Report: Hezbollah Orders Its Fighters to Vacate Areas South of Litani
The party has also temporarily suspended payments for compensation checks to those affected by Israel's war on Lebanon, it revealed.
The decisions come as Hezbollah announced the suspension of its military activities pending the outcome of diplomatic efforts currently initiated by the Lebanese state to secure a full Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory, and to stop air and ground violations.
The Wall Street Journal said the damage inflicted by Israel on Hezbollah is becoming clear: its military abilities have been severely degraded and its finances are strained to the point that it is struggling to meet its commitments to followers.
But the spiraling bill from its latest war is making many of those payments impossible, it explained.
WSJ added, citing residents, that the group's primary financial institution Al-Qard Al-Hassan has recently 'frozen payments for compensation checks that had already been issued.'
It said Hezbollah-run committees have evaluated hundreds of thousands of damaged homes and the group has issued $630 million in payments to people for loss or damage to their homes, according to an official at Al-Qard Al-Hassan.
It also said the party has temporarily frozen compensation payments for its supporters and those affected, but not for party members and operatives.
A person close to Hezbollah told the Journal that an internal memo was distributed to its combat units, ordering fighters who were not originally from areas south of the Litani River in southern Lebanon to vacate their positions, and that Lebanese army troops would be allowed to take control of the area in accordance with the ceasefire.
'The party has suffered heavy losses,' the person said, with some military units completely dismantled. But Hezbollah has partially replenished its ranks with fighters who had been stationed in Syria, the person added, with some restructured units ready for any resumption of fighting. 'The group has been weakened, but it is not defeated,' he stated.
Hezbollah's new secretary-general, Sheikh Naim Qassem, has repeatedly emphasized the party's military readiness, asserting that the resistance remains strong in manpower and weaponry. However, he said United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 only relates to Hezbollah's weapons south of the Litani River and not its north.
Qassem suggested that his party's weapons in northern Lebanon be discussed by the Lebanese state and various political forces as part of a defensive strategy.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arab News
41 minutes ago
- Arab News
Muslim World League chief meets Afghan ministers in Kabul
KABUL: Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, secretary-general of the Muslim World League and chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars, conducted high-level meetings with senior Afghan officials during his visit to Kabul. Al-Issa met Afghan Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi. Discussions centered on strengthening solidarity and promoting Islamic values worldwide. Key topics included the imperative to present Islam's true character through its principles of justice, rights protection, moderation and universal compassion. The officials emphasized that religious tolerance, as outlined in the Qur'an, Sunnah and prophetic traditions, must be reflected in Muslim conduct at both individual and community levels. The dialogue addressed contemporary challenges facing these objectives, particularly conflicting scholarly interpretations on critical issues that should unite the Muslim community. Officials referenced the significance of the 'Makkah Document' and the 'Document for Building Bridges Between Islamic Schools of Thought,' while highlighting the crucial role of the league's Islamic Fiqh Council as the premier jurisprudential body serving the Islamic nation's muftis and senior scholars. The meeting stressed the importance of promoting religious awareness through wisdom and sound guidance, while preventing those who exploit such discrepancies — whether deliberately or through ignorance — from damaging Islam's image and fueling Islamophobic sentiments. Al-Issa commended the Afghan government's counter-terrorism efforts during the talks. In a separate meeting, Al-Issa held discussions with Afghan Interior Minister Khalifa Sirajuddin Haqqani, focusing specifically on Afghanistan's fight against terrorist organizations. Both officials underscored that Islamic unity carries profound significance, while division and discord threaten Muslim solidarity and tarnish Islam's reputation. They agreed that such damage far outweighs any perceived benefits some scholars might identify in jurisprudential matters that rank below this paramount Islamic goal, adhering to the established principles of weighing benefits against potential harm recognized across all Islamic schools of thought.
