Latest news with #MariellaSuccar
LBCI
6 days ago
- Politics
- LBCI
Rachaiya shuts down in mourning as Lebanon moves to defuse sectarian tensions from Sweida violence
Report by Lara El Hachem, English adaptation by Mariella Succar A walk through the Rachaiya market revealed a town in quiet mourning, as shops shuttered their doors in solidarity with victims of the recent violence in Sweida—part of a broader call from local religious leaders across the district. Residents also adhered to the appeal to avoid revenge or chaos. The events in Sweida, along with the spread of videos deemed provocative, sparked reactions in Lebanon. These were followed by mutual responses between the Sunni and Druze communities, including road closures, assaults on Syrian workers, and insults directed at Druze religious practices. These incidents were reported in several areas, including Western Bekaa. Some of the videos were found to be manipulated, further inflaming tensions and pushing the situation toward unrest. However, swift political, religious, and security coordination helped defuse the sectarian tension and distance the region from the unfolding events in Syria. The region, which did not witness a single act of violence during the height of the Israeli war on Lebanon, once again managed to absorb the spark of sedition. The Progressive Socialist Party emphasized that the solution lies in moderation, not in calls to join the Syrian conflict. Security and political coordination in the area is operating at the highest levels. The Lebanese Army maintains constant communication with community leaders to manage public discourse. On the ground, it has set up mobile checkpoints and prevented a group of Sweida residents living in Lebanon from crossing into Syria via a smuggling route in Mount Hermon. In addition, several Syrians who appeared in one of the offensive videos were deported for lacking proper documentation. Security sources indicate that the Army is handling any disturbance firmly and cautiously, while maintaining precision due to the sensitivity of the situation.
LBCI
7 days ago
- Politics
- LBCI
From Sweida to Damascus: Israel leverages Syrian chaos to redraw border realities
Report by Amal Shehadeh, English adaptation by Mariella Succar Israel is treating the clashes in Sweida, Syria, as a gift handed to it on a silver platter. Its primary goal remains preventing any armed group from approaching its border and establishing a buffer zone along the frontier with Syria. To achieve this, Israel is reportedly seeking to inflame tensions between the Druze community and Damascus' General Security forces. Images of Israeli Druze crossing into Syria under military protection to join the fighting, alongside intensified Israeli strikes on General Security fighters, highlight Tel Aviv's intentions. Within less than 24 hours, Israel began executing what appears to be a pre-prepared plan: it deployed reinforced troops along the border, ramped up airstrikes on regime positions in the conflict zones, and even targeted the Ministry of Defense in central Damascus—all under the pretext of protecting the Druze minority. Security officials monitoring the situation on the ground say Israel was initially slow to confront regime forces, allowing them to reach Druze-populated areas near the border. However, they add that Israel still has the capacity to prevent any breach of its frontier. Israel has effectively launched a campaign in Syria to prevent another October 7 scenario. The border is on high alert, with defense systems prepared to intercept any missiles or drones, and military supplies being increased. Meanwhile, Israeli Druze are protesting and calling for all borders to be opened so they can defend their community members inside Syria. The situation in southern Syria is highly volatile, and the ongoing fighting there is expected to benefit Israel's aim of establishing the buffer zone it seeks. Everything else, for Israel, is secondary.
LBCI
14-07-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
From Shebaa Farms to Mount Hermon: Israel resets its northern war map
Report by Amal Shehadeh, English adaptation by Mariella Succar Israel has placed the Lebanon-Syria border area at the top of its intelligence and security priorities. Under the pretext of countering Hezbollah's ongoing efforts to smuggle weapons, Israel revealed details of a recent airstrike targeting the border area at the foot of Mount Hermon. According to the Israeli account, the strike destroyed weapons depots and combat equipment weighing three tons, including anti-tank mines, dozens of explosive devices, and rockets. The Israeli military has since reshuffled its operational priorities in the region, intensifying surveillance and assigning military tasks—particularly in the Shebaa Farms and adjacent Syrian territories—to the 810th Heharim Regional Brigade. Military officials in Israel's Northern Command have warned that the current situation on the Lebanese front is unsustainable, especially what they described as delays in making a decisive decision to dismantle Hezbollah's military capabilities. As part of what it calls efforts to prevent Hezbollah from rebuilding its military strength, the Israeli army stated in a recent report that it has informed the ceasefire monitoring committee of 1,200 violations of the agreement. Of these, 650 were conveyed to the Lebanese army, which, according to Israeli claims, has only addressed 52 percent of them. This contrasts with multiple reports from the committee highlighting significant efforts by the Lebanese military. In a recent assessment session, Israel's Northern Command reprioritized its missions regarding Lebanon. At the top of the list are monitoring and tracking members of Hezbollah's Radwan Force and targeting Hezbollah's efforts to restore its firepower, which Israel claims poses a serious threat to its home front.
LBCI
11-07-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Political pressure mounts on Netanyahu as hostage talks stall and Gaza plan sparks outrage
Report by Amal Shehadeh, English adaptation by Mariella Succar With his popularity declining and opposition protests growing, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began his first day after returning from Washington—a trip he had hoped would mark a milestone in his political legacy among Israel's prime ministers. On Syria, efforts were made to announce a significant step from Washington ahead of the signing of a security agreement, but all attempts failed. On Iran, Netanyahu had expected an announcement from Washington declaring an Israeli victory, but instead faced reports revealing that the war had not impacted Iran's uranium enrichment program. As for the hostage deal, where there had been widespread optimism about setting a date to sign an agreement, the issue ended in major disappointment and further inflamed internal tensions in Israel. Netanyahu has been personally blamed for obstructing the deal due to his insistence on conditions seen as aimed at preserving his governing coalition, rather than safeguarding Israel's security or the lives of the hostages. Despite Netanyahu's statements that a hostage deal is near, cautious optimism remains stalled. Meanwhile, Israel continues with its project to build what it has termed a 'humanitarian city' to relocate 600,000 Palestinians—despite warnings and protests over a plan some have described as a ghetto. The project's estimated $6 billion cost is worsening Israel's economic crisis and reinforcing its presence in Gaza, posing a major obstacle to progress on the hostage deal. Despite the deepening crisis surrounding the negotiations, the Israeli government is exploring how to implement a plan to keep its military forces in the Rafah area and maintain control over a broad zone—despite growing calls to end the war and bring all hostages home. Israeli soldiers continue to be killed in Gaza, while the number of reservists refusing to serve is on the rise.
LBCI
18-06-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
With US still undecided on direct military intervention, Israel shifts war strategy against Iran
Report by Amal Shehadeh, English adaptation by Mariella Succar With the United States still undecided on whether to enter the war directly against Iran, Israel has made adjustments to its military strategy. Starting Wednesday, the Israeli Air Force has shifted its focus from targeting Iran's nuclear capabilities to prioritizing the destruction of ballistic missile production sites. The move aims to prevent Iran from acquiring large quantities of missiles that could threaten Israel's home front, military installations, and strategic infrastructure—especially as concerns grow over the depletion of Israel's Arrow missile defense interceptors. Following assessments that the war could last two to three weeks, and after Israel acknowledged that one of its drones had been shot down in Iranian airspace—contradicting earlier claims of full control over Iranian skies—some Israeli analysts have warned of the risks of maintaining the objective of destroying Iran's nuclear program, a goal they say Israel cannot achieve alone. Meanwhile, multiple Israeli military and security officials confirmed that Iranian missiles are striking, on a near-daily basis, sensitive and strategic military sites across Israel. These targets remain undisclosed due to military censorship but reportedly include the Bazan oil facility in the Haifa Bay area. The destruction of the Bazan facility, along with the shutdown of the Leviathan and Karish gas fields, has triggered a deepening energy crisis. Officials are now scrambling to contain the fallout. While efforts are underway to restore the Bazan plant within a month, Energy Minister Eli Cohen is expected to declare a national electricity crisis. Sensitive civilian infrastructure is being hit as well. Although Israel has neither confirmed nor denied foreign media reports that the headquarters of Unit 8200—Israel's military intelligence unit—in the Gush Dan area was targeted and destroyed, an intelligence officer noted that the facility had played a key role in planning the first day of the war. Since September 2024, 120 officers had been training there, focusing on disabling Iran's air defense systems. Their operation was divided into specialized teams: one tasked with assassinating nuclear scientists, another targeting command centers, and others focusing on radar and defense installations. As Israel nears the end of its first week of war, Operation 'Rising Lion' appears to be facing major challenges. Despite Israel's declared achievements, significant concerns remain over the country's ability to protect its home front and safeguard critical infrastructure, from water and electricity systems to telecommunications. The war is costing Israel an estimated $428 million per day, equivalent to 1.5 billion shekels.
