Latest news with #N12
L'Orient-Le Jour
7 hours ago
- Politics
- L'Orient-Le Jour
How does Israel prevent Hezbollah from reorganizing?
In a statement to the Israeli channel N12 (or Channel 12), an Israeli army commander outlined the main features of the surveillance, strikes and assassination system on Lebanese territory to prevent Hezbollah from deploying along the border between southern Lebanon and northern Israel. The officer, who was not named but was presented as the commander of the 89th Battalion of the 8th Brigade, a reserve armored brigade, appeared in a report focused on the eight months since the cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah, aired on Tuesday. The report's contents were translated by the Institute for Palestinian Studies. Several media outlets, including Nidaa al-Watan and Hudhud — a Palestinian media outlet specializing in tracking Israeli media reports and statements — relayed this translation. "As part of the cease-fire agreement, we gather intelligence and attack the enemy who tries to reorganize in areas near the border," the commander said. Military activities are focused on what the army calls "the security zone," he explained, though he did not describe it further, stating that Israeli soldiers were continuously updating their intelligence on the party's movements. He mentioned coordination between observation, intelligence and combat units. "We have a substantial amount of high-quality intelligence thanks to the army's advanced surveillance systems," he said. Operations follow directives issued by his higher command, which include strikes not only in southern Lebanon but also in other areas such as the Bekaa Valley or the southern suburbs of Beirut. He stated that these attacks, which the Lebanese side says are violations of the cease-fire along with the occupation of five strategic points in southern Lebanon, have killed more than 200 Hezbollah members. 'A few pockets remain' According to a tally based on figures from the Health Ministry and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (United Nations), about 280 people in total, including civilians, have been killed in Israeli strikes on Lebanese territory since late November. The commander also claimed that "Hezbollah is no longer as visible in the area," and that it "keeps its distance from the border," though "a few pockets remain." According to a spokesperson contacted by L'Orient-Le Jour, the party asked its members, since the beginning of the cease-fire, to avoid going to the south without urgent reason, whether to see their homes, families or for any other compelling reason. "As the person responsible for this area, I observe the Lebanese villages and I feel that Hezbollah has weakened. It no longer has the same capabilities as before Oct. 7 [2023]. It can no longer conduct attacks or harm the population," the Israeli commander told Channel 12. In addition to strikes, the military official also confirmed that the Israeli army sometimes carries out special operations inside Lebanese territory to "dismantle enemy infrastructure." He mentioned a recent operation in a southern Lebanese village to destroy "a site containing many rockets ready for launch, communication devices and instructions regarding targets." In a statement published July 9, the Israeli army said Wednesday that its soldiers entered southern Lebanon to carry out "special and targeted operations" to dismantle Hezbollah infrastructure a few kilometers from the Israeli border. As recently as Sunday, the Lebanese army increased its deployment near the border village of Rmaish (Bint Jbeil) after an incursion by Israeli military vehicles. In early July, the Israeli army infiltrated Mais al-Jabal and blew up a newly renovated textile factory. While the cease-fire agreement, in effect since November, is violated daily by Israel, the United States is currently engaging Lebanon and Israel to arrive at a formula that would trigger the effective disarmament of Hezbollah and the Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon. Talks have yet to succeed despite the third visit in several weeks from U.S. envoy Tom Barrack, who is in charge of the issue.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Former hostages meet Wonder Woman actress Gal Gadot
Gal Gadot met with former hostages Doron Steinbrecher, Liri Albag, Naama Levy, Moran Stella Yanai, and Ilana Gritzewsky. Several female former hostages met Israeli actress Gal Gadot on Tuesday, according to a press release from the Hostages and Missing Families Forum. Gadot met with former hostages Doron Steinbrecher, Liri Albag, Naama Levy, Moran Stella Yanai, and Ilana Gritzewsky in Israel. In the meeting, the women shared their stories of captivity and expressed their gratitude for her activism. 'You've all been through incredibly difficult things, and I can't believe you're standing here today, continuing your lives and fighting for others," Gadot said. 'You are an inspiration, you are strength' "Watching you carry the weight for those still in captivity — you are an inspiration, and you are strength. I hope with all my heart they all come home soon.' The hostages emphasized the importance of continuing to speak out about those still remaining in captivity. 