Latest news with #SupremeDefenseCouncil
Leaders
04-05-2025
- Politics
- Leaders
Hamas Hands over Suspect in Attacks against Israel, Lebanon Says
The Lebanese army stated on Sunday that Hamas handed over a person who was allegedly involved in launching attacks against the Israeli side in March, according to Reuters. This step comes days after Lebanon warned Palestinian group Hamas not to carry out operations that undermine the Lebanese security or sovereignty. On Friday, May 2, Beirut's Supreme Defense Council said that Hamas would face 'the harshest measures,' if they attempted to use Lebanese territory to conduct any actions that threaten the country's national security. 'Military and security leaders have submitted multiple reports on the situation in several Lebanese areas, particularly concerning the firing of rockets from Lebanon toward the occupied territory, the suspects' detention, and the issuance of necessary directives ensuring the proper enforcement of judicial procedures against them,' according to a statement that was read by Brig. Gen. Mohammed al-Mustafa. Importantly, the Lebanese authorities have recently arrested numerous people who were allegedly involved in launching attacks against the Israeli side on March 22 and 28. Friday's meeting of the Higher Defense Council witnessed the presence of several senior officials such as the country's president, prime minister, army commander and heads of security services. During the meeting, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam stated that the state should take over all 'illegal weapons'. Meanwhile, Aoun stressed the necessity of being decisive with any attempts to transform Lebanon into a platform of war and dangers. Related Topics: Hamas Eyes 5-Year Truce as Food Stocks Run Out in Gaza Hamas Urges Pressure to Act on Israel's Blockade How Hamas, Israel, US Reacted to Gaza Reconstruction Plan? Short link : Post Views: 14
Leaders
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Leaders
Lebanon Warns Hamas Against Undermining National Security
Lebanon has warned Palestinian group Hamas not to carry out operations that undermine the Lebanese security or sovereignty, according to Reuters. Beirut's Supreme Defense Council said on Friday that Hamas would face 'the harshest measures,' if they attempted to use Lebanese territory to conduct any actions that threaten the country's national security. 'Military and security leaders have submitted multiple reports on the situation in several Lebanese areas, particularly concerning the firing of rockets from Lebanon toward the occupied territory, the suspects' detention, and the issuance of necessary directives ensuring the proper enforcement of judicial procedures against them,' according to a statement that was read by Brig. Gen. Mohammed al-Mustafa. Importantly, the Lebanese authorities have recently arrested numerous people who were allegedly involved in launching attacks against the Israeli side on March 22 and 28. Friday's meeting of the Higher Defense Council witnessed the presence of several senior officials such as the country's president, prime minister, army commander and heads of security services. During the meeting, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam stated that all 'illegal weapons' should be handed over to the state. Meanwhile, Aoun stressed the necessity of being decisive with any attempts to transform Lebanon into a platform of war and danger. Related Topics: UAE, Lebanon Deepen Economic, Diplomatic Ties Lebanon Thwarts Rocket Attack Plot Against Israel, Detains Suspects Saudi Crown Prince, Lebanon's PM Meet in Makkah Short link : Post Views: 46
LBCI
03-05-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
From rocket launch to arrests: How Lebanon traced attackers to Hamas network
Report by Edmond Sassine, English adaptation by Yasmine Jaroudi Lebanese security agencies have identified members of Hamas as being behind the recent rocket attacks launched from South Lebanon on March 22 and 28, which Israel used as a pretext for retaliatory airstrikes on South Lebanon and Beirut that killed several people. According to security sources, four suspects have been arrested, and four others remain at large, reportedly hiding in the Palestinian refugee camps of Ain al-Hilweh, Rashidieh, and El-Buss. All eight individuals are believed to be affiliated with Hamas. Despite earlier attempts by Lebanon's military intelligence to secure their handover, the group did not cooperate until recently. Sources said Hamas acknowledged the group's affiliation but claimed the rocket attacks were conducted independently and did not represent an official decision by the movement. Following the Supreme Defense Council's recommendations, the Director General of General Security, Major General Hassan Choucair, summoned Hamas representative in Lebanon, Ahmad Abdel Hadi, to a meeting attended by Army Intelligence Chief Brigadier General Tony Kahwaji. Abdel Hadi was formally notified that Hamas must cease all military or security operations on Lebanese territory. Abdel Hadi pledged Hamas' full commitment to Lebanon's sovereignty, laws, and national security. He assured authorities that the four fugitives would be handed over within 48 hours. Security officials detailed how the suspects were apprehended. After the rocket launches, General Security detained a man whose fingerprints matched those found on one of the launch pads recovered by the Lebanese Army. Subsequent joint operations led to the arrest of two more suspects. The investigation expanded when army intelligence foiled a third rocket launch attempt during a raid on an apartment in the Zahrani area near Sidon. During the operation, several rockets and launchers were seized. The arrested suspects later confessed to the involvement of four others hiding in refugee camps, all allegedly linked to Hamas.
