Latest news with #AmalShehadeh
LBCI
a day ago
- Politics
- LBCI
A 'Druze crisis': Syria-Israel security deal in jeopardy amid Sweida clashes and Israeli strikes
Report by Amal Shehadeh, English adaptation by Yasmine Jaroudi Hopes for a potential Israeli-Syrian security agreement appear to have dimmed following escalating clashes in Syria's Sweida province. The situation has shifted dramatically, with Israel no longer acting as a mere observer but increasingly seen as a direct player in Syria's internal affairs. Israeli airstrikes this week targeted positions approximately 50 kilometers inside Syrian territory, a move that Israeli Minister of Defense Israel Katz described as a warning to the Syrian regime led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa. Tel Aviv claims its operations are aimed at protecting its borders and the Druze minority in Syria. The renewed military activity has thrust the southern Syrian front back into the spotlight, prompting Israeli army reinforcements in the area as officials prepare for a possible expansion of the conflict. Tensions between Syria and Israel had already been high during previous negotiations over a potential Israeli withdrawal from certain southern territories. Israel is seizing upon the current fighting between Syrian government forces and Druze groups as justification to maintain its military presence, part of a broader strategy to establish a buffer zone deep inside Syria and ensure protection for Druze communities. Support for these actions is also emerging from within Israel's Druze community. A group of Druze soldiers, both active and reserve, sent a letter to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urging increased military and humanitarian support for their Syrian counterparts. They also proposed the creation of a humanitarian corridor to allow vulnerable Druze to seek refuge in Israel. Public protests organized by Druze soldiers have placed the Syria-Israel file under renewed scrutiny, reframing what some now describe as a "Druze crisis," overshadowing broader regional and geopolitical implications.
LBCI
2 days ago
- Politics
- LBCI
From Shebaa Farms to Mount Hermon: Israel resets its northern war map
Report by Amal Shehadeh, English adaptation by Mariella Succar Israel has placed the Lebanon-Syria border area at the top of its intelligence and security priorities. Under the pretext of countering Hezbollah's ongoing efforts to smuggle weapons, Israel revealed details of a recent airstrike targeting the border area at the foot of Mount Hermon. According to the Israeli account, the strike destroyed weapons depots and combat equipment weighing three tons, including anti-tank mines, dozens of explosive devices, and rockets. The Israeli military has since reshuffled its operational priorities in the region, intensifying surveillance and assigning military tasks—particularly in the Shebaa Farms and adjacent Syrian territories—to the 810th Heharim Regional Brigade. Military officials in Israel's Northern Command have warned that the current situation on the Lebanese front is unsustainable, especially what they described as delays in making a decisive decision to dismantle Hezbollah's military capabilities. As part of what it calls efforts to prevent Hezbollah from rebuilding its military strength, the Israeli army stated in a recent report that it has informed the ceasefire monitoring committee of 1,200 violations of the agreement. Of these, 650 were conveyed to the Lebanese army, which, according to Israeli claims, has only addressed 52 percent of them. This contrasts with multiple reports from the committee highlighting significant efforts by the Lebanese military. In a recent assessment session, Israel's Northern Command reprioritized its missions regarding Lebanon. At the top of the list are monitoring and tracking members of Hezbollah's Radwan Force and targeting Hezbollah's efforts to restore its firepower, which Israel claims poses a serious threat to its home front.
