Report: No reconstruction funds before reforms and Hezbollah disarmament
by Naharnet Newsdesk 16 May 2025, 16:05
Lebanese officials have sensed reluctance from major powers, particularly Arab countries, to provide reconstruction funds, the Nidaa al-Watan newspaper reported on Friday.
'Arab and donor countries have informed Lebanon that they will not to engage in the reconstruction project until the vision for Lebanon and the region becomes clear. According to their definition, reconstruction is linked to the state's ability to undertake necessary reforms, fully disarm Hezbollah and prevent it from rebuilding its military and financial capabilities,' the daily said.
'These countries do not want to engage in such a project while the situation has not yet reached a peaceful path,' the newspaper added.
All the Arab and European promises are 'awaiting serious action by the Lebanese state and signals from Washington,' the daily said.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
LBCI
4 hours ago
- LBCI
Israel directly warns Lebanese president as tensions soar after Beirut strikes
Report by Amal Shehadeh, English adaptation by Yasmine Jaroudi Israel has escalated its threats against Lebanon following airstrikes that targeted Beirut's southern suburbs, with Security Minister Israel Katz issuing a direct warning to Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, vowing continued attacks and accusing the Lebanese Army of conducting "coordinated displays." Katz reiterated longstanding Israeli claims that Hezbollah is boosting its military capabilities with the Lebanese state's approval, specifically alleging that drone production is underway in residential areas, posing a threat to northern Israeli communities. Israeli security officials and military analysts defended the strikes on Beirut's suburbs, describing them as a "necessary step." The attack has sharpened the divide in Israel over the legitimacy and strategic wisdom of expanding military operations into the Lebanese capital and other regions. The airstrikes followed Israeli military assessments suggesting Hezbollah is preparing for an escalation, with expectations that Lebanon might retaliate. In response, Israel deployed additional air defense systems in the north and announced that its armed forces are fully prepared for a range of scenarios, including extensive defensive measures. Amid growing security concerns, some Israeli officials have expressed skepticism toward the intelligence behind the latest attacks. Doubts over whether Hezbollah is indeed rebuilding its arsenal have led to calls for Israel to submit its intelligence reports to international monitors tasked with overseeing the ceasefire agreement between the two sides. Using Lebanon's alleged failure to uphold the ceasefire agreement as justification, the Israeli military is reportedly considering intensifying its deployment along the northern border, expanding surveillance and reconnaissance operations, and threatening further strikes for every intelligence report suggesting Lebanese violations.
LBCI
6 hours ago
- LBCI
Eid al-Adha under fire: Israel's Beirut strikes seen as signal to Washington
Report by Lara El Hachem, English adaptation by Yasmine Jaroudi A day ahead of Eid al-Adha, Israel launched a series of surprise airstrikes on Beirut's southern suburbs, drawing condemnation from Lebanese political and military leaders who accused Tel Aviv of deliberately undermining regional stability and defying the ceasefire monitoring committee in place since late last year. The escalation began Thursday afternoon when the ceasefire monitoring committee contacted the Lebanese Army, requesting an inspection of alleged Hezbollah military targets in the Mrayjeh neighborhood. The army responded by deploying a unit to the site, which found no evidence of any military activity and provided photographic proof to the committee. Hours later, at 8:30 p.m., Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee issued a public warning, threatening strikes on three locations unrelated to Mrayjeh. The Lebanese Army immediately informed the committee of its intent to inspect the new sites to avert the attack. Despite U.S. intervention urging Israel to hold back, Tel Aviv signaled its intent to strike. A Lebanese military team reached one of the targeted buildings and confirmed it was free of weapons but was forced to retreat after Israel began firing warning shots. The strikes followed soon after. Israel claimed the targets were Hezbollah drone storage facilities, a justification swiftly rejected by Lebanese officials. The Lebanese Army issued a rare warning, threatening to suspend cooperation with the ceasefire monitoring committee over Israel's refusal to coordinate or adhere to the ceasefire agreement. Amid mounting political contacts, the Lebanese presidency issued a sharply worded statement from Baabda Palace during a visit by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. President Joseph Aoun described the assault as a message from Israel to the United States, expressing discontent with Washington's regional policies through what he called "Beirut's mailbox of blood and civilian suffering." The presidency implied Israel was reacting to U.S. positions on Iran, Yemen, Iraq, and Syria, using Beirut as a proxy for its frustration. Meanwhile, questions swirled around the outcome of recent talks between U.N. Special Coordinator Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert and Israeli officials. Some Lebanese political circles speculated that Israel could be using these strikes to pressure Lebanon into a security arrangement under fire. Lebanon's leadership reiterated its longstanding stance: peace can only be achieved through a two-state solution, in line with the Arab consensus. Prime Minister Salam is expected to reinforce this position at the United Nations on June 17 during a session focused on the Palestinian issue. According to sources close to the group, Hezbollah believes Israel's broader goal is to sign peace agreements with Jordan and Egypt and create a weapons-free buffer zone stretching from Syria to Lebanon. Observers fear the situation could escalate further, particularly as Lebanon prepares to initiate a process to disarm refugee camps. Some also suggest that Israel's strikes are an attempt to divert attention from internal political turmoil in both the U.S. and Israel, where Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces growing domestic pressure.
LBCI
6 hours ago
- LBCI
Aftermath of a deadly night: Israeli airstrikes shatter quiet in Beirut
Report by Edmond Sassine, English adaptation by Yasmine Jaroudi The toll of the latest Israeli airstrikes on Beirut's southern suburbs is clear: devastation, displacement, and fear. Residents returned briefly to damaged buildings to gather what possessions they could salvage. For many, it was a final farewell to homes that were no longer habitable. The targeted buildings in Saint Therese have been reduced to heaps of debris, with surrounding structures also bearing heavy damage. The strikes were part of one of the most intense nights of bombing the area has witnessed since the ceasefire. Eight residential buildings, comprising more than 100 apartments, were destroyed in the neighborhoods of Saint Therese, Haret Hreik, Rweissat, and Al Kafaat. Despite prior warnings and so-called "precautionary" strikes issued by the Israeli army, residents described the night as terrifying. This marked the fourth Israeli attack on Beirut's southern suburbs since the ceasefire agreement, but it was the most aggressive to date. Israel claimed it was targeting Hezbollah facilities and drone-manufacturing infrastructure. In response, the Lebanese Army issued a statement detailing its actions. Upon receiving Israel's warnings, the army coordinated with the U.N.'s ceasefire monitoring committee and deployed patrols to inspect the threatened sites, despite Israel's refusal to accept their proposals. The army reaffirmed its commitment to U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701 and the cessation of hostilities agreement. It warned that Israel's continued violations and its disregard for international mechanisms were undermining both the Lebanese military and the U.N.'s monitoring role and could ultimately lead the army to suspend cooperation with the monitoring committee altogether.
