hezbollah

Israeli Army Says it Captured Four Hezbollah Members in South Lebanon

The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Wednesday that the Israeli Army had arrested "four members of Hezbollah who infiltrated a restricted area in southern Lebanon." One of the detainees is reportedly a senior figure within the group in the region. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant later confirmed the arrests ...

A Bitter, Anxious and Determined Return to the Devastated Border Region

Barely had the ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel taken effect at 4 AM on Wednesday that thousands of displaced Lebanese set out, eager — or hoping — to return to their homes. The wait had been extremely long, and the impatience palpable. On the road home, a blend of anxiety, anticipation and hope hung in the air. What would they find upon ...

After the Ceasefire, Iran and Syria in Netanyahu's Crosshairs

In his speech on Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented his strategic vision for Israel, emphasizing a shift in national priorities toward addressing the "Iranian threat." While defending the ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah in Lebanon, Netanyahu cautioned that the arrangement was meant to allow Israel to focus on its key ...

Political and Security Implications of the Ceasefire

The date of November 26 marked a turning point in the war that has lasted over a year between Hezbollah and Israel. On Tuesday evening, a ceasefire was declared in Lebanon, that took effect early Wednesday morning. While the agreement between the warring parties represents a significant step toward managing the tensions that have plagued the ...

UNIFIL Welcomes Ceasefire, Adjusts Operations for Lasting Peace

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) welcomed the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, acknowledging the “new situation” and emphasizing its readiness to support both Lebanon and Israel in this phase. In a statement released on Wednesday, UNIFIL confirmed that it would continue performing its mandated tasks and had already ...

Ashrafieh Residents: Caught Between Hope, Exhaustion, and Disillusionment

At 9:30 AM this Wednesday in Beirut, the sky is gray, but Madeleine’s smile, spotted at Sassine Square in the heart of Ashrafieh, is infectious. Madeleine, in her seventies, was in her car asking for directions to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I take the opportunity to ask her about the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, which officially ...

Lebanese Army Reinforces its Presence South of the Litani River

The Lebanese Army began reinforcing its presence South of the Litani River on Wednesday, as part of its bid to extend state authority in coordination with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). This move is in line with Lebanon's commitment to implement UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which stipulates bolstering the Lebanese ...

Shall We Start the Same Over and Over Again? 

The entry into force of the ceasefire was marked by… celebratory gunfire and the distribution of Hezbollah flags in the southern suburb of Beirut. Some Lebanese have a rather astounding tendency to learn nothing from the country’s tragedies. Some 3,700 dead, $10 billion in damages, and yet… celebratory gunfire! The poor Jean-Yves Le Drian, ...

Reinsurers Reluctant Toward Lebanese Insurance Companies Over Conflict

Reinsurers are hesitant to renew reinsurance contracts with Lebanese insurance companies — an expected approach in view of the conflict sparked by Hezbollah’s front against Israel. As the year-end approaches, most annual reinsurance agreements for the 40 insurance companies operating in Lebanon are set to expire. Negotiations have been ...

Iran Welcomes End of Israel 'Aggression' in Lebanon

Iran welcomed the end of Israel's military operations in Lebanon, after a ceasefire came into force on Wednesday between Israel and Hezbollah. Hailing the news of the end of Israel's "aggression against Lebanon", foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei in a statement stressed Iran's "firm support for the Lebanese government, nation and ...

Local Responses on the Announcement of the Ceasefire

Hours after US President Joe Biden announced a proposal to end the “devastating” conflict, which has killed thousands of people over the course of nearly 14 months of cross-border fighting, the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah went into effect. Many local positions were issued after the truce, which started at 4 AM on ...