Latest news with #Amal-Hezbollah
LBCI
4 days ago
- Politics
- LBCI
Countdown to confrontation: Lebanon's Cabinet braces for disarmament showdown
Report by Lara El Hachem, English adaptation by Mariella Succar The Lebanese government is handling the issue of exclusive state arms with unprecedented seriousness. In less than 24 hours, the Cabinet Secretariat called for a session on Thursday at Baabda Palace to continue discussions on this topic. The agenda item states: 'Continuing the discussion on implementing the government's ministerial statement regarding extending state sovereignty over all its territories through its own forces, and arrangements for halting hostile actions.' On Tuesday evening, the Cabinet tasked the Lebanese Army with developing a practical plan to consolidate arms under state control and present it by the end of the month, with implementation set for the end of the year. However, the Tuesday decision prompted the withdrawal of two ministers close to the Amal-Hezbollah duo—Rakan Nassereddine and Tamara el-Zein—citing prior communications that did not indicate a timeline for disarmament would be set. Minister Fadi Makki expressed reservations about setting a timetable but did not withdraw, maintaining his insistence on prioritizing Israeli withdrawal. How will Thursday's session unfold as the government moves toward approving Tom Barrack's new proposal, which Hezbollah views as more Israeli than American? As of this report, all scenarios remain possible, according to Amal-Hezbollah sources. The ministers close to the bloc may choose to boycott the session without withdrawing from the government, protesting the new proposal for failing to consider Lebanese concerns. Meanwhile, government sources affiliated with the Lebanese Forces say Tuesday's debate focused on 'the objectives of approving the proposal,' not its technical details, and that the president and prime minister emphasized that the discussion centers on Barrack's revised proposal, which includes Lebanese amendments. Another possibility is a split within the bloc between attending and abstaining members. In this context, Minister el-Zein confirmed to LBCI that she intends to participate in the session. Regardless of the bloc's decision, Minister Makki will attend independently while maintaining his reservations, which would preserve the quorum. Ultimately, Hezbollah considers setting a timetable that does not require Israeli withdrawal as a gift to Israel. In an official statement, the group said the government committed a grave mistake by stripping Lebanon of the resistance's arms and complying with the U.S. envoy's demands. Hezbollah will therefore treat the government's decision as non-existent but will maintain its commitment to dialogue and discussions on national security strategy—just not amid aggression. Conversely, other circles believe Lebanon can no longer afford to remain stagnant. Among them is the leader of the Dignity Movement, Faisal Karami, who told a Hezbollah delegation that the current priorities are protecting Lebanon, preserving civil peace, engaging in serious dialogue with the state, conceding to the army's authority, and maintaining strong relations with Saudi Arabia.
L'Orient-Le Jour
04-05-2025
- Politics
- L'Orient-Le Jour
Mufti Kabalan calls on Lebanese state to 'closely monitor the geopolitical earthquake impacting the region'
Jaafarite Mufti Sheikh Ahmad Kabalan, aligned with Amal-Hezbollah, urged Lebanese authorities Sunday to monitor regional unrest — especially Syria's recent sectarian clashes that left over 100 dead — to prevent spillover into Lebanon. In a statement, the religious dignitary stated that 'the entire region is rocked by an earthquake that will spare no one' and by 'existential regional threats,' adding that the government must take responsibility in light of this situation because 'we cannot improvise at the edge of the abyss.' Monitoring the 'geopolitical earthquake' in the Middle East is crucial, according to him, to 'avoid new structural catastrophes affecting Lebanon,' which is 'composed of communities living in coexistence' and must be protected from any tension based on sectarian grounds. The solution to these threats lies, he said, in 'the consolidation of a national discourse reassuring for all components, taking into account the concerns and sensitivities' of each. The 'chaos projects' of Israel in Syria and Lebanon For Sheikh Kabalan, Lebanon is at risk because it is 'at the heart of a U.S. and Israeli project that seeks to exploit sectarian sensitivities.' 'National security involves protecting communities, their coexistence, guaranteeing their social security, strengthening citizenship, fostering dialogue, safeguarding pluralism and diversity,' he wrote. He also argued that Syria is 'a crucial regional balance point' that must be protected against Israel's 'chaos projects.' The Israeli army announced on Saturday that it had 'deployed' in southern Syria in order, it says, to 'protect Druze villages' after deadly clashes during the week between fighters linked to the new power and members of this religious minority. The gravity of the situation has prompted numerous reactions from Druze and Christian leaders in Lebanon, as Beirut seeks to avoid repercussions from the tensions in Syria.
