Latest news with #MichelMenassa
LBCI
20-05-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Defense Ministry imposes stricter gun license rules to curb arms misuse
As part of the Defense Ministry's efforts to curb the widespread possession of unregulated weapons, Defense Minister Michel Menassa has introduced a new reform measure requiring all gun license applications to include an exact identification of the weapon's type and serial number, regardless of the applicant's identity or status. The decision marks an end to a previously lenient phase in which licenses were granted without detailed information, leaving room for abuse and loopholes in the law. The new approach is based on documented data that enables authorities to trace every licensed weapon and hold violators accountable. The measure requires citizens to provide accurate declarations about their firearms and places responsibility on the relevant authorities to thoroughly verify each license. It is seen as a key step toward improving transparency and tightening the regulation of gun ownership to enhance internal security.
Arab News
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Beirut's choice: Prime minister urges citizens to shape their city's future
BEIRUT: Lebanon held the third round of municipal and mayoral elections on Sunday. Sunday's vote was held in the governorates of Beirut, Bekaa, and Baalbek-Hermel. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam inspected the central operations room overseeing the electoral process at the Ministry of Interior and across various electoral centers in Beirut. Defense Minister Michel Menassa and Interior Minister Ahmad Hajjar accompanied him. After casting his ballot in Beirut, Salam said that the elections provided an opportunity for citizens to express their true wishes for the city and voiced hope for a high voter turnout. He stated that the people of Beirut should not miss the chance to decide what kind of city they want. 'I urge them to participate in the elections in large numbers.' Salam affirmed that the people of Beirut 'are capable of ensuring representation for everyone in the municipal council.' He said that the new municipal council is not obligated to support the government's efforts; instead, it is the government's responsibility to meet all the needs of the people of Beirut. He added: 'This is a developmental choice par excellence.' In an afternoon appeal, Salam repeated his call for voters to cast their ballots, stating that the voter turnout in Beirut remained low. MPs supporting the parties' list in Beirut expressed concern about the low turnout during the day. Security and military forces deployed personnel to assure the safety of polling stations and the routes leading to them. The Lebanese Army Command announced that an army unit in Baalbek and the Douris area arrested four people found in possession of combat pistols, a quantity of hashish, and captagon pills. In an official statement, the Army Command warned citizens 'against creating trouble, firing guns, and endangering the lives of others.' It also suspended 'all gun licenses in the governorates where elections are being held for 48 hours,' stressing that it 'will not hesitate to pursue and arrest all those who disrupt security across all Lebanese territory.' During the voting process, Israeli reconnaissance planes flew over Beirut. As the southern governorates and Nabatieh prepare for the final round of parliamentary elections on Sunday, an Israeli drone targeted a Rapid car on Sunday on Beit Yahoun Road near a Lebanese army checkpoint, wounding the driver and a soldier manning the checkpoint. Sunday's elections were described as 'fierce,' with intense competition between political party lists and civil society. Voters extensively crossing out party candidates cast doubt on the parties' ability to maintain public support and raised concerns over Beirut's ability to uphold its model of coexistence. For example, Sunni voters were striking off Shiite candidates affiliated with Hezbollah and the Amal Movement, as well as Christian candidates affiliated with the Lebanese Forces and their allies. The capital experienced intense competition between two main lists: the 'Beirut Unites Us' list, which includes candidates from political parties with significant discord, under the slogan 'Preserving Equal Representation of Muslims and Christians,' and the 'Beirut Madinati' list, supported by Change deputies. The Forces of Change is a parliamentary bloc that comprises multiple reformist parties and independent MPs. Other lists were also running in the electoral race. They include a list of candidates affiliated with the Future Movement, which suspended its political activity, and candidates of the Islamic Group, as well as other civilian lists. The civilian voter turnout remained low until 2 p.m., not exceeding 13 percent. Voters affiliated with Hezbollah, the Amal Movement, and the Al-Ahbash Association were expected to arrive at polling centers in groups before voting concluded at 7 p.m., aiming to tip the balance in favor of their party list. Abu Al-Abed Al-Nuri, a voter in one of the Al-Mazraa electoral centers, said that 'he composed his list by himself, choosing only Sunni candidates. 'All parties have wronged Beirut and caused disastrous consequences; however, they have now united and insist on sharing the benefits while ignoring our demands and problems,' he added. MP Fouad Makhzoumi said: 'We are trying to impose equal representation in voting.' MP Hagop Terzian from the Free Patriotic Movement bloc stated: 'Parties are not from Mars; they are part of Beirut and have allied to ensure equal representation.' Hezbollah MP Amin Sherri said: 'We insist on equal representation. Cross-outs are Beirut's enemy.' Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea urged voters in Beirut to support the parties' list 'because the elections in Beirut reflect on coexistence in Lebanon, as it is the capital that represents the country's main face.' Competition for municipal seats was also fierce in the Bekaa, particularly in Zahle and Baalbek, raising voter turnout to 30 and 40 percent during the day. Several people, including two members of the Internal Security Forces' Information Branch, were injured in Zahle during a raid conducted by a patrol from the branch, supported by a Lebanese Army unit, on a Hezbollah electoral office in the area on suspicion of bribery. Around 15 young men were present at the site during the raid. The permits of several representatives for the non-partisan Change list in the city of Baalbek disappeared. It was revealed that the person who hid the permits — and who was arrested by the security forces — was working for the Hezbollah list in the area.
