Latest news with #KarineKeuchkerian
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
3 days ago
- Business
- LBCI
IMF mission in Beirut — will Lebanon seize its 'last chance'?
Report by Lara El Hachem, English adaptation by Karine Keuchkerian A month has passed since the 2025 Spring Meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), in which Lebanon participated in an attempt to bridge the gap with the international community. The IMF mission is arriving in Beirut to follow up on Lebanon's progress, largely unconcerned with the narrow, often paralyzing details of domestic debates shaped by political protections and conflicting interests. What the IMF seeks in order to sign an agreement with Lebanon is assurance that the country can sustainably repay its debts—through accountable institutions and a state capable of attracting investment. So, what progress has Lebanon made in the past month? Since the adoption of the banking secrecy law in the form requested by the IMF, no tangible progress has been made on reforms. The draft law to restructure the banking sector remains stalled in discussions between a parliamentary subcommittee and the central bank governor. Meanwhile, the government is waiting for the central bank to submit the draft financial gap law so it can be reviewed and forwarded to Parliament. As has been the case since the financial crisis began, reform legislation is moving at a slow pace in Parliament. The situation is no better in government, despite its stated awareness that this may be its final opportunity to act. Several weeks ago, Lebanon received a governance and corruption assessment from the IMF, identifying weaknesses in various sectors—including customs, public financial management, the central bank, and others—and offering recommendations on governance and anti-corruption measures in these areas. The Lebanese government is now in the final stages of reviewing the IMF's recommendations and evaluating how they align with the local context through nine specialized teams. The state cannot afford further delay. Lebanon's commitment to these reforms will be a key condition for signing any agreement with the IMF.
LBCI
3 days ago
- Business
- LBCI
Support on the table, but Lebanon's indecision alarms UAE
Report by Ghida Fayad, English adaptation by Karine Keuchkerian A high-level Emirati delegation visited Lebanon recently, aiming to support development efforts and help the country recover—drawing on the UAE's experience. The visit signaled a renewed offer of cooperation, but the next move now lies with the Lebanese government. Despite a flurry of meetings, plans, and referrals, much of the process remains bogged down in delays and indecision. Sources confirmed to LBCI that the Emirati delegation reported a troubling impression to Abu Dhabi: no shift in mindset, little progress on basic steps, and a glaring disregard for the urgency of time. The required reforms are not insurmountable. But every delay brings real costs. The UAE has reached out. The question now is whether Lebanon will finally respond—or miss yet another opportunity.
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.
