Latest news with #NaimQassem
LBCI
3 days ago
- General
- LBCI
Lebanon's FM: Hezbollah must disarm, Lebanese reject outdated power-sharing formula
Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji reiterated that "the Lebanese state does not negotiate over its sovereignty," describing Hezbollah as "an armed group operating outside the law" and lacking legitimacy. In an interview with the "Alquds Alarabi" newspaper, Rajji urged the group to 'hand over your weapons and form a normal political party with your allies, based on whatever ideology you choose.' Responding to recent remarks by Hezbollah's Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem, Rajji said: 'He can say whatever he wants," but the Lebanese people no longer support the so-called "army, people, and resistance" formula. That era is "over.' Rajji claimed the criticism he's faced stems from resistance by some factions to the idea of placing all weapons under the state's sole authority. He also noted a thaw in relations with Arab and Gulf states, saying 'the ice has been broken' and expressing hope that ties are now 'in their best state.' Rajji welcomed comments by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas affirming Lebanon's sovereignty and calling for refugee camps to be placed under Lebanese security control. Regarding U.S. envoy Morgan Ortagus, Rajji said there is no fixed date for her visit to Lebanon yet, though it is likely to take place within two weeks. He denied any American frustration with Lebanon's pace of decision-making and pledged to complete diplomatic appointments within weeks, adding that there are no remaining obstacles.
Nahar Net
3 days ago
- Politics
- Nahar Net
Rajji slams Hezbollah as 'outlaw' group and its tripartite equation as outdated
by Naharnet Newsdesk 28 May 2025, 14:17 Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji has said that Hezbollah chief Sheikh Naim Qassem 'can say what he wants' about the so-called 'army-people-resistance' equation but added that 'the Lebanese people no longer want this outdated equation.' 'He certainly does not want to give up his weapons, but eventually he must find a solution,' Rajji said in an interview with the al-Quds al-Arabi newspaper. 'This is an outlaw armed group and it is not legitimate. We ask it to seek a solution, hand over its weapons and form a normal political party that has the creed it wants. I support total creed freedom and let its fighters return to their normal life and each member to his job,' the minister added.
Shafaq News
3 days ago
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Another Israeli strike: Motorcyclist killed in southern Lebanon
Shafaq News/ An Israeli drone strike killed a motorcyclist in the southern Lebanese village of Yater on Tuesday, according to the country's Health Ministry. The incident adds to a series of recent Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon, including an attack in al-Mansouri that left one civilian dead and nine injured. Since the ceasefire's implementation in Lebanon, authorities have documented over 3,000 Israeli violations, resulting in more than 200 fatalities. Earlier, Hezbollah's Deputy Secretary-General Naim Qassem reaffirmed that armed resistance remains Lebanon's only viable response to Israeli aggression, emphasizing the group's 'preparedness for all scenarios' if the Lebanese government fails to confront Israeli threats.
Nahar Net
5 days ago
- Health
- Nahar Net
Three Israeli airstrikes target outskirts of Brital
by Naharnet Newsdesk 7 hours Israeli warplanes on Monday carried out three airstrikes on the Sraj area in the outskirts of the Baalbek district town of Brital, the state-run National News Agency said. Two people were injured in overnight strikes on the southern towns of Beit Leef and Majdal Zoun, the Health Ministry said Monday. Israel has continued to launch near-daily airstrikes in southern and eastern Lebanon and sometimes in Beirut's suburbs despite a November 27 truce that sought to halt more than a year of hostilities with Hezbollah including two months of full-blown war. Under the terms of the ceasefire deal, the only armed bodies in southern Lebanon are meant to be U.N. peacekeepers and Lebanon's army, though Israel has retained its forces in five areas it has declared strategic. Speaking Sunday on the anniversary of Israel's withdrawal from southern Lebanon in 2000, Hezbollah leader Sheikh Naim Qassem reiterated the Lebanese group's stance that it will not discuss giving up its remaining weapons until Israel withdraws from the five border points it occupies in southern Lebanon and stops its airstrikes. "We adhered completely" to the agreement, Qassem said, adding: "Don't ask us for anything else from now on. Let Israel withdraw, stop its aggression, release the prisoners and fulfill all obligations under the agreement. After that, we will discuss each new development."
Nahar Net
5 days ago
- Politics
- Nahar Net
Three Israeli airstrikes target outskirts of Brital
by Naharnet Newsdesk 26 May 2025, 16:10 Israeli warplanes on Monday carried out three airstrikes on the Sraj area in the outskirts of the Baalbek district town of Brital, the state-run National News Agency said. Two people were injured in overnight strikes on the southern towns of Beit Leef and Majdal Zoun, the Health Ministry said Monday. Israel has continued to launch near-daily airstrikes in southern and eastern Lebanon and sometimes in Beirut's suburbs despite a November 27 truce that sought to halt more than a year of hostilities with Hezbollah including two months of full-blown war. Under the terms of the ceasefire deal, the only armed bodies in southern Lebanon are meant to be U.N. peacekeepers and Lebanon's army, though Israel has retained its forces in five areas it has declared strategic. Speaking Sunday on the anniversary of Israel's withdrawal from southern Lebanon in 2000, Hezbollah leader Sheikh Naim Qassem reiterated the Lebanese group's stance that it will not discuss giving up its remaining weapons until Israel withdraws from the five border points it occupies in southern Lebanon and stops its airstrikes. "We adhered completely" to the agreement, Qassem said, adding: "Don't ask us for anything else from now on. Let Israel withdraw, stop its aggression, release the prisoners and fulfill all obligations under the agreement. After that, we will discuss each new development."
