Latest news with #Hezbollah-led
Al Jazeera
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Al Jazeera
LIVE: Israel attacks children's hospital in Gaza; polio campaign at a halt
We've been reporting on an Israeli attack on a car near the town of Baaouerta in the Chouf district of Mount Lebanon that killed a key commander of Al-Jamaa al-Islamiya. The Lebanese armed group earlier identified the fighter as Hussein Atawi. Israel has now claimed responsibility for the assassination. In a statement, the Israeli military said Atawi was a 'key figure in the Al-Jama'a al-Islamiya with ties to Hamas' and said he was involved in planning attacks from Lebanon against Israel. Al-Jamaa al-Islamiya said Atawi was a leading commander in the armed branch of the group, known as the Fajr Forces, and was killed as he was driving from his home to his office in Beirut. The Fajr Forces were part of the Hezbollah-led contingent that fired rockets across Lebanon's southern border at Israel throughout the war, which ended last year in a ceasefire deal.
LBCI
29-03-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
'No rebuilding with Hezbollah': What are the US conditions for Lebanon's recovery?
Report by Lara El Hachem, English adaptation by Yasmine Jaroudi The United States has made it clear that Lebanon's reconstruction will not proceed with Hezbollah as a partner and that long-term stability remains out of reach as long as the group retains its weapons. This stance was reiterated by Deputy U.S. Envoy to the Middle East, Morgan Ortagus, who emphasized that Washington is coordinating with international partners to ensure that post-war rebuilding does not follow the same pattern as in 2006. During the 2006 war, Hezbollah-led institutions took charge of rebuilding Beirut's southern suburbs and parts of South Lebanon, financed by donor countries, including Iran. This process enabled Hezbollah to establish security zones and tunnel networks. The U.S. now insists that reconstruction must be overseen by the Lebanese state, with investments and funds channeled through official institutions to ensure full oversight, prevent Hezbollah from restoring its military infrastructure, and guarantee financial transparency. Currently, Lebanon lacks a clear roadmap for reconstruction. The government, the Council for Development and Reconstruction, and donors are expected to outline a strategy. However, what remains evident is Lebanon's commitment to advancing both reconstruction and reforms simultaneously. Regarding Hezbollah's weapons, Lebanon's official roadmap remains unchanged. The Lebanese Army and security forces have been implementing U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701 within its specified framework since the ceasefire agreement. Through the committee overseeing the ceasefire agreement, French and U.S. officials have consistently praised the Lebanese Army's role in this regard. To date, the army has conducted 270 operations to confiscate, destroy, and neutralize weapons in the designated U.N. area. Nevertheless, Lebanon has exhausted its supply of explosives required for these operations and is in discussions with France to expedite procuring necessary materials. According to the outlined plan, once the Lebanese Army completes its operations in the 1701 zone and Israel withdraws from the five occupied border points, the Lebanese government will move forward with a comprehensive national security strategy. This initiative, pledged by President Joseph Aoun, aims to establish full state authority over all Lebanese territory. Meanwhile, the U.S. is working to form diplomatic committees to address unresolved border issues between Lebanon and Israel and to formalize the ceasefire. Washington hopes to elevate diplomatic representation and engage in direct negotiations. Yet, Lebanon's official stance differs. It argues that issues such as prisoners and the five occupied points do not require negotiation, as they involve unilateral Israeli actions. Lebanon maintains that the existing U.N. mechanism should handle these matters, though it does not oppose forming a technical committee to oversee the transfer process. On border demarcation, Lebanon has signaled readiness to establish specialized working groups composed of military officials and experts to resume negotiations.
National News
20-03-2025
- Politics
- National News
Gemayel Says Disarmament Is No Longer Debatable, Stresses No Room for Backtracking on Ceasefire Deal Commitments
NNA - In an interview on Voice of Lebanon radio, Gemayel outlined his vision for Lebanon's future, emphasizing that national unity and stability can only be achieved if Lebanon addresses its structural issues and commits to rebuilding a country rooted in equality, justice, and sovereignty. He began by addressing Lebanon's current challenges, particularly the ongoing presence of Hezbollah's weapons and foreign affiliations, which he argued prevent real dialogue and reconciliation. 'You cannot have weapons and foreign affiliations because they obstruct real dialogue and reconciliation,' Gemayel said, underscoring that these issues must be resolved if Lebanon is to move forward. He called on President Joseph Aoun to engage directly with Hezbollah to discuss the implementation of the ceasefire agreement, highlighting the head of state's pivotal role in leading such discussions. Referring to the ceasefire agreement with Israel, which Hezbollah's ministers unanimously approved, Gemayel pointed out that Prime Minister Mikati's government, which Gemayel described as essentially a Hezbollah-led government, had endorsed the terms of the deal. The agreement stipulates that Hezbollah's weapons across Lebanon, whether south or north of the Litani River, be handed over. 'This issue is no longer open for debate,' Gemayel insisted. 'No party involved in this agreement can backtrack on it.' The Kataeb leader drew a sharp contrast between Lebanon's past and its potential future. Recalling the history of deception and division that has plagued Lebanon for decades, Gemayel emphasized that it is time for reflection and rebuilding. He described Lebanon's past as one of mutual hostility, where one party would dominate the others, creating a cycle of tension and violence. 'We must break down all barriers and give the concept of state-building a genuine chance,' he said. 'We need to establish relationships based on cooperation, not fear and hatred, which always lead to conflict.' Gemayel reiterated that Lebanon's future must be based on the rule of law, the constitution, and pluralism. He outlined a vision where all Lebanese groups feel secure about their future, which he suggested could be achieved through mechanisms such as decentralization or a Senate. 'Let us strive to adopt a positive stance,' Gemayel urged. 'No one can break anyone, and no one will defeat the other.' Turning to Lebanon's sovereignty, Gemayel called for the Lebanese army to exercise full authority over the entire country. 'No one can claim ownership of any area or use weapons to prevent the army from entering,' he stated. 'The army should be able to go wherever it deems necessary. Its role is to be everywhere. If anyone objects, they should bang their head against the wall.' Discussing his proposal for a 'Reconciliation and Dialogue' conference, Gemayel emphasized the opportunity Lebanon now has to chart its own course. "For the first time in over 35 years, Lebanon is free from external control and has the opportunity to open a new chapter," he declared. "This new chapter cannot be opened under the domination of Syria, Hezbollah, Israeli occupation, or any other external influence. For the first time since 1975, Lebanon can make its own decisions." He expressed concern that the Lebanese have not yet learned from their past and questioned whether they can build a future together. 'The goal is to address the structural issues that have led to crises, wars, and bloodshed, ensuring that our relationships are no longer based on fear and hatred, as that will only lead to more conflict,' he said. 'We need to ask ourselves: can we build a country together? Can we adopt the principles of state sovereignty, partnership, and mutual recognition? And can we keep Lebanon neutral in regional conflicts?' Gemayel stressed that honesty is crucial in this new phase. 'This is the time for honesty,' he declared. 'We either approach this new phase with honesty, comfort, and reassurance, or with fear and confrontation. If we proceed with fear and challenge, things will inevitably explode in our faces within six months or two years.' He also emphasized that reconciliation must involve accountability. "In South Africa, there was both reconciliation and accountability, with people being held responsible for their actions. In Lebanon, after the Taif Agreement in 1990, an amnesty was granted, but political assassinations continued because the amnesty did not cover those responsible for political crimes.' Regarding the implementation of the ceasefire agreement, Gemayel made it clear that the matter of weapons held by non-state actors must be addressed. He noted that international resolutions, the constitution, and the Lebanese people's consensus have already settled the issue. 'I am not willing to discuss whether weapons should remain or not,' Gemayel clarified. 'That issue has been settled by international resolutions, the ceasefire agreement, the constitution, and the consensus of the Lebanese people.' He called for the integration of Hezbollah's weapons into the state framework and for discussions on the future of the party's fighters. 'We must ensure that no sect feels targeted when weapons are handed over,' Gemayel said. 'Instead, everyone should be partners in building the future, based on equality.' Gemayel also addressed Lebanon's political challenges, particularly the exclusion of certain parties from government participation. He expressed respect for the president and prime minister's decision to exclude party members from the current government but stressed that this should not become a pattern. 'Politics cannot be separated from parties,' he said. 'But the problem is that parties in Lebanon have turned into militias, tarnishing the reputation of political parties.' On reforms, Gemayel acknowledged the slow progress but emphasized the need for patience and realism. 'We've waited 25 years, so we shouldn't expect them to solve all issues in three weeks,' he said. 'We are still at the beginning.' Gemayel concluded with a defense of his colleague Albert Kostanian, dismissing attacks against him as part of a smear campaign. 'Albert Kostanian is one of the most honest and competent individuals in Lebanon,' he asserted. 'He has fought for sovereignty and against illegal weapons, and no one can surpass him in this regard.' Lastly, Gemayel discussed Lebanon's economic challenges, particularly the issue of large deposits, emphasizing that not all should be written off. 'Some major companies have large deposits that were earned through legitimate means,' he noted. 'We need to ensure that we don't punish those who have worked hard for their wealth.'
See - Sada Elbalad
16-02-2025
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
Iran Suspends Flights to Lebanon Until Feb. 18
Iran has suspended all flights to Beirut until at least February 18, following a request from Lebanese authorities, amid ongoing tensions over the prevention of an Iranian plane from landing at Beirut's Rafik Hariri International Airport. The decision comes after clashes in Lebanon, where the Lebanese army intervened to disperse a Hezbollah-led protest, stating that 23 soldiers, including three officers, were injured during the operation. Hassan Pourfarzaneh, head of Iran's Civil Aviation Organization, confirmed on Sunday that flights to Lebanon were halted due to ongoing security concerns at Beirut's airport. He stated that Lebanese authorities had formally requested the suspension, citing the tense security situation and the cancellation of all external flights to Beirut. The crisis escalated last Thursday and Friday, when two Iranian planes scheduled to land in Beirut were prevented from taking off from Tehran. According to AFP, Lebanese officials made the decision after receiving warnings from the US that Israel would target Beirut's airport if the Iranian planes were allowed to land. In response, Hezbollah issued a statement on Sunday, calling on the Lebanese government to reverse its decision and allow Iranian planes to land freely. The group urged authorities to take serious steps to prevent Israel from dictating security measures and violating Lebanon's sovereignty. Meanwhile, Lebanese Minister of Public Works, Fayez Rasamni, reassured the public that efforts were underway to find alternative solutions for Lebanese nationals stranded in Iran.
