Latest news with #LaraElHachem
LBCI
2 days ago
- Politics
- LBCI
New fortifications: Lebanese Army prepares weapons plan as Israel expands positions in South
Report by Lara El Hachem, English adaptation by Yasmine Jaroudi Before the end of August, the Lebanese Army is expected to present its implementation plan for the confiscation of unauthorized weapons for approval by the Cabinet. The government's endorsement of this plan, alongside the so-called "Barrack Paper," is anticipated to be met with reciprocal actions by Israel on the ground. Meanwhile, Israel continues to exert pressure on Lebanon by maintaining control over the five hills, despite their limited strategic value. Recently, Israeli forces began engineering fortifications at a newly established military post near Khellet El Mhafer, located opposite the Misgav Am settlement. This position primarily controls the area through firepower, but its significance lies in strengthening Israel's hold on Wadi Hunin to the south and linking its military sites from Tallet El Mhafer in the east to El Douaouir east of Markaba in the west. This military gain by Israel simultaneously denies Lebanese farmers access to thousands of hectares of land east of El Douaouir toward the Blue Line border. Thus, Khellet El Mhafer has effectively been added to the five hills Israel occupies: Labbouneh and Jabal Blat between Ramyeh and Marwahin, Jal El-Deir opposite Aitaroun, El Douaouir between Markaba and Houla, and Tallet El Hamames in Khiam. Additionally, Israel holds control over the strategic Hadab Aita Al-Shaab site, which initially belonged to the Lebanese Army. Israel is further consolidating its presence at El Douaouir by constructing a road extending toward the Israeli settlement of Al-Abbad. Simultaneously, it has established buffer zones in Dhayra Al-Fouqa, between Kfarkela and Odaisseh. This evolving situation calls for utmost wisdom in pursuing a political solution that guarantees the recovery of occupied territories and the restoration of full Lebanese Army authority over the country's lands.
LBCI
02-08-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
What's on the table in Tuesday's Cabinet session? Lebanon weighs disarmament timeline — the details
Report by Lara El Hachem, English adaptation by Karine Keuchkerian The countdown has begun for Tuesday's Cabinet session, which will resume discussions on implementing the ministerial statement—specifically the section related to extending state authority over its territory using only its own forces. The key question remains: What formula will the government adopt, and will it set a timeline for exclusive control over weapons? The final version of the proposal has not yet been completed. The Lebanese Presidency is currently working on a draft that merges elements from the ministerial statement, the presidential oath of office, and the president's Army Day speech. The draft is expected to be presented to both the prime minister and the parliament speaker. Among the proposals being considered is a government statement reaffirming its commitment to exclusive control of weapons, with implementation details to be referred to the Higher Defense Council. While the formula is still being developed, ministers affiliated with Hezbollah and the Amal Movement are not expected to boycott the session. They believe their participation is essential, given their central role in the issue. Their presence would allow them to register objections, reservations, or comments. Hezbollah is expected to argue that setting a timeline for disarmament is not in Lebanon's interest. The group believes such a move would increase external pressure on the country and that establishing a timeline without reciprocal steps from Israel would amount to political suicide. The Tom Barrack proposal, which is on the session's agenda, outlines a three-phase disarmament plan. Last-minute consultations are expected to intensify. Hezbollah is relying on President Joseph Aoun, who reportedly showed flexibility during a recent meeting with MP Mohammad Raad and acknowledged the sensitivity of the situation, which requires careful handling. Ahead of what is expected to be a tense session, Lebanese officials were surprised by reports that the Lebanon file may have been transferred from U.S. envoy Tom Barrack to Morgan Ortagus. Although Lebanese officials have not officially confirmed the reports, some sources expressed concern about the relevance of discussing the U.S. envoy's proposal in the Cabinet if Barrack is no longer overseeing the file. Other sources noted, however, that Ortagus never fully relinquished the Lebanon file.
