English LCCC Newsbulletin For Lebanese, Lebanese Related, Global News & Editorials
For December 27/2024
Compiled & Prepared by: Elias Bejjani
#elias_bejjani_news

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Bible Quotations For today
You snakes, you brood of vipers! How can you escape being sentenced to hell?
Saint Matthew 23/29-39/24,1-2: “‘Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you build the tombs of the prophets and decorate the graves of the righteous, and you say, “If we had lived in the days of our ancestors, we would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.” Thus you testify against yourselves that you are descendants of those who murdered the prophets. Fill up, then, the measure of your ancestors. You snakes, you brood of vipers! How can you escape being sentenced to hell? Therefore I send you prophets, sages, and scribes, some of whom you will kill and crucify, and some you will flog in your synagogues and pursue from town to town, so that upon you may come all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Barachiah, whom you murdered between the sanctuary and the altar. Truly I tell you, all this will come upon this generation. ‘Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left to you, desolate. For I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.” ’ As Jesus came out of the temple and was going away, his disciples came to point out to him the buildings of the temple. Then he asked them, ‘You see all these, do you not? Truly I tell you, not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down.’

Titles For The Latest English LCCC Lebanese & Lebanese Related News & Editorials published on December 26-27/2024
Text & Video: Christmas and the Holy Obligation to Honor Parents/Elias Bejjani/December 25, 2023
Barbaric Arson Attack on Ragheb Alama's School in Beirut Condemned/Elias Bejjani/December 24/2024
USA Official Meetings of the “World Council of the Cedars Revolution” (WCCR) in Washington Discussed Lebanon’s Presidential Candidate Requirements
Video Link to an Interview on the "Transparency YouTube Channel" with Writer and Director Youssef Y. El Khoury
Israeli Violations Spark Concerns Over Ceasefire Agreement’s Fate
Israeli Army Says It Neutralized 70% of Hezbollah’s Military Capabilities
Report: Israeli army readying to stay in Lebanon more than the 60 days agreed in ceasefire
Israeli army makes incursion into Wadi al-Hujeir, nabs citizen and forces residents to flee
UNIFIL slams Israel's destruction of homes and infrastructure in south Lebanon
Priest carrying machinegun in church stirs uproar in Lebanon
Bou Habib voices support for new Syria in call with its FM
Army chief travels to Saudi Arabia
Bekaa strike targeted Hezbollah 'strategic weapons shipment'
Israeli Army Detonates Buildings While Retreating from Wadi al-Hujeir
Samir Assaf: The ‘Parachute’ Candidate!
UAB Secretary General Shares Opportunities and Challenges Awaiting Lebanon in 2025
Rates Between Hospitals and Insurance Companies Increase by 15%
Qatari Ambassador Meets Rai, Urges Swift Presidential Election
Hariri Hospital Staff Protest in Front of Health Ministry, Demand Action from Mikati
Femicide at the Shhim Court in the Shouf
Op-edThe Christmas Tree: A Symbol of Unity, Not Division/Salam El Zaatari/This Is Beirut/December 26/2024
What next for Lebanon?/Dr. Dania Koleilat Khatib/Arab News/December 27, 2024
Israeli incursion into Wadi Al-Hujeir raises fears of revived Israeli buffer zone

Titles For The Latest English LCCC Miscellaneous Reports And News published on December 26-27/2024
Israeli strikes kill six in Yemen as Netanyahu fires warning
UN chief condemns ‘escalation’ between Yemen’s Houthis and Israel
WHO chief says he is safe after Sanaa airport bombardment
Syria authorities arrest official behind Saydnaya death penalties
Syria authorities launch operation in Assad stronghold
Clashes between Islamists now in power in Syria and Assad’s supporters kill 6 fighters
Russia’s Lavrov says new Syria’s head called relations with Moscow long standing and strategic
Palestinian TV says Israeli strike kills 5 journalists in Gaza
Israeli security minister enters Al-Aqsa mosque compound ‘in prayer’ for Gaza hostages
Israeli attorney general orders probe into report that alleged Netanyahu’s wife harassed opponents
Jordan says 18,000 Syrians returned home since Assad’s fall
Russia missile suspected in Azerbaijani plane crash, Moscow warns against ‘hypotheses’
Bodies of about 100 Kurdish women, children found in Iraq mass grave
Regional challenges cost Egypt around $7 bln of Suez Canal revenues in 2024, El-Sisi says

Titles For The Latest English LCCC analysis & editorials from miscellaneous sources on December 26-27/2024
Who can lead Sudan out of its crisis?/Dr. Abdellatif El-Menawy/Arab News/December 27, 2024
The Syrian refugees in a post-Assad era/Dr. Majid Rafizadeh/Arab News/December 27, 2024
Can Iran Restore Its Missile Mojo?/Michael Eisenstadt, Farzin Nadimi/The Washington Institute/December 26/2024
Two “Axes” Converging in Iran/Assaf Orion/The Washington Institute/December 26/2024
How Long Will Qais al-Khazali Hide in Iran?/Hamdi Malik, Michael Knights/The Washington Institute//December 26/2024 thoroughly

The Latest English LCCC Lebanese & Lebanese Related News & Editorials published on December 26-27/2024
Elias Bejjani/Text & Video: Christmas and the Holy Obligation to Honor Parents
Elias Bejjani/December 25, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngwpiN7eGwU&t=47s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=siywseB77PM&t=323s
As we celebrate Christmas, the incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is a sacred symbol of humility, love, and sacrifice, we are called to reflect on the profound importance of honoring our parents. This sacred duty is intrinsically tied to honoring God, our Heavenly Father, who is the source of all life and love. True gratitude to parents must be expressed not merely through words, but through genuine and concrete deeds, embodying respect, acknowledgment of their sacrifices, and a heartfelt sense of pride and conviction.
Failing to fulfill the duty and holy obligation of gratitude to parents, especially during the holy season of Christmas and new year, amounts to blatant ingratitude, rebellion against divine order, and a fundamental erosion of moral values and self-respect. Such behavior dishonors the sanctity of the Lord Himself, who is a loving and forgiving Father.
Ingratitude towards parents is not just a social failing practice, but a profound spiritual sin. It is a deviance from faith and morality that leads to spiritual and relational decay. Tragically, this moral impairment has become alarmingly prevalent in our time, posing a direct challenge to the principles of faith, love, and sacrifice that underpin our religious traditions.
Biblical Foundation for Honoring Parents
The Holy Bible, the eternal moral compass for millions, consistently emphasizes the sanctity of the parent-child relationship. Honoring parents is enshrined as a divine commandment. In the Ten Commandments, the fifth commandment explicitly declares: “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you” (Exodus 20:12). This commandment is not merely a suggestion but a divine decree, elevating the respect for parents to the same level as reverence for God Himself.
Christian teachings highlight the immense sacrifices parents make for their children. By honoring these sacrifices, we align ourselves with the virtues of humility, love, and obedience to God. The Bible glorifies parental love and veneration, urging believers to embody these virtues in their daily lives.
Concerning Trends in Modern Times
It is deeply disheartening to witness a growing number of children who exhibit ingratitude towards their parents, particularly during times of need, illness, or old age. Such behavior starkly contrasts with the Biblical call for gratitude and reveals a troubling erosion of familial and moral values. While parents dedicate their lives to the well-being of their children, some children respond with indifference or even contempt. This ingratitude tears at the fabric of sacred family relationships and violates the divine principle of honoring parents.
Biblical Verses Highlighting Gratitude and Respect for Parents
The Scriptures are replete with verses that emphasize the duty to respect and honor parents:
Proverbs 23:22 : “Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old". This verse underscores the sanctity of parental life-giving roles and warns against neglecting them in their old age.
2 Timothy 3:2 : “People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy". Here the verse starkly warns against the growing prevalence of selfishness and ingratitude in society.
Luke 11:11-12 : “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion?” The Bible in this verse highlights the natural duty of parents to provide for their children and the unnatural betrayal of ingratitude.
Restoring Family Values
As family values erode under the pressures of modern society, a return to the foundational principles of faith and morality becomes imperative. The commandment to honor parents is not just a moral guideline, but a divine directive that fosters cohesive, compassionate, and spiritually grounded families. Gratitude towards parents reflects gratitude towards God and strengthens the bonds of love and respect within society.
While the phenomenon of ingratitude may appear widespread, it is not insurmountable. By recommitting ourselves to the virtues of faith, love, and sacrifice, we can reignite the spirit of gratitude and restore the sanctity of the parent-child relationship. The Bible’s teachings call us to recognize and appreciate the immeasurable sacrifices of our parents, equating the honor of earthly parents to the honor of our Heavenly Father.
A Call to Action
This Christmas, let us reaffirm our commitment to honoring our parents as an act of faith and obedience to God.
Let us demonstrate gratitude through tangible acts of love, support, and respect, ensuring that our parents feel cherished and valued. By doing so, we not only fulfill the fifth commandment, but also strengthen our relationship with God, who commands us to honor Him by honoring our parents. In doing so, we embody the true spirit of Christmas: humility, love, and sacrifice.

Barbaric Arson Attack on Ragheb Alama's School in Beirut Condemned
Elias Bejjani/December 24/2024
https://eliasbejjaninews.com/2024/12/138303/
The heinous arson attack on the Saint George School, owned by renowned Lebanese singer Ragheb Alama, by thugs affiliated with Hezbollah, marks a new low in the ongoing campaign of violence and intimidation led by this jihadist Iranian-backed terrorist militia and its supporters. This criminal act reportedly stemmed from a leaked personal comment attributed to Mr. Alama, in which he expressed relief over the hypothetical demise of Hezbollah's leader, Hassan Nasrallah.
The deliberate targeting of a school—a symbol of education, hope, and progress—is an egregious act that transcends all boundaries of decency. It is a barbaric crime that endangers the lives of students and staff, undermines the core values of free speech, and tears at the fabric of coexistence in Lebanon. Resorting to violence to suppress dissenting voices is a hallmark of tyranny, oppression, and moral bankruptcy—traits Hezbollah continues to exhibit unabated.
Reports that Hezbollah-affiliated thugs also assaulted the school’s caretaker further underscore the criminality and lawlessness that have become synonymous with Hezbollah's modus operandi. This incident is not merely an attack on Ragheb Alama but a chilling message to all Lebanese citizens: dissent will be punished with violence and destruction.
While some have misguidedly called for legal action against Ragheb Alama over his private remarks, the real crime lies in the cowardly act of arson and assault against a place of learning. The Lebanese judiciary must act decisively to hold the perpetrators accountable, ensuring the safety and sanctity of all educational institutions. Failure to do so will embolden further acts of lawlessness.
It is both ironic and tragic that Hezbollah, which claims to "defend" Lebanon, permits and encourages its supporters to behave as vandals, leaving destruction in their wake. They flee battles in the south and retreat from Syria in disgrace, yet turn their venom on the Lebanese people, destroying the very institutions they claim to protect.
This incident starkly exposes the hypocrisy of a group that postures as a resistance movement while terrorizing its own people. The free and patriotic Lebanese—both at home and in the diaspora—stand united in solidarity with Ragheb Alama. We call on the Lebanese government and international organizations to intervene to protect freedom of expression, ensure justice is served, and safeguard Lebanon’s educational institutions from such barbarism.

Video Link to an Interview on the "Transparency YouTube Channel" with Writer and Director Youssef Y. El Khoury
https://eliasbejjaninews.com/2024/12/138399/
Topics Discussed:
The propaganda and defeats of the so-called "Resistance Axis" and the calamities it caused.
The stench and betrayal of the political class.
Israel's influential role in the region.
Syrian-Lebanese relations.
Patriarch AlRahi’s version of neutrality, which contradicts the essence of true neutrality.
The historical concepts distorted by Hezbollah and its propagandists.
The Abraham Accords.
Other significant issues—each thoroughly dissected by El Khoury with sharp and unrelenting critique.
Transparency's Youtube Channel Interview Title/ Youssef El Khoury launches a fierce attack on Jumblatt:"Stay at home!"
And to the cowardly traitors: "Thank Netanyahu!"
December 27, 2024

USA Official Meetings of the “World Council of the Cedars Revolution” (WCCR) in Washington Discussed Lebanon’s Presidential Candidate Requirements
Markazia/26 December 2024
(Free translation from Arabic by, Elias Bejjani)
https://eliasbejjaninews.com/2024/12/138366/
A delegation representing the World Council for the Cedar Revolution, including Secretary-General Eng. Tom Harb and Attorney John Hajjar, President of the U.S. Branch, held a series of meetings in Washington, D.C. They visited the U.S. State Department, where they met with the head of the Near East Department, and later engaged with officials at the offices of Senator Ted Cruz and Representatives Greg Steube and Darrell Issa at the U.S. Capitol. The delegation discussed critical matters related to Lebanon’s current situation, focusing on the essential qualifications that any candidate for the presidency of the Lebanese Republic must possess.
Key points emphasized during the discussions included:
Reasserting Lebanon’s Sovereignty
Full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1559 (2004), which mandates the disarmament of all militias in Lebanon.
Commitment to Peace
Signing a peace treaty with Israel within two years.
Judicial Reform
Cleaning up Lebanon’s judiciary, which has been deeply corrupted by Syrian and Iranian influence, to ensure justice and accountability for all.
Military Integrity
Conditioning financial support to the Lebanese Armed Forces on fully purging the military of Hezbollah remnants and severing any ties with the group.
Preventing Hezbollah operatives from infiltrating the Lebanese Armed Forces.
Border Security and UNIFIL Deployment
Invoking Article 12 of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 to request the Lebanese government to redeploy UNIFIL units from southern Lebanon to other strategic areas, particularly the Lebanese-Syrian border, to prevent jihadist infiltration.
Sanctions and Political Freedoms
Supporting Representative Steube’s draft resolution, which includes:
Disengaging the Lebanese army from Hezbollah.
Imposing sanctions on the Amal Movement.
Annulment of all military court sentences against political activists and journalists, including Lebanese Americans.
Reinstating the rights of political exiles, particularly free southerners in Israel or abroad, and addressing the injustices they have faced.
These points were thoroughly reviewed with State Department officials and legislative representatives to secure their adoption by Congress and to guide future U.S. policies and resolutions on Lebanon under the new Trump administration.

