year-old man was beaten to death while visiting family in the town of Sinjil. Mike Huckabee, the U.S. ambassador to Israel, demanded Israel investigate that killing, calling it a "criminal and terrorist act," but has yet to comment on the death of Ayyad. Contacted by AFP, the Israeli military said "several suspects ... set fire to property and vehicles in the Silwad area," but forces dispatched to the scene were unable to identify them. It added that Israeli police had launched an investigation. Asked for comment on the latest death, a State Department spokesperson said, "We can confirm the death of a U.S. citizen in the town of Silwad in the West Bank," without naming Ayyad. "We condemn criminal violence by any party in the West Bank," the spokesperson said, on condition of anonymity. The West Bank is home to some three million Palestinians, who live alongside about 500,000 Israeli settlers. Violence in the territory has surged throughout the Gaza war, triggered by Hamas's October 2023 attack on Israel.
L'Orient-Le Jour
an hour ago
- L'Orient-Le Jour
Aoun in Deir al-Qamar: For a united Lebanon and example of coexistence
It was to celebrate the annual feast at the historic church of Our Lady of the Hill (Saydet al-Talleh) in the heritage village of Deir al-Qamar in Shouf (Mount Lebanon) that President Joseph Aoun traveled on Sunday. Without delivering a speech, he left a message in the convent's guest book. "On this blessed day, we ask the Virgin Mary, Our Lady of the Hill, to protect Lebanon and its people, so that our beloved land may enjoy peace and prosperity, and we seek her intercession so that the country remains united in all its community diversity, and remains an example of civilization and coexistence in the heart of the East," he said. The president was welcomed by the heads of the convent and the superior general of the Maronite Order, Father Edmond Rizk, in the presence of the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Paolo Borgia. The mass saw significant political attendance: MPs Marwan Hamadeh, Georges Adwan, Farid Boustany, Camille Shamoun, Ghassan Atallah, Najat Aoun, as well as several other figures. In his homily, Father Rizk said that the presence of the president on this occasion remained a tradition until 1974, thanking Aoun for upholding it this year. "We pray for our wounded country in these delicate circumstances, where crises pile up... Our prayers accompany you in your exercise of national responsibilities," he said, addressing the president. Lebanon was shaken by the war between Hezbollah and Israel in 2023-2024, which continues in various forms despite a cease-fire agreement last November. The issue of the party's weapons, and the state's monopoly on arms, has returned to the forefront, creating deep tensions in the country. The government is expected to discuss this issue on Tuesday. On the occasion of Army Day on Aug. 1, Aoun reaffirmed the state's determination to regain its monopoly over weapons and the decision over war and peace, which garnered him much positive feedback but also harsh criticism from Hezbollah supporters.
Nahar Net
5 hours ago
- Nahar Net
Lebanon receives 'final' US paper as Aoun tells Hezbollah 'cooperation is only option'
Lebanon receives 'final' US paper as Aoun tells Hezbollah 'cooperation is only option' The Lebanese Presidency has told Hezbollah that cooperation with the state is its only option, ahead of Tuesday's crucial cabinet session on its weapons, Lebanese sources said. 'Hezbollah is in a state of shock over its allies' public calls for the monopolization of weapons,' the sources told Al-Arabiya's Al-Hadath channel. 'The final version of U.S. envoy Tom Barrack's ideas was delivered to Lebanon today,' the sources added. 'The speech of President Joseph Aoun and placing the arms file on cabinet's agenda have created a popular and political momentum supportive of the state,' the sources went on to say.
