Latest news with #Hezbollah-Israeli
Ya Libnan
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Ya Libnan
Hezbollah refuses to inspect the site bombed by Israel in south Lebanon
Israel attacks a Hezbollah military site in Nabatieh south Lebanon on Thursday May 8, 2025 Hezbollah refused to inspect the site bombed by Israel in the Nabatieh District in south Lebanon The Kuwaiti newspaper Al-Jarida reported that 'Lebanon has received numerous international messages since the major Israeli attack on a Hezbollah site in Nabatieh District last Thursday, all of which revolve around the need to continue and accelerate efforts to restrict weapons to the state, especially north of the Litani River.' The newspaper added, 'The Israeli strike carried a clear message: if the Lebanese state does not dismantle Hezbollah's military infrastructure north of the Litani River, Israel will continue its military operations and may even escalate them further.' According to sources following the newspaper, the essence of the message is that 'there is no point in waiting for the Iranian-American negotiation process, because Iran will be forced to make the full concessions demanded by the United States, including abandoning its allies or proxies in the region. This can save time and spare the state.' Further pressure is being exerted, linking the withdrawal of weapons to the foreign aid needed to rescue the economy and rebuild the country after tens of thousands of homes were destroyed in the Hezbollah-Israeli war. Sources monitoring the situation indicated that 'before targeting this site, which consists of underground tunnels fortified with bunker-busting bombs, the monitoring committee had informed the Lebanese Army of the need to raid it. However, Hezbollah completely refused, preventing the Army or UNIFIL forces from entering it, claiming that it is located north of the Litani River and therefore not covered by the ceasefire.' The sources fear that 'this situation will be repeated at other sites, as Hezbollah insists on refusing to allow the Lebanese state to inspect them, and the strike will come from Israel.' No rebuilding before disarming Hezbollah has reportedly been insisting that Lebanon should rebuild the destroyed homes of its constituency before any dialogue on disarming . According to the World Bank, Lebanon's reconstruction costs may reach $11 billion. This comes at a time when Lebanon is, for all practical purposes, bankrupt. Depositors have been locked out of their bank accounts since 2019. The government has been negotiating for three years with the IMF for a modest $3 billion loan—so far, without success. The friends of Lebanon—especially the Arab Gulf countries—have expressed willingness to help with reconstruction. But they've made one demand crystal clear: Hezbollah must first hand over its arms to the Lebanese Army. Without disarmament, no aid will be forthcoming. Sami Haddad , a Lebanese political analyst told Ya Libnan: ' The whole world knows that the destruction was not caused by the Lebanese state. It was the direct result of Hezbollah's unilateral decision to attack Israel, in yet another move to expand Iran's influence in the region. Lebanon had no say in the war. In fact, many have called for Lebanon to sue Iran and Hezbollah for the billions in damages.' Unless Hezbollah hands over its arms to the Lebanese government, Israel will continue to destabilize Lebanon, analysts say 'Lebanon now has a president and a prime minister committed to ensuring that arms remain solely in the hands of the state. Their vision is for a peaceful Lebanon. Hezbollah must not stand in the way', one analyst added El Nashra/ Ya Libnan
Arab News
13-03-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Lebanon finalizes 22 deals with Saudi Arabia ahead of high-level visit
RIYADH: Lebanon has finalized 22 cooperation agreements with Saudi Arabia, setting the stage for a high-level visit next month to strengthen economic ties. The delegation could be led by President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, or both, according to Lebanese Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri in an interview with Asharq. This comes as Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman hosted President Aoun at the Royal Court in Al-Yamamah Palace on March 3 — Aoun's first foreign visit since taking office — where they discussed Lebanon's ongoing crisis and regional developments. The agreements, covering sectors from agriculture to intellectual property, are seen as crucial to securing broader international aid for Lebanon's struggling economy. 