LBCI
08-02-2025
- Business
- LBCI
Nawaf Salam holds meetings to discuss candidates for fifth Shiite ministerial seat
Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam is holding meetings to discuss potential candidates for the fifth Shiite ministerial seat, which would be appointed outside the share of the Amal-Hezbollah duo. Sources informed LBCI that Salam had initially proposed Raed Charafeddine for the position of finance minister as part of the duo's share during the early stages of government formation. However, the proposal was rejected, with the duo insisting on Yassine Jaber.
LBCI
06-02-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Last-minute disagreement delays announcement of Lebanon's government: Insights on the deadlock
Report by Lara El Hachem, English adaptation by Yasmine Jaroudi Hopes for the announcement of Lebanon's new government were high in Baabda, with preparations underway for an official decree to be read by Cabinet Secretary-General Mahmoud Makie on Thursday. However, a last-minute deadlock derailed the anticipated breakthrough. Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri was summoned to the Presidential Palace for a tripartite meeting with President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam. The meeting, which lasted nearly two hours, ended with Berri leaving through a back exit, signaling a renewed impasse over the appointment of a fifth Shiite minister. Earlier in the day, Salam met with Lebanon's Grand Mufti, who urged him to expedite the government's formation based on equal rights and responsibilities among all components. It was Salam's first visit to the Mufti since his designation three weeks ago, breaking with political custom. According to sources close to the Amal-Hezbollah duo, Berri proposed several names for the disputed ministerial seat, including Audit Court judge Abdel Reda Nasser. However, Salam, insisting that he and the president would decide on the appointment, put forward Lamia Moubayed, a candidate rejected by Hezbollah and Amal. When Berri pressed for alternative names, Salam stood firm on his decision, arguing that he would disrupt attempts that could set a precedent for future obstruction under the guise of 'charter' balance. The disagreement escalated, with Berri warning that he might withhold a confidence vote in Parliament. Following the heated exchange, both Berri and Salam left the palace without making any statements.
LBCI
05-02-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
MP Gebran Bassil: FPM is neither aligned with Amal-Hezbollah duo to derail government formation nor with the opposition
In a press conference, head of the Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) MP Gebran Bassil reaffirmed that the Strong Lebanon bloc opposes the isolation or targeting of any political group, particularly the Shiites. However, he stressed that this does not mean granting them privileges or compensating them for the war in government formation. Speaking at a press conference, Bassil emphasized the need for an effective government that upholds the presidential oath, noting that the upcoming cabinet will face critical political challenges, including implementing the ceasefire agreement, engaging with Syria's new leadership on an equal footing, and ensuring the return of Syrian refugees. He outlined the government's key responsibilities, including mending Lebanon's ties with the Arab and international communities while keeping the country out of regional conflicts, advancing financial reforms, and overseeing municipal and parliamentary elections. Bassil argued that the government should be built on solid political and societal representation backed by stable parliamentary blocs rather than shifting alliances. He rejected the notion of a purely technocratic government, citing past failures. He defended the role of party-affiliated individuals in governance, stating that being politically committed does not equate to militancy. "Demonizing partisan engagement contradicts the Taif Agreement," he said, criticizing attempts to sideline political figures. Bassil clarified that his bloc is neither aligned with the Amal-Hezbollah duo to derail government formation nor with the opposition.
