This is Beirut - Israël

Israel Sends Ofek 19, a Reconnaissance Satellite, Over Lebanon

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

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 ...

Israeli Strikes Kill 13 People Near Gaza City

This is Beirut, 02/09 05:15 - Reading : 1 minute(s)

Gaza Palestine Israel

Gaza's civil defence agency said on Tuesday that Israeli strikes on an apartment and a residential building killed 13 people overnight. Spokesman Mahmud Bassal said in a statement to AFP that Israeli warplanes hit the top floor of a residential building in southwestern Gaza City, killing 10 people. Bassal said Israeli helicopters also struck ...

Lebanon, UNIFIL, and the Return of Sovereignty and Peace

David Hale , 01/09 18:15 - Reading : 5 minute(s)

Lebanon UNIFIL Israel Hezbollah Iran

There was a real possibility earlier this summer that the United States was going to veto the renewal of the UNIFIL mandate in August. Ultimately, a wiser course prevailed, when the UN Security Council extended UNIFIL's mandate "for a final time" last week until the end of 2026. This step is a positive one for everyone concerned except ...

Disarming Militias: Time for Lebanon to Assert a Firm Stance?

Élie-Joe Kamel, 01/09 17:45 - Reading : 5 minute(s)

Lebanese Forces Amal Hezbollah Israel United States

Lebanon is entering a critical week as the Cabinet prepares to meet on Friday, September 5. During the session, the army’s plan to disarm militias – most notably Hezbollah – is expected to be presented. The meeting comes amid mounting pressure from Israel and the United States, deep internal divisions and a so-called “consensus” ...

Raggi: State Monopoly on Arms Is a “Historic Step” Toward Sovereignty

This is Beirut, 01/09 13:35 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Israel United Nations lebanon Youssef Raggi Border

Lebanon has reaffirmed its determination to strengthen ties with Gulf states and fully restore national sovereignty, Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi said in an interview published Monday by the Emirati daily Al-Ittihad. He highlighted the government’s recent decision to grant the state exclusive control over weapons, describing it as a ...

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