'Don't stop. We must keep talking and keep them in people's hearts and minds," said Doron Steinbrecher. At the Jerusalem Film Festival, Gadot called for an end to the Israel-Hamas War. 'The most important thing all of us wish is that we can breathe again calmly, and we will be able to do that when the hostages return home." Their meeting comes as Israeli and Palestinian delegations hold talks about a ceasefire and hostage deal. Israel and its negotiating partners are still waiting for Hamas's response to the proposed deal presented by mediators last week. N12 reported that Hamas is stalling talks, and that American mediators believe that "if there is no agreement this time, the blame will lie fully with Hamas." Solve the daily Crossword
Al-Ahram Weekly
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Security arrangement with Syria expected by the end of the year: Israeli report - Region
Israeli TV channel N12 reported Monday that talks were underway between Israel and Syria to reach an agreement, citing anonymous sources from both sides. According to those sources, relations are expected to develop gradually, with initial steps potentially beginning by the end of the year. N12 reported that Syria is considering entering into a formal arrangement with Israel. Syrian sources told the channel: 'The first step emerging is the signing of a security and military agreement that includes a commitment to honour the 1974 separation-of-forces agreement between Israel and Syria. Talks on the future of the Golan Heights would follow, with the Syrian side showing some willingness to be flexible.' The Israeli-occupied Golan Heights has long been a point of contention between the two countries, which remain technically at war. An Israeli official stated that the strategic plateau — seized by Israel in 1967 and later annexed in a move not recognised by the United Nations (UN) — 'will remain part of the State of Israel' under any peace deal. Following Bashar Al-Assad's ousting in December, Israel moved troops into the UN-patrolled demilitarised zone in the Golan and has since launched hundreds of airstrikes on Syrian military targets. In return, the Syrian source said, 'Israel will be required to withdraw from all the areas it occupied after the fall of Assad and stop the attacks on Syrian territory. In addition, the unity of Syria must be recognised, the affairs of the Druze, the Alawites, and the Kurds must not be interfered with, and the rule of the Syrian president Ahmed Al-Sharaa, who, according to his people, needs time to dismantle the power and influence of the armed Islamic groups, must not be threatened.' N12 cited an Israeli source that said US President Donald Trump is pressuring both sides to resolve disputes over the Golan Heights. However, he added, 'There is currently no serious discussion about the Golan. It will remain in an interim state — a demilitarised zone — without a final settlement.' He continued: 'The Golan issue will remain up in the air for some time to come, but peace between the two sides is possible in the future - economic, political relations, free movement, and everything that is needed. Slowly, everything will progress. It is possible that by the end of the year, something will happen; there will be a beginning to this matter.' Exiled Syrian commentator Rasan Ibrahim told N12 that 'direct talks between Israel and Syria have been taking place for several months, at various levels - some security, some military, and also political. They have reached an advanced stage, especially because Trump is now putting pressure on Israel to change its policy on this issue, especially after he met with Ahmed Al-Sharaa and the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.' Trump's envoy to Syria, Tom Barrack, told Turkish news agency Anadolu on Sunday: 'Yes, my hope is leaning in that direction — they have to reach an agreement at some point,' according to N12. He noted that President Al-Sharaa has been in office for six months, while Israel had long viewed the previous administration as a declared enemy. 'Al-Sharaa has made it clear he doesn't hate Israel, holds no religious grudge, and is seeking peace within secure borders,' Barrack said. 'I know Israel wants the same. I think we'll begin to see behind-the-scenes dialogue start with simpler issues like border security, and gradually expand into a broader effort to end the conflict. The key question will be: how can we ensure stability along the border?' Meanwhile, Lebanon's LBCI TV reported Sunday, citing sources familiar with Syrian affairs, that any normalisation between Israel and Syria would hinge on several conditions outlined by the Al-Sharaa regime. According to the report, Syria demands Israeli recognition of the new government, a complete withdrawal from territory occupied after Assad's fall, and an end to military attacks. The Syrian side also wants a security mechanism for southern Syria — particularly areas near the Golan and Jordanian border — to regulate the military presence there. In addition, Syria is seeking an American guarantee for the deal, US support for the new government, a lifting of sanctions, foreign investment, and international assistance with reconstruction. In return, Syria would recognise Israel's sovereignty over the Golan Heights, LBCI reported. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Al-Ahram Weekly