Israeli Violations Spark Concerns Over Ceasefire Agreement’s Fate
This is Beirut/December 26/2024
Israeli Merkava tanks crossed Wadi Hujair near Marjeyoun on Thursday morning, conducting a large-scale sweep of nearby forests with heavy machine guns.
In response, the Lebanese army blocked the road leading into the valley. The municipality of Majdel Selm issued a statement urging residents to avoid the Slouqi-Wadi Hujair to Nabatiye road and other routes in Qabrikha (Marjeyoun), citing deteriorating security conditions. As Israeli drones flew at low altitude over Bint Jbeil, machine gunfire was observed from Israeli positions in Maroun al-Ras. Additionally, the disappearance of Lebanese worker Houssam Fawaz, employed at the Indonesian peacekeeping contingent’s headquarters in Adchit, was reported. Contact with him was lost after he left his village of Tibnine via Wadi Hujair, coinciding with the advance of Israeli forces in the area. Following an Israeli incursion in Qantara (Marjayoun), many residents fled to the neighboring village of Ghandouriye. Lebanese army patrols and United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) units, along with an ambulance, were dispatched to the scene. Caretaker Minister of Labor Moustafa Bayram took to social media, calling the developments a “historic lesson.” He argued that “a solution must necessarily go through the axis of resistance, and any other approach will be a catastrophic failure,” fueling further tensions around the ceasefire agreement established on November 27. For his part, caretaker Minister of Public Works and Transport Ali Hamiye reiterated that all essential public services, including Beirut’s international airport and land and sea crossings, remain under state control. He commended the Lebanese army and security forces for their efforts in managing the crossings in line with national law.Israeli
Warnings Heighten Fears of Ceasefire Collapse
Israeli media reports suggest that the ceasefire agreement is on the verge of collapse, raising fears of a potential escalation in the region. According to Haaretz, “The Israeli army plans to remain in the Lebanese border villages if the Lebanese army is unable to assert full control over the south of the country.”This would involve setting up military infrastructure along the border and constructing a barrier south of the border. These Israeli warnings suggest that the ceasefire, due to “expire” on January 27, 2024, may falter. This raises the question: What more can US envoy Amos Hochstein, who is expected to visit Lebanon soon, do to prevent further escalation?
Hochstein’s Visit to Beirut
Although the exact date of his visit remains unclear, some reports suggest Amos Hochstein may visit Lebanon between Christmas and New Year’s, while others believe he may wait until after the holiday period. According to Asharq al-Awsat, citing “parliamentary sources,” Hochstein’s trip will focus on overseeing the work of the monitoring committee responsible for ensuring the ceasefire agreement’s implementation and preventing violations. He is also expected to lead a meeting at UNIFIL’s headquarters in Naqoura to assess the situation in the south and address Lebanon’s complaints over Israeli violations. Lebanon has already raised concerns about Israeli operations with the United Nations Security Council and the monitoring committee. The Lebanese government has also expressed worries about Israeli intentions, especially with the upcoming deadline for the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese border areas, including the western coastal sector.

Israeli Army Says It Neutralized 70% of Hezbollah’s Military Capabilities
This is Beirut/December 26/2024
The Israeli army claimed in a report published by Israeli media to have inflicted significant losses on Hezbollah during ongoing clashes in Lebanon, eliminating approximately 3,800 Hezbollah militants. According to the report, 2,762 militants were killed during a ground offensive launched in late September, with thousands more reportedly injured. Despite a ceasefire, the Israeli army confirmed the killing of at least 44 Hezbollah members, accusing them of violating the agreement by operating in southern Lebanon or at Hezbollah-affiliated sites. Key figures in Hezbollah’s leadership were also targeted in these operations. The Israeli army stated that 13 senior commanders, including the group’s former leader Hassan Nasrallah, were killed. In addition to personnel losses, the Israeli military claims to have destroyed 70% of Hezbollah’s arsenal, including long-range missiles, anti-aircraft, anti-ship weapons, and 75% of short-range rocket launchers. The Israeli army assessed that these setbacks have significantly weakened Hezbollah’s operational capacity, rendering the group unable to launch major attacks against Israel.

Report: Israeli army readying to stay in Lebanon more than the 60 days agreed in ceasefire
Naharnet/December 26/2024
Sources in the Israeli army have told the Haaretz newspaper that the Israeli military “will have to stay in Lebanon until the Lebanese army can fulfill its commitments under the terms of the cease-fire deal, which include attaining full control of southern Lebanon.”Thursday marks 30 days since the cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah came into effect, as part of an agreement brokered by the U.S. and other countries. “The IDF (Israeli army) says that in the last 30 days, 44 Hezbollah militants who violated the agreement have been killed in IDF strikes. Out of 120 such violations by Hezbollah, the army attacked during 25 of them,” Haaretz reported. “At the moment, the IDF is satisfied with the agreement's implementation and with the United States' involvement in its enforcement, which has taken place in coordination with the Lebanese army,” the newspaper added. The Israeli army is currently present in all Lebanese villages near the border fence, and their residents have not yet been allowed to return. The Israeli army has started building the infrastructure for outposts along the northern border, some of which will be located in Israeli-controlled enclaves beyond the border fence, but which do not cross the international border between the two countries. However, in certain locations considered vulnerable, outposts will be established in enclaves situated beyond the Israel-Lebanon border, Haaretz said. The Israeli army estimates that Hezbollah lost 30 percent of its manpower in the war and 75 percent of the firepower it had on October 6, 2023. The defense establishment assesses that Hezbollah still has hundreds of short-range rockets alongside hundreds of longer-range missiles.

Israeli army makes incursion into Wadi al-Hujeir, nabs citizen and forces residents to flee
Naharnet/December 26/2024
Israeli forces on Thursday made an incursion into the southern areas of al-Qantara, Adsheet al-Qusayr and Wadi al-Hujeir in violation of the ceasefire agreement, the Lebanese Army said. “The Israeli enemy is pressing on with its violation of the ceasefire agreement, attacks on Lebanon’s sovereignty and citizens, and destruction of southern villages and towns,” the army said. It added that it has since reinforced its deployment in the aforementioned areas whole continuing to “follow up on the situation in coordination with the U.N. Interim Force in Lebanon and the five-party ceasefire monitoring committee (Mechanism).”
The advancing Israeli forces fired heavy-caliber machineguns in the region and forced the residents of the town of al-Qantara to flee it toward al-Ghandouriyeh and Srifa, the National News Agency said. They also abducted Lebanese citizen Hossam Fawwaz as he was heading toward his workplace at the UNIFIL Indonesian contingent in the Marjayoun town of Adsheet al-Qusayr. Fawwaz was later handed over to UNIFIL and the Lebanese Red Cross. He was then transported in a Lebanese Army ambulance to receive treatment for a gunshot wound to the head. The developments prompted the Lebanese Army to close the road leading from its post in Qaaqaaiyet al-Jisr to Wadi al-Hujeir, as Israeli Merkava tanks roamed the valley amid Israeli machinegun fire. The Majdal Selm Municipality meanwhile urged citizens not to take the Slouqi-Hujeir road toward Nabatieh, including the sideroads of the town of Qabrikha.
A UNIFIL patrol later headed to the al-Qantara intersection, where an Israeli force was deployed. The National News Agency later said that Israeli bulldozers were setting up dirt barricades that would close off the road between Wadi Slouqi and Wadi al-Hujeir. Caretaker Labor Minister Mustafa Bayram of Hezbollah commented on the incidents in a social media post, saying there should be a "historic lesson and inevitable conclusion that the only choice and solution is resistance amid the disastrous failure of all other solutions."Hezbollah lawmaker Ali Fayyad for his part decried the incursion in a statement as an "extremely dangerous" development that poses "a serious risk" to the implementation of Resolution 1701.

UNIFIL slams Israel's destruction of homes and infrastructure in south Lebanon
Agence France Presse/December 26/2024
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) on Thursday warned that “any actions that risk the fragile cessation of hostilities” in south Lebanon “must cease.”“Israel and Lebanon have recommitted to full implementation of Security Council resolution 1701. To address outstanding issues, both parties are urged to utilize the newly-established Mechanism as agreed in the understanding,” UNIFIL said in a statement. “UNIFIL continues to urge the timely withdrawal of the Israel Defense Forces (Israeli army) and deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces in southern Lebanon and the full implementation of resolution 1701 as a comprehensive path toward peace,” the U.N. force added. Noting that is is working closely with the Lebanese Armed Forces as they accelerate recruitment efforts and redeploy troops to the south, the mission said it stands ready to “play its role in supporting both countries meet their obligations and monitoring progress.”“This includes ensuring the area south of the Litani River is free of any armed personnel, assets or weapons other than those of the Government of Lebanon and UNIFIL as well as respect for the Blue Line,” it said. It added that “there is concern at continuing destruction by the IDF. (Israeli army) in residential areas, agricultural land, and road networks in south Lebanon,” warning that “this is in violation of resolution 1701.”
“Peacekeepers will continue their mandated tasks, including the monitoring and reporting to the Security Council of all violations of resolution 1701,” it stressed. A truce between Israel and Hezbollah went into effect on November 27, about two months after Israel stepped up a bombing campaign and later sent troops into Lebanon following nearly a year of exchanges of cross-border fire initiated by Hezbollah over the war in Gaza. The warring sides have since traded accusations of violating the truce. Under the ceasefire agreement, UNIFIL peacekeepers and the Lebanese Army were to redeploy in south Lebanon, near the Israeli border, as Israeli forces withdrew over 60 days. The resolution states that Lebanese troops and U.N. peacekeepers should be the only forces in south Lebanon, where Hezbollah exerts control, and also calls for Israeli troops to withdraw from Lebanese territory. On Monday, UNIFIL had urged "accelerated progress" in the Israeli military's withdrawal. Lebanon's official National News Agency (NNA) reported on Thursday "extensive" operations by Israeli forces in the south. It said residents of Qantara fled to a nearby village "following an incursion by Israeli enemy forces into their town." On Wednesday the NNA said Israeli aircraft struck the eastern Baalbek region, far from the border.

Priest carrying machinegun in church stirs uproar in Lebanon
Naharnet/December 26/2024
Footage of a priest with a machinegun slung over his shoulder inside a church in Lebanon’s Mazraat Yachouh has gone viral on social media and stirred controversy in the country. The Maronite Diocese of Antelias denounced the priest’s move and clarified that his stunt, which was not approved by the church, was part of a sermon emphasizing that “a believer’s weapon is the cross.”“The aforementioned priest laid down the weapon in front of the believers, calling on them to lay down all the arms that destroy the other and cling to the only weapon which is the cross, the weapon of love and forgiveness,” the diocese said in a statement. “The Maronite Diocese of Antelias clarified that it does not approve of the method that the priest followed, sending him a written warning and asking him not to repeat these things, knowing that it approves of the sermon’s content seeing as it was in line with the church’s teachings and its spiritual and pastoral orientations,” it added. The diocese also hoped that the incident will not be given sectarian dimensions and that it will not be “exploited by some to stir sectarian sentiments and grudges, especially amid the tense situations that we are going through.”

Bou Habib voices support for new Syria in call with its FM
Naharnet/December 26/2024
Syrian interim foreign minister Asaad al-Shibani has received a phone call from Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib, Syria's official news agency SANA said. Bou Habib stressed "the Lebanese government's support for the new Syrian government, congratulating the Syrian people on their victory," SANA added. Shibani for his part emphasized "the depth of the brotherly relation and common history between the Syrian and Lebanese peoples and the need to preserve it in a manner that contributes to the two countries' interest." The two ministers also agreed to "intensify the efforts to enhance the region's stability and preserve its security." A statement issued by the Lebanese Foreign Ministry said Bou Habib told Shibani that "Lebanon hopes for the best neighborly relations with the new government in Syria."

