US Embassy in Beirut to close on Friday for Eid Al Adha
السفارة الأميركية في بيروت ستكون مغلقة يوم الجمعة 6 حزيران بمناسبة عيد الأضحى. pic.twitter.com/2rNluwYIWa
— U.S. Embassy Beirut (@usembassybeirut) June 4, 2025
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4 hours ago
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Parliament resumes session on government performance
Lebanese Parliament resumed its session at 5 p.m. to debate the government's performance, with MPs continuing to deliver speeches. MP Paula Yacoubian delivered a sharp critique, urging the cabinet to take decisive action against corruption and the proliferation of weapons outside state control. Yacoubian described the government's efforts as "modest at best," stressing that the Lebanese people are still placing hope in the executive's ability to confront what she called the entrenched corruption of the ruling class. Addressing the issue of Hezbollah's arms, she said that despite the hardships Lebanon has endured, "there has been no meaningful response from Hezbollah regarding the call to place all weapons under the authority of the state." "There is no country in the world that has prospered while allowing militias to bear arms," Yacoubian added. "This time, we are not entering the unknown—we know exactly what lies ahead," she warned, calling on the government to present a concrete timeline and framework for the collection and surrender of weapons. "This is the most crucial decision facing the government," she stated. Yacoubian further said, "This is one of the best governments Lebanon has had, and we hope it brings fruitful projects." Moreover, MP Halimé El Kaakour acknowledged that the current government has implemented several reforms but criticized its lack of transparency and responsiveness. 'We have yet to receive answers to many questions we've raised, including those related to public debt, prisoners, and arbitration councils,' she said. Kaakour also highlighted deep concerns in the education sector, noting that only 22% of students in Lebanon are enrolled in public schools—a figure that is 'reversed in most countries around the world.' Addressing the issue of national defense, Kaakour stressed the urgent need for the security strategy outlined in the government's policy plan, particularly regarding the state's monopoly on arms. 'Where is the security strategy?' she asked. 'And why does the government remain silent on ongoing Israeli violations?' MP Michel Daher sounded the alarm during the session over what he described as an existential threat to Lebanon, warning that tensions are simmering beneath the surface. Daher called on the government to take responsibility on the international stage and push for international guarantees to protect Lebanon, including securing an Israeli withdrawal from the five remaining occupied border points. 'We are facing a systematic destruction of the economy, and Israel is pleased with our current state,' he said. 'If the crisis continues, I fear the outbreak of internal strife.' MP Sami Gemayel issued a stark warning about Lebanon's future, saying there can be no meaningful reform or progress as long as weapons remain outside the authority of the state. "We are committed to prioritizing national partnership and transitioning Lebanon toward a new direction," Gemayel said in a televised address, stressing that any genuine dialogue must take place in an environment free from intimidation and armed pressure. "How can we hold talks while some factions possess weapons and a tool of coercion?" Gemayel described the situation in Lebanon as a state of war, questioning how the country can attract investments or receive international aid without first asserting its sovereignty. "There is no state, no reform, and no recovery while weapons are outside the state's framework," he declared. "Nothing will move in the right direction in Lebanon under these conditions." He also urged Hezbollah not to be the cause of internal unrest, saying the so-called resistance weapons have failed to protect Lebanon. "They are not resisting today," he said. "Let them turn these weapons into an opportunity to defend the country through the Lebanese Army." Gemayel's comments reflect mounting concerns among political leaders over the impact of non-state arms on Lebanon's stability, governance, and international standing.
