Israel Intensifies Attacks against Hezbollah Field Commanders in Lebanon
Lebanon's state news agency said an Israeli drone strike in the country's south hit a car, killing two people on Thursday afternoon in the village of Baraachit.
The National News Agency gave no further details and it was not immediately clear if the two killed were members of Hezbollah. Israel's military said the strike targeted two members of the party.
Israel had earlier in the day fired artillery at Baraachit.
Also on Thursday, the Israeli army said it targeted Hezbollah members as they were transferring weapons in the Yohmor area in the South.
The NNA said one person was killed overnight on Thursday in an Israeli drone strike on a car in the town of Maaroub in the Tyre region.
Meanwhile, head of Hezbollah's parliamentary bloc MP Mohammed Raad said the party's priority at the moment 'lies in ending the Israeli occupation, kicking off reconstruction, consolidating sovereignty, achieving the desired reform, and ensuring national partnership.'
'The resistance in Lebanon has and will always be the resistance against occupation and injustice, and against invaders and violators,' he declared.
'The resistance has made major achievements (...) and repelled Israel's world war against Lebanon in 2006 and defeated it,' he added.
The 'support front' Hezbollah had launched in solidarity with Gaza on October 8, 2023, 'was a preemptive move aimed at protecting Lebanon, the resistance and its people,' he went on to say.
Moreover, Raad said Hezbollah has been firmly committed to the ceasefire since it went into effect in November 'even though it knew that the enemy will not respect it and despite its violations that have been ongoing since day one.'
Furthermore, he stressed that the 'resistance was never an alternative to the state in assuming responsibility. Rather, it aided it in protecting Lebanon and forcing the enemy to withdraw' from occupied territories.
The resistance also helped the state 'preserve national sovereignty and dignity,' he added.
Now, the new government is prioritizing reform, 'and we will help it in achieving that,' remarked Raad.
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Arab News
a few seconds ago
- Arab News
PM Salam says Lebanese state has reclaimed decisions of war and peace
BEIRUT: Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam stressed that the Lebanese state has restored the decisions of war and peace. 'These decisions are now being taken in Beirut, at cabinet, not anywhere else,' he told Asharq Al-Awsat in an extensive interview, the first installment of which was published on Saturday. 'No one is making dictates to us, not from Tehran or Washington,' he added. Moreover, he underlined the right of the people to hold protests – a reference to Hezbollah supporters rallying against the government's decision to disarm the Iran-backed group and limit the possession of weapons in the country to the state. Salam said however, that protesters should not block main roads, including the one leading to Lebanon's only functional airport in Beirut. Asked if he believed that the Shiite ministers would resign from cabinet in wake of the decision to disarm Hezbollah, which is Shiite, he responded: 'The government is united, but that does not mean that all of its 24 ministers share the same opinion over everything.' If consensus is not reached over an issue, then disputes and differences are resolved through a vote and other constitutional measures, he explained. 'We are not opposed to anyone turning to the streets to express their views. (...) We respect the right to have a different opinion. But we draw the line at blocking roads. It is forbidden to impede the freedom of movement of the Lebanese people, especially in heading to vital areas, such as the airport or international highway,' he said. Salam noted that several attempts to block the airport road have been successfully thwarted by the army. Asked if he has been advised in recent weeks to increase his personal security, the PM replied: 'I have a deep sense that the majority of the Lebanese people have confidence in our government. I am acting on this trust and my conscience is clear. I believe that any threats are being made by a small fraction of the Lebanese or some unruly people.' On US special envoy Tom Barrak's upcoming highly anticipated visit to Lebanon in wake of the disarmament decision, Salam said the envoy had presented the government with a proposal, which was in turn submitted to cabinet. 'The cabinet actually received an amended version of the proposals – a 'Lebanonized' version,' the PM explained. 'Not a single patriotic Lebanese citizen can be opposed to the goals listed in the proposal that was adopted by the cabinet.' He revealed that he along with President Joseph Aoun and parliament Speaker Nabih Berri had direct input in the final drafting of the approved goals. 'No one is opposed to the first article on ending the hostilities immediately. No one is opposed to the complete Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territories. No one is opposed to the return of the displaced people to their villages in the South. No one is opposed to the release of Lebanese detainees by Israel. No one is opposed to reconstruction and holding an international donor conference,' he stressed. 