Saba Yemen
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Saba Yemen
Lebanese municipal elections start in many provinces
Beirut - Saba: Polling stations opened at 7:00 a.m. Sunday morning for Lebanese voters, marking the start of the third round of municipal and mayoral elections in the governorates of Beirut, Bekaa, and Baalbek-Hermel. Al-Manar TV reported that Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, accompanied by Defense and Interior Ministers Michel Menassa and Ahmad Hajjar, inspected the central operations room monitoring the electoral process at the Ministry of Interior. Salam, from the Interior Ministry, said: "I confirmed the readiness of the operations room at the Ministry of Interior, and we are concerned about the integrity and integrity of the electoral process and the absence of government interference. Last week witnessed a number of errors, including gunfire, bribery, and administrative mistakes. We have learned from them, and today's elections will be successful in Beirut and the Bekaa." For his part, the Interior Minister said: "The electoral process has begun in all polling stations, and there have been no security issues so far. All missing polling stations have been remedied, with the exception of one. A ballot box is being secured after it was discovered that the existing one was broken." Voting rates in the governorates of Beirut, Bekaa, and Baalbek-Hermel as of 10:00 AM were: Beirut: 2.01% Zahle: 5.96% West Bekaa: 5.47% Rashaya: 5.26% Hermel: 4.47% Baalbek: 5.22% The electoral process began in Beirut Governorate at 7:00 AM today, with approximately 511,000 registered voters electing a municipal council composed of 24 members, divided equally between Muslims and Christians, in addition to optional members, according to custom. The battle is intense, as it will determine the political face of the city. Most efforts are focused on ensuring equal representation on the municipal council, a goal unanimously agreed upon by political parties and authorities. Calls have been made for the city's residents to vote en masse and maintain diversity. However, the situation remains uncertain given the number of competing lists and the possibility of eliminating candidates. Ballot boxes were opened at the centers after logistical preparations were completed and the heads of polling stations and list representatives arrived amid tight security measures taken by the security forces. Facebook Whatsapp Telegram Email Print more of (International)
L'Orient-Le Jour
02-05-2025
- Politics
- L'Orient-Le Jour
Israel conducts strikes near Sahnaya region in Syria
21:32 Beirut Time Turkey called on Israel to "cease its airstrikes" on Syria, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said. "In this sensitive period for Syria, the international community has a duty to contribute to establishing security and stability in Syria. In this context, Israel must end its airstrikes, which are harming the country's efforts for unity and integrity," wrote ministry spokesman Öncü Keçeli in a statement. 20:26 Beirut Time Syrian authorities pledge to protect "all components" of society, including the Druze Syrian authorities reaffirmed their commitment to "protecting" all segments of society, including the Druze, following deadly fighting near Damascus involving the minority, AFP reported. "The Syrian Arab Republic reaffirms its firm commitment to protecting all components of the Syrian people without exception, including members of the Druze community, which has always been and remains an integral part of the national fabric," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement, expressing "its categorical rejection of any foreign interference" following the Israeli military intervention. 20:22 Beirut Time The Israeli army says it evacuated three Syrian Druze injured in Syria to a hospital in Israel. The Israeli army announced that it had evacuated three Syrian Druze injured in sectarian clashes in Syria to a hospital in Israel, AFP reports. "Recently, three Syrian Druze citizens were evacuated from Syria to receive medical treatment in Israel," the army said in a statement. It had previously carried out a strike in Syria against an "extremist group" to send a "firm message" to the new central authorities in Damascus to protect the Druze community. 20:16 Beirut Time Defense Minister Michel Menassa met the European Union (EU) Ambassador to Lebanon, Sandra De Waele, in Yarzeh, who presented him with the aid program approved by the EU for the Lebanese army. The two officials discussed the EU's role in strengthening the military institution's capabilities, as well as the importance of implementing Resolution 1701. The minister reaffirmed Lebanon's commitment to implementing this resolution, while stressing that "the presence of the Israeli army in southern Lebanon hinders the full deployment of the Lebanese army in the area south of the Litani River." 