This is Beirut

Israel in Sweida: Motives and Ambitions

Philippe Abi Akl, 22/07 08:00 - Reading : 5 minute(s)

Israel Benjamin Netanyahu Syria Sweida Bedouin Ahmad al-Sharaa Druze

As heavy clashes enter their second week in Syria’s southern province of Sweida, pitting Druze factions against tribal groups backed by the Syrian Army and security forces, Israel’s quiet but deliberate involvement is raising alarm. Official claims of protecting Syria’s Druze are met with widespread skepticism. The real story lies in Tel ...

Between the Dilemma of Disarming Hezbollah and the Challenge of Rising Israeli Tensions

Amal Chmouny, 21/07 20:00 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

Lebanon Hezbollah Israel United States

The dialogue between the US and Lebanon concerning Hezbollah's disarmament has entered a crucial phase, characterized by urgency, skepticism and regional complexities. US envoy Tom Barrack emphasized the need for rapid and structured progress, a sentiment echoed in messages from Washington. However, as events unfold, the inherent challenges of ...

Confusion in Syria

David Hale , 21/07 17:00 - Reading : 5 minute(s)

Lebanon Syria Iran Hezbollah Israel United States

Recent developments in Syria are causing surprise and confusion. In a bold move, President Trump and his administration acquiesced to requests from the Turkish and Saudi leadership and lifted most sanctions on the Ahmed al-Sharaa regime, his Salafist HTS movement, and Syria itself. It did so without conditionality, without much effort to ...

Gaza Civil Defense, Witnesses Report Israeli Shelling in Deir el-Balah

This is Beirut, 21/07 14:15 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

Hamas Israel Gaza Deir el-Balah

Gaza's civil defence agency and eyewitnesses reported Israeli shelling in the central city of Deir el-Balah on Monday, after the military warned of imminent action in an area where it had not previously operated. The Israeli military on Sunday ordered those in the central Gaza area to leave immediately as it was expanding operations, ...

Barrack: Hezbollah Disarmament Is a Lebanese Internal Matter

This is Beirut, 21/07 13:10 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

Hezbollah Israel Joseph Aoun US Tom Barrack Lebanon

US presidential envoy Tom Barrack arrived in Beirut on Sunday for his third official visit to Lebanon in recent weeks, signaling a ramp-up in diplomatic efforts to ease escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah. Barrack began his meetings on Monday with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at Baabda Palace, accompanied by US Ambassador Lisa ...

Israel says Struck Yemen's Rebel-Held Hodeida Port

Ici Beyrouth, 21/07 11:25 - Reading : less than a minute

Houthi Israel Yemen

Defense Minister Israel Katz said Israel's military on Monday struck "terror targets" belonging to the Houthi rebels at the Yemeni port of Hodeida. The Israeli military "has just struck terror targets of the Houthi terror regime at the port of Hodeida and is forcefully enforcing the prevention of any attempt to restore the previously attacked ...

The Grammar of a Bungled Transition

Charles Chartouni, 21/07 09:00 - Reading : 5 minute(s)

Syria Lebanon United States Israel Hezbollah

The interpretation of political events can often lead to misunderstandings and confusion. It is crucial to establish clear communication and guidelines to navigate such complexities effectively. Without these measures, the potential for misinterpretation increases, which can exacerbate tensions and hinder progress. Therefore, fostering an ...

Iran Confirms Fresh Nuclear Talks with European Powers: State Media

This is Beirut, 21/07 08:50 - Reading : 4 minute(s)

Israel Tehran Nuclear Istanbul Europe

Iran confirmed fresh talks with European powers to be held on Friday in Istanbul, the country's state media reported, the first since the United States attacked Iranian nuclear facilities a month ago. Iranian diplomats will meet counterparts from Britain, France and Germany, known as the E3, after the trio warned that sanctions could be ...

Lebanon Finalizes Response to US Proposal as Tom Barrack Requests Clarifications

This is Beirut, 20/07 20:45 - Reading : 1 minute(s)

Damascus Hezbollah Israel

Lebanon is nearing completion of its official response to the US proposal addressing the disarmament of Hezbollah. According to reports by “Al-Jadeed” TV, the tripartite presidential committee convened Sunday evening at Baabda Palace to finalize the Lebanese remarks before handing them over to US envoy Tom Barrack. Barrack, for his part, has ...

Gaza Civil Defense Says Israeli Fire Kills 73 Aid Seekers

This is Beirut, 20/07 19:24 - Reading : 4 minute(s)

Israel Gaza Hamas

Gaza's civil defense agency said Israeli forces opened fire on a crowd of Palestinians waiting to collect humanitarian aid in the territory's north on Sunday, killing 73 people and wounding dozens more. Further to the south, the Israeli military ordered Palestinians to leave Deir el-Balah, in the center of the Strip, before launching ...

Hezbollah: A Gun to Lebanon’s Head

Marc Saikali, 20/07 18:30 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Hezbollah Israel United States

Same clarity, same concern — and this time, perhaps, a colder anger. The American envoy didn’t come for coffee. He came to assess the situation. And to restate the facts as they are: Hezbollah is dragging Lebanon toward civil war, and the world may well decide to walk away. This isn’t a threat — it’s a possible outcome of the current ...

Concrete Plant Bombed Near Yaroun

This is Beirut, 20/07 12:25 - Reading : 1 minute(s)

South Lebanon Israel

An Israeli fighter jet dropped a bomb on Sunday near a house in the town of Aita al-Shaab. Two explosions were heard in Bint Jbeil, caused by the Israeli army bombing a concrete plant near Yaroun, sparking panic among residents. On Sunday afternoon, heavy gunfire was fired from the Israeli radar post toward the outskirts of the town of Shebaa, ...

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