'Let them stop challenging the government about these issues. You are Lebanese. You have read the proposals. Tell me, what issues do you oppose? Let any Lebanese citizen tell me which articles they oppose. Does anyone oppose the international conference? Does anyone oppose the Israeli withdrawal? Does anyone oppose the return of the detainees or displaced? So why this uproar over the government decision?' he asked. Asharq Al-Awsat countered that perhaps the uproar stems from removing Lebanon from the military conflict with Israel, to which Salam responded: 'Lebanon was supposed to be removed from this equation with the adoption of United Nations Security Council resolution 1701. That was around 20 years ago.' The ceasefire agreement last November and the government's policy statement only consolidate the resolution, he stated. 'Who doesn't want to get out of the military conflict with Israel? Up until the year 2000, the resistance (Hezbollah), which I salute, was the main actor in this conflict. Before that, other groups were involved, such as the Communist Party and Communist Action Organization in Lebanon.' 'Hezbollah was the main player in making the enemy withdraw from our occupied territories in 2000. Unfortunately, after that, we spent years discussing whether to deploy the army to the South or not. Why should it even be a contentious debate to allow the army to deploy in its land in the South to protect our people?' he wondered. The deployment was met with objections and then doubts were raised about the army, continued the PM. 'This was a wasted opportunity. The same thing happened with the decisions of war and peace. How could a decision be taken to drag Lebanon to a 'support war' (with Gaza)? This never should have happened. The state did not have a say in it,' he said. 'The decisions of war and peace have today returned to the state,' he declared. 'Only we decide when to wage a war or not. This does not mean that weapons exist outside the authority of the state. We are now concerned with how to have state monopoly over them.' War and peace Asharq Al-Awsat said that the state's reclaiming of the decisions of war and peace effectively means that 'Lebanon has been taken out of the (Resistance) axis that has existed for decades.' 'Yes, I know that,' replied Salam. 'They used to brag about certain issues, like saying Tehran controls four Arab capitals. I believe that that time is over. Lebanon's decisions are being taken from Beirut, at cabinet, not anywhere else. No one dictates to us what to do; not from Tehran or Washington.' 'Is that what you told (Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali) Larijani?' asked Asharq Al-Awsat. 'I issued a statement to clarify the discussions that we had. Of course, I strongly reproached him for the Iranian criticism of the Lebanese government's disarmament decision,' said the PM. 'I informed him that balanced relations between countries, especially between us and Iran, should be based on mutual respect and non-interference in internal affairs.' 'We have never allowed ourselves to meddle in Iranian internal affairs. I have never stated that I support one side against the other in Iran. I do not express my opinions on Iranian affairs. I do not express my views about Iran's defense strategy or internal politics. What I am asking of Iran and any other party is to not meddle in our internal affairs.' 'Statements have been made, and unfortunately, some threatened the government. I told Larijani that this is completely unacceptable in any way, shape or form,' he stressed. Relations with Washington Turning to ties with Washington, Asharq Al-Awsat asked if Beirut was receiving the aspired backing from it, to which Salam replied: 'Of course not. We had hoped and want to have greater support in making the Israeli enemy withdraw completely from Lebanese territories and stop its daily violations. The United States is the side that is most capable of influencing Israel and it is not doing that enough.' 'I do not feel useless when I hear an Israeli drone flying over Lebanon. I know that today I am incapable of preventing them from flying over Lebanon, but I do not want to embark on a new military adventure. What I can do is garner enough political and diplomatic support to stop these flights and Israel's hostile acts. We have not reached that goal yet, but more contacts are needed with our Arab brothers, who are effective players on the international arena. Similar contacts are needed with the Europeans and the US,' he added. He revealed that Barrack's proposals demand that the US and France pressure Israel to pull out of Lebanon. 'This is a positive point that I am revealing for the first time. Israel, meanwhile, has not committed to Barrack's proposals. We are,' he stressed. Moreover, Salam stated that the proposals stipulate that Israel would incur some form of penalty if it does not commit to the withdrawal. All parties involved will incur penalties for failing to meet their commitments. For Israel, the penalty would be condemnation by the Security Council, which would be a precedent. The US may actually be ready to condemn Israel for failing to respect its end of the deal. Asked if Washington had broached the subject of holding negotiations to establish peace between Lebanon and Israel, Salam responded: 'Our position is known and clear. The Arab Peace Initiative was adopted during the Beirut summit in 2002. We have no intention of engaging in normalization negotiations or anything of the sort beyond the initiative. This is our plain and simple answer whenever the Americans or others bring up the issue.' 