18:22 Beirut Time Security forces deployed near Damascus to "restore order" Security forces have been deployed near Damascus to "restore order" after deadly clashes between fighters linked to the Syrian government and others from the Druze community, an official announced. "We announce the end of the security operation" in the Sahnaya area near Damascus, and "the deployment of security forces to restore order," said Commander Houssam al-Tahhane, director of security for the Damascus suburbs, according to AFP, citing the state-run SANA news agency. 17:51 Beirut Time Syria's Grand Mufti warns against religious 'discord' Syria's Mufti, Osama al-Rifai, warned of the risk of religious "discord" following deadly clashes near Damascus between fighters linked to the Islamist regime and others from the Druze community. "Syrian brothers, beware of discord, for we know its beginning, but no one knows how it ends," he said in an address posted on his official Facebook page. "If discord spreads in our country ... we will all lose." 17:38 Beirut Time The state-run Syrian news agency SANA reported on Wednesday that Israeli strikes had taken place near Damascus, where clashes had pitted Druze fighters against groups allied with the Syrian Islamist regime. "Israeli strikes on the outskirts of the Sahnaya region," the agency announced. Israel said Wednesday that it was preparing to strike Syrian government targets if the Druze minority faced further violence. 16:55 Beirut Time 🔴 Israel orders army to prepare to strike Syrian regime targets if Druze communities are threatened. Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir ordered the army to be ready to strike government targets in Syria in the event of renewed violence against the Druze community in that country, AFP reports. Zamir "instructed the army to prepare to strike targets of the Syrian government if violence against the Druze community persists," the army said in a statement, a few hours after an Israeli strike against an "extremist group" near Damascus, accused of preparing an attack against the Druze. 16:29 Beirut Time Syria Syrian Interior Ministry reported that 16 security personnel were killed in sectarian clashes overnight in Sahnaya, a Druze-majority town near Damascus. The violence, which marked the second day of fighting between pro-government groups and Druze fighters, involved coordinated attacks on security checkpoints and posts. The clashes have exacerbated tensions in the region, leading to increased military deployments and curfews in affected areas. 16:27 Beirut Time France urges Israel to show 'utmost restraint' in Lebanon France has called on Israel to exercise 'the utmost restraint' in Lebanon following an Israeli strike that hit Beirut last Sunday, stressing that dismantling Hezbollah's military sites is a task that belongs 'exclusively to the Lebanese Armed Forces.' 'France recalls that the cease-fire must be respected by all parties without exception to ensure the safety of civilians on both sides of the Blue Line,' said French Foreign Ministry spokesperson Christophe Lemoine, as quoted by AFP. 'France therefore calls on Israel to show maximum restraint and to withdraw as soon as possible from the five points it still occupies on Lebanese territory,' he added during a press briefing. 15:40 Beirut Time Fires west of Jerusalem Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has ordered the army to deploy in response to rapidly spreading fires west of Jerusalem, according to AFP. "We are in a national emergency, and all available forces must be mobilized to save lives and contain the fires," the minister said in a statement from his office, as several communities were being evacuated. 15:38 Beirut Time Progressive Socialist Party (PSP) announced in a statement relayed by the state-run National News Agency that its former leader, Walid Jumblatt, held intensive contacts that included the new Syrian administration, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Jordan, and asked those concerned to seek a cease-fire in the Syria area of Ashrafieh Sahnaya to stop the bloodshed. Jumblatt also requested that "matters be addressed based on the logic of the state and the unity of Syria with all its components." According to PSP, a ceasefire was agreed upon and went into effect half an hour ago as a result of the contacts. Following that, Jumblatt requested that the ceasefire be maintained, as a delegation from Jabal al-Arab region is expected to arrive in addition to a delegation of sheikhs and community figures. The purpose of this visit is to develop a final formula that ensures there is "no return to infighting, which only benefits the Israeli enemy," according to Jumblatt. 