Lebanon
Welcoming the move, Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi calls on all European countries to follow suit.
Leading Middle East expert Professor Uzi Rabi tells JNS that Iran’s infiltration into other countries it views as belonging to the Shi’ite axis cannot be seen by the untrained eye; at the same time, Hezbollah has its back “against the wall” and is facing an unprecedented low point.
America seeks to leverage reform in Lebanon, including ensuring that Hezbollah no longer has such a grip on the government.
“The status quo in Lebanon is unacceptable,” says U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Kelly Craft. “Now is the time to ... enable the [peacekeeping] mission to fully achieve what it was set out to accomplish.”
Report: Lebanese leaders knew explosives in the Beirut port could flatten the city
A report by Lebanese State Security on the lead-up to the Aug. 4 disaster confirms the country’s prime minister and president were both notified of the danger in July.
Palestinian Authority daily claims that Israel is behind Beirut blast
“We … do not rule out the possibility that Israel had a hand in this catastrophe since this is what it exists for—to destroy the [Arab] nation and any chance of its revival,” writes columnist Bassem Barhoum.
International organizations and world leaders have promised to donate $300 million in aid to Lebanon.
Addressing the Knesset, the Israeli defense minister says the carnage could have been even worse, as the Iran-backed terror organization also stores explosives in civilian homes.
Decision a “response to the public will for change” • Hezbollah chief, Lebanese leaders hanged in effigy in Beirut protests.
The American Jewish Committee called on former Prime Minister Carl Bildt to apologize.
Tel Aviv lights up municipality building in message of solidarity to Lebanon
“Humanity comes before any conflict, and our hearts are with the people of Lebanon,” says Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai.
Identity of those who own ammonium-nitrate warehouse being investigated • Substance since 2014 means not used for agriculture • Lebanese state already under economic and social pressure.