LBCI
27-07-2025
- LBCI
‘Where is the state?': Fear grips Maameltein amid rising crime
Report by Lara El Hachem, English adaptation by Karine Keuchkerian It's a situation any girl or woman walking along the coastal road in Maameltein might face. Simply passing through this notorious street can expose her to harassment — a growing burden on local residents and families living in the area. According to residents and local municipalities, criminal networks have turned what was once a tourist strip into a hotspot for illicit activity, including prostitution, drug trafficking and the spread of illegal weapons. Inside an abandoned hotel, illegal activities are reportedly taking place, confirmed by local community leaders who say municipal authorities alone are unable to raid the premises. Around the area, groups of women involved in sex work can be seen along the road day and night — a trade that thrives alongside drug sales. Just weeks ago, the municipality caught a drug dealer using cocaine along the stretch of the road that falls under Jounieh's jurisdiction. But that's not all. If you're simply passing through Maameltein, you could be struck by a bullet fired in a moment of rage by someone intoxicated or armed and outside the law — like individuals captured in a video, filmed early Sunday morning. The stabbing of two locals, George and Liliane, has added to this grim reality. In response, a group called the Guards of Ghadir has called for a protest this coming Wednesday. One of the core problems is that the Ghazir municipality lacks sufficient police personnel. It is currently relying on local volunteers to secure night patrols, while the Keserwan Ftouh Federation is working to establish a new security committee. But even when municipalities notify security forces about illegal activity, arrests are often not made — either due to overcrowded detention centers or, if a suspect is detained, they are quickly released. This pattern suggests that these gangs enjoy both political and security protection. As for Maameltein and its residents, it is the state's duty to provide them with safety and peace of mind.
LBCI
17-07-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Rachaiya shuts down in mourning as Lebanon moves to defuse sectarian tensions from Sweida violence
Report by Lara El Hachem, English adaptation by Mariella Succar A walk through the Rachaiya market revealed a town in quiet mourning, as shops shuttered their doors in solidarity with victims of the recent violence in Sweida—part of a broader call from local religious leaders across the district. Residents also adhered to the appeal to avoid revenge or chaos. The events in Sweida, along with the spread of videos deemed provocative, sparked reactions in Lebanon. These were followed by mutual responses between the Sunni and Druze communities, including road closures, assaults on Syrian workers, and insults directed at Druze religious practices. These incidents were reported in several areas, including Western Bekaa. Some of the videos were found to be manipulated, further inflaming tensions and pushing the situation toward unrest. However, swift political, religious, and security coordination helped defuse the sectarian tension and distance the region from the unfolding events in Syria. The region, which did not witness a single act of violence during the height of the Israeli war on Lebanon, once again managed to absorb the spark of sedition. The Progressive Socialist Party emphasized that the solution lies in moderation, not in calls to join the Syrian conflict. Security and political coordination in the area is operating at the highest levels. The Lebanese Army maintains constant communication with community leaders to manage public discourse. On the ground, it has set up mobile checkpoints and prevented a group of Sweida residents living in Lebanon from crossing into Syria via a smuggling route in Mount Hermon. In addition, several Syrians who appeared in one of the offensive videos were deported for lacking proper documentation. Security sources indicate that the Army is handling any disturbance firmly and cautiously, while maintaining precision due to the sensitivity of the situation.
LBCI
16-07-2025
- Business
- LBCI
For first time, Lebanon names Al-Qard Al-Hasan in official banking ban—the details
Report by Lara El Hachem, English adaptation by Mariella Succar For the first time, Lebanon's central bank has issued a circular explicitly naming the Hezbollah-linked Al-Qard Al-Hasan Association, prohibiting banks and financial institutions from dealing with it. While the U.S. Treasury Department has long sanctioned individuals connected to Hezbollah and Al-Qard Al-Hasan—most recently in early July—this is the first official directive from Lebanese authorities directly targeting the group by name. Legal sources at the central bank told local media the move marks a shift from previous circulars, which had only warned against dealing with unlicensed financial institutions in general terms. According to those sources, the circular aims to protect the banking sector from potential sanctions and send a clear message that Lebanon is serious about combating money laundering. Al-Qard Al-Hasan has been on the U.S. sanctions list since 2007. The directive comes amid growing concern over the vulnerability of Lebanese banks to international scrutiny. For example, if a customer receives a cash loan from Al-Qard Al-Hasan and uses it to purchase a car, the transaction might initially appear routine. However, if the car dealer deposits the funds into a bank and authorities trace the source to Al-Qard Al-Hasan, both the individual and the bank could face serious consequences, including the risk of losing access to correspondent banking services. The loss of correspondent relationships would effectively isolate Lebanese banks from the global financial system, halting money transfers and international trade. Only two correspondent banks still deal with Lebanon, largely due to concerns over the country's inclusion on the Financial Action Task Force's "gray list" for insufficient compliance with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing standards. Financial and banking experts say the latest circular came as no surprise, as most Lebanese banks had already ceased dealings with Al-Qard Al-Hasan to avoid risk.