Ya Libnan
3 days ago
- Politics
- Ya Libnan
Israel- Syria talks advance in Azerbaijan. An agreement is reportedly nearing conclusion
By Amal Shehadeh What was once considered improbable now seems inevitable: an official agreement between Israel and Syria is reportedly nearing conclusion. The once-theoretical question of whether a deal could be struck has now shifted to when it will be signed. Unprecedented optimism is emerging from Israeli sources following the first round of talks held in Azerbaijan between high-level security delegations from both nations. The Israeli team, composed of senior military officers, intelligence officials, and representatives from the Prime Minister's office, sat across from a Syrian delegation led by key security figures. Discussions centered on a proposed Israeli withdrawal from areas of southern Syria that were occupied following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's regime. These negotiations are seen as a precursor to a formal diplomatic meeting, expected to take place in Brussels, between Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar and his Syrian counterpart Asaad al-Shaibani. According to Israeli insiders familiar with the talks in Azerbaijan, a draft of a security agreement is already prepared. The Israeli side reportedly presented its vision for a phased withdrawal while insisting on the creation of a buffer zone starting from the 1974 disengagement line. The size and extent of this buffer zone remain under negotiation, with Israel citing security concerns and the need to prevent infiltration by hostile elements. The most significant component of the emerging agreement is reportedly the establishment of joint border security coordination between the two countries. Despite the breakthrough in negotiations, Israel has made clear that it will not relinquish the Golan Heights, which it captured in 1967. Instead, Israeli officials are said to be positioning the territory as a stabilizing asset in support of Syria's new leadership under President Ahmed al-Sharaa. Sources close to the talks suggest that much of the groundwork for the current progress was laid even before al-Sharaa assumed power in Damascus. According to reports, an understanding was reached among the key international stakeholders in Syria—including Russia, Turkey, the United States, and Israel—that the smooth transfer of power to al-Sharaa would be contingent upon his willingness to pursue an agreement with Israel. On the military front, separate meetings are believed to have taken place in recent months in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights between Israeli officers and Syrian officials. These back-channel discussions reportedly involved Ahmad al-Dallati, who is currently leading the Syrian delegation in Azerbaijan. ( LBC)
LBCI
5 days ago
- Politics
- LBCI
Political pressure mounts on Netanyahu as hostage talks stall and Gaza plan sparks outrage
Report by Amal Shehadeh, English adaptation by Mariella Succar With his popularity declining and opposition protests growing, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began his first day after returning from Washington—a trip he had hoped would mark a milestone in his political legacy among Israel's prime ministers. On Syria, efforts were made to announce a significant step from Washington ahead of the signing of a security agreement, but all attempts failed. On Iran, Netanyahu had expected an announcement from Washington declaring an Israeli victory, but instead faced reports revealing that the war had not impacted Iran's uranium enrichment program. As for the hostage deal, where there had been widespread optimism about setting a date to sign an agreement, the issue ended in major disappointment and further inflamed internal tensions in Israel. Netanyahu has been personally blamed for obstructing the deal due to his insistence on conditions seen as aimed at preserving his governing coalition, rather than safeguarding Israel's security or the lives of the hostages. Despite Netanyahu's statements that a hostage deal is near, cautious optimism remains stalled. Meanwhile, Israel continues with its project to build what it has termed a 'humanitarian city' to relocate 600,000 Palestinians—despite warnings and protests over a plan some have described as a ghetto. The project's estimated $6 billion cost is worsening Israel's economic crisis and reinforcing its presence in Gaza, posing a major obstacle to progress on the hostage deal. Despite the deepening crisis surrounding the negotiations, the Israeli government is exploring how to implement a plan to keep its military forces in the Rafah area and maintain control over a broad zone—despite growing calls to end the war and bring all hostages home. Israeli soldiers continue to be killed in Gaza, while the number of reservists refusing to serve is on the rise.
LBCI
7 days ago
- Politics
- LBCI
From ground incursions to media narratives: Israel's dual approach in Lebanon—the details
Report by Amal Shehadeh, English adaptation by Karine Keuchkerian The question of whether Lebanon is now open to Israelis able to move from the south to the capital's southern suburbs has effectively been answered in two ways. The first came when the Israeli army admitted for the first time that it had carried out ground incursions in southern Lebanon after the ceasefire. These operations, led by the 91st Division, involved special missions and the destruction of combat assets in several areas. The second came through a report aired by Israel's Channel 12. Tel Aviv intended to send several messages with the report. By showing the reporter moving from the south to the heart of the capital, Israel is attempting to portray a narrative of victory—from alleged "ghost towns" in the south to Beirut, where Israeli airpower is portrayed as "dominant." Among those messages was a call for Hezbollah's disarmament. As for the intelligence breach, the report suggests it is extensive and ongoing. Filmed in Lebanon, the report also focused in part on Hezbollah's inability to join the war in defense of Iran—portraying Lebanon's front as the "quietest" of all. Between the Israeli messages and the realities on the ground, one thing remains unchanged: Israeli attacks continue across Lebanon.