'There is a need, now more than ever, to implement the initiative,' he urged. Asked about what Lebanon will demand from Barrack during his visit, Salam said he 'must guarantee that Israel cease its hostile operations and start withdrawing from Lebanese territories, especially the five points, as stipulated in his proposals.' The PM added that Speaker Berri was involved in the discussions between him, Aoun and Barrack. 'He had reservations about some issues, but was part of the discussions at various points. Aoun, Berri and I introduced amendments to the proposals.' Relations with Iran 'Do you fear that relations may be severed with Iran?' asked Asharq Al-Awsat. 'Iran is a big country and we boast historic relations with it. I informed Larijani that these relations existed before the establishment of the Islamic Republic. (...) We are very keen on ties between Lebanon and Iran. Iran is among the most important neighbors to the Arab world. We want balanced relations similar to the ones with other neighbors,' Salam said. Asharq Al-Awsat added: 'Iran is the greatest loser with the change that had taken place in Syria. Perhaps it wants to compensate for this loss by maintaining its influence in Lebanon?' Salam said: 'We have an interest in having the best relations with Iran. The other Arab countries share this same interest. Were this not the case, Saudi Arabia would not have reached the Beijing agreement with Iran.' Pending issues with Syria Turning to relations with Syria, Salam was asked about his meeting with interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus earlier this year. He replied: 'I told him that we have long suffered from Syria's interference in our internal affairs. We are pleased with the change that has happened in Syria. I am also aware that they have suffered from the meddling by some Lebanese parties in their country.' 'We have both suffered. We are now ready to open a new chapter in Lebanese-Syrian relations based on mutual respect and non-interference in the affairs of the other,' the PM stressed. The pending issues that exist between the two neighbors can only be resolved through joint efforts between them, he continued. 'Progress has already been made over cross-border smuggling, especially the smuggling of drugs and weapons. The drugs were being smuggled to the Gulf, which has tarnished Lebanon's image.' He said that 'major cooperation' was taking place over this issue and it has been sponsored by Saudi Arabia through a meeting between the defense ministers in Jeddah. Furthermore, Salam added that efforts were ongoing with Syria over securing their shared border. Other issues remain pending, such as Syrian detainees held in Lebanon. 'We are ready to discuss the issue with our Syrian brothers to reach a serious solution to this file. I informed them of this during my visit to Damascus. I reiterated this to Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani when we met in Baghdad on the sidelines of the Arab summit.' 'We are both eager to put this file behind us. There is also the issue of Syria refugees in Lebanon. This should be resolved between us and the Syrians and concerned international organizations,' he went on to say. Tens of thousands of Syrians have already returned home in recent months. 'We have declared that we support their safe and dignified return,' he remarked. Salam added that he requested from Sharaa any information Syrian authorities have over 'internal issues that greatly concern Lebanon,' such as the case of the bombing of two mosques in the northern city of Tripoli in 2013 and the 2020 Beirut Port blast. 'Sharaa was very understanding of the requests. I believe we have a new opportunity with the new rulers in Syria to not just put the old relations between us, but to build a balanced relationship with our Syrian brothers,' he told Asharq Al-Awsat. Asked about how he felt when he saw Sharaa seated at the presidential palace in Damascus instead of Bashar al-Assad, Salam replied: 'I used to be Lebanon's ambassador to the UN when Assad was in his post. Our position remains the same: We want for Syria what its own people want for it. We support what the Syrian people choose. We want to close the Assad chapter; Lebanon suffered a lot from it.' Ties with Saudi Arabia 'What about relations with Saudi Arabia?' asked Asharq Al-Awsat. 'Lebanon and Saudi Arabia enjoy historic relations,' he said, citing its major role in the Taif Accords that helped end Lebanon's 1975-90 civil war. He also singled out Prince Saud al-Faisal and his role in the Accords. Ties between the two countries stretch before the agreement. 'The issue isn't just about bilateral relations. The Kingdom is now a major Arab Islamic international player,' stressed Salam. 'We are very keen on relations with the Kingdom and are seeking the greatest support from it in terms of pressuring Iran or supporting Lebanon in its reconstruction and attracting investments.' He hoped that Saudi Arabia would soon lift its ban on its citizens from traveling to Lebanon. 'We can't say that we have returned to the Arab world; the Arab world must also return to Lebanon. The lifting of the ban would be a very significant development.' The PM also acknowledged the concerns over the smuggling of drugs to Saudi Arabia and the Kingdom's ensuing decision to bar imports from Lebanon. Salam hoped that this issue would be resolved soon given that authorities have adopted tougher measures at various land and marine crossings. 