Asharq Al-Awsat
an hour ago
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Syrian-Saudi Investment Forum Begins in Damascus
Under the patronage of Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, the Syrian-Saudi Investment Forum kicked off on Thursday in Damascus, attended by various ministers and officials from both countries. Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih delivered the opening speech, expressing gratitude for the hospitality extended by Syria and its people since their arrival, SPA reported. He conveyed greetings from Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, along with hopes for security and prosperity for Syria. Al-Falih emphasized that the directive from the Crown Prince to visit Syria with a delegation, comprising representatives from both the government and private sectors of Saudi Arabia, highlights the Kingdom's strong support for Syria in its journey towards economic growth, prosperity, and sustainable development. He stated, "We are not here to build new relationships; strong social, cultural, and economic ties have long connected our two countries. Historically, the Arabian Peninsula and the Levant were vital links in global trade through the Silk, Spice, and Incense Routes. Saudi Arabia and Syria have shared strong social, economic, and political ties. Recent meetings between the Crown Prince and the Syrian President aimed to strengthen this bond and create new opportunities for cooperation, highlighting the Kingdom's commitment to enhancing economic and investment relations with Syria." The minister noted that over 20 government entities and 100 leading private sector companies from Saudi Arabia are present at the forum, investing in various sectors, including energy, infrastructure, financial services, healthcare, agriculture, as well as communications and information technology. He announced that 47 agreements, valued at approximately SAR24 billion, will be signed, covering various fields including real estate, finance, and tourism. Al-Falih also stressed that the forum reflects the belief that the private sector is a key partner in achieving mutual goals between the two countries. It encourages Saudi and international investors to explore opportunities in Syria and contribute to its strategic projects, thereby fostering mutual benefits across vital sectors. He highlighted that agreements exceeding SAR11 billion will be signed in infrastructure and real estate. This includes the establishment of over three new cement factories, aimed at securing essential raw materials for construction and enhancing self-sufficiency in this critical area. In the telecommunications sector, Al-Falih stated that the forum marked the beginning of cooperation between the Syrian Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and Syrian tech companies on one side, and leading Saudi companies—such as Elm, stc, GO Telecom, Cipher, Classera—on the other. This collaboration aims to develop digital infrastructure, enhance cybersecurity capabilities, and build advanced ecosystems in artificial intelligence, data centers, and educational academies. Agreements in this sector are estimated to be worth approximately SAR4 billion. Al-Falih described Syria's agricultural sector as rich with potential in modern farming, grain production, organic products, and food supply chains. He expressed eagerness to collaborate with the Syrian side to develop innovative joint projects, including model farms and processing industries, as well as knowledge and technology exchange. He also addressed the financial services and remittance sector, which will witness, at the event, the signing of a memorandum of understanding today between the Saudi Tadawul Group and the Damascus Securities Exchange. This agreement aims to enhance cooperation in financial technologies, dual listings, data exchange, and the establishment of investment and transfer funds that will stimulate investment in Syria. The minister commended the positive and active role played by over 2,600 Syrian entrepreneurs in the Kingdom, noting that direct investments by Syrian investors in Saudi Arabia have reached nearly SAR10 billion. He emphasized their major role in building the new Syria and its growing economy. He said, "These figures are only the beginning and do not reflect our ambitions. We must work together, closely and cohesively, to grow and elevate these figures in line with the efforts of our two nations to build a better future for our peoples." Al-Falih also praised the positive steps taken by the Syrian government to improve the investment climate, foremost among them the amendment of the Investment Law on June 24, 2025, which grants investors more guarantees and incentives, facilitates procedures, and enhances transparency. As a reflection of the Kingdom's commitment to fostering investment in Syria, Al-Falih announced the establishment of the Saudi-Syrian Business Council, composed of a select group of business leaders. The council aims to drive economic cooperation, activate partnerships among private sector institutions in both countries, and boost Saudi investment presence in Syria's promising market. Al-Falih reiterated that the strong interest and presence of successful and pioneering Saudi companies across diverse investment sectors at the forum, along with the enthusiasm, engagement, and responsiveness witnessed from all sides in Syria. The resulting agreements across critical and high-value fields—capped by the commitment shown by the Syrian leadership and officials—are promising signs. These signs affirm that the path of cooperation and integration being launched today marks the beginning of a future filled with prosperity, growth, and development for both countries and their peoples across all fields, under the guidance and support of the leadership of both nations.
