Israeli officials confirm secret meeting between Tzachi Hanegbi and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Abu Dhabi: LBCI correspondent
The sources indicated that the unexpected three-hour delay in the departure of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's plane was likely linked to this meeting.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
LBCI
5 hours ago
- LBCI
Army Day address: Lebanese President Aoun outlines achievements and challenges
English adaptation by Yasmine Jaroudi Marking Lebanon's Army Day, President Joseph Aoun addressed the nation with a firm declaration of his commitment to implementing the principles laid out in his oath of office, vowing to carry them out "without amendment or change." His remarks come amid mounting international pressure on Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah. While reiterating his long-standing position that arms must be solely in the hands of the Lebanese state, the president also stressed Lebanon's right to resist ongoing Israeli violations and insisted on Israel's withdrawal from remaining occupied Lebanese territories. He noted that defending Lebanese sovereignty and maintaining internal peace remain top priorities of his presidency. The speech also served as a review of achievements made during his term despite numerous challenges. President Aoun highlighted three main pillars of progress: First, he pointed to his anti-corruption drive, which has led to the lifting of political protections for several officials accused of misconduct. Multiple ministers were detained, banking figures were prosecuted for embezzlement, and judges were referred for disciplinary action. Oversight bodies were also strengthened. Second, he spoke about the reactivation of Lebanon's public administration. Long-stalled state institutions saw a wave of appointments, including regulatory bodies in key sectors that had been run in caretaker capacities for years. Third, President Aoun emphasized his efforts to restore Lebanon's ties with the Arab world and the international community. Diplomatic outreach led to increased visits from Arab and European officials, the lifting of travel bans to Lebanon, and the reopening of embassies. He noted that this renewed engagement laid the groundwork for economic, agricultural, and healthcare cooperation, with hopes of broader Arab support for Lebanon's post-war reconstruction.
LBCI
5 hours ago
- LBCI
With Gaza war 'under fire,' Netanyahu looks to Washington for support
Report by Amal Shehadeh, English adaptation by Laetithia Harb In a bid to shore up his government as the war in Gaza drags on without progress, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is intensifying coordination with Washington. The latest move came with a brief visit to Tel Aviv by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, aimed at reviving stalled hostage negotiations and discussing next steps in the conflict. Witkoff met with Netanyahu and several Israeli officials before visiting a humanitarian aid center operated by an American company. His visit followed earlier talks in Washington with Mossad chief David Barnea, where they reviewed Netanyahu's plan for the coming phase, which hinges on developments in the hostage deal. The proposal includes annexing northern Gaza and beginning a voluntary relocation of thousands of Palestinians. With Egypt opposing the plan, Israel is now exploring alternative routes that would transfer displaced Palestinians through its territory and then across Jordan to other countries. Israeli officials say five countries—including Ethiopia, Libya, and Indonesia—have agreed to accept Palestinians, with negotiations underway to coordinate the process. In Tel Aviv, Witkoff is working to address obstacles blocking the deal after Israel rejected key Hamas demands, including terms related to captive releases, control of the Rafah crossing, and the Philadelphi Corridor. These unresolved issues continue to delay an agreement, but also keep the current government in place, along with Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
LBCI
5 hours ago
- LBCI
Russia's Putin meets Syrian FM in Moscow, Sharaa invited to Russia-Arab summit
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met with Syria's foreign minister Asaad al-Shibani in Moscow on Thursday, the first visit by a top official from Syria's new government since the toppling of longtime Russian ally Bashar al-Assad in December. Lavrov said Moscow would like Syria's new President Ahmed al-Sharaa to attend a summit between Russia and Arab League member states in Moscow in October. "Of course, we hope that President al-Sharaa will be able to take part in the first Russia-Arab League summit, which is scheduled for October 15," Lavrov said.
