Why did Hezbollah's opposition not participate in the municipal elections
Despite a weakening in both its political and military standing following its latest war with Israel, Hezbollah was notably absent from the electoral scene during the first phase of municipal elections held Sunday in Mount Lebanon.The vote marked a preliminary but telling test of the party's ongoing influence — particularly in Beirut's southern suburbs, parts of the Baabda district, and several Shiite villages in Jbeil. Though geographically limited, this early round signals potential outcomes in upcoming votes scheduled for May 18 in Beirut and the Bekaa Valley and May 24 in South Lebanon — all areas where Hezbollah and Amal have a strong presence.'We boycotted the municipal elections in most municipalities, and we will do the same in the coming rounds,' said Mohammad Barakat, co-founder of "Towards Salvation," a political...
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LBCI
11 hours ago
- LBCI
Inclusive plan: Former Minister Ali Hamie tapped to advise on Lebanon's reconstruction strategy
Report by Lara El Hachem, English adaptation by Yasmine Jaroudi Hezbollah has made post-war reconstruction a top priority following Israel's recent military campaign, pressing the Lebanese government to immediately form damage assessment committees and begin the process of evaluating properties and setting compensation for affected residents. According to Hezbollah, these administrative steps are essential prerequisites to launching a serious reconstruction effort, with a particular emphasis on rebuilding residential units, not just infrastructure. Senior Hezbollah official Hussein Khalil conveyed this position during his recent meeting with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and again during a session between the Loyalty to the Resistance Bloc and President Joseph Aoun. The group says it received a positive response from President Aoun, who expressed willingness to pursue a special law to govern the reconstruction process, similar to legislation passed after the 2006 war. The president reportedly assured Hezbollah he would give the matter special attention and work to reassure the public. The reconstruction file was also at the center of talks between PM Salam and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri in Ain el-Tineh. For the Amal–Hezbollah duo, the state's responsibility is to calm public fears and restore displaced residents to their homes. In that context, a national reconstruction committee has begun work, and President Aoun has appointed former Public Works Minister Ali Hamie as a reconstruction advisor to the presidency. Multiple political sources say Hamie's appointment is not connected to ongoing national dialogue about Hezbollah's weapons but is instead aimed at reassuring the group's base. This step aligns with the positive landscape Aoun seeks, which is consistent with his approach to the arms issue. The sources also confirmed Aoun's opposition to excluding any party from the country's rescue effort. Hamie is seen as someone deeply familiar with the Shiite community's concerns and brings relevant expertise, having overseen damage assessment efforts during his time in the Mikati government. He is also the son of a Lebanese Army martyr. The decision to tap Hamie was, therefore, not arbitrary and reflects a broader spirit of inclusion the presidency hopes to foster as Lebanon navigates a recovery phase. Could this move serve as a starting point for a wider national strategy? Will key international stakeholders—particularly the five-nation group that includes the U.S. and Saudi Arabia—be willing to support Lebanon with reconstruction loans?
Al Manar
11 hours ago
- Al Manar
Iranian FM Araghchi to Al-Manar: Beirut Visit Reflects Tehran's Regional Strategy, Support for Resistance Is Unshakable
Iranian Foreign Minister Dr. Abbas Araghchi affirmed Tehran's commitment to deepening political and economic cooperation with Lebanon, defending the sovereign right to nuclear development. In an exclusive interview with Al-Manar TV on Wednesday, FM Araghchi dismissed claims that Hezbollah operates as an Iranian proxy in Lebanon. Araghchi stated that his visit comes within the framework of the Islamic Republic's policy to reinforce its relationship with Lebanon's newly formed government. He described his meetings in Beirut with senior Lebanese officials as 'constructive,' adding that they resulted in agreements to expand trade and economic cooperation, alongside increased political coordination. He also addressed the issue of the suspension of Iranian flights at Beirut International Airport, saying Tehran is prepared to resolve any technical or procedural concerns. 'There is a genuine Lebanese will to restore direct flights between the two countries to their previous levels,' Araghchi noted. Responding to regional and international narratives, Araghchi firmly rejected characterizations of Hezbollah as an Iranian arm in Lebanon. 'Hezbollah is an independent Lebanese group, deeply rooted in the Lebanese social fabric, and plays a vital national role in defending the country,' he stated. He dismissed accusations that Lebanon is being turned into a battlefield for regional or international conflicts. 'Such claims aim to weaken Lebanon and sow division among its people,' Araghchi said, stressing that Iran's political support for the resistance does not equate to interference in its sovereign decisions. The foreign minister reiterated Iran's willingness to assist in Lebanon's reconstruction. 'Iranian companies have extensive experience in major infrastructure projects across several countries,' he noted, emphasizing that cooperation would take place solely through official government channels and in line with the priorities set by the Lebanese government. Araghchi also reassured that all collaboration with Lebanon would remain within the bounds of international law and would not expose the country to repercussions related to sanctions imposed on Iran. 'We are committed to legal and transparent cooperation that protects Lebanon's interests.' On the Iranian nuclear file, Araghchi delivered a resolute message saying that 'uranium enrichment is one of the greatest achievements of our national scientists, and we will never give it up under any circumstances.' He underscored that Iran's enriched uranium is essential for meeting medical and industrial needs. 'Our domestically produced radioisotopes are used to treat over one million patients annually,' he added, highlighting the human cost behind Iran's nuclear progress. 'Some of our scientists have paid with their lives for this achievement—we will not abandon it regardless of pressure.' While keeping the details of nuclear negotiations confidential, Araghchi said that Iran is carefully reviewing the latest US proposal and will respond at the appropriate time based on national interests. 'We will not relinquish our sovereign right to peaceful nuclear energy.' Sending a clear warning to any would-be aggressors, Araghchi stated, 'Any attack on Iran will have catastrophic consequences for the aggressors.' He emphasized the strength of Iran's deterrence capabilities, noting that its nuclear facilities are well protected and that critical materials are dispersed in a way that makes a decapitating strike nearly impossible. 'Our nuclear program is powered by the minds and expertise of our people. Thus, it cannot be erased by bombing.'
LBCI
16 hours ago
- LBCI
Hezbollah MP says meeting with President Aoun focused on sovereignty, occupation, and common ground
MP Mohammad Raad stated that Hezbollah and the bloc initiated a meeting between Loyalty to the Resistance and President Joseph Aoun to commemorate the anniversary of Resistance and Liberation Day. He noted that the two sides exchanged general views on the country's pressing priorities and challenges—chief among them safeguarding national sovereignty, ending the Israeli occupation, halting ongoing violations backed by some countries involved in the ceasefire agreement, rebuilding areas destroyed by Israeli attacks, ensuring stability, and revitalizing state institutions through upcoming elections. Raad stressed that there is broad common ground between them, which can be built upon. 'We don't feel bound by specific timelines, locations, tools, or methods to make use of this common ground, as long as things in Lebanon are progressing under the president's careful stewardship and his commitment to achieving these priorities,' he said. He added that there are no closed doors when it comes to dialogue with the president at any level.