'This is a legitimate approach, and we must earn the trust of Arab nations and the international community,' Mitri said, emphasizing that Saudi Arabia's support is vital for unlocking further international aid. He confirmed that the 22 agreements are fully drafted and ready for signing. On his arrival, Aoun had expressed hope that his talks with the crown prince would pave the way for a follow-up visit to sign agreements aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two nations. The deals cover a wide range of sectors, including intellectual property, consumer protection, and environmental management, as well as agriculture and water resources, Rabih El-Amine, chairman of the Lebanese Executives Council, told Arab News earlier this month. El-Amine also pointed to agreements involving the Ministry of Information, the General Directorate of Civil Aviation, and Banque du Liban. Mitri further revealed that Lebanon is working on an independent fund — separate from government institutions handling refugee affairs — in partnership with international organizations to oversee post-war reconstruction efforts. This move aims to boost credibility with donors, especially in the wake of the recent Hezbollah-Israeli conflict. A World Bank report commissioned by the Lebanese government estimates the country needs roughly $11 billion for recovery and reconstruction. The report assessed damage across 10 key sectors, projecting infrastructure repairs at $3 billion to $5 billion in public sector funding, while housing, trade, industry, and tourism would require $6 billion to $8 billion in private investments. Mitri also noted that France has expressed willingness to host a conference to support Lebanon's recovery. French officials have proposed preparatory meetings or merging them into a single event, though no date has been set. The conference would prioritize humanitarian aid and reconstruction, while a separate investment-focused event aims to attract international figures.
The National
02-03-2025
- Business
- The National
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to visit Saudi Arabia in hopes of restoring economic ties
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun is set to visit Saudi Arabia on Monday in his first trip abroad since assuming office in January where he will push for the restoration of ties between the two states. The trip marks the start of a series of international visits aimed at reviving Lebanon's relations with Arab countries, especially after Israel's war in the region. The first stop is Riyadh where he will meet Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Mr Aoun, who was commander of Lebanon's army before he was elected President on January 9, is expected to ask Saudi Arabia to reactivate a $3 billion aid package to the Lebanese Armed Forces, he said in an interview with Asharq television broadcast on Friday. The military grant was suspended in 2016 during diplomatic tension, after Lebanon had failed to condemn attacks on Saudi Arabia's diplomatic missions in Iran. This trip will aim to re-establish relations between the two countries after years of tension, with Riyadh notably denouncing Iran's influence in Lebanon through Hezbollah. "I hope and I await from Saudi Arabia – and especially the Crown Prince – to correct the relationship in the interests of both countries," Mr Aoun said, referring to the strengthening of economic and political ties. Discussions will focus on Lebanon's extreme economic crisis, regional security issues, particularly Israel's presence on the border areas of southern Lebanon. The country has urgent reconstruction needs after months of Israeli strikes, but aid and foreign support hinges on long-awaited financial reforms. Mr Aoun said Lebanon was committed to those reforms but hoped the reconstruction aid in turn would come "step by step" to allow for rebuilding, so that Lebanese displaced from destroyed villages in the south could return home. It is expected Crown Prince Mohammed will lift a travel ban imposed on Saudi citizens to Lebanon in 2021 following security concerns, as a gesture to the new mandate. After the Hezbollah-Israeli war in 2006, Saudi Arabia spent billions in the country on rebuilding the south and providing political support, however, Hezbollah's power subsequently increased with Iran's support and influence. Recent developments across the region – with Israel tackling Hezbollah last year and the militant group's Syrian ally Bashar Al Assad toppled in December – leave space for the restoration of ties between Beirut and Riyadh. Mr Aoun's visit takes place as regional and international vital shifts are occurring. In Lebanon, his election comes after more than two years of political vacuum, the formation of a government and the war with Israel that has weakened Hezbollah militarily and politically. The return of US President Donald Trump to power has also redefined the political, economic and security landscapes in the region. Lebanese Foreign Minister, Youssef Ragi, will accompany Mr Aoun to Riyadh. They will then travel to Cairo to participate in the Arab Summit scheduled to start on Tuesday. On February 8, Nawaf Salam, Lebanese Prime Minister, announced the formation of a new government, ending more than two years under a caretaker cabinet. Mr Salam said his newly formed cabinet would strive to be a "government of reform and salvation", pledging to rebuild trust with the international community after the devastating Israel-Hezbollah war.
