Israeli Overflights Stir Fear in Beirut
Recent low-altitude flights and sonic booms from Israeli jet fighters over Beirut have instilled fear among the city's inhabitants, serving as stark reminders of the fragile nature of the current ceasefire. These flights have not been confined to the capital; they have extended to the Matn district in Mount Lebanon and segments of the Bekaa region near the Syrian border, as reported by Lebanon's state news agency, NNA.
Anticipation Builds Ahead of Withdrawal Deadline
Local citizens are holding onto hope that Israeli forces will withdraw from southern Lebanon as the American-backed ceasefire deal, brokered on November 27, 2024, approaches its deadline. The official date for the complete removal of Israeli soldiers is set for February 18, 2025.
However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly declared his country's intention to maintain troops at five border points, aiming to establish a buffer zone to deter any resurgence of Hezbollah's presence. Reports indicate that Netanyahu is seeking endorsement from American
President Donald Trump for this extension
Lebanese officials have categorically denied any acceptance of Israel's request to allow soldiers to remain in the south. President Joseph Aoun stated on Wednesday that there is "no truth" to reports suggesting the government agreed to this demand. As part of the arrangement that ended hostilities between Lebanon and Israel, thousands of Lebanese army soldiers were to be deployed to the south, and Hezbollah was expected to decrease its presence in the area.
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has affirmed his government's commitment to implementing all international obligations, including United Nations Resolution 1701, which mandates that the Lebanese armed forces be the sole defenders of the nation.
Hezbollah’s Post-Ceasefire Challenges
Currently, Hezbollah is confronting significant challenges following the loss of numerous young fighters and its prominent leader, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike on September 27, 2024. A Hezbollah delegation, led by MP Mohammad Raad, on Thursday extended an invitation to President Joseph Aoun to attend the funerals of the slain leader and his successor, Sayyed Hashem Safieddine. The funeral is scheduled for February 23, 2025.
The country is now placing its faith in Lebanon's national army to protect them if the situation with Israel deteriorates. The recent offensive resulted in approximately 4,000 deaths in Lebanon, including many civilians, and led to the displacement of more than 1.2 million residents, according to Lebanese authorities. It also caused billions of dollars in destruction and damage.
Many Lebanese blame Hezbollah for the devastation inflicted upon them after months of heavy bombing by Israeli planes, although the Shia community, which suffered the most, still largely supports the militant political movement.
The ceasefire has been a defining moment in Hezbollah's militant activities. The group can no longer act with impunity against Israel, irrespective of the official Lebanese government's position.
The party is now preparing for a new phase in its political history and is experiencing a crisis of purpose. Historically, it emphasized the slogan, "Army, People, Resistance." However, this equation appears to be finished, at least for now.
Negotiations between Italy and Elon Musk's Starlink have stalled over geopolitical tensions, as the government seeks secure communications for officials. Opposition politicians have raised concerns over working with a company linked to U.S. President Donald Trump.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has issued a stern warning about the possibility of renewed military operations in the south, following Israeli airstrikes in retaliation for a cross-border rocket launch.
Tensions rise along the Lebanon-Syria border after the abduction and killing of Syrian security forces. Syria accuses Hezbollah of orchestrating the attack, while the group denies involvement. Diplomatic efforts to resolve the situation are underway.
The World Bank has unveiled a $1 billion program for Lebanon's reconstruction, including a $250 million loan, to help rebuild the country's economy and infrastructure after years of instability and the 2020 Beirut port explosion.
The European Commission has called for enhanced preparedness across Europe, urging improved stockpiling of critical supplies and encouraging citizens to maintain emergency provisions for at least 72 hours.
Kirill Dmitriev, CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, highlighted the potential for international investors, particularly from the Global South, to contribute to the development of Russia's Arctic region, driven by the opening of the Northern Sea Route due to global warming.
Israeli citizens have protested outside the Knesset and Prime Minister’s residence against a controversial law that would alter the judicial appointment committee, a move critics warn could shift power within the judiciary and spark a constitutional crisis.
Britain's proposed assisted dying law for terminally ill individuals may be delayed until 2029, following amendments to the legislation that extend the timeline for implementation and add new safeguards, with the bill still needing approval from both the House of Commons and the House of Lords.
The European Union’s enlargement process continues to move forward, but without mention of Georgia. In a speech at the European Policy Center in Brussels on March 25, European Council President Antonio Costa highlighted the EU’s commitment to integrating Ukraine, Moldova, and the Western Balkans.
Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson stated on Thursday that purchasing U.S. weapons does not pose a security risk for his country, but emphasized the need for Europe to reduce its reliance on American defense systems. His comments come amid growing discussions within Europe.
Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) pilots, monitoring a Chinese navy warship as it navigated Australian waters, were alerted to a live-fire exercise via a civilian radio broadcast, defense officials revealed on Tuesday.
Mexican forces have dismantled a massive meth lab in Zacatecas, dealing a blow to a Sinaloa Cartel faction.
Serbia’s parliament has officially accepted the resignation of Prime Minister Milos Vucevic, setting a 30-day deadline for the formation of a new government or the calling of snap elections.
A devastating overnight drone attack on Kyiv, attributed to Russian forces, resulted in the deaths of three people, including a five-year-old child, and left ten others injured.
As the world shifts toward clean energy at an ever-accelerating pace, large economies are scrambling to secure reliable supply chains for rare earth minerals. These minerals, once seen as mere industrial components, have become a political tool in the global power struggle
The Department of Energy (DOE) has instructed its employees to label documents related to the agency’s review of grants and contracts under the controversial DOGE initiative with "legal privilege," in a bid to prevent them from being disclosed under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia hosted the presentation of the Armenian translation of the book by Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araqchi, titled "The Power of Negotiations: Principles and Rules of Political and Diplomatic Negotiations."
Armenian Parliament Speaker Alen Simonyan stated on Tuesday that there are no expected changes in Armenia’s relations with the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), despite ongoing discussions regarding the country’s stance on the military alliance.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has met with a delegation led by Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, who is in Yerevan on an official visit.
The European Commission has called for enhanced preparedness across Europe, urging improved stockpiling of critical supplies and encouraging citizens to maintain emergency provisions for at least 72 hours.
Kirill Dmitriev, CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, highlighted the potential for international investors, particularly from the Global South, to contribute to the development of Russia's Arctic region, driven by the opening of the Northern Sea Route due to global warming.
Israeli citizens have protested outside the Knesset and Prime Minister’s residence against a controversial law that would alter the judicial appointment committee, a move critics warn could shift power within the judiciary and spark a constitutional crisis.
Britain's proposed assisted dying law for terminally ill individuals may be delayed until 2029, following amendments to the legislation that extend the timeline for implementation and add new safeguards, with the bill still needing approval from both the House of Commons and the House of Lords.
The European Union’s enlargement process continues to move forward, but without mention of Georgia. In a speech at the European Policy Center in Brussels on March 25, European Council President Antonio Costa highlighted the EU’s commitment to integrating Ukraine, Moldova, and the Western Balkans.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment