Latest news with #MountHermon
Asharq Al-Awsat
a day ago
- Politics
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Jumblatt Hands Over Progressive Socialist Party Arms to Lebanese Army
Lebanon's veteran Druze leader Walid Jumblatt on Thursday called on the Iran-backed Hezbollah group to hand its weapons over to the state, saying arms must be exclusively under government control. Speaking at a news conference in Beirut, the former head of the Progressive Socialist Party said, 'Weapons should only be in the hands of the Lebanese state,' adding that the Israeli-occupied Shebaa Farms, a long-disputed area on the western slopes of Mount Hermon, are Syrian territory. Jumblatt's appeal comes amid growing international calls for Hezbollah to disarm and for the Lebanese government to implement its longstanding pledge—reiterated in its ministerial statement and by President Joseph Aoun during his swearing-in—to ensure that only state institutions bear arms. His remarks also come as Washington renews its push to resolve files with Syria, including border demarcation, as part of wider regional realignments. 'There's a new chapter unfolding in the Middle East,' Jumblatt said. 'If any Lebanese or non-Lebanese party possesses weapons, I hope they will hand them over to the state in a proper manner.' He described 'the most valuable weapon for future generations' as being one of 'memory'—urging the country to pass down stories of resistance against Israel and its collaborators rather than stockpiles of arms. Jumblatt said he had recently informed the president of the presence of weapons in his hometown of Mukhtara and asked the relevant security agencies to take over the matter. The arms, collected gradually since the May 2008 clashes between Hezbollah and his party, were fully handed over more than three weeks ago. The arsenal, he said, consisted of light and medium-grade weapons that had been centrally gathered over the years. He noted that Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri—himself a close ally of Hezbollah—remained a 'friend and ally,' but added: 'The issue of weapons has no bearing on Israel's withdrawal from Lebanon.' Hezbollah has long justified its arsenal as essential to liberating the Shebaa Farms and Kfar Shouba Hills, areas Israel did not vacate during its 2000 withdrawal from south Lebanon. In recent years, the dispute has expanded to include 13 border points and the northern section of the village of Ghajar, which Israel annexed in 2022. 'Shebaa Farms are covered under UN Resolution 242. It is Syrian land occupied by Israel,' Jumblatt said. He urged support for the Lebanese army and internal security forces, stressing that Israel still occupies territory and that several Lebanese villages remain destroyed. He also called for the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah. 'In this round, Israel and the West have won with US backing,' he said. 'But nothing lasts forever.'
LBCI
28-05-2025
- General
- LBCI
Alleged talks with Syria, warnings on Lebanon: Israel walks a strategic 'tightrope'
Report by Amal Shehadeh, English adaptation by Karine Keuchkerian Between near-daily bombings and incursions, the Israeli army's threats to expand its presence deeper into Lebanon, and the relative calm in Syria's interior, it appears Israel, through its security agencies and political consultations, is trying to ensure calm on the Syrian front. Israel considers itself closer to peace with Syria, despite some officials' concerns that certain steps could jeopardize the army's achievements and freedom of operation there. This warning came after the disclosure of direct talks between Syrian and Israeli security and military officials. Some say the talks took place at the border, while others claim they occurred inside Israel. A report further revealed that efforts are focused on accelerating an understanding between the two sides. At the same time the talks were revealed, a military report discussed the Israeli army's deployment in Syria, noting it controls nine military sites from the summit of Mount Hermon through the Hama region to the border triangle with Jordan. However, the report also pointed to the continued presence of weapons caches, specifically in villages known to be affiliated with ISIS. This issue was discussed by Israelis with Syrian figures due to concerns about the impact on the army's safety and border security. The report also warned about the situation regarding Lebanon, particularly Hezbollah's "calm state," noting that if the group decides to retaliate against Tel Aviv, it will not be limited to the five hills it occupies inside Lebanon but will extend into Israel proper. The report said this requires decisive action on this front as well.
LBCI
17-05-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
President Joseph Aoun arrives in Rome to represent Lebanon at inaugural mass for Pope Leo
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and First Lady Neemat Aoun arrived on Saturday at Rome's Ciampino Military Airport to represent Lebanon at the first papal mass of newly elected Pope Leo XIV. The inaugural ceremony will be held Sunday morning in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican. Speaking shortly after landing, President Aoun said it was an honor to return to the Holy See following his previous participation in the farewell ceremony for Pope Francis. "Today I witness another historic moment — the beginning of the papacy of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV," Aoun said. "This is not just a ceremonial visit. It reaffirmed the deep-rooted and enduring ties between Lebanon and the Holy See." Aoun recalled the longstanding historical relationship, citing Pope Leo's inaugural remarks, in which the pontiff referenced the biblical recognition of Jesus as the Son of God; a moment traditionally associated with the foot of Mount Hermon in Lebanon. The president congratulated Pope Leo XIV, wishing him success in a mission that "goes beyond the confines of the Church and speaks to the hopes of millions." He emphasized the need for a global message of unity and solidarity in an era of division and conflict. Highlighting Lebanon's unique religious and sectarian diversity, Aoun reaffirmed the country's commitment to its historical role as a symbol of freedom and pluralism. "Despite the many challenges we face, Lebanon remains more committed than ever to its message of coexistence—a message that Pope John Paul II once described as a mission," he said. "Dialogue is not a slogan," Aoun added. "It is a path that requires strong will—a belief that dignity, justice, and peace are rights for every human being, regardless of their faith or identity."