Asharq Al-Awsat
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Hamas Comes Under Pressure in Lebanon
Relations between Hamas and the Lebanese state have entered a critical phase not seen since the country's civil war era. In a rare and direct move, Lebanon's Supreme Defense Council on Friday named Hamas in an official warning, cautioning the group against using Lebanese territories to conduct activities that threaten national security. The warning follows rocket attacks in March, allegedly launched by Hamas operatives toward Israel from southern Lebanon, and signals a turning point in Beirut's handling of the longstanding issue of Palestinian arms. The issue is expected to dominate discussions during the upcoming visit of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to Beirut on May 21. Lebanese authorities are reportedly preparing to demand that Hamas hand over individuals implicated in the rocket attacks. Hamas officials in Lebanon declined to comment immediately, but sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that an official statement from the group is forthcoming. Last month, the Lebanese army said it had identified those responsible for the March 22 and 28 rocket launches, revealing a cell composed of Lebanese and Palestinian nationals. Subsequent raids led to several arrests and the seizure of equipment used in the attacks. Security sources later confirmed the detention of three Hamas members - two Palestinians and one Lebanese. Analysts and insiders believe Hamas now finds itself increasingly isolated in Lebanon. According to Palestinian political analyst Hisham Debassy, the group has little choice but to comply with Lebanese demands, including potentially disarming. 'The Defense Council's position marks a serious and strategic shift,' said Debassy. 'It sends a strong political message not just to Hamas but to any non-state actor operating militarily on Lebanese soil.' Debassy described Hamas as being at a crossroads. 'Either it cooperates with Lebanese authorities by handing over wanted individuals and signaling respect for state sovereignty, or it continues down a path of confrontation, an option that carries significant political and security costs.' He noted that Hamas currently lacks the internal cohesion and public support to take a defiant stance. Internal divisions have grown between factions aligned with Iran and others favoring political reintegration within the broader Muslim Brotherhood framework. Political analyst Dr. Qassem Qassir said Hamas' leadership, based largely in Qatar, remains mindful of Lebanon's fragile security. 'Hamas doesn't want to endanger Lebanon,' he said, adding that the group is likely to act cautiously given the broader regional context. Meanwhile, Abbas' visit is seen as an opportunity to reshape Palestinian-Lebanese relations and advance state authority in Palestinian camps. Lebanese officials are seeking a roadmap, backed by the Palestinian Authority, that could lead to the phased dismantling of weapons in refugee camps, following similar efforts targeting pro-Syrian Palestinian factions in the Bekaa and Naameh regions. Hamas' presence in Lebanon had traditionally been limited to social and political activities. But its military footprint began to emerge after a 2022 explosion in the Burj al-Shemali camp. Since the Gaza war erupted in October 2023, Hamas's armed wing has become more active in southern Lebanon, coordinating with Hezbollah in launching attacks on Israel, further complicating its position with Lebanese authorities.
Al Manar
02-05-2025
- Politics
- Al Manar
Higher Defense Council Reaffirms National Security as Top Priority, Calls for Transparent Municipal Elections
Brigadier General Mohammad Al-Moustafa announced that President Joseph Aoun initiated the first meeting of the Supreme Defense Council since taking office with a brief overview of the Council's role and powers. President Aoun emphasized the importance of reinforcing security and asserting state authority across all Lebanese territory—citing the National Accord Document, the presidential oath, and the government's policy statement as foundational references for these priorities. The meeting, held at Baabda Palace, was chaired by President Aoun and attended by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, relevant ministers, and top security and judicial officials. Following the meeting, the Supreme Defense Council issued a recommendation to the Cabinet to formally warn the Hamas movement against 'using Lebanese territory for any actions that may compromise Lebanon's national security.' 'The strictest measures and procedures will be taken to put a definitive end to any act violating Lebanese sovereignty,' the Council stressed. The Council also took note of plans by the judiciary to begin prosecutions early next week against those detained in connection with the rocket launches of March 22 and 28, 2025. It confirmed that all individuals found complicit, based on the ongoing investigations, will be prosecuted. In accordance with legal protocol, the Council's resolutions remain classified. During the session, President Aoun reiterated the necessity of strengthening national stability and extending the state's control over all Lebanese territory, stressing the positive impact this would have across political, economic, and social levels. بيان المجلس الأعلى للدفاع من بعبدا: – بدعوة من رئيس الجمهورية، عَقَد المجلس الأعلى للدفاع اجتماعًا برئاسة الرئيس عون وحضور رئيس مجلس الوزراء، ووزراء: المالية، الدفاع الوطني، الاقتصاد والتجارة، الخارجية والمغتربين، العدل، والداخلية والبلديات. – دُعي إلى الاجتماع كل من: مدعي عام… — Lebanese Presidency (@LBpresidency) May 2, 2025 He also called on relevant ministries to ensure full readiness for the upcoming municipal and local elections. Aoun underscored the importance of conducting these elections with transparency, in a democratic spirit, and free from any form of influence or coercion. 'Municipal governance is fundamentally developmental. Candidates must compete democratically, and citizens must vote in line with their conscience and national duty,' he said. Prime Minister Salam echoed the president's remarks, emphasizing the importance of holding this constitutional and democratic process after a nine-year delay. He reaffirmed the neutrality of the government and its institutions and expressed confidence in the professionalism of the electoral administration, which, he said, would reflect positively on the credibility of the process.