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Security arrangement with Syria expected: Israeli report - Region
Israeli TV channel N12 reported Monday that talks were underway between Israel and Syria to reach an agreement, citing anonymous sources from both sides. According to those sources, relations are expected to develop gradually, with initial steps potentially beginning by the end of the year. N12 reported that Syria is considering entering into a formal arrangement with Israel. Syrian sources told the channel: 'The first step emerging is the signing of a security and military agreement that includes a commitment to honour the 1974 separation-of-forces agreement between Israel and Syria. Talks on the future of the Golan Heights would follow, with the Syrian side showing some willingness to be flexible.' The Israeli-occupied Golan Heights has long been a point of contention between the two countries, which remain technically at war. An Israeli official stated that the strategic plateau — seized by Israel in 1967 and later annexed in a move not recognised by the United Nations (UN) — 'will remain part of the State of Israel' under any peace deal. Following Bashar Al-Assad's ousting in December, Israel moved troops into the UN-patrolled demilitarised zone in the Golan and has since launched hundreds of airstrikes on Syrian military targets. In return, the Syrian source said, 'Israel will be required to withdraw from all the areas it occupied after the fall of Assad and stop the attacks on Syrian territory. In addition, the unity of Syria must be recognised, the affairs of the Druze, the Alawites, and the Kurds must not be interfered with, and the rule of the Syrian president Ahmed Al-Sharaa, who, according to his people, needs time to dismantle the power and influence of the armed Islamic groups, must not be threatened.' N12 cited an Israeli source that said US President Donald Trump is pressuring both sides to resolve disputes over the Golan Heights. However, he added, 'There is currently no serious discussion about the Golan. It will remain in an interim state — a demilitarised zone — without a final settlement.' He continued: 'The Golan issue will remain up in the air for some time to come, but peace between the two sides is possible in the future - economic, political relations, free movement, and everything that is needed. Slowly, everything will progress. It is possible that by the end of the year, something will happen; there will be a beginning to this matter.' Exiled Syrian commentator Rasan Ibrahim told N12 that 'direct talks between Israel and Syria have been taking place for several months, at various levels - some security, some military, and also political. They have reached an advanced stage, especially because Trump is now putting pressure on Israel to change its policy on this issue, especially after he met with Ahmed Al-Sharaa and the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.' Trump's envoy to Syria, Tom Barrack, told Turkish news agency Anadolu on Sunday: 'Yes, my hope is leaning in that direction — they have to reach an agreement at some point,' according to N12. He noted that President Al-Sharaa has been in office for six months, while Israel had long viewed the previous administration as a declared enemy. 'Al-Sharaa has made it clear he doesn't hate Israel, holds no religious grudge, and is seeking peace within secure borders,' Barrack said. 'I know Israel wants the same. I think we'll begin to see behind-the-scenes dialogue start with simpler issues like border security, and gradually expand into a broader effort to end the conflict. The key question will be: how can we ensure stability along the border?' Meanwhile, Lebanon's LBCI TV reported Sunday, citing sources familiar with Syrian affairs, that any normalisation between Israel and Syria would hinge on several conditions outlined by the Al-Sharaa regime. According to the report, Syria demands Israeli recognition of the new government, a complete withdrawal from territory occupied after Assad's fall, and an end to military attacks. The Syrian side also wants a security mechanism for southern Syria — particularly areas near the Golan and Jordanian border — to regulate the military presence there. In addition, Syria is seeking an American guarantee for the deal, US support for the new government, a lifting of sanctions, foreign investment, and international assistance with reconstruction. In return, Syria would recognise Israel's sovereignty over the Golan Heights, LBCI reported. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Arab News
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Israeli media says air force is working to intercept a drone launched from Yemen
DUBAI: Israeli media said on Wednesday that the country's air force is working to intercept a drone launched from Yemen. N12 and Israel Hayom, which carried the report, did not cite a source.
