Latest news with #LebaneseGovernment
LBCI
12 hours ago
- Politics
- LBCI
Lebanon scrambles to finalize response to US plan on Hezbollah arms and border deal — here's what we know
Report by Yazbek Wehbe, English adaptation by Karine Keuchkerian A committee of advisers appointed by Lebanon's president, parliament speaker, and prime minister is drafting a comprehensive response to U.S. proposals. These include the disarmament of Hezbollah and Palestinian factions, the demarcation of the Lebanese-Syrian border—particularly regarding the Shebaa Farms—and advancing economic and political reforms. The presidency is represented by a senior military officer, the parliament by a political adviser, and the government by a diplomat, with support from technical experts. The secrecy surrounding the process stems from the belief that this response represents Lebanon's last critical opportunity, having previously squandered multiple chances. Lebanese officials are racing to finalize the response before July 7, the tentative date for U.S. envoy Tom Barrack's return to Beirut. They understand that Washington expects a clear, detailed plan with a timeline to be met by gradual reciprocal Israeli measures—such as phased weapons handovers in exchange for withdrawals from specific areas and the release of detainees. LBCI has learned that a significant portion of the response has already been drafted. Lebanon has agreed to some points, while others require clarification—chief among them the 'step-for-step' principle. Beirut maintains that because Israel occupies part of its territory, Israel must take the first step before Lebanon reciprocates. Regarding the Shebaa Farms, Lebanon plans to submit documents to relevant parties, including the United States and the United Nations, to prove its claim to the area. It is also willing to accept a U.N.-supervised demarcation process. The U.S. envoy has made Lebanese-Syrian cooperation on border issues a condition for moving forward to avoid future disputes. Meanwhile, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri is eager to finalize a comprehensive proposal and initiate implementation in July. Hezbollah has adopted a relatively flexible position but insists that Israel must begin its withdrawal, halt attacks, and release detainees to reassure its support base before any decision is made. Once the response is complete, the committee will present a proposed timeline to the Americans, who are seeking swift progress. On-the-ground coordination will reportedly involve the ceasefire monitoring committee, which will convey Israeli requests to the Lebanese army regarding the disarmament of specific sites. LBCI also learned that Washington has pledged to persuade Israel to adopt the 'step-for-step' approach once Lebanon finalizes its response and issues a cabinet declaration affirming that all arms will be under state authority. In return, Lebanon is seeking U.S. guarantees that Israel will fulfill its commitments and help resolve any outstanding issues in the event of Israeli obstruction. The structure and substance of Lebanon's response will be central to any potential agreement. Beirut recognizes that the time for political maneuvering has come to an end.
LBCI
20 hours ago
- Politics
- LBCI
Israeli army denies targeting civilian building in South Lebanon
Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee claimed on Friday that reports from Lebanon about civilian injuries following Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon were inaccurate, asserting that the Israeli military did not target any residential building. In a post on X, Adraee explained that 'based on the information available to us, the explosion that damaged the civilian building was caused by a rocket located at the Hezbollah site, which detonated as a result of the Israeli strike.' He accused Hezbollah of 'continuing to store its aggressive rockets near residential buildings and Lebanese civilians, thereby putting them at risk' and reiterated claims that the group is endangering southern Lebanon by refusing to hand over its weapons to the Lebanese state. Adraee added that the 'Israeli army will continue to operate to eliminate any threat to the State of Israel' and held the Lebanese government responsible for 'what happens on its territory due to its failure to confiscate Hezbollah's heavy weapons and rockets.' #عاجل 🔸بعد الغارات التي شنها جيش الدفاع صباح اليوم في جنوب لبنان على موقع لحزب الله استخدم لادارة النيران والحماية وردت تقارير لبنانية عن اصابة مبنى مدني ووقوع اصابات. 🔸أود التوضيح ان جيش الدفاع لم يستهدف اي مبنى مدني حيث وبناء على المعلومات الموجودة بحوزتنا فان الحديث عن تعرض… — افيخاي ادرعي (@AvichayAdraee) June 27, 2025
LBCI
16-06-2025
- Business
- LBCI
Lebanon, Iraq agree on direct flights to help stranded citizens return home
As part of ongoing efforts to assist Lebanese stranded abroad, talks between Lebanese and Iraqi officials resulted in an agreement to operate direct flights between Beirut and Basra airports. Two immediate flights will transport Iraqis currently in Lebanon back to Iraq, while Lebanese stranded in Iraq will be evacuated via Iraqi Airways. Iraqi Airways confirmed its commitment to operating daily flights between the two cities until normal air traffic resumes.
LBCI
10-06-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
MP Kassem Hachem condemns Israeli 'criminal aggression' after killing of two shepherds in South Lebanon
MP Kassem Hachem, a member of the Development and Liberation bloc, condemned Israel's targeting of two Lebanese shepherds from the same family, calling it a 'criminal aggression' and part of a decades-long pattern of Israeli brutality against Lebanon. 'These citizens were simply struggling to make an honest living,' Hachem said. 'What the Israeli enemy did today is yet another act of barbarism, continuing its aggression against Lebanon.' He accused Israel of disregarding the ceasefire agreement and said that international sponsors of that agreement bear responsibility for the violations. 'The Israeli enemy has only grown more brazen in its attacks, killing Lebanese civilians daily,' Hachem said, referring to the latest victims in Shebaa as well as previous fatalities, injuries, and the abduction of civilians. 'All of this has gone on without a single word of condemnation or any serious action from the international community to put an end to this aggression.' He called on the Lebanese government to act swiftly: 'We demand immediate action using all available means to confront this aggression and protect the homeland, its people, sovereignty, and dignity. How much longer will this silence last? The Lebanese state must raise its voice in every forum, and urgently.'
LBCI
03-06-2025
- Business
- LBCI
In Beirut, Iran's FM calls for ‘new chapter' in ties during talks with Lebanese counterpart
Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji received his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi in Beirut, with discussions focusing on regional and international developments, including ongoing negotiations over Iran's nuclear file. The meeting also served to explore ways to strengthen Lebanese-Iranian ties through constructive cooperation and mutual respect for each country's sovereignty. Described as a 'frank and direct exchange,' the talks saw Rajji emphasize Lebanon's hope that Iran will continue to support the country's security and stability amid mounting challenges. He stressed the importance of bolstering Lebanon's diplomatic efforts to reclaim occupied territories, halt ongoing Israeli violations, and reinforce state sovereignty by ensuring that arms remain under the control of official institutions. Rajji also underlined the need for international assistance to flow exclusively through the Lebanese government and its official institutions in order to enable reconstruction and economic recovery. For his part, Araghchi said his visit aims to 'open a new chapter' in relations with Lebanon in light of recent developments in the country and the region.
