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.
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Houthi attacks target Riyadh amid concerns over Saudi oil supplies, as Iran says it will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz until its conditions are met and U.S. commitments are implemented, parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said on Sunday.
Saudi civil defence sent an all-clear on Saturday after issuing alerts for a second time for potential danger in Riyadh and the city of Al-Kharj east of the capital, amid an uptick in attacks by Iran-aligned Houthis on the Gulf country.
The U.S. State Department approved a $2.7 billion military sale to Ukraine for air-defence development upgrades, along with related equipment and services, the department said. Meanwhile, Ukrainian authorities reported at least 10 people had died in Russian attacks over the last 24 hours.
The death toll from an overnight Russian attack on the Kyiv region rose to four, including three children, Kyiv regional authorities said on Sunday. A mother and her two 3-year-old children were killed when a Russian drone strike hit a private home, the emergency service said.
Iran's military has threatened to launch sustained attacks on U.S. bases and interests across the Middle East if Washington resumes military action against Tehran.
Iranian judicial authorities have shut a French language centre in Tehran linked to the French Embassy, accusing it of “illegal activities”, including operating without a licence and facilitating the departure of talented Iranians.
Ankara and Washington are considering “creative ideas” to resolve U.S. sanctions imposed over Türkiye’s purchase of Russia’s S-400 air-defence system, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has said.
Uzbekistan is stepping up investment in Karakalpakstan, with billions of dollars in projects spanning renewable energy, AI, agriculture, mining, transport and healthcare as the region seeks to create jobs and develop higher-value industries.
The EU plans to mobilise up to €12 billion ($13.8 billion) in public and private investment to strengthen the Middle Corridor, a key trade route connecting Central Asia and the South Caucasus with European markets.
Saudi Arabia faces a growing security challenge as Houthi missile and drone attacks reach Riyadh and threaten critical energy infrastructure, putting pressure on the Kingdom's air defences and vital oil export routes.
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