14:40 Beirut Time US tells ICJ that law allows Israel to attack UN agencies that aren't 'impartial' A US official addressing the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Wednesday defended Israel's attacks on U.N. agencies in Gaza as potentially lawful. On the third day of hearings by the World Court in The Hague examining Israel's legal humanitarian obligations in occupied Palestine, the U.S. rejected the opinion held by the majority of states that Israel has breached international law in its attacks on U.N. and international organisations during its war on Gaza since October 2023. The current ICJ proceedings have been prompted by Israel banning the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (Unrwa) in October. The ban sparked global outrage and calls for Israel to be ejected from the United Nations due to accusations that it violated the founding charter, particularly the privileges and immunities enjoyed by U.N. agencies., reports Middle East Eye. 14:05 Beirut Time Switzerland to enforce Hamas ban starting May 15 Switzerland will officially implement a law banning Hamas and affiliated groups on May 15, aiming to prevent Hamas from using the country as a safe haven. Authorities say the measure will facilitate entry bans and expulsions, reports Al Jazeera. Approved by parliament in December following Hamas's Oct. 7, 2023 attack on Israel, the law provides Swiss authorities with "the necessary tools to act against Hamas activities or support for the organization within Switzerland,' the government stated. 13:51 Beirut Time Syria Druze leader Sheikh Aql Sami Abi al-Mona held a series of local and international calls today as part of ongoing coordination with political leadership to help contain the deadly unrest unfolding in parts of Syria, according to the state-run National News Agency. 'Our honorable people in Jaramana and Ashrafieh Sahnaya are fully capable of defending themselves... their wise leaders are capable of devoting efforts to end the sedition that those seeking to harm the country are trying to ignite,' Sheikh Abi al-Mona stated. In this context, the General Authority of the Druze sect's religious council has called for an urgent meeting to be held in Beirut at 4 p.m. today. The gathering will include Sheikh Abi al-Mona, Druze leader Walid Jumblatt, ministers, MPs, judges, and religious figures, and will focus on addressing the rising tensions in Syria. 13:29 Beirut Time Iran/US Iran and the U.S. will hold a fourth round of nuclear talks on Saturday in Rome, still under Omani mediation, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced on Wednesday. 'The next round of negotiations will take place in Rome,' Araghchi said after a cabinet meeting, adding, 'The day before, on Friday, we will also hold a meeting with three European countries.' 12:18 Beirut Time South Lebanon French patrol from the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) fired tear gas shortly before noon to disperse a gathering of residents in the town of Cana, in the Tyre district. According to our correspondent, the residents were attempting to block the patrol from entering the village, claiming it did not have the authorization of the Lebanese Army. 11:32 Beirut Time The Hague hearings enter day 3 The International Court of Justice (ICJ) continues its hearings on Israel's humanitarian obligations in the Palestinian territories, with the U.S. and Hungary set to speak today. A shift in tone is expected, as both countries are likely to support Israel and had voted against the 2023 U.N. resolution requesting the ICJ's opinion on the matter. Palestinian opening set the tone: On Monday, Palestinian representatives were granted extended time to present their case. Nine countries took the floor Tuesday, each given 30 minutes to speak. South Africa opened the session, reaffirming its strong support for Palestine. The country previously accused Israel of genocide at the ICJ in 2023. 11:12 Beirut Time Gaza Medical sources say that Israel's continued attacks have killed at least 21 Palestinians in Gaza since the early hours of this morning, reports Al-Jazeera. 11:05 Beirut Time Israel/Syria Druze residents in northern Israel are currently blocking the highway between Acre and Karmiel following reports that six young Druze were killed in violent clashes in the Syrian city of Jaramana (south), and that armed militias have entered Druze villages in Damascus, Haaretz reports. The spiritual leader of Israel's Druze community, Sheikh Mouafak Tarif, said he is closely monitoring developments in Jaramana. He issued an appeal 'to all influential international forces and entities in Syria, as well as to the Israeli defense minister and the Northern Command.' A representative of the sheikh said he has warned against any harm to the Druze community or its members in Syria. 11:03 Beirut Time Lebanon President Joseph Aoun met Wednesday with the new head of the ceasefire monitoring committee, who will succeed Jasper Jeffers. 10:22 Beirut Time Israel Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that 'the main lesson of October 7, 2023, is that the Israeli army must always stand between Israel's enemies and its citizens—whether in the buffer zone in Lebanon, on Mount Hermon, in the buffer zone in Syria, in refugee camps in the north of the occupied West Bank, or in buffer zones around Gaza separating the enemy from communities in the western Negev.' 'Iran is the main threat to the entire region, and we are more determined than ever to prevent it from acquiring nuclear weapons,' the minister added. 10:21 Beirut Time In the eyes of Western powers, reconstruction can be used as leverage against Hezbollah. As foreign aid is expected to arrive slowly—at best—Hezbollah is testing its options. Israel - Gaza In Israel, Haaretz reports that the Israeli military is preparing to issue mobilization orders to tens of thousands of reservists in anticipation of intensified fighting in Gaza. Military officials say some of these reservists will be deployed in Lebanon and Syria, while others will be stationed in the occupied West Bank. They will replace conscripted units being sent south for potential operations inside Gaza. Many reservists have already served hundreds of days since the war began and now face a third or fourth deployment of indefinite length. Meanwhile, The Times of Israel reports violent protests by extremist Haredi groups opposing the state's attempts to draft ultra-Orthodox Jews. Only 2% of the 10,000 conscription orders sent to eligible Haredi men over the past year have been accepted, the paper says. 10:17 Beirut Time Israel - Gaza Israeli officials on Tuesday made multiple statements suggesting the military will continue its operations and massacres in Gaza, where over 50,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 7, 2023. Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer said the war in Gaza would end 'in 12 months,' as reported by Israeli public radio. During a memorial for fallen soldiers, Prime Minister Netanyahu vowed to fight until 'victory' in Gaza. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich added that the war would end when 'hundreds of thousands of Gazans are on their way to other countries.' On March 18, Israel resumed its offensive in Gaza after a two-month truce with Hamas, which followed the group's deadly October 7 attack on Israeli soil. Since March 2, Israel has blocked all international aid to Gaza—vital for its 2.4 million residents—claiming it's pressuring Hamas to release remaining hostages. Amnesty International Secretary General Agnès Callamard wrote in the foreword of the organization's annual human rights report on Tuesday: 'Since the horrific crimes committed by Hamas, the world has been watching a live genocide on their screens.' 10:17 Beirut Time Yemen U.S. continues to pressure Houthi rebels. On Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Defense announced that over 1,000 targets had been struck in the country since mid-March. U.S. and British forces also carried out a joint military operation Tuesday targeting a Houthi military site involved in drone manufacturing, according to the UK Ministry of Defence, as reported by Reuters. Later that day, the Israeli army reported intercepting a drone launched from Yemen, according to Israeli media.
National News
15-04-2025
- Politics
- National News
Defense Minister discusses areas of cooperation with French Senator Ravier, broaches situation with itinerant visitors
NNA - Minister of National Defense, Major General Michel Menassa, on Tuesday received in his office in Yarzeh, French Senator Stéphane Ravier, member of the Foreign Affairs, Defense and Armed Forces Committee in the French Senate. During the meeting, they discussed ways to develop cooperation between Lebanon and France, particularly with regard to supporting the Lebanese Army in the areas of training and logistical equipment. Minister Menassa later received respectively MP Simon Abi Ramia, MP Charbel Massad, former Minister Talal Merhebi, former Minister Hector Hajjar, and former MP Hadi Hobeish. Discussions reportedly touched on the general situation and challenges facing the country at the security and daily living levels. =============== L.Y