Army chief travels to Saudi Arabia
Naharnet/December 26/2024
Army Commander General Joseph Aoun has traveled to Saudi Arabia at an invitation from his Saudi counterpart Air Chief Marshal Fayyadh al-Ruwaili, the Lebanese Army said on Thursday. Discussions there will tackle "cooperation between the two countries' armies and means to support the military institution, especially amid the challenges that it is currently facing in carrying out its missions of preserving Lebanon's security and stability," the army added in a statement. Al-Jadeed television meanwhile reported that a private jet was sent to carry Aoun to the kingdom and that he would meet with "high-ranking political officials."

Bekaa strike targeted Hezbollah 'strategic weapons shipment'
Naharnet/December 26/2024
A "strategic weapons shipment" for Hezbollah was the target of the Israeli airstrike that hit a building in Lebanon's Bekaa at dawn Wednesday, Al-Arabiya television reported Thursday. "The Hezbollah weapons shipment had entered from Syria immediately after the fall of the Assad regime," unnamed sources told the TV network.

Israeli Army Detonates Buildings While Retreating from Wadi al-Hujeir
This is Beirut/December 26/2024
Following an Israeli army incursion into southern Lebanon on Thursday, Israeli military vehicles retreated from Wadi al-Hujeir toward the outskirts of Wadi Saluqi.According to al-Jadeed television, the Israeli army also detonated two houses in the towns of Yaroun in the Bint Jbeil caza and Kfar Kila in the Marjayoun caza. The Lebanese Army (LAF) strongly condemned this intrusion. Thursday night, the LAF said on its official account on X: "Following the previous statement regarding the incursion of Israeli enemy forces into Qantara, Adshit al-Qusayr, and Wadi al-Hujayr - South, a series of contacts were conducted by the Quintet committee supervising the ceasefire agreement. Subsequently, these forces withdrew from the mentioned areas. The Lebanese Army worked to remove earthen barriers built by the Israeli forces to block one of the roads in Wadi al-Hujayr, and the road has since been reopened. The Army Command continues to monitor the situation in coordination with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and the Quintet committee supervising the ceasefire agreement."
إلحاقًا بالبيان السابق المتعلق بتوغُّل قوات تابعة للعدو الإسرائيلي في القنطرة وعدشيت القصير ووادي الحجير - الجنوب، وبعد سلسلة اتصالات أجرتها اللجنة الخماسية للإشراف على اتفاق وقف إطلاق النار (Mechanism)، انسحبت هذه القوات من مناطق في البقعة المذكورة، فيما عمل الجيش على إزالة… pic.twitter.com/nzsOej65MF
— الجيش اللبناني (@LebarmyOfficial)
Earlier on Thursday, Israeli Merkava tanks had advanced toward the village of Qantara and positioned themselves in the vital Wadi al-Houjeir area. This natural reserve connects the cazas of Marjayoun and Nabatieh, stretching from the Litani River near Nabatieh to Bint Jbeil. Using heavy machine guns, Israeli forces conducted a large sweep through the surrounding forests. As they advanced into the valley, they briefly abducted Houssam Fawaz, a Lebanese national from Tebnine. Communication with Fawaz was cut off while he was en route from Tibnine to the village of Aadchit to work with the Indonesian contingent of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). After suffering a head injury, Israeli soldiers handed him over to the LAF and UNIFIL, who transferred him to a nearby hospital in an ambulance provided by the Lebanese Red Cross. The LAF immediately sealed off the road leading to the valley, while residents of Qantara sought refuge in Ghandourieh. According to the LAF statement, Israeli forces entered several points in the regions of Qantara, Aadchit, al-Qusayr and Wadi al-Houjeir in the south. The Army has since bolstered its presence in these areas. Meanwhile, a UNIFIL patrol advanced toward the Qantara crossroads, where an Israeli unit had positioned itself. The Israelis had blocked the road between Wadi Saluqi and Wadi al-Houjeir with a sand mound. In a statement issued Thursday morning, the municipality of Majdal Selm urged residents to avoid using the road linking Wadi Saluqi-Wadi al-Houjeir to Nabatieh, as well as the various roads in Qabrikha (Marjayoun), due to the deteriorating security situation. For its part, UNIFIL issued a statement calling for “any actions that threaten the fragile cessation of hostilities agreement to cease.”“UNIFIL continues to urge the Israeli army to withdraw on time, deploy the Lebanese Army in southern Lebanon, and fully implement Resolution 1701 as a comprehensive path toward peace,” the statement added. UNIFIL also reaffirmed its readiness to support both countries in fulfilling their obligations and in monitoring progress, ensuring that the area south of the Litani River remains free of any armed personnel, assets or weapons, except those belonging to the government of Lebanon and UNIFIL. Meanwhile, Israel reportedly informed the ceasefire monitoring committee that it may extend the stay of its troops in southern Lebanon, according to al-Markazia news agency. In this context, Haaretz noted that if the Lebanese Army does not succeed in fully securing southern Lebanon by the end of the ceasefire period, Israeli forces may have to remain in the south.

Samir Assaf: The ‘Parachute’ Candidate!
This is Beirut/December 26/2024
The political conversation around Samir Assaf has intensified, with the former banker emerging as a key contender for the Lebanese presidency. However, his candidacy is clouded by strong criticism, particularly surrounding his label as a “parachute candidate” – one imposed from abroad, with heavy backing from France. Critics argue that Assaf represents foreign agendas that could risk Lebanon’s sovereignty, aiming to reassert economic and political control over the country. Without local political experience or a loyal popular base, Assaf is viewed as a potential puppet of external powers, undermining vital Lebanese industries such as banking and ports. Assaf’s political journey began with an attempt to become the governor of Lebanon’s Central Bank, supported by both France and Gebran Bassil, the leader of the Free Patriotic Movement. At the time, his proposal, known as the “Lazard Plan,” targeted depositors’ rights and threatened Lebanon's banking sector. After this project faltered, French support shifted toward promoting Assaf as a potential presidential candidate, especially following the collapse of Sleiman Frangieh’s bid. According to sources, Assaf’s candidacy has received strong backing from French President Emmanuel Macron, who sees him as a tool to preserve French influence over Lebanon’s strategic institutions. Lebanese businessman Gilbert Chaghoury has also played a significant role in backing Assaf, organizing meetings with influential figures in Lebanon, and even seeking US support from Massad Boulos, President Trump's advisor on Middle Eastern affairs. For Bassil, Assaf appears to be the ideal candidate – one who could help him secure a new political position and advance his personal and political agenda. However, insiders are cautioning Lebanon’s sovereign forces – particularly the Lebanese Forces Party – not to fall for Assaf’s strategy. While he presents himself as an economic reform candidate, Assaf is seen as Bassil’s first choice. He has also faced significant criticism for his lack of understanding of Lebanon’s political complexities. Many view him as a “Trojan horse” – a foreign-backed figure attempting to reshape Lebanon’s political and economic landscape, which could jeopardize the country’s independence. Given these concerns, Assaf’s candidacy appears to lack both political legitimacy and popular support. Rather than being a solution for Lebanon, his candidacy is seen by many as an attempt to undermine the nation’s resources and sovereignty, with potentially severe consequences for the country’s future.

UAB Secretary General Shares Opportunities and Challenges Awaiting Lebanon in 2025
This is Beirut/December 26/2024
According to Wissam Fattouh, the Secretary General of the Union of Arab Banks (UAB), Lebanon is set to enter a new phase aimed at restoring financial and monetary stability as the year 2025 approaches. In a recent statement, Fattouh emphasized that regaining confidence in the Lebanese pound is critical for achieving economic stability. This, he stressed, will require the implementation of strict and transparent financial and monetary policies to ensure price stability while bolstering foreign exchange reserves. Enhancing the balance of payments and increasing foreign investment will be essential to this effort.
Fattouh also highlighted the need for Lebanese banks to rebuild trust with investors and international financial markets. He urged local banks to strengthen their global banking relationships by adhering to international standards on anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing. “The success of these efforts depends on cooperation from all national stakeholders, including the government, private sector and civil society,” he said. Fattouh added that international support will be crucial in placing Lebanon on a path to sustainable growth and restoring its reputation as a reliable investment destination. He also pointed to the ongoing reconstruction process in Syria as a significant economic opportunity for Lebanon. Given the strong economic and commercial ties between the two countries, Lebanon is well-positioned to play a key role in supporting Syria’s infrastructure rebuilding efforts. The massive reconstruction project presents new opportunities for Lebanese entrepreneurs, engineering firms and banks, particularly in sectors such as construction, energy, transportation and communications. Increased cross-border trade will also help Lebanon attract foreign investment, contributing to job creation and economic growth. This, Fattouh concluded, will strengthen economic and trade relations between Lebanon and Syria, further stabilizing Lebanon’s economy in the years ahead.

Rates Between Hospitals and Insurance Companies Increase by 15%
This is Beirut/December 26/2024
In order to continue offering insured patients high-quality care, hospitals will have to raise their prices with insurance companies by 15% as of January 2, 2025. Under the direction of its President, Sleiman Haroun, the Syndicate of Hospital Owners in Lebanon convened on Thursday. Participants talked about “the contractual relationship between hospitals and insurance companies,” including the rates that insurance companies pay hospitals, according to a news release. They noted that, especially after the subsidy on some consumer goods that are included in the cost of hospital services (non-billable items) was lifted, the real cost of services is no longer keeping up with the increase in product prices. The cost of services has increased due to additional variables as well. The press release also points out that companies have increased the prices of insurance policies, while contractual rates are still around 25% to 40% lower than those in force in 2019.

Qatari Ambassador Meets Rai, Urges Swift Presidential Election
This is Beirut/December 26/2024
On Thursday, the Qatari Ambassador to Lebanon, Saud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, underscored the urgent need for Lebanon to elect a president on January 9 during a meeting with Maronite Patriarch Bechara Boutros Al-Rai at the patriarchal seat in Bkerke. The ambassador reiterated Qatar’s ongoing support for Lebanon across economic, political, and military domains, emphasizing the importance of stability and progress. He also highlighted the strong bilateral ties between Qatar and Lebanon, particularly the unique relationship with Patriarch Rai. The visit included the delivery of holiday greetings and well-wishes from Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani.

Hariri Hospital Staff Protest in Front of Health Ministry, Demand Action from Mikati
This is Beirut/December 26/2024
Employees of the Rafic Hariri University Governmental Hospital protested in front of the Ministry of Public Health on Thursday, demanding overdue wages and accountability in hospital administration. They urged Caretaker Health Minister Firas Abiad to “honor decrees and pay dues to employees who risked their lives during the COVID-19 pandemic.”They also accused the ministry of attempting to “humiliate the staff,” treating them as undervalued despite their critical contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic.”They emphasized that the administration had threatened to fire employees participating in the demonstration, calling Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati to “halt the hospital's destruction.” The employees also called for audits due to alleged mismanagement. They also criticized Beirut’s parliamentarians for neglecting the hospital, citing a stalled 200 billion Lebanese Pounds funding decree. “If those funds had been paid, the hospital would be thriving,” Issa noted. In a statement, the Committee of Employees, Contractors and Workers emphasized that strikes were a last resort. “The ministry, which holds direct authority over the hospital, should secure employees’ rights and acknowledge their dedication during crises, including recent damage caused by conflict. Instead, it obstructs solutions under legal pretexts while ignoring administrative violations,” the statement read. Employees called on the ministry to fulfill its oversight role, hold responsible parties accountable and implement solutions to improve conditions. “We will persist until a fair resolution is reached,” they concluded.

Femicide at the Shhim Court in the Shouf
This is Beirut/December 26/2024
On Thursday afternoon, journalist Abeer Rahal was tragically killed inside the Shhim Court in the Shouf region. According to the National News Agency (NNA), her husband, identified as K.M., is believed to have committed the crime before taking his own life. Preliminary reports suggest that K.M. shot his wife at close range while they were both inside the courthouse. Abeer Rahal died instantly. An investigation was launched immediately, with security personnel dispatched to the scene.Shortly after the incident, K.M.'s body was discovered at the location, confirming that he had committed suicide. K.M. and Abeer Rahal were originally from the villages of Daraya and Ketermaya in Iqlim al-Kharroub, within the Shouf region. For context, without a unified civil status registry, the Shhim Court serves as the jurisdiction for the Muslim population, handling matters related to personal status, including marriage, divorce, child custody and inheritance.