Al Mayadeen
7 hours ago
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Al Mayadeen holds Beirut, Tehran rallies in support of Nasser Lahham
The Al Mayadeen Media Network held solidarity rallies in Beirut and Tehran on Monday in support of its Palestine bureau chief, Nasser al-Lahham, who was detained earlier in the day by Israeli occupation forces. Speaking during the Beirut rally, the chief of Al Mayadeen's bureau in Beirut Roni Alfa described al-Lahham as 'a witness to the crime committed by the occupation against freedom,' adding that his colleague's words 'frighten the occupation more than bullets.' 'We will not compromise on truth,' Alfa declared. 'We will never stop speaking reality [as it is].' Addressing al-Lahham directly, he continued, 'We are waiting for you. Your absence pains us. Your presence is only delayed, and whosoever believes in free media stands with us.' He concluded with a call to action, 'To all the free people in the world, [let us] stand with Nasser al-Lahham.' Simultaneously, Al Mayadeen's bureau in Tehran organized a parallel rally in solidarity with the detained journalist. According to reports, Israeli forces raided al-Lahham's home in the early hours of Monday morning. Agents from the Shin Bet security service ransacked his property and seized electronic equipment before taking him into custody. The arrest has sparked condemnations from regional media circles and press freedom advocates. This latest move comes as part of a broader, systematic campaign targeting journalists and media operations in occupied Palestine. In late October 2023, Israeli forces raided al-Lahham's home, assaulting his wife and children, conducting an intrusive search, and detaining his two sons, Basil and Basel. Al Mayadeen Media Network issued a strong-worded statement on Monday denouncing the violent detention of its bureau chief in occupied Palestine. The network said the arrest was carried out with "brutality and repression," demanding al-Lahham's immediate release. On Monday morning, July 7, Israeli occupation forces arrested our colleague Nasser Al-Lahham, Al Mayadeen's Bureau Chief in # arrest was executed brutally and oppressively. The arresting unit, consisting of Shin Bet officers and personnel, ransacked al-Lahham's… Mayadeen labeled al-Lahham's detention as part of a wider campaign of repression carried out by Israeli authorities against Palestinian journalists. "We are not surprised by the occupation's sadistic practices," Al Mayadeen said, "nor by its persistent hostility toward journalism, journalists, and the right to report the truth." Al Mayadeen's statement asserted that al-Lahham is one of the most renowned names in Palestinian media, with more than 30 years of experience in journalism. His arrest drew immediate condemnation from across the Arab world, with media figures, press freedom advocates, and political movements expressing solidarity. "For us, Nasser is more than a bureau chief. He is a leading voice in Palestinian journalism, a symbol of purposeful reporting, and a steadfast defender of his people's rights," Al Mayadeen's statement asserted.
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Flame of resistance will remain ignited: Hezbollah's Sheikh Qassem
During a powerful speech at the annual Ashura commemoration in Beirut, Sheikh Naim Qassem reaffirmed Hezbollah's unwavering commitment to resisting "Israel" and defending Lebanon. He condemned ongoing occupation violations, rejected normalization, and voiced strong support for Gaza and Yemen. The Hezbollah chief noted that this year's overwhelming turnout at the commemoration was striking and deeply symbolic, particularly since some had expected public participation to wane in light of recent regional events. "This resistance is that of Imam Sayyed Musa al-Sadr and the master of the martyrs of the Ummah, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, and it will uphold the covenant," the Secretary-General of Hezbollah stated in his speech. He further emphasized that "the flame of resistance will remain ignited, even if the circumstances were difficult." Sheikh Qassem emphasized their unwavering commitment to preserving the resistance movement, which they consider a sacred duty that must be protected. He firmly rejected any role in normalizing or justifying occupation in the region, describing normalization as deeply degrading and unacceptable. "We confront the enemy by defending Lebanon, and this defense will continue, even if the whole world stands against us. Liberation is a duty, no matter how long it takes," Sheikh Qassem stated, adding, "How can you expect us to stop when the enemy persists in its aggression? We cannot accept this, and we carry the wills of our martyrs on our shoulders." "We will never accept surrender. We are men of the field, and our position is clear: either our rights prevail or their falsehood is defeated," he asserted. The Lebanese leader affirmed that Hezbollah and its ally, the Amal movement, do not lack any strength or capabilities, emphasizing that the two stand united in every confrontation. "We find it ridiculous to be asked to hand over our rockets, which form the foundation of our defense. We are determined to live in a free, sovereign, and dignified country," Sheikh Qassem indicated, highlighting that were it not for the resistance, "Israel" would have overrun Lebanese towns and villages a long time ago. #Hezbollah's Secretary-General, Sheikh Naim Qassem, delivered a speech today at the annual #Ashura commemoration in #Beirut, reaffirming that the Resistance will not relinquish its rockets, the core of its defensive power amid continued Israeli aggression and violations in… will keep resisting and confronting [the enemy]. The ceasefire agreement was supposed to halt the aggression, but the occupation has committed thousands of violations," the Secretary-General emphasized, adding, "We cannot be intimidated into submission. No one has the right to demand we soften our position or disarm as long as the enemy's attacks persist." Sheikh Qassem stated that "Israel" must implement the first phase of the agreement by withdrawing its forces, halting all aggression and aerial attacks, releasing prisoners, and allowing reconstruction efforts to begin, emphasizing that "once the first phase is completed, we are ready for discussions." "We are not concerned by threats from the occupation or Washington, be it of killing or calls for surrender," the Hezbollah Secretary-General underlined. He affirmed, "We are ready for peace and state-building, just as we are prepared for confrontation and defense, and we will not relinquish our rights, no matter the sacrifices." The Hezbollah leader addressed the people of Gaza and Palestinian Resistance factions, stating, "With your resistance, you are among the most honorable people in the world and the finest of this land." "Palestine will remain for its people, and we will continue to stand by you," he added. Additionally, Sheikh Qassem hailed the role of Yemen in the region, emphasizing that "Yemen has become a torch of resistance and honor, setting a unique example by humiliating both America and Israel." Elsewhere, the Lebanese leader saluted the Iranian people "who stood firm and prevented Israel from achieving its objectives."
