Hezbollah MP to MTV: We Are in Favor of a Strong State!
Member of the Loyalty to the Resistance bloc, MP Hussein Hajj Hassan, confirmed: "We are always in favor of consolidating the state's authority over its territory."
In a conversation with MTV in front of the Parliament, he added, "We support a strong state capable of defending the Lebanese people in all directions. The issue of Hezbollah surrendering its weapons is not on the table, and the agreement includes northern Litani."
Watch the attached video for more.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
LBCI
11 hours ago
- LBCI
As threats grow on border, Israel questions value of UN peacekeepers in Lebanon
Report by Amal Shehadeh, English adaptation by Karine Keuchkerian Israeli officials have described the international forces operating in southern Lebanon as ineffective, as the Israeli lobby, in coordination with Washington, pushes within the United Nations not to renew the mandate of these forces, according to security officials. According to a security report, Israel's view of the international forces has shifted. It no longer believes their presence in southern Lebanon is preferable to their absence, especially since, in Israel's view, these forces have failed to deter Hezbollah's strength. Reports also note that indirect coordination — conducted through countries allied with Tel Aviv — with the army has proven effective. The actions of the Lebanese army on the ground have become more significant than what the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) can deliver. Israeli officials concluded in internal discussions and security assessments that the combination of security concerns and political interests now leans toward joining the U.S. position, which opposes renewing the mandate — or at least calls for expanding UNIFIL's powers. More importantly, according to a senior security official, current deliberations are focusing on how to restore full freedom of action for Israel to protect its northern border. The official warned that even if UNIFIL's mission is terminated, Israel will not abandon the northern front, and the Israeli military is prepared for any scenario. Through indirect cooperation with the Lebanese army and with intelligence and technological capabilities, Israel will be able to effectively respond to growing threats along the border. This evolving Israeli stance toward both UNIFIL and the Lebanese army raises questions about the credibility of Israel's earlier claims that the Lebanese army was incapable of fulfilling its duties — a position that now appears inconsistent unless Tel Aviv seeks to drive a wedge between the army and Hezbollah supporters in Lebanon.
LBCI
11 hours ago
- LBCI
UNIFIL faces local pushback in Lebanon's south amid Israeli calls to end mission — what's next for the force?
Report by Edmond Sassine, English adaptation by Karine Keuchkerian Amid Israeli calls to oppose the renewal of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon's (UNIFIL) mandate in the country's south and end its mission in August, a series of incidents and protests has emerged in southern villages. Local residents have objected to UNIFIL patrols operating in their neighborhoods and on their land without accompaniment by the Lebanese army. Why, then, is UNIFIL conducting patrols and missions without the army? Or, put differently: If the presence of the army helps ease tensions between UNIFIL and the Hezbollah-supportive population, why isn't the army always present? According to Lebanese sources, UNIFIL carries out daily joint operations with the army but also conducts separate patrols and missions on its own. The limited number of army personnel in the south does not allow for the accompaniment of all UNIFIL patrols, and Resolution 1701 grants the U.N. peacekeeping force the right to move independently. Most UNIFIL patrols, whether or not accompanied by the army, do not result in incidents. The sources add that local objections often stem from specific actions UNIFIL carries out — such as entering private property or filming homes — actions that typically do not occur when the army is present. Trust between the local population and UNIFIL remains low, especially as it frequently conducts operations near Hezbollah-affiliated villages and facilities and sometimes brings media crews along. Meanwhile, it is seen as doing little in practice to confront Israeli violations or enforce the ceasefire. The recurrence of incidents involving specific units has led some Lebanese observers to suggest that there may be an internal push within UNIFIL to assert its role and presence, even in the face of local objections. This could serve to build momentum for modifying the mission ahead of its renewal in two months, aligning with Israeli efforts to end or alter the current UNIFIL mandate. According to the same sources, the current Israeli pressure to terminate the mission resembles the kinds of pressure applied in past years as the renewal deadline approached each August. This time, it is being framed as part of a broader push on Lebanon and Hezbollah to accept a change in UNIFIL's role — particularly in light of the new reality following the war, the losses Hezbollah has sustained, its military pullback from south of the Litani River, and the dismantling of its infrastructure in the area. While several sources confirm that Hezbollah has not decided to escalate or intentionally provoke recent incidents with UNIFIL, the group insists that UNIFIL's activities must be carried out in coordination with the Lebanese army.
LBCI
11 hours ago
- LBCI
With no progress on reconstruction, Lebanon bets on donors to unlock funding
Report by Bassam Abou Zeid, English adaptation by Karine Keuchkerian Since the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, no meaningful progress has been made on reconstruction. Lebanon had been awaiting the World Bank's approval of a $250 million loan on June 12, but reports now suggest the discussion of the loan may be postponed indefinitely. If the delay carries a message, it is a familiar one: no funds will be released without Lebanon fulfilling its promises. Still, the government remains determined to secure the funding needed for reconstruction, which is expected to come from donor countries and international agencies. The prime minister's office has scheduled a donor conference for Tuesday at the Grand Serail to announce that the first step in the process will be the $250 million loan. The loan is earmarked for debris removal and road and infrastructure repairs, mostly in densely populated areas—not in the heavily damaged front-line villages of southern Lebanon. According to government sources, Lebanon plans to ask donors to help increase the loan amount—first to $450 million, and eventually to $1 billion. The government also intends to present an outline of the overall reconstruction plan. The prime minister's office is banking on some positive developments, including key appointments at the Council for Development and Reconstruction, which will oversee the execution of the projects. Government sources have described the conference as exploratory, aiming to gauge the intentions of donor countries, particularly Gulf states and Arab funds. However, the most that can be expected, according to the sources, are promises of funding contingent on the continued implementation of reforms and concrete steps to ensure stability in Lebanon—especially the disarmament of Hezbollah.