Op-edThe Christmas Tree: A Symbol of Unity, Not Division
Salam El Zaatari/This Is Beirut/December 26/2024
After multiple incidents of Christmas tree burning in Syria and Lebanon, it’s impossible to ignore the troubling message behind these acts. Such actions go beyond the physical destruction of a festive decoration – they are calculated provocations meant to sow division, ignite sectarian tensions, and fracture communities that have long thrived on coexistence. The Christmas tree, a universal symbol of joy, hope and togetherness, becomes an unfortunate casualty in these acts of hatred. Yet, those who resort to such tactics fail to recognize that this tree is not merely a “Christian symbol.” Its roots run far deeper, spanning multiple cultures, traditions and eras long before modern sectarian divides existed. The Christmas tree, now an iconic part of holiday celebrations worldwide, carries a rich and fascinating history. Its origins are not exclusively tied to Christianity but rather reflect humanity’s shared desire for light, life and renewal during the darkest days of winter.Long before Christianity, ancient civilizations revered evergreen trees as symbols of eternal life. The Ancient Egyptians celebrated the winter solstice by decorating their homes with green palm leaves, symbolizing triumph over death. In Ancient Rome, during the festival of Saturnalia, people adorned their homes with evergreen branches to honor Saturn, the god of agriculture. Similarly, the Celts and Nordic tribes saw evergreen trees as sacred symbols of resilience and eternal life, standing strong and green even in the harshest winters.
These early practices were rooted in humanity’s shared respect for nature and life cycles. Evergreens, which remained lush and vibrant through winter, became emblems of hope during a season defined by cold and darkness.
With the spread of Christianity, old traditions were gradually adapted into new religious meanings. In 16th-century Germany, Christians began bringing decorated evergreen trees into their homes during Christmas. Legend credits Martin Luther, the Protestant reformer, with being one of the first to place candles on a tree to recreate the starlit sky he admired one winter night.
In medieval Europe, Paradise Plays – religious dramas depicting the story of Adam and Eve – often featured a “Paradise Tree,” symbolizing the Tree of Knowledge from the Garden of Eden. These trees were decorated with apples, which later evolved into the shiny ornaments we know today.
The Christmas tree began to gain international recognition when Queen Victoria and Prince Albert of England were depicted with their family around a decorated tree in 1848. This image, published in the Illustrated London News, popularized the tradition across Britain and eventually in America.
What started as a blend of ancient customs and Christian symbolism has evolved into a universal tradition embraced by people from different backgrounds and beliefs. Today, the Christmas tree is not just a religious icon – it’s a symbol of family gatherings, warmth, and the universal human spirit that yearns for hope amid darkness. The act of burning a Christmas tree, therefore, is not just an attack on one faith; it’s an attack on shared values of coexistence and unity. Those who carry out such acts fail to see the tree for what it truly represents – a bridge between cultures, a reminder of humanity’s shared history, and a beacon of hope for all. In a world that often feels fragmented, symbols like the Christmas tree remind us of our interconnectedness. Its story is not one of exclusion but of inclusion, where ancient traditions merge with new meanings to form something universally cherished.
As we reflect on these destructive acts, it’s crucial to remember that symbols only hold the power we give them. The Christmas tree can stand as a dividing line, or it can rise as a symbol of unity, resilience and shared humanity.
This holiday season, let every light on every tree shine a little brighter – not just in defiance of those who seek division, but in celebration of the enduring human spirit that refuses to let darkness win.

What next for Lebanon?
Dr. Dania Koleilat Khatib/Arab News/December 27, 2024
This has been a terrible year for Lebanon. Many of the country’s problems had been accumulating for years; they most notably started with the financial crash in 2019, followed by the Beirut port explosion in August 2020 and then the deadlock in electing a president since 2022. The Gaza war has also had a spillover effect on Lebanon, as skirmishes erupted between Hezbollah and Israel on Oct. 8, 2023. In September, however, the dynamic of the conflict changed and Israel began an all-out war on Lebanon, targeting all areas of the country, not just Hezbollah strongholds. Lebanon has reached the abyss. The question now is: will there be a way out in 2025?
This year has been mainly marked by a political deadlock, which reflects a highly polarized society, and by the Israeli war.
When the mandate of President Michel Aoun expired at the end of October 2022, the political class could not agree on a replacement. Hezbollah insisted on their candidate, Suleiman Frangieh, while the anti-Hezbollah camp categorically rejected him. As a result, no president was elected and the country was run by a caretaker government. One year later, the Gaza war started and Hezbollah opened a “support front.” The group found in this conflict another excuse to defer the issue of electing a president. The war in Gaza was a threat to Hezbollah. It knew that, if Israel was successful, it would be next. This is why Hezbollah opened its support front. While it was portrayed as a war of solidarity, for the group it was a security need. Prior to the war on Gaza, the group was under scrutiny for not abiding by UN Security Council Resolution 1701. The international community was exerting a lot of pressure to push the group to comply with it. The solidarity front was a gamble that Hezbollah took.
This year has been mainly marked by a political deadlock, which reflects a highly polarized society, and by the Israeli war. The bet was on an early ceasefire, which the group could use to claim victory and cash in on it politically. In September, however, the tide of the conflict changed. It is likely Israel had been preparing for this war for years. In its 2006 war on Lebanon, Israel realized the deficiency it had on the intelligence front. So, it started focusing on gathering intelligence. Hezbollah also became a business empire, from having its own bank to multiple other businesses. It has also been accused of being involved in the Captagon trade. The group became porous. Top Hezbollah commanders became known to Israel. Tel Aviv used sophisticated technology to identify and target them. This led the group to rely on pagers, which are more basic and hence more difficult to trace.
Then came September’s attack on Hezbollah’s pagers. This attack changed the tide of the war. In a highly effective operation, Israel was able to tamper with the pagers used by Hezbollah members. It was able to target important operatives in the group. Afterward, Israel went on a bombing and assassination spree in Lebanon. All this was happening while Lebanon had no president and no real government or any effective diplomacy. In the 2006 war, Lebanese diplomacy worked to find an end to the war, with then-Prime Minister Fouad Siniora dispatching the highly qualified Dr. Tarek Mitri. Today, Lebanese diplomacy is at best numb. On Nov. 22, Lebanon marked its worst independence day since the civil war. Four days later, a ceasefire deal was signed. Can Lebanon now resurrect itself or will it linger as a failing state for the next 30 years? Which option is more likely? The renowned Emirati academic Abdulkhaleq Abdulla asked me two days before writing this piece: What is next for Lebanon, is it scenario one or scenario two? I personally think the situation will improve. It might get worse before it gets better. But it cannot get much worse because, as I said, we have reached the abyss. A quarter of the buildings in the south of Lebanon have been damaged or destroyed.
So, what is next? What should happen so that we can have a better future?
Unlike 2006, when Arab countries donated money for the country’s reconstruction with no strings attached, this time any aid will be conditional on three elements. Firstly, the Arab states and the wider international community will not accept the dominance of an armed faction in Lebanon. Secondly, they will want a credible government to handle the reconstruction process. Thirdly, they will want a transparent process. They will not compromise on good governance for the sake of stability like they did before. The donor community should insist on a government of technocrats that is focused on governance, not political polarization. Hence, Hezbollah will, on Jan. 9, be pushed to elect a consensual president, who will then appoint a credible government that can garner the trust of the Arab world and the international community. This credible government will probably be a government of technocrats that is focused on elevating Lebanon. This is unlike previous governments, in which the different ministers were busy dividing the pie among the various members of the political class. The donor community should insist on a government of technocrats that is focused on governance, not political polarization.
The good news is that there is a nucleus of good governance. The calamity that has been inflicted on Lebanon has brought with it an opportunity: the country established a government emergency committee that came up with a transparent, efficient and effective process to handle 1.2 million displaced people. This process includes the management and monitoring of aid deliveries. It could be replicated in different government departments and developed to manage Lebanon’s recovery and reconstruction. The other positive element is the fact that Lebanon is a small country. A few billion dollars would be enough to rebuild infrastructure and jumpstart the economy. The country has human capital and the Lebanese are known for their entrepreneurial spirit. Recovery can happen quicker than we might expect. Also, members of the diaspora will come back and invest if they see that there is a credible government and that the country is stable and no longer controlled by a corrupt political class. However, this is all speculation and maybe my analysis has been influenced by my own wishful thinking. However, deep down, I have a conviction that my country, like the phoenix, will rise from the ashes.
• Dr. Dania Koleilat Khatib is a specialist in US-Arab relations with a focus on lobbying. She is co-founder of the Research Center for Cooperation and Peace Building, a Lebanese nongovernmental organization focused on Track II.

Israeli incursion into Wadi Al-Hujeir raises fears of revived Israeli buffer zone
NAJIA HOUSSARI/Arab News/December 26, 2024
BEIRUT: On Thursday, Israeli forces advanced into the Lebanese border area through Al-Qantara and Aadchit Al-Qusayr, heading toward Wadi Al-Hujeir. The incursion lasted several hours. Israeli tanks were seen heading into Wadi Al-Hujeir. The incursion, carried out in broad daylight, prompted warnings from the Lebanese army and UNIFIL. The Lebanese army said: “The Israeli enemy continues its violations of the ceasefire agreement, attacking Lebanon’s sovereignty, its citizens, and destroying southern villages and towns.” UNIFIL, meanwhile, said that “any actions threatening the fragile cessation of hostilities must stop.”The Israeli incursion into Wadi Al-Hujeir is the first of its kind since Oct. 1, the start of Israel’s ground war in Lebanon, and since the ceasefire came into effect on Nov. 27.
Wadi Al-Hujeir is a rugged valley in Jabal Amel, adjacent to the Israeli border. It lies between the districts of Marjayoun, Bint Jbeil, and Nabatieh. The valley extends from the Litani River in Qaaqaait Al-Jisr below the city of Nabatieh to the town of Aitaroun in the Bint Jbeil district. Several towns surround it, including Al-Qantara, Aalman, Al-Ghandourieh, Majdal Selm, Qabrikha, Touline, and Taybeh. A Lebanese security source expressed concern, stating: “This incursion into previously untouched areas, accompanied by extensive combing operations, (is) a significant expansion of the Israeli enemy’s occupation map and recalls the border zone Israel established in the 1970s through firepower and occupation, which it withdrew from entirely in 2000.”
The incursion forced families in Al-Qantara to flee to Al-Ghandourieh, at the western edge of the valley. The Israeli army also erected earthen berms between Wadi Al-Hujeir and Wadi Saluki to block the valley road. In response, the Lebanese army closed the road leading to Wadi Al-Hujeir at the Froun intersection in the Qaaqaait Al-Jisr area to ensure the safety of civilians. The municipalities of Majdal Selm, Qabrikha, and Touline advised residents to avoid using the valley road.
During the incursion, Israeli forces shot Lebanese citizen Hussam Fawaz from Tebnine while he was on his way to work at the Indonesian battalion’s headquarters, part of UNIFIL, in Aadchit Al-Qusayr. He was hit in the head while driving his car, abducted by the Israeli forces, and later handed over, wounded, to UNIFIL and the Lebanese Red Cross. The Lebanese army command stated: “Israeli forces advanced into several points in the areas of Al-Qantara, Aadchit Al-Qusayr, and Wadi Al-Hujeir. The army reinforced its presence in these areas and the army command continues to monitor the situation in coordination with UNIFIL and the quintet committee overseeing the implementation of the ceasefire agreement.”UNIFIL underlined its role in supporting both countries to ensure the area south of the Litani River is free of any armed personnel, assets or weapons other than those of the government of Lebanon and UNIFIL, as well as respect for the Blue Line. UNIFIL said: “There is concern at continuing destruction by the IDF (Israeli forces) in residential areas, agricultural land, and road networks in south Lebanon. This is in violation of resolution 1701.”In the afternoon, it was reported that the Israeli forces that infiltrated into Lebanese territory, withdrew toward Wadi Saluki. Meanwhile, the Israeli army continued using machine guns to strafe the border towns it had infiltrated, especially from Maroun Al-Ras toward Bint Jbeil. It also targeted the Aita Al-Shaab town with artillery shelling.
According to security reports, “the Israeli army was surprised by the scale of tunnels built by Hezbollah in the border area and the number that has been discovered. It is racing against time to uncover the remaining ones, destroy them and bulldoze Hezbollah’s facilities before the end of the 60-day period, half of which has already passed, for a complete withdrawal under the ceasefire agreement.”The security source stated: “The Israeli army seems to lack confidence in the Lebanese army’s ability to destroy these Hezbollah facilities when it is deployed in the border area. It is determined to carry out this mission before its withdrawal.”On Thursday, Israeli media reported that the “Israeli army is preparing for the possibility of remaining in southern Lebanon beyond the 60 days outlined in the ceasefire agreement.”The Israeli Haaretz newspaper reported that the army “has begun establishing infrastructure for military posts by the Lebanese side.”On the Lebanese front, Hezbollah MP Ali Fayyad said: “The Israeli incursion toward Wadi al-Hujair is a highly dangerous development and a serious threat to the implementation of Resolution 1701.”He called on the Lebanese state, “the government, army and concerned parties, to revalong the northern border, with some of them located on the Lebanese side of the border.” It added: “During 30 days, the Israeli army killed 44 Hezbollah members who violated the ceasefire agreement — according to the army — carried out 25 attacks on Lebanese sites and recorded 120 violations of the agreement iew the current performance, which has shown a complete failure to curb Israel’s continued hostilities.” MP Kassem Hashem, from the Amal Movement bloc, described Israel’s incursion as “an occupation of additional areas of Lebanese territory and an attack on Lebanese sovereignty in light of the ceasefire agreement supervised by international entities with presence and influence.”He said that “if such violations continue at this level, it is considered an occupation, and Lebanon has the right to defend its sovereignty and national dignity.”