Arab News
3 hours ago
- Arab News
Trump envoy Witkoff says US cuts short Gaza ceasefire talks as Hamas lacks ‘good faith'
WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff said Thursday the United States is cutting short Gaza ceasefire talks and bringing its negotiating team home from Qatar for consultations after the latest response from Hamas 'shows a lack of desire to reach a ceasefire in Gaza.' 'While the mediators have made a great effort, Hamas does not appear to be coordinated or acting in good faith,' Witkoff said in a statement. 'We will now consider alternative options to bring the hostages home and try to create a more stable environment for the people of Gaza.' It was unclear what 'alternative options' the US was considering. The White House had no immediate comment, and the State Department did not immediately respond to messages. A breakthrough in talks on a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas has eluded Trump's administration for months as conditions worsen in Gaza. The territory recently had its deadliest day yet for aid-seekers in over 21 months of war, with at least 85 Palestinians killed while trying to reach food Sunday. The sides have held weeks of talks in Qatar, reporting small signs of progress but no major breakthroughs. Officials have said a main sticking point is the redeployment of Israeli troops after any ceasefire takes place. Witkoff said the US is 'resolute' in seeking an end to the conflict in Gaza and it was 'a shame that Hamas has acted in this selfish way.' Earlier Thursday, Israeli Prime Minster Benjamin Netanyahu's office recalled his country's negotiating team back to Israel in light of Hamas' response. In a brief statement, the prime minister's office expressed its appreciation for the efforts of Witkoff and mediators Qatar and Egypt, but it gave no further details. The deal under discussion is expected to include an initial 60-day ceasefire in which Hamas would release 10 living hostages and the remains of 18 others in phases in exchange for Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. Aid supplies would be ramped up and the two sides would hold negotiations on a lasting ceasefire. The talks have been bogged down over competing demands for ending the war. Hamas says it will only release all hostages in exchange for a full Israeli withdrawal and end to the war. Israel says it will not agree to end the war until Hamas gives up power and disarms, a condition the militant group rejects. Hamas is believed to be holding the hostages in different locations, including tunnels, and says it has ordered its guards to kill them if Israeli forces approach. The breakdown in talks is the latest setback for Trump as he's tried to position himself as peacemaker and made little secret of the fact he wants to receive a Nobel Peace Prize. The Republican president also had promised to quickly negotiate an end to Russia's war in Ukraine, but little progress has been made there, either. With the war in Gaza, Trump earlier this month met with Netanyahu at the White House, putting his weight behind a push to reach a breakthrough and a ceasefire agreement. But despite his newly strengthened partnership with Netanyahu following their countries' joint strikes on Iran, the Israeli leader left Washington without any announced breakthrough. The State Department said earlier in the week that Witkoff would be traveling to the Middle East for talks, but US officials later said that Witkoff would instead travel to Europe. It was unclear if he was holding meetings there Thursday. The apparent derailing of the talks comes as Israel's blockade and military offensive have driven Gaza to the brink of famine, according to aid groups. The UN food agency says nearly 100,000 women and children are suffering from severe, acute malnutrition, and the Gaza Health Ministry has reported a rise in hunger-related deaths. Israel has come under mounting pressure, with 28 Western-aligned countries calling for an end to the war and harshly criticizing Israel's blockade and a new aid delivery model it has rolled out. More than 100 charity and human rights groups released a similar letter, saying that even their own staff are struggling to get enough food. The US and Israel rejected the allegations and blamed Hamas for prolonging the war by not accepting their terms for a ceasefire. Israel says it is allowing in enough aid and blames UN agencies for not distributing it. But those agencies say it is nearly impossible to safely deliver it because of Israeli restrictions and a breakdown of law and order, with crowds of thousands unloading food trucks as soon as they move into Gaza. A separate Israeli-backed system run by an American contractor has also been marred by chaos.