'We do not want to smuggle captagon or other illicit material. This damages our image before it harms the Saudis and others. Lebanon's image has already been tarnished. Our country used to export books, ideas and engineers to the Arab world. This is the image that we want to restore,' Salam said. Turning to the Gulf countries, he stressed that he is proud of the strides they have made and the accomplishments they have achieved, 'but at the same time, we lament the opportunities we have wasted.' 'Lebanon can be a natural partner to their rise,' he went on to say. He also noted the vision of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, who wants to take the Arab world and Kingdom to 'not just the 21st Century but its second half through investments in AI and technology.' 'Lebanon, through its universities and human capabilities, is a natural partner to this renaissance project,' he declared. War on corruption Returning to Lebanon, Asharq Al-Awsat asked whether the 'war on corruption has started.' Salam said it is already underway. Two ministers are being persecuted, and one has been jailed on corruption charges. The other, unfortunately, managed to flee the country. He noted that former public employees and judges are being persecuted for corruption. 'I am aware of how much Lebanon has suffered in recent years from the looting of public funds and waste that has taken place in several state sectors. We have a project to rebuild the country, which demands a number of issues that are founded on reforms.' Asked if he regrets becoming prime minister, Salam said: 'I have been concerned with public affairs for dozens of years. I grew up in a family that is concerned in public affairs. I have written extensively about reforms in Lebanon. I saw an opportunity and seized it so that I can translate into reality the ambitious reform pledges of this (Aoun's) term.' 'I was encouraged by Aoun's swearing in speech. I am today seeking to implement whatever I can,' he revealed. Asked about online campaigns against him, the PM explained that they are being waged by thousands of bots. 'They aren't even real people. They accuse me of treason and of being a Zionist. Does anyone really believe these claims? Do I need to prove my loyalty to my nation or my stances against Israel? I forgive those making the accusations because they themselves know that they are not true.' 'However, I do not forgive those who are manipulating their supporters with such claims. This is very dangerous, not because of the personal injury to me – I don't care about that – but because it could lead to civil strife in the country,' he warned. 'Those intimidating us with civil war should first concern themselves with removing the weapons that are the source of this strife,' he demanded. 'I sought last week to defuse tensions, but then came another party to stoke civil tensions by accusing me of being a Zionist and rallying their supporters. Let them cease such behavior, which only pits the people against each other. I am confident that the majority of the Lebanese people agree with me,' he said.
Saudi Gazette
3 hours ago
- Saudi Gazette
US and 3 European allies split over UN peacekeepers in Lebanon ahead of critical vote
WASHINGTON — The Trump administration is pushing to end the United Nations peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon, a move strongly opposed by key European allies, raising tensions ahead of a critical vote at the U.N. Security Council later this month. At stake is the future of the U.N. Interim Force in Lebanon, or UNIFIL, a multinational force that has monitored hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah since 1978. Its mandate expires at the end of August and must be renewed by the Security Council for operations to continue. The U.S. administration, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, views the mission as ineffective and costly, arguing that UNIFIL has failed to disarm Hezbollah and restore full Lebanese government control in the south. According to administration officials and congressional aides, Rubio signed off last week on a plan to shut down the force within six months. The decision follows a broader Trump-era foreign policy shift to reduce U.S. funding and engagement in multilateral institutions. Washington has already slashed contributions to UN peacekeeping operations and withdrawn from several U.N. agencies. France, Italy, and Britain — whose troops contribute significantly to UNIFIL — are urging a one-year extension, arguing that an abrupt end would create a dangerous security vacuum. With Lebanon's military still under-resourced and stretched thin, European diplomats warn that Hezbollah could swiftly exploit any withdrawal. Israel, which has long criticized the peacekeepers' effectiveness, reluctantly agreed to the one-year extension, according to U.S. and European officials. The debate comes amid growing friction between Washington and its European allies over foreign policy issues ranging from Israel's war in Gaza to the war in Ukraine and international trade. France's latest draft resolution, seen by The Associated Press, extends UNIFIL's mandate by a year without a firm end date — a key U.S. demand. The draft mentions the