The Latest English LCCC Miscellaneous Reports And News published on December 26-27/2024
Israeli strikes kill six in Yemen as Netanyahu fires warning
AFP/December 26, 2024
SANAA: Israeli air strikes pummelled Sanaa’s international airport and other targets in Yemen on Thursday, leaving three people dead, a day after the latest attacks on Israel by the Iran-backed Houthis. World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus was at the airport during the strike, he said, adding that “one of our plane’s crew members was injured.”The strikes targeting the airport, military facilities and power stations in Houthi areas follow rising hostilities between Israel and the militia. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Israel’s strikes would “continue until the job is done.”
“We are determined to cut this branch of terrorism from the Iranian axis of evil,” he said in a video statement.His defense minister Israel Katz said Israel would “hunt down all the Houthi leaders... No one will be able to escape us.”Tedros, who was in Yemen to seek the release of detained UN staff and assess the humanitarian situation in war-torn Yemen, said he and his team were about to board their flight when “the airport came under aerial bombardment.”He said the air traffic control tower, departure lounge and runway were damaged in the strike.The Houthi-held capital’s airport was struck by “more than six” attacks with raids also targeting the adjacent Al-Dailami air base, a witness told AFP. A series of strikes were also fired at a power station in Hodeida, a witness and the Iran-backed Houthis’ official Al-Masirah TV station said. Two people died and 11 were wounded at the Houthi-held capital’s airport, and one person was killed and three were missing at Ras Issa port, Houthi statements said. Houthi spokesperson Mohammed Abdulsalam called the strikes, a day after the Houthis fired a missile and two drones at Israel, “a Zionist crime against all the Yemeni people.”The Israeli military said its “fighter jets conducted intelligence-based strikes on military targets belonging to the Houthi terrorist regime.”The targets included “military infrastructure” at the airport and power stations in Sanaa and Hodeida, as well as other facilities at Hodeida, Salif and Ras Kanatib ports, an Israeli statement said.
“These military targets were used by the Houthi terrorist regime to smuggle Iranian weapons into the region and for the entry of senior Iranian officials,” the statement said.
Palestinian militant group Hamas, which is fighting Israel in the Gaza Strip, condemned the attack as an “aggression” against its “brothers from Yemen.”On Saturday, days ahead of Wednesday’s missile and drone strike on Israel, 16 people were wounded by a Houthi attack in Tel Aviv. The incident prompted a warning from Netanyahu, who said he ordered the destruction of the group’s infrastructure. The Houthis have fired a series of missiles and drones at Israel since the eruption of war in Gaza in October last year, claiming solidarity with the Palestinians. The Houthis have also waged a months-long campaign against shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Scores of drone and missile attacks on cargo ships have prompted a series of reprisal strikes by US and sometimes British forces. Israel has also previously struck the Houthis in Yemen, including hitting ports and energy facilities, after Houthi attacks against its territory. In July, a Houthi drone attack on Tel Aviv killed an Israeli civilian, prompting retaliatory strikes on Hodeida.Last week, before the latest volley of attacks, Netanyahu said the Houthis would “pay a very heavy price” for their strikes on Israel.

UN chief condemns ‘escalation’ between Yemen’s Houthis and Israel
AFP/December 26, 2024
NEW YORK: The UN chief on Thursday denounced the “escalation” in hostilities between Yemen’s Houthi rebels and Israel, terming strikes on the Sanaa airport “especially alarming.”“The Secretary-General condemns the escalation between Yemen and Israel. Israeli airstrikes today on Sana’a International Airport, the Red Sea ports and power stations in Yemen are especially alarming,” said a spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in a statement. TAL AL-SHAIKHIA, Iraq: Iraqi authorities are working to exhume the remains of around 100 Kurdish women and children thought to have been killed in the 1980s under former Iraqi ruler Saddam Hussein, three officials said. The grave was discovered in Tal Al-Shaikhia in the Muthanna province in southern Iraq, about 15-20 kilometers (10-12 miles) from the main road there, an AFP journalist said.
Specialized teams began exhuming the grave earlier this month after it was initially discovered in 2019, said Diaa Karim, the head of the Iraqi authority for mass graves, adding that it is the second such grave to be uncovered at the site. “After removing the first layer of soil and the remains appearing clearly, it was discovered that they all belonged to women and children dressed in Kurdish springtime clothes,” Karim told AFP on Wednesday. He added that they likely came from Kalar in the northern Sulaimaniyah province, part of what is now Iraq’s autonomous Kurdistan region, estimating that there were “no less than 100” people buried in the grave. Efforts to exhume all the bodies are ongoing, he said, adding that the numbers could change.Following Iraq’s deadly war with Iran in the 1980s, Saddam’s government carried out the ruthless “Anfal Operation” between 1987 and 1988 in which it is thought to have killed around 180,000 Kurds. Saddam was toppled in 2003 following a US-led invasion of Iraq and was hanged three years later, putting an end to Iraqi proceedings against him on charges of genocide over the Anfal campaign. Karim said a large number of the victims found in the grave “were executed here with live shots to the head fired at short range.” He suggested some of them may have been “buried alive” as there was no evidence of bullets in their remains. Ahmed Qusai, the head of the excavation team for mass graves in Iraq, meanwhile pointed to “difficulties we are facing at this grave because the remains have become entangled as some of the mothers were holding their infants” when they were killed. Durgham Kamel, part of the authority for exhuming mass graves, said another mass grave was found at the same time that they began exhuming the one at Tal Al-Shaikhia.
He said the burial site was located near the notorious Nugrat Al-Salman prison where Saddam’s authorities held dissidents. The Iraqi government estimates that about 1.3 million people disappeared between 1980 and 1990 as a result of atrocities and other rights violations committed under Saddam.

WHO chief says he is safe after Sanaa airport bombardment
AFP/December 26, 2024
GENEVA: The head of the World Health Organization, who was at the Sanaa airport in Yemen amid an Israeli bombardment on Thursday, said there was damage to infrastructure but he remained safe. “One of our plane’s crew members was injured. At least two people were reported killed at the airport,” Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus posted on X. Other UN staff were also safe but their departure was delayed until repairs could be made, he added. Tedros was in Yemen as part of a mission to seek the release of detained UN staff and assess the health and humanitarian situations in the war-torn country. He said the mission “concluded today,” and “we continue to call for the detainees’ immediate release.”While about to board their flight, he said “the airport came under aerial bombardment.”“The air traffic control tower, the departure lounge — just a few meters from where we were — and the runway were damaged.”
The Israeli air strikes came a day after the latest attacks on Israel by Iran-backed Houthis. The Houthi-held capital’s airport was struck by “more than six” attacks with raids also targeting the adjacent Al-Dailami air base, a witness told AFP.

Syria authorities arrest official behind Saydnaya death penalties
AFP/December 26, 2024
DAMASCUS: Syria’s new authorities have arrested a military justice official who under ousted president Bashar Assad issued death sentences for detainees in the notorious Saydnaya prison, a war monitor said Thursday.
The confirmation by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights of his detention came a day after deadly clashes erupted in the coastal province of Tartus, an Assad stronghold, when gunmen sought to protect him. Mohammed Kanjo Hassan is the highest-ranking officer whose arrest has been announced since Assad’s ousting on December 8. Assad fled for Russia after a militant offensive wrested from his control city after city until Damascus fell, ending his clan’s five-decade rule and sparking celebrations in Syria and beyond. The offensive caught Assad and his inner circle by surprise and while fleeing the country he took with him only a handful of confidants. Many others were left behind, including his brother Maher Assad, who according to a Syrian military source fled to Iraq before heading to Russia. Other collaborators were believed to have taken refuge in their hometowns in Alawite regions that were once a stronghold of the Assad clan. According to the Association of Detainees and Missing Persons of Saydnaya Prison, Kanjo Hassan headed Syria’s military field court from 2011 to 2014, the first three years of the war that began with Assad’s crackdown on Arab Spring-inspired democracy protests.
He was later promoted to chief of military justice nationwide, the group’s co-founder Diab Serriya said, adding that he sentenced “thousands of people” to death. The Saydnaya complex, the site of extrajudicial executions, torture and forced disappearances, epitomised the atrocities committed against Assad’s opponents. The fate of tens of thousands of prisoners and missing people remains one of the most harrowing legacies of his rule.
After 13 years of civil war, Syria’s new leaders from Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS) face the monumental task of safeguarding the multi-confessional, multi-ethnic country from further collapse. With its roots in Syria’s branch of Al-Qaeda, a Sunni Muslim extremist group, HTS has moderated its rhetoric and vowed to ensure protection for minorities, including the Alawite community from which Assad hails.With 500,000 killed in the war and more than 100,000 still missing, the new authorities have also pledged justice for the victims of abuses under the deposed ruler.
They also face the substantial task of restoring security to a country ravaged by war and where arms have become ubiquitous. During the offensive that precipitated Assad’s ousting, militants flung open the doors of prisons and detention centers around the country, letting out thousands of people.
In central Damascus, relatives of some of the missing have hung up posters of their loved ones in the hope that with Assad gone, they may one day learn what happened to them.World powers and international organizations have called for the urgent establishment of mechanisms for accountability.
With the judiciary not yet reorganized since Assad’s toppling, it is unclear how detainees suspected of crimes linked to the former authorities will be tried. Some members of the Alawite community fear that with Assad gone, they will be at risk of attacks from groups hungry for revenge or driven by sectarian hate. On Wednesday, angry protests erupted in several areas around Syria, including Assad’s hometown of Qardaha, over a video showing an attack on an Alawite shrine that circulated online. The Observatory said that one demonstrator was killed and five others wounded “after security forces... opened fire to disperse” a crowd in the central city of Homs. The transitional authorities appointed by HTS said in a statement that the shrine attack took place early this month, with the interior ministry saying it was carried out by “unknown groups” and that republishing the video served to “stir up strife.” On Thursday, the information ministry introduced a ban on publishing or distributing “any content or information with a sectarian nature aimed at spreading division and discrimination.”In one of Wednesday’s protests over the video, large crowds chanted slogans including “Alawite, Sunni, we want peace.” Assad long presented himself as a protector of minority groups in Sunni-majority Syria, though critics said he played on sectarian divisions to stay in power. In Homs, where the authorities imposed a nighttime curfew, 42-year-old resident Hadi reported “a vast deployment of HTS men in areas where there were protests.”
“There is a lot of fear,” he said.
In coastal Latakia, protester Ghidak Mayya, 30, said that for now, Alawites were “listening to calls for calm,” but putting too much pressure on the community “risks an explosion.”Noting the anxieties, Sam Heller of the Century Foundation think tank told AFP that Syria’s new rulers had to balance dealing with sectarian tensions while promising that those responsible for abuses under Assad would be held accountable. “But they’re obviously also contending with what seems like a real desire on the part of some of their constituents for what they would say is accountability, maybe also revenge, it depends on how you want to characterise it,” he said.

Syria authorities launch operation in Assad stronghold
AFP/December 26, 2024
DAMASCUS: Syria’s new authorities launched an operation in a stronghold of ousted president Bashar Assad on Thursday, with a war monitor saying three gunmen affiliated with the former government were killed. Assad fled Syria after an offensive wrested from his control city after city until Damascus fell on December 8, ending his clan’s five-decade rule. After 13 years of civil war sparked by Assad’s crackdown on democracy protests, Syria’s new leaders from Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS) face the monumental task of safeguarding the multi-sectarian, multi-ethnic country from further collapse.
Rooted in Syria’s branch of Al-Qaeda, a Sunni Muslim extremist group, HTS has moderated its rhetoric and vowed to ensure protection for minorities, including the Alawite community from which Assad hails. With 500,000 dead in the war and more than 100,000 missing, the new authorities have also pledged justice for the victims of abuses under the deposed ruler. On Thursday, state news agency SANA said security forces launched an operation against pro-Assad militias in the western province of Tartus, “neutralising a certain number” of armed men.
According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor, three gunmen linked with Assad’s government were killed in the operation. It comes a day after 14 security personnel of the new authorities and three gunmen were killed in clashes in the same province when forces tried to arrest an Assad-era officer, according to the Observatory. The Britain-based monitor said the wanted man, Mohammed Kanjo Hassan, was a military justice official who had “issued death sentences and arbitrary judgments against thousands” of detainees at the notorious Saydnaya prison complex.
The Saydnaya complex, the site of extrajudicial executions, torture and forced disappearances, epitomised the atrocities committed against Assad’s opponents. The fate of tens of thousands of prisoners and missing people remains one of the most harrowing legacies of his rule.
During the offensive that precipitated Assad’s ousting, militants flung open the doors of prisons and detention centers around the country, letting out thousands of people. In central Damascus, relatives of some of the missing have hung up posters of their loved ones, in the hope that with Assad’s ouster, they may one day learn what happened to them.World powers and international organizations have called for the urgent establishment of mechanisms for accountability. But some members of the Alawite community fear that with Assad gone, they may be at risk of attacks from groups hungry for revenge or driven by sectarian hate. On Wednesday, angry protests erupted in several areas around Syria, including Assad’s hometown of Qardaha, over a video showing an attack on an Alawite shrine that circulated online. The Observatory said that one demonstrator was killed and five others wounded “after security forces... opened fire to disperse” a crowd in the central city of Homs. The transitional authorities appointed by HTS said in a statement that the shrine attack took place early this month, with the interior ministry saying it was carried out by “unknown groups” and that republishing the video served to “stir up strife.”
On Thursday, the information ministry introduced a ban on publishing or distributing “any content or information with a sectarian nature aimed at spreading division and discrimination.”In one of Wednesday’s protests over the video, large crowds chanted slogans including “Alawite, Sunni, we want peace.”
Assad long presented himself as a protector of minority groups in Sunni-majority Syria, though critics said he played on sectarian divisions to stay in power. In Homs, where the authorities imposed a nighttime curfew, 42-year-old resident Hadi reported “a vast deployment of HTS men in areas where there were protests.”
“There is a lot of fear,” he said.
In coastal Latakia, protester Ghidak Mayya, 30, said that for now, Alawites were “listening to calls for calm,” but putting too much pressure on the community “risks an explosion.”Noting the anxieties, Sam Heller of the Century Foundation think tank told AFP Syria’s new rulers had to balance dealing with sectarian tensions while promising that those responsible for abuses under Assad would be held accountable. “But they’re obviously also contending with what seems like a real desire on the part of some of their constituents for what they would say is accountability, maybe also revenge, it depends on how you want to characterise it,” he said. Since HTS and its allies swept to power earlier this month, a bevy of delegations from the Middle East, Europe and the United States have visited Damascus seeking to establish ties with the country’s new rulers. A delegation from Iraq met with the new authorities Thursday to discuss “security and stability needs on the two countries’ shared border,” Iraqi state media said, while Lebanon, which has a fraught history with Syria, said it hoped for better ties with its neighbor going forward.

