Latest news with #AmalShehadeh
LBCI
3 days ago
- General
- LBCI
Alleged talks with Syria, warnings on Lebanon: Israel walks a strategic 'tightrope'
Report by Amal Shehadeh, English adaptation by Karine Keuchkerian Between near-daily bombings and incursions, the Israeli army's threats to expand its presence deeper into Lebanon, and the relative calm in Syria's interior, it appears Israel, through its security agencies and political consultations, is trying to ensure calm on the Syrian front. Israel considers itself closer to peace with Syria, despite some officials' concerns that certain steps could jeopardize the army's achievements and freedom of operation there. This warning came after the disclosure of direct talks between Syrian and Israeli security and military officials. Some say the talks took place at the border, while others claim they occurred inside Israel. A report further revealed that efforts are focused on accelerating an understanding between the two sides. At the same time the talks were revealed, a military report discussed the Israeli army's deployment in Syria, noting it controls nine military sites from the summit of Mount Hermon through the Hama region to the border triangle with Jordan. However, the report also pointed to the continued presence of weapons caches, specifically in villages known to be affiliated with ISIS. This issue was discussed by Israelis with Syrian figures due to concerns about the impact on the army's safety and border security. The report also warned about the situation regarding Lebanon, particularly Hezbollah's "calm state," noting that if the group decides to retaliate against Tel Aviv, it will not be limited to the five hills it occupies inside Lebanon but will extend into Israel proper. The report said this requires decisive action on this front as well.
LBCI
22-05-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Netanyahu orders global embassy alert: Israeli government blamed after death of two nationals in US
Report by Amal Shehadeh, English adaptation by Yasmine Jaroudi Unlike the unity that typically follows attacks on Israelis at home or abroad, the killing of two Israeli nationals in Washington has failed to ease internal divisions in Israel. Instead, it has fueled further criticism of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government, with many blaming the incident on the ongoing war in Gaza. Critics within Israel have held the government accountable, arguing that the continuation of the Gaza war has triggered growing global hostility. In contrast, Israeli officials have attributed the attack in Washington to what they describe as a global surge in anti-Semitism. Following news of the Washington incident, Netanyahu instructed security agencies to heighten alert levels and increase protection around Israeli embassies and diplomatic missions worldwide. A subsequent security assessment led to stricter measures at synagogues and Jewish sites in countries Israel deems high-risk, based on intelligence reports. While Israeli authorities launched a broad campaign to combat anti-Semitism internationally, internal protests against the war and the government's leadership have intensified. Demonstrators continue to call for an end to the Gaza offensive and de-escalation on multiple fronts. Simultaneously, reports surfaced revealing a military plan named the "Small Gaza Project," which envisions Israeli control over 75% of the Gaza Strip, accompanied by increased displacement and forced evacuations of Palestinians. As Israel prepares to host an international conference on anti-Semitism—inviting diplomats, ministers, and representatives from various global organizations—members of Netanyahu's government accused fellow Israelis of fueling anti-Semitism through public criticism of the war and government policies.
LBCI
21-05-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
No exit until 'Hamas falls': Israel escalates war in Gaza
Report by Amal Shehadeh, English adaptation by Mariella Succar Following the failure of the latest round of negotiations for a hostages swap deal, Israel escalated its military campaign in Gaza. The operation, dubbed "Operation Gideon's Chariots" by the Israeli military, has entered a more violent phase marked by intensified bombing, mass displacement, and attempts to seize as much territory in the Gaza Strip as possible. This escalation comes as Washington and other mediators continue efforts to bridge the gap between Hamas and Israel, but Israeli officials see these efforts as futile. The Israeli army, relying on the deployment of five military divisions and tens of thousands of troops, has begun displacing residents from northern Gaza. According to Israeli statements, the goal is to "clear" the area of Hamas fighters. These operations mirror previous campaigns carried out over the past 18 months of war, none of which have achieved their stated objectives. This time, Tel Aviv's stated goal is clear: not to leave Gaza until Hamas is eliminated, the area is disarmed, and a post-war governance plan is in place. In addition to military force, the Israeli army is reportedly using humanitarian aid access as a weapon of war. Under a policy described as "a one-way ticket," civilians who leave their homes in search of aid from designated centers are not allowed to return, enabling the army to ensure that areas it plans to occupy are emptied of residents. Inside Israel, this military strategy is facing growing internal opposition—especially following the announcement that negotiations have failed, a development seen as abandoning the 58 Israeli hostages still held by Hamas. Meanwhile, the army is continuing efforts to recruit more reservists in preparation for a long-term occupation of the Gaza Strip, which military planners estimate will take at least two years to establish a governing structure that excludes Hamas.
LBCI
07-05-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Israel split over Trump's 'bombshells' on Yemen, hostages and skipped visit— the details
Report by Amal Shehadeh, English adaptation by Karine Keuchkerian Israeli officials are divided over what they have referred to as 'Donald Trump's bombshells' aimed at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump surprised many in Israel by skipping a visit to Tel Aviv, halting attacks on Yemen, and revealing that the number of living hostages held by Hamas is three times lower than what Israel claims. The most significant point of contention was Trump's decision not to visit Israel. Some interpreted it as a message to Prime Minister Netanyahu, suggesting that Tel Aviv is no longer the "preferred capital" in the Middle East. Others linked the move to Trump's economic agenda, speculating that he aimed to return to Washington from his regional tour with increased investments, particularly from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The second surprise came with the announcement that the U.S. would halt its military strikes on Yemen, a move that disrupted security coordination between Israel and the United States. The current U.S. administration has prioritized American interests over regional alliances. Amid these developments, it was revealed that three Israeli hostages held by Hamas had been killed—information the Israeli government had not disclosed to the captives' families. This revelation sparked intense debate, especially after government ministers declared there would be no hostage deal, even as the Israeli military continued preparations for an expanded ground offensive in Gaza following Trump's departure from the region.
LBCI
06-05-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Tensions soar as Israel prepares for massive Gaza operation, defying military advice
Report by Amal Shehadeh, English adaptation by Karine Keuchkerian By deciding to expand the war in Gaza and respond to the rocket that landed near Ben Gurion Airport — through intensified attacks on Yemen and a potential strike on Iran at an unspecified time — Israel's security cabinet has effectively kept its seven fronts in a state of war. The cabinet meeting exposed growing tensions between political and military leadership over the scope of the operation in Gaza. Some security and military officials continue to prioritize targeting Iran, viewing it as the driving force behind the multiple fronts confronting Israel. Security assessments indicate that the conflict remains active in the West Bank, that calm on the Syrian front is temporary, and that Lebanon remains a "powder keg" as long as its army is not deployed throughout the country. Meanwhile, internal divisions have deepened, particularly after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed that the Gaza strategy includes occupying the territory and maintaining a long-term military presence. The cabinet also rejected a recommendation by Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir against launching a large-scale operation in Gaza, instead yielding to political pressure despite the risks such an operation could pose to the lives of Israeli hostages. At the same time, dissent and refusal to serve are increasing among reservists, as Israel once again beats the drums of war.