Council's 'intention to work on a withdrawal,' language that U.S. officials say is too vague. Even if the mandate is renewed, officials say the mission may face reductions due to financial pressures. A U.N. official familiar with the talks said one compromise under discussion is scaling back troop numbers while expanding UNIFIL's technological surveillance capabilities. There are currently around 10,000 U.N. peacekeepers in southern Lebanon. The Lebanese army, which also patrols the area, has approximately 6,000 soldiers there, with plans to reach 10,000. UNIFIL has been criticized by Hezbollah supporters, who accuse it of cooperating with Israel, and by Israel, which claims the force has ignored Hezbollah's growing arsenal. During and after last year's war between Israel and Hezbollah, several Hezbollah weapons caches and tunnels were discovered near UNIFIL bases. Sarit Zehavi, a former Israeli intelligence officer, said the peacekeepers had 'damaged the mission to disarm Hezbollah.' She cited weapons finds near UNIFIL positions as evidence. U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric confirmed that unauthorized rocket launchers and explosives had been discovered again this week and reported to Lebanese authorities. Lebanese officials have urged that the mission be extended, citing the country's ongoing economic and political crises and the military's limited capacity. Retired Gen. Khalil Helou said that ending the mission now would force troops to be pulled from other vulnerable areas. 'UNIFIL is maybe not fulfilling 100% of what the West or Israel want,' he said. 'But for Lebanon, their presence is important.' U.N. spokesman Dujarric said the mission remains vital to regional stability. UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti added that the decision is up to the Security Council: 'We are here to assist the parties in implementation of the mission's mandate and we're waiting for the final decision.' — Agencies
Saudi Gazette
3 hours ago
- Saudi Gazette
Protesters in Israel stage nationwide strike to demand hostage deal as Gaza toll rises
TEL AVIV — Protesters across Israel escalated their campaign for a hostage deal on Sunday with a one-day nationwide strike that disrupted life in major cities, blocked roads, and shuttered businesses. Police responded with water cannons and arrested at least 32 demonstrators in one of the largest coordinated protests since the Gaza war began. The strike, dubbed a 'day of stoppage,' was led by two prominent groups representing families of hostages and bereaved relatives. It comes as frustration mounts over the fate of the estimated 50 hostages still believed to be in Gaza — only around 20 of whom are thought to be alive. Chanting 'We don't win a war over the bodies of hostages,' protesters staged sit-ins at highway intersections, lit bonfires, and rallied outside military headquarters and the homes of political leaders. Demonstrators handed out yellow ribbons, the symbol of the hostage campaign, and some restaurants and theaters closed in solidarity. 'Military pressure doesn't bring hostages back — it only kills them,' said former hostage Arbel Yehoud during a demonstration in Tel Aviv's Hostage Square. 'The only way to bring them back is through a deal, all at once, without games.' Anat Angrest, whose son Matan is among the captives, said the strike was about unity and life. 'Today, we stop everything to save and bring back the hostages and soldiers. Today, we stop everything to remember the supreme value of the sanctity of life,' she said. Though Israel's largest labor union Histadrut did not officially participate, many private businesses and local municipalities voluntarily joined the strike. The Israeli government remains divided on the path forward. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is under pressure from far-right members of his coalition who oppose any agreement that allows Hamas to remain in power. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich condemned the strike as 'a harmful campaign that plays into Hamas' hands' and accused organizers of attempting to 'bury the hostages in the tunnels.' National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir echoed those sentiments, saying the protests 'weaken Israel and delay the return of the hostages.' Meanwhile, Israel is preparing for a renewed ground offensive in Gaza City, despite growing calls for a ceasefire. The army said it would resume the supply of tents and shelter equipment to facilitate evacuations from anticipated combat zones. In Gaza, humanitarian conditions continue to deteriorate. Local hospitals and eyewitnesses reported at least 17 aid-seekers were killed Sunday by Israeli fire near the Morag corridor. According to survivor Hamza Asfour, Israeli snipers first fired warning shots, then opened fire from tanks as civilians gathered to receive aid. 'It's either to take this risk or wait and see my family die of starvation,' he said. 'There is no other option.' Israel's military did not comment on the reported strikes. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation denied any shooting occurred near its aid sites. According to Gaza's Health Ministry, seven children died in the past 24 hours from malnutrition-related causes, bringing the total to more than 60,000 deaths since the start of Israel's retaliatory war, including tens of thousands of women and children. — Agencies