Clashes between Islamists now in power in Syria and Assad’s supporters kill 6 fighters
AP/December 26, 2024
DAMASCUS, Syria: Clashes between Islamists who took over Syria and supporters of ousted President Bashar Assad’s government killed six Islamic fighters on Wednesday and wounded others, according to a British-based war monitor.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the fighters were killed while trying to arrest a former official in Assad’s government, accused of issuing execution orders and arbitrary rulings against thousands of prisoners. The fighters were from Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham, or HTS, which led the stunning offensive that toppled Assad earlier this month. Syria’s transition has been surprisingly smooth but it’s only been a few weeks since Assad fled the country and his administration and forces melted away. The insurgents who ousted Assad are rooted in fundamentalist Islamist ideology, and though they have vowed to create a pluralist system, it isn’t clear how or whether they plan to share power. Since Assad’s fall, dozens of Syrians have been killed in acts of revenge, according to activists and monitors, the vast majority of them from the minority Alawite community, an offshoot of Shiite Islam that Assad belongs to.
In the capital, Damascus, Alawite protesters scuffled with Sunni counter-protesters and gunshots were heard. The Associated Press could not confirm details of the shooting. Alawite protests also took place along the coast of Syria, in the city of Homs and the Hama countryside. Some called for the release of soldiers from the former Syrian army now imprisoned by the HTS. At least one protester was killed and five were wounded in Homs by HTS forces suppressing the demonstration, said the Syrian Observatory. In response to the protests, HTS imposed a curfew from 6 p.m. until 8am. The Alawite protests were apparently in part sparked by an online video showing the burning of an Alawite shrine. The interim authorities insisted the video was old and not a recent incident. Sectarian violence has erupted in bursts since Assad’s ouster but nothing close to the level feared after nearly 14 years of civil war that killed an estimated half-million people. The war fractured Syria, creating millions of refugees and displacing tens of thousands throughout the country. This week, some Syrians who were forcibly displaced, started trickling home, trying to rebuild their lives. Shocked by the devastation, many found that little remains of their houses. In the northwestern Idlib region, residents were repairing shops and sealing damaged windows on Tuesday, trying to bring back a sense of normalcy. The city of Idlib and much of the surrounding province has for years been under control of the HTS, led by Ahmad Al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammed Al-Golani, once aligned with Al-Qaeda, but has been the scene of relentless attacks by the government forces. Hajjah Zakia Daemessaid, who was forcibly displaced during the war, said coming back to her house in the Idlib countryside was bitter-sweet.“My husband and I spent 43 years of hard work saving money to build our home, only to find that all of it has gone to waste,” said the 62-year-old. In the dusty neighborhoods, cars drove by with luggage strapped on top. People stood idly on the streets or sat in empty coffee shops. In Damascus, Syria’s new authorities raided warehouses on Wednesday, confiscating drugs such as Captagon and cannabis, used by Assad’s forces. A million Captagon pills and hundreds of kilograms (pounds) of cannabis were set ablaze, the interim authorities said.

Russia’s Lavrov says new Syria’s head called relations with Moscow long standing and strategic
Reuters/December 26, 2024
MOSCOW: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Thursday that the new ruler of Syria had called relations with Russia long standing and strategic and that Moscow shared this assessment. Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov said on Monday that Russia was in contact with Syria’s new administration at both a diplomatic and military level.

Palestinian TV says Israeli strike kills 5 journalists in Gaza
AFP/December 26, 2024
GAZA: A Palestinian TV channel affiliated with a militant group said five of its journalists were killed Thursday in an Israeli strike on their vehicle in Gaza, with Israel’s military saying it had targeted a “terrorist cell.”A missile hit the journalists’ broadcast truck as it was parked in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, according to a statement from their employer, Al-Quds Today. It is affiliated with Islamic Jihad, whose militants have fought alongside Hamas in the Gaza Strip and took part in the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel that sparked the war. The channel identified the five staffers as Faisal Abu Al-Qumsan, Ayman Al-Jadi, Ibrahim Al-Sheikh Khalil, Fadi Hassouna and Mohammed Al-Lada’a. They were killed “while performing their journalistic and humanitarian duty,” the statement said. “We affirm our commitment to continue our resistant media message,” it added. The Israeli military said in its own statement that it had conducted “a precise strike on a vehicle with an Islamic Jihad terrorist cell inside in the area of Nuseirat.” It added that “prior to the strike, numerous steps were taken to mitigate the risk of harming civilians.”According to witnesses in Nuseirat, a missile fired by an Israeli aircraft hit the broadcast vehicle, which was parked outside Al-Awda Hospital, setting the vehicle on fire and killing those inside. The Committee to Protect Journalists’ Middle East arm said the organization was “devastated by the reports that five journalists and media workers were killed inside their broadcasting vehicle by an Israeli strike.”“Journalists are civilians and must always be protected,” it added in a statement on social media. The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate said last week that more than 190 journalists had been killed and at least 400 injured since the start of the war in Gaza.
It was triggered by the Hamas-led October 7 attack last year, which resulted in 1,208 deaths, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures. Israel’s retaliatory military campaign has killed at least 45,361 people in Gaza, a majority of them civilians, according to figures from the Hamas-run territory’s health ministry that the UN considers reliable.

Palestinian hospital director says Israeli strike kills 5 staff in Gaza
AFP/December 26, 2024
GAZA STRIP: Five staff at one of northern Gaza’s last functioning hospitals were killed by an Israeli strike on Thursday, the facility’s director said, more than two months into an Israeli operation in the area. Hossam Abu Safiya, head of the Kamal Adwan hospital in Beit Lahia, said “an Israeli strike resulted in five martyrs among the hospital staff.” The Israeli military did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Israel has been pressing a major offensive in northern Gaza since October 6, saying it aims to prevent Hamas militants from regrouping. At the other end of the Palestinian territory, the chief paediatric doctor at the Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis said three babies had died from a “severe temperature drop” this week as winter cold sets in. Doctor Ahmed Al-Farra said the most recent case was a three-week-old girl who was “brought to the emergency room with a severe temperature drop, which led to her death.” A three-day-old baby and another “less than a month old” died on Tuesday, he said. Meanwhile, in central Gaza, a Palestinian TV channel affiliated with a militant group said five of its journalists were killed on Thursday in an Israeli strike on their vehicle in Gaza, with Israel’s military saying it had targeted a “terrorist cell.”Witnesses said a missile struck the van while it was parked outside Al-Awda Hospital in Nuseirat. The three-week-old girl, Sila Al-Faseeh, was living in a tent in Al-Mawasi, an area designated a humanitarian safe zone by the Israeli military that is home to huge numbers of displaced Palestinians. “The tents do not protect from the cold, and it gets very cold at night, with no way to keep warm,” said Farra. He said many mothers were suffering from malnutrition which affected the quality of their breast milk and compounded the risks to newborns.
Sila’s father Mahmoud Al-Faseeh said it was “extremely cold, and the tent is not suitable for living. The children are always sick.”The United Nations and other organizations have repeatedly decried the worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza, particularly in the north, since Israel began its latest military offensive in early October. The World Health Organization has described conditions at Kamal Adwan hospital as “appalling” and said it was operating at a “minimum” level. Earlier on Thursday, Gaza’s civil defense agency said that five other people had been killed by Israeli strikes during the day in the north of Gaza. Meanwhile, the Israeli military said a 35-year-old soldier was killed in the central Gaza Strip. It brings to 390 the number of Israeli soldiers killed since the start of ground operations in the Palestinian territory. The journalists’ employer Al-Quds Today said in a statement that a missile hit their broadcast van while it was parked in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza. The channel is affiliated with Islamic Jihad, whose militants have fought alongside Hamas in the Gaza Strip and took part in the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel that sparked the war.
The station identified the five staffers as Faisal Abu Al-Qumsan, Ayman Al-Jadi, Ibrahim Al-Sheikh Khalil, Fadi Hassouna and Mohammed Al-Ladaa. They were killed “while performing their journalistic and humanitarian duty,” the statement said. The Israeli military said it had conducted a “precise strike” and that those killed “were Islamic Jihad operatives posing as journalists.”The Committee to Protect Journalists’ Middle East arm said in a statement it was “devastated by the reports.”“Journalists are civilians and must always be protected,” it added. The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate said last week that more than 190 journalists had been killed and at least 400 injured since the start of the war in Gaza. The war was triggered by the Hamas-led October 7 attack last year, which resulted in 1,208 deaths, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures. Israel’s retaliatory military campaign has killed at least 45,399 people in Gaza, a majority of them civilians, according to figures from the Hamas-run territory’s health ministry that the UN considers reliable.

Israeli security minister enters Al-Aqsa mosque compound ‘in prayer’ for Gaza hostages
Reuters/December 26, 2024
JERUSALEM: Israel’s ultranationalist security minister ascended to the Al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem on Thursday for what he said was a “prayer” for hostages in Gaza, freshly challenging rules over one of the most sensitive sites in the Middle East. Israel’s official position accepts decades-old rules restricting non-Muslim prayer at the compound, Islam’s third holiest site and known as Temple Mount to Jews, who revere it as the site of two ancient temples. Under a delicate decades-old “status quo” arrangement with Muslim authorities, the Al-Aqsa compound is administered by a Jordanian religious foundation and, under rules dating back decades, Jews can visit but may not pray there. In a post on X, hard-line Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said: “I ascended today to our holy place, in prayer for the welfare of our soldiers, to swiftly return all the hostages and total victory with God’s help.”
The post included a picture of Ben-Gvir walking in the compound, situated on an elevated plaza in Jerusalem’s walled Old City, but no images or video of him praying. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office immediately released a statement restating the official Israeli position. Palestinian militant group Hamas took about 250 hostages in its Oct. 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel in which 1,200 people were killed, according to Israeli tallies. In the ensuing war in Gaza, Israeli forces have killed over 45,300 Palestinians, according to health officials in the Hamas-run enclave.
Suggestions from Israeli ultranationalists that Israel would alter rules about religious observance at the Al-Aqsa compound have sparked violence with Palestinians in the past. In August, Ben-Gvir repeated a call for Jews to be allowed to pray at the Al-Aqsa mosque, drawing sharp criticism, and he has visited the mosque compound in the past. Ben-Gvir, head of one of two religious-nationalist parties in Netanyahu’s coalition, has a long record of making inflammatory statements appreciated by his own supporters, but conflicting with the government’s official line. Israeli police in the past have prevented ministers from ascending to the compound on the grounds that it endangers national security. Ben-Gvir’s ministerial file gives him oversight over Israel’s national police force. (Reporting by Emily Rose; editing by Mark Heinrich)

Israeli attorney general orders probe into report that alleged Netanyahu’s wife harassed opponents
AP/December 26, 2024
JERUSALEM: Israel’s attorney general has ordered police to open an investigation into Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s wife on suspicion of harassing political opponents and witnesses in the Israeli leader’s corruption trial. The Israeli Justice Ministry made the announcement in a terse message late Thursday, saying the investigation would focus on the findings of a recent report by the “Uvda” investigative program into Sara Netanyahu. The program uncovered a trove of WhatsApp messages in which Mrs. Netanyahu appears to instruct a former aide to organize protests against political opponents and to intimidate Hadas Klein, a key witness in the trial.The announcement did not mention Mrs. Netanyahu by name, and the Justice Ministry declined further comment. But in a video released earlier Thursday, Netanyahu listed what he said were the many kind and charitable acts by his wife and blasted the Uvda report as “lies.”It was the latest in a long line of legal troubles for the Netanyahus — highlighted by the prime minister's ongoing corruption trial. Netanyahu is charged with fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes in a series of cases alleging he exchanged favors with powerful media moguls and wealthy associates. Netanyahu denies the charges and says he is the victim of a “witch hunt” by overzealous prosecutors, police and the media.

Jordan says 18,000 Syrians returned home since Assad’s fall
AFP/December 26, 2024
AMMAN: About 18,000 Syrians have crossed into their country from Jordan since the government of Bashar Assad was toppled earlier this month, Jordanian authorities said on Thursday. Interior Minister Mazen Al-Faraya told state TV channel Al-Mamlaka that “around 18,000 Syrians have returned to their country between the fall of the regime of Bashar Assad on December 8, 2024 until Thursday.”He said the returnees included 2,300 refugees registered with the United Nations. Amman says it has hosted about 1.3 million Syrians who fled their country since civil war broke out in 2011, with 650,000 formally registered with the United Nations.

Russia missile suspected in Azerbaijani plane crash, Moscow warns against ‘hypotheses’
AFP/December 26, 2024
ASTANA: Azerbaijani and US officials believe a Russian surface-to-air missile caused the deadly crash of an Azerbaijani passenger jet, media reports and a US official said Thursday, as the Kremlin cautioned against “hypotheses” over the disaster. The Azerbaijan Airlines jet crashed near the Kazakh city of Aktau, an oil and gas hub, on Wednesday after going off course for undetermined reasons. Thirty-eight of the 67 people on board died. The Embraer 190 aircraft was supposed to fly northwest from the Azerbaijani capital Baku to the city of Grozny in Chechnya, southern Russia, but instead diverted far off course across the Caspian Sea. An investigation is underway, with pro-government Azerbaijani website Caliber citing unnamed officials as saying they believed a Russian missile fired from a Pantsir-S air defense system downed the plane. The claim was also reported by The New York Times, broadcaster Euronews and the Turkish news agency Anadolu. Some aviation and military experts said the plane might have been accidentally shot by Russian air defense systems because it was flying in an area where Ukrainian drone activity had been reported. A former expert at France’s BEA air accident investigation agency said there appeared to be “a lot of shrapnel” damage on the wreckage. Speaking on condition of anonymity, he said the damage was “reminiscent” of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17, which was downed with a surface-to-air missile by Russia-backed rebels over eastern Ukraine in 2014. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters: “It would be wrong to make any hypotheses before the investigation’s conclusions.”Euronews cited Azerbaijani government sources as saying that “shrapnel hit the passengers and cabin crew as it exploded next to the aircraft mid-flight.”
A US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, also said early indications suggested a Russian anti-aircraft system struck the plane. Kazakhstan news agency Kazinform cited a regional prosecutor as saying that two black-box flight recorders had been recovered. Azerbaijan Airlines initially said the plane flew through a flock of birds, before withdrawing the statement. Kazakh officials said 38 people had been killed and there were 29 survivors, including three children. Jalil Aliyev, the father of flight attendant Hokume Aliyeva, told AFP that this was supposed to have been her last flight before starting a job as a lawyer for the airline.“Why did her young life have to end so tragically?” the man said in a trembling voice before hanging up the phone. Eleven of the injured are in intensive care, the Kazakh health ministry said. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev declared Thursday a day of mourning and canceled a planned visit to Russia for an informal summit of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), a grouping of former Soviet nations.
“I extend my condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the crash... and wish a speedy recovery to the injured,” Aliyev said in a social media post Wednesday. The Flight Radar website showed the plane deviating from its normal route, crossing the Caspian Sea and then circling over the area where it eventually crashed near Aktau, on the eastern shore of the sea. Kazakhstan said the plane was carrying 37 Azerbaijani passengers, six Kazakhs, three Kyrgyz and 16 Russians. A Kazakh woman told the local branch of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) she was near where the plane crashed and rushed to the site to help survivors. “They were covered in blood. They were crying. They were calling for help,” said the woman, who gave her name as Elmira. She said they saved some teenagers. “I’ll never forget their look, full of pain and despair,” said Elmira. “A girl pleaded: ‘Save my mother, my mother is back there’.”Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone conversation with Aliyev and “expressed his condolences in connection with the crash,” Peskov told a news conference.

Bodies of about 100 Kurdish women, children found in Iraq mass grave
AFP/December 27, 2024
TAL AL-SHAIKHIA, Iraq: Iraqi authorities are working to exhume the remains of around 100 Kurdish women and children thought to have been killed in the 1980s under former Iraqi ruler Saddam Hussein, three officials said. The grave was discovered in Tal Al-Shaikhia in the Muthanna province in southern Iraq, about 15-20 kilometers (10-12 miles) from the main road there, an AFP journalist said. Specialized teams began exhuming the grave earlier this month after it was initially discovered in 2019, said Diaa Karim, the head of the Iraqi authority for mass graves, adding that it is the second such grave to be uncovered at the site. “After removing the first layer of soil and the remains appearing clearly, it was discovered that they all belonged to women and children dressed in Kurdish springtime clothes,” Karim told AFP on Wednesday. He added that they likely came from Kalar in the northern Sulaimaniyah province, part of what is now Iraq’s autonomous Kurdistan region, estimating that there were “no less than 100” people buried in the grave. Efforts to exhume all the bodies are ongoing, he said, adding that the numbers could change. Following Iraq’s deadly war with Iran in the 1980s, Saddam’s government carried out the ruthless “Anfal Operation” between 1987 and 1988 in which it is thought to have killed around 180,000 Kurds. Saddam was toppled in 2003 following a US-led invasion of Iraq and was hanged three years later, putting an end to Iraqi proceedings against him on charges of genocide over the Anfal campaign. Karim said a large number of the victims found in the grave “were executed here with live shots to the head fired at short range.”He suggested some of them may have been “buried alive” as there was no evidence of bullets in their remains. Ahmed Qusai, the head of the excavation team for mass graves in Iraq, meanwhile pointed to “difficulties we are facing at this grave because the remains have become entangled as some of the mothers were holding their infants” when they were killed. Durgham Kamel, part of the authority for exhuming mass graves, said another mass grave was found at the same time that they began exhuming the one at Tal Al-Shaikhia.He said the burial site was located near the notorious Nugrat Al-Salman prison where Saddam’s authorities held dissidents. The Iraqi government estimates that about 1.3 million people disappeared between 1980 and 1990 as a result of atrocities and other rights violations committed under Saddam.

Regional challenges cost Egypt around $7 bln of Suez Canal revenues in 2024, El-Sisi says
Reuters/December 26, 2024
CAIRO: Events in the Red Sea and regional challenges cost Egypt around $7 billion in revenues from the Suez Canal in 2024, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi said on Thursday. Egypt lost more than 60 percent of the canal’s revenues in 2024 compared with 2023, El-Sisi added in his statement, without going into details on the events. Houthi fighters in Yemen have carried out nearly 100 attacks on ships crossing the Red Sea since November in solidarity with Palestinians in Israel’s more than year-old war in Gaza. The attacks have forced shipping firms to divert vessels from the Suez Canal to longer routes around Africa, disrupting global trade by delaying deliveries and sending costs higher.

The Latest English LCCC analysis & editorials from miscellaneous sources on December 26-27/2024
Who can lead Sudan out of its crisis?
Dr. Abdellatif El-Menawy/Arab News/December 27, 2024
The coexistence of the SAF and RSF within Sudan’s political landscape seems increasingly untenable.
As the Sudanese people endure relentless bombing, destruction and displacement, the prospect of a peace agreement or ceasefire appears increasingly remote.
Sudan, a nation with a complex history of colonial legacy, ethnic diversity, and political instability, is now facing one of the gravest crises in its history. The ongoing power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces has turned what was meant to be a political transition into a full-blown humanitarian disaster. With hundreds of thousands displaced, cities devastated, and the social fabric torn apart, the critical question remains: Who can solve Sudan’s crisis? Can the army or the RSF lead the country to peace, or does the solution lie in moving beyond their influence entirely?
The conflict between the SAF, led by Gen. Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, and the RSF, commanded by Gen. Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (known as Hemedti), erupted in April 2023. Although the two sides were allies during the transitional period following the ousting of President Omar Bashir in 2019, their rivalry over power strained their relationship to breaking point.
The SAF represents Sudan’s traditional military institution, historically tied to the country’s political elite and shaped by the ideological leanings of those in power. The RSF, on the other hand, evolved from the infamous Janjaweed militias into a semi-independent force with extensive economic interests and a reputation for violence. Their power struggle is not merely a battle for control but reflects deeper issues of governance, legitimacy, and Sudan’s future.
Who can lead Sudan out of its crisis? This question defines the current phase of Sudan’s turmoil. Is the SAF, which sees itself as the country’s legitimate authority, the answer? Or is it the RSF, portraying itself as the savior of the Sudanese people? Perhaps a third force, likely external, could emerge as the driving and guaranteeing entity for a resolution. Exploring these forces and their potential solutions sheds light on the challenges ahead.
Historically, the SAF has played a dominant role in Sudanese politics, frequently intervening in civilian governance through coups. While it portrays itself as a defender of Sudan’s sovereignty, much of its history is marred by corruption, mismanagement, and human rights abuses.
Despite these flaws, the SAF holds certain advantages. It boasts experience, organization, and a hierarchical structure capable of maintaining order. Internationally, it retains a measure of recognition as Sudan’s “official” military force, lending it some legitimacy among regional and global actors.
However, the SAF faces significant challenges. Public trust has been eroded after decades of authoritarian rule and repression. Internal divisions within the army weaken its capacity to govern effectively. Moreover, civilian opposition views the SAF as a barrier to democratic transition and reform.
The RSF wields considerable influence, thanks to its decentralized structure, economic resources, and aggressive tactics. Hemedti has sought to portray the RSF as a popular force defending marginalized communities, particularly in Darfur.
The RSF’s strengths lie in its flexibility and resources. Its decentralized structure enables it to maintain a strong presence across various regions of Sudan. It has also garnered support in marginalized areas such as Darfur by presenting itself as an alternative to Khartoum’s political elite. Furthermore, the RSF has built international networks through its control of mining sectors and mercenary services.
Nonetheless, the RSF faces critical challenges. Accusations of human rights violations, particularly in Darfur, severely undermine its legitimacy. The RSF also lacks institutional depth, as it does not possess the bureaucratic frameworks needed to govern effectively. Additionally, its predominantly Arab composition exacerbates ethnic tensions in a diverse country. Can peace be achieved with both forces in power? The coexistence of the SAF and RSF within Sudan’s political landscape seems increasingly untenable. Previous attempts at power-sharing, such as the transitional government that collapsed in 2021, have repeatedly failed. Both Al-Burhan and Hemedti remain resolute in their positions, rejecting ceasefires and negotiations.
This mutual hostility underscores the barriers to a joint solution. Chief among these is the profound lack of trust between the two factions, each viewing the other as an existential threat. The complex political landscape, involving civilian actors, tribal alliances, and international pressures, further complicates any potential settlement. Regional powers backing the rival factions only deepen the conflict and hinder peace efforts.
Despite these obstacles, some hope lies in the possibility of international and regional pressure leading to a short-term peace agreement. Such an accord might involve power-sharing arrangements that limit mutual influence. Security sector reforms, including the integration of the RSF into the SAF, could form part of this framework, as advocated by the international community. Including civilian actors as mediators might also ease tensions.
However, these scenarios require genuine political will and commitment — qualities that appear absent at present. Achieving such a solution feels more like a distant dream. As the conflict drags on, some argue that the only path to peace and stability in Sudan lies in the removal of one faction.
If the RSF were to defeat the SAF, it might bring an end to the armed conflict, but it would leave Sudan under a regime lacking legitimacy and institutional capacity. Such a scenario could entrench militia rule, making the country vulnerable to unregulated military and economic networks.
Conversely, if the SAF were to eliminate the RSF, it could restore centralized state control. However, this would come at a high social cost, deepening divides among Sudan’s communities. It might also lead to a return to absolute military rule, sidelining civilian forces. Given the current trajectory, Sudan faces several potential outcomes. Firstly there is the real danger of an escalating civil war with continued fighting leading to further destruction, displacement, and the emergence of new armed groups, complicating the crisis. Secondly, international intervention could take place with global powers stepping in militarily or politically to impose a settlement, though such interventions carry long-term risks. Thirdly, a partition of the country is possible, but this could deepen divisions resulting in Sudan fragmenting into multiple territories controlled by different factions. Fourthly, a revival of the peace process, the most difficult yet hopeful scenario, which would involve intense international pressure and mutual concessions. Sudan stands at a pivotal moment in its history. The conflict between the SAF and RSF reflects deeper crises stemming from decades of unstable governance. While a resolution seems elusive, the country’s future depends on the ability of Sudanese, regional, and international actors to devise a political formula that prevents further collapse and paves the way for stability and development.
**Dr. Abdellatif El-Menawy has covered conflicts worldwide. X: @ALMenawy

The Syrian refugees in a post-Assad era
Dr. Majid Rafizadeh/Arab News/December 27, 2024
Triggered by a civil war that erupted in 2011, the conflict displaced more than 13 million Syrians, half of the country’s pre-war population. Among these, approximately 6.8 million sought refuge abroad, primarily in neighboring countries such as Turkey, Lebanon, and Jordan, as well as in Europe and beyond. Their plight became a symbol of human suffering, resilience, and the challenges of global solidarity. Now, with the fall of Bashar Assad, some Western countries have initiated efforts to repatriate Syrian refugees, citing changing conditions on the ground. However, the complexities of Syria’s devastated economy, crumbled infrastructure, and societal scars warrant a more cautious approach to repatriation. During the civil war, many Syrians risked perilous journeys across the Mediterranean to seek safety in Europe. Images of overcrowded boats and tragic drownings stirred global attention, yet responses varied widely. Some countries opened their doors, while others closed borders or erected barriers to limit the influx.
The refugee crisis underscored profound challenges: the strain on host countries’ resources; the difficulty of integrating large refugee populations; and the enduring trauma faced by those who fled. Syrians struggled to find stable employment, access to healthcare, and secure education for their children. Despite these hardships, many often clung to the hope of returning home.
While the fall of Assad marks a significant turning point, Syria appears to be far from ready to accommodate the return of millions of its displaced citizens. The war’s toll on the country’s economy and infrastructure is staggering. Entire cities lie in ruins, with essential services like water, electricity, and healthcare severely compromised. According to estimates, rebuilding Syria could take hundreds of billions of dollars and decades of effort. Roads, schools, hospitals and homes must be reconstructed before large-scale returns can be viable. The economic landscape is equally dire. Syria’s GDP has contracted sharply since the war began, and industries that once provided livelihoods for millions have collapsed. Agriculture, a cornerstone of the pre-war economy, has been devastated by conflict and climate change. Many factories and businesses have been destroyed or abandoned, leaving a vacuum of employment opportunities. Inflation and currency devaluation have rendered basic goods unaffordable for much of the population. For those who do return, the challenges are formidable. Housing is one of the most immediate and pressing issues. Many refugees’ homes have been destroyed, seized, or occupied by others. Legal disputes over property rights are likely to be widespread, particularly in a country where documentation was lost or destroyed during the war.
Economic reintegration poses another major hurdle. With high unemployment and limited job opportunities, returnees may struggle to support themselves and their families. Skilled workers may find that their professions are no longer viable due to the destruction of infrastructure or shifts in the economy. Farmers returning to rural areas may face land that has been rendered infertile by neglect or conflict. In urban areas, small businesses that once thrived may no longer have a customer base or the resources to restart operations. Access to basic services is another significant concern. Healthcare facilities are scarce and overwhelmed, with shortages of staff, equipment, and medicine. Schools have been destroyed or repurposed. Refugees returning to such conditions may find that their quality of life is no better — and perhaps worse — than in the countries where they sought asylum. In addition, the psychological toll of return cannot be overlooked. Many refugees have endured profound trauma, from witnessing violence to losing loved ones. Returning to a country that still bears the scars of war may exacerbate these mental health challenges. Support systems, such as counseling and community networks, are limited or non-existent in many parts of Syria. Despite these challenges, many Syrians hope that Syria can one day reclaim stability, security, and prosperity. After 13 years of relentless conflict, the prospect of peace may offer a glimmer of possibility for millions of Syrians longing for normalcy. With time, the reconstruction of infrastructure, the revival of the economy, and the healing of societal divisions can hopefully pave the way for a brighter future.
The rebuilding of Syria’s infrastructure will be a monumental task, but it is essential for enabling refugees to return and rebuild their lives. Roads, bridges, and public services must be restored to connect communities and facilitate economic activity. Schools and hospitals must be reconstructed to provide education and healthcare, laying the foundation for a healthier and more prosperous society. Investments in renewable energy and modern technology could help Syria leapfrog some development challenges, creating opportunities for innovation and growth. As stability takes hold, the Syrian economy has the potential to recover and even thrive. Agriculture can be revitalized through investment in irrigation and sustainable practices. Industries such as manufacturing and construction can provide jobs and drive economic growth. Tourism, once a major contributor to Syria’s economy, could gradually rebound as historical sites are restored and security improves. The entrepreneurial spirit of the Syrian people, evident in the diaspora, can play a crucial role in rebuilding the nation.Social healing will be equally important. Programs aimed at reconciliation and community building can help bridge divides and foster a sense of unity. Education will be key to equipping the next generation with the skills and knowledge needed to rebuild their country. Cultural and artistic initiatives can celebrate Syria’s rich heritage and inspire a sense of shared identity. While the road ahead is long and fraught with challenges, the resilience of the Syrian people offers hope. For those who have endured unimaginable hardship, the dream of returning to a safe and thriving homeland is a powerful motivator. With patience and perseverance, many Syrians hope that their country can rise from the ashes of war, offering its citizens the security, stability, and opportunities they deserve. The international community will undoubtedly watch as the Syrian people work toward their hope of a brighter future, determined to rebuild their lives and their nation.
*Dr. Majid Rafizadeh is a Harvard-educated Iranian American political scientist. X: @Dr_Rafizadeh

Can Iran Restore Its Missile Mojo?
Michael Eisenstadt, Farzin Nadimi/The Washington Institute/December 26/2024
Despite questions about the utility of its huge missile arsenal—whose importance has only increased since the collapse of the “axis of resistance”—Iran will likely double down on this capability to ensure the viability of its military strategy.
The outcome of Iran’s massive April 13 and October 1 strikes on Israel has raised questions about the utility of its missile force and the military strategy built around it. In the April strike, Iran launched an estimated 110-130 ballistic missiles at Israel. About half malfunctioned after launch, nearly half were intercepted, and around 7-9 got through, causing little damage and no deaths (185 drones and 6 cruise missiles were launched as well; all were downed en route). In October, Iran launched an estimated 200 ballistic missiles: 20 apparently failed after launch; more than 30 hit Israel, causing some damage to Nevatim Air Base and several residential areas; and an unknown number were destroyed en route. One Palestinian in the West Bank was killed by missile debris, and an Israeli died of a heart attack as a result of the strike. In short, the results of both attacks were relatively meager compared to the resources expended.
Ballistic Missiles: Backbone of Iran’s Military Strategy
Since the Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s, ballistic missiles have been central to Tehran’s military strategy, which is founded on a deterrent/warfighting triad composed of: (1) proxy armies capable of engaging in combat and undertaking terrorist acts far from Iran’s borders; (2) long-range strike systems—primarily missiles and aerial drones—capable of hitting targets throughout the region; (3) an agile littoral navy that can threaten navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. (In addition, a nuclear hedging strategy provides a degree of latent deterrence against threats to the regime.)
In recent months, however, the proxy pillar of this triad has been dealt severe blows. Hamas in Gaza is largely destroyed, and Hezbollah is greatly weakened in Lebanon, with little chance of near-term resupply. Iran will continue trying to arm radical Palestinian elements in the West Bank, but the fall of Syria’s Assad regime will interfere with that supply line as well. Likewise, it will try to reinforce its militia proxies in Iraq and its Houthi partners in Yemen, but both are too far from Israel to pose a major threat. Tehran’s ability to conduct terrorist operations has also diminished significantly in recent years due to improved interstate intelligence cooperation since the 9/11 attacks and a decline in the professionalism of its intelligence services and proxies.
The maritime pillar of the triad is a double-edged sword that can only be used in extremis. Closing the Strait of Hormuz would alienate China (the region’s top oil customer), undermine efforts to drive a wedge between Saudi Arabia and the United States, and cripple Iran’s already strained economy, as nearly all of its imports and oil exports pass through the strait.
By contrast, Iran’s arsenal of ballistic missiles—which were estimated to number more than 3,000 prior to this year’s strikes—can be put into action within hours of receiving an order and strike targets over great distances. If fired in numbers sufficient to penetrate enemy defenses, they could also have a much greater physical and moral effect than would terrorist attacks. But the April and October attacks have now raised questions about the usefulness of this pillar as well.
Despite Tehran’s changing regional fortunes, its strategy will likely be defined by significant continuity, as inertia and constraints imposed by its force structure preclude dramatic departures from its current approach. As analyst Erik Olson has written, Iran’s large investment in ballistic missiles creates path dependencies that will be difficult to overcome. The regime is therefore likely to double down on missiles, seeking ways to enable them to penetrate enemy air and missile defenses and achieve greater accuracy.
Improved Missiles, Refined Tactics
Iran’s missiles already incorporate design features that may have been intended to counter enemy defenses. Indeed, the April and October attacks demonstrate a trend toward continual technical and tactical innovation that will require constant innovation in response.
For instance, according to a 2010 assessment published by the International Institute for Strategic Studies, the triconic reentry vehicles (RVs) fitted on some of Iran’s missiles (Qiam-1/2, Ghadr, Emad, Khoramshahr-2, and Sejjil) enable greater terminal velocities via improved aerodynamics, making them harder to intercept. The airframes of the Qiam-1 and Khoramshahr lack tail fins, possibly to reduce their radar cross-section and make them more difficult to detect. Moreover, the RVs (and in some cases airframes) of certain Iranian missiles are made of advanced composite materials that could likewise make them more difficult to detect. And the Emad, Khoramshahr-2/4, Kheibar Shekan-1/2, and Fattah-1/2 have maneuverable reentry vehicles that could enable them to evade interceptors and achieve greater accuracy.
Going forward, Iran will work to further enhance the effectiveness of its ballistic missile force by various means, including greater accuracy, refined tactics, improved penetration aids and countermeasures, and faster, more advanced RVs:
Greater accuracy. With this capability, missiles that get through enemy defenses would be more likely to hit their intended target. Although the accuracy of Iran’s missiles has improved greatly in recent years, they have not achieved their claimed capacity to hit within tens of meters of their target at longer ranges. Iran could achieve greater accuracy by supplementing the inertial navigation systems of its missiles with inputs from other sources. Dual guidance systems are already in use elsewhere—for instance, the U.S. Trident II (D5) submarine-launched ballistic missile uses inertial navigation with a stellar reference system.
Refined tactics. Having failed to cause substantial damage to military bases and intelligence headquarters with salvos of 100-200 missiles, Iran could try to overwhelm Israel’s missile defenses with even larger salvos. Yet this tactic would burn through the regime’s missile inventory very quickly, at a time when it cannot rapidly replenish expended stocks due to Israel’s October 26 airstrike against its solid-propellant missile production facilities. Moreover, further salvos may require Iran to supplement its recent reliance on missiles fired from transporter erector launchers with missiles fired from underground bases—which might betray the location of unidentified launch portals, facilitating their future targeting. It might also attack enemy missile defenses to clear the way for follow-on strikes on strategic targets (a tactic it claims to have used in October).
Penetration aids and countermeasures. These include chaff, jammers, and decoys to neutralize enemy missile defenses. Russia has reportedly used 9B899 decoys with SS-26 Iskander-M missiles in Ukraine to jam and spoof enemy radars. If Iran is unsatisfied with its own penetration aids, Moscow (and, perhaps, North Korea) might help the regime improve them or develop new ones. Indeed, a mock-up of a Ghadr RV with a payload that reportedly consists of several different types of submunitions and penetration aids is on display in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force’s permanent exhibition at Ashura Aerospace Science and Technology University in Tehran. Iranian media reports claim that RVs filled with decoys and submunitions were used in the recent attacks on Israel.
Maneuvering hypersonic RVs. Iran has made significant advances in fielding missiles with RVs that are capable of sustaining hypersonic speeds and conducting midcourse corrections or evasive maneuvers in the terminal flight phase (using rocket thrusters or moving aerodynamic surfaces, respectively). These include the Khoramshahr-4, Kheibar Shekan-1/2, and Fattah-1/2. Last year, the IRGC unveiled what Iranian media called a hypersonic cruise glide vehicle as the liquid-fueled second stage of the Fattah-2 ballistic missile, which Tehran claims to have used in the October attack.
Multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs). Using a single missile to deliver several munitions against different aim points would greatly complicate the task of defending against Iranian attacks. Although Tehran has not yet developed a MIRVed warhead, Russia’s new Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile has showcased this capability in Ukraine and will likely inspire similar efforts by Iran. The need to develop further counters to Israeli and U.S. missile defenses means that Tehran may have to retrofit modifications to its missiles to ensure their effectiveness. Some of these modifications may require design compromises that could affect the performance of its RVs. Moreover, some kinds of penetration aids may require a degree of insight into Israeli and U.S. defenses that Iran does not currently possess—although it undoubtedly learned important lessons from recent experience.
Policy Recommendations
Iran’s efforts to restore the viability of its ballistic missile force will likely create new challenges for the United States and its allies, requiring a more integrated, risk-acceptant, and proactive approach to countering these missiles. This will become even more important if Iran acquires nuclear weapons. