This is Beirut

Israel Carries Out a Series of Strikes in Southern Lebanon

This is Beirut, 03/09 16:10 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Hezbollah Israel lebanon South Lebanon Tyre

The number of Israeli raids targeting villages in southern Lebanon has risen to more than 15 as of late Wednesday night. Around 10:00 p.m., a series of strikes hit the towns of Adloun and Ansariyah, with additional reports of heavy aerial activity in the region. According to the Ministry of Health on Thursday morning, 4 people were killed and 17 ...

Ofek 19, the New Israeli Spy Satellite

This is Beirut, 03/09 15:55 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Israel Hamas Iran United States Hezbollah

Israel announced on Wednesday that it had launched a new spy satellite into orbit, called Ofek 19. According to Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, “This is also a message to all our enemies, wherever they may be: we are watching you constantly and under all circumstances.” For his part, Israeli President Isaac Herzog declared that “Israel ...

At Least 21,000 Children Disabled in Gaza War

This is Beirut, 03/09 14:40 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

United Nations Hamas Israel USA Gaza

At least 21,000 children in Gaza have been disabled since the war between Israel and Hamas began on October 7, 2023, a United Nations committee said Wednesday. Around 40,500 children have suffered "new war-related injuries" in the nearly two years since the war erupted, with more than half of them left disabled, said the UN Committee on the ...

Israel Intercepts Houthi Missile Fired From Yemen

This is Beirut, 03/09 13:45 - Reading : 1 minute(s)

Houthi Israel Palestine Yemen

The Israeli military said Wednesday it intercepted a missile fired from Yemen after Houthis vowed to avenge the killing of their prime minister in an Israeli strike last week. "Following the sirens that sounded a short while ago in several areas in Israel, a missile that was launched from Yemen was intercepted," an Israeli military statement ...

Israel Sends Ofek 19, a Reconnaissance Satellite, Over Lebanon

This is Beirut, 02/09 23:35 - Reading : less than a minute

Lebanon Israel Satellite Surveillance

Tel Aviv launched the reconnaissance satellite Ofek 19 on Tuesday night using a Shavit launcher, according to Israeli media reports. The satellite crossed Lebanese airspace, flying over several areas in South Lebanon where it was captured on video. According to Israeli media, the satellite was “successfully” launched at 10:30 p.m. from a ...

Macron: Israeli 'Annexation' Cannot Halt Push for Palestinian State Recognition

This is Beirut, 02/09 23:00 - Reading : 1 minute(s)

Emmanuel Macron France Israel Palestinian Statehood

French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday said Israel cannot stop a push towards the recognition of a Palestinian state through its expanded offensive in Gaza or by annexing more Palestinian territory. France is one of several countries planning to recognize the State of Palestine at the upcoming UN General Assembly in New York, with Belgium ...

Israel Builds Up Forces ahead of Gaza City Offensive

This is Beirut, 02/09 21:50 - Reading : 4 minute(s)

Israel Hamas Gaza

Israeli reservists began responding to call-up orders on Tuesday, swelling the military's ranks ahead of a planned offensive to capture Gaza City after nearly two years of devastating war. Despite mounting pressure at home and abroad to end its campaign, Israel has recently been stepping up operations as it lays the groundwork for seizing the ...

Traces of Uranium Detected at Syrian Site Hit by Israel in 2007

This is Beirut, 02/09 19:05 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

Uranium Syria Reactor Israel IAEA Deir al-Zor

The United Nations’ nuclear watchdog detected uranium particles at a remote site in Syria that was bombed by Israel in 2007, reviving questions about whether the destroyed facility once housed a secret nuclear reactor. According to a confidential report shared with member states, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) found a ...

Hezbollah’s Rickety Rifles: From Strength to Mockery

Johnny Kortbawi, 02/09 17:10 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Hezbollah Hassan Nasrallah Israel Lebanon weapons

In the wake of the recent war with Israel, Hezbollah has entered a new phase, prompting a shift in many of its long-held convictions, most notably its attachment to weapons as a bargaining chip. What was once upheld as a symbol of dignity and pride, described by former Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah as a divine mission, is now the subject of ...

Diplomatic Maneuvering and Political Uncertainty: Lebanon Under International Pressure

This is Beirut, 02/09 16:15 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

Hezbollah Israel Lebanon Disarmament Jean-Yves Le Drian Morgan Ortagus US France

Lebanon is preparing to host two senior envoys in the coming days as its government readies a crucial Cabinet session on September 5. French special envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian and US diplomat Morgan Ortagus return to Beirut to revive talks on security, disarmament and reconstruction. Appointed by French President Emmanuel Macron, Le Drian is ...

Post-Berri Speech: Would Iran Use Hezbollah’s Weapons in Nuke Negotiations?

Philippe Abi-Akl, 02/09 11:40 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

Hezbollah Lebanese Forces Israel Lebanese Army Tehran

Without ceremony or pomp, Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri buried the American proposal brought to Lebanon by envoy Tom Barrack, a plan already endorsed by the Lebanese government. In a televised address marking the 47th anniversary of Imam Musa al-Sadr’s disappearance with his two companions, Berri declared, “We are open to ...

What if Israel Was Right and the Arabs Were Wrong?

Hussain Abdul-Hussain, 02/09 10:00 - Reading : 4 minute(s)

Lebanon Arabs Israel United States

For over five decades, many Arab leaders have blamed Israel’s alleged intransigence, belligerence, and unfulfilled promises for the persistent failure to achieve Arab-Israeli peace. Yet, Lebanon’s handling of the November 2024 Cessation of Hostilities agreement with Israel tells a different story—one where Lebanese leaders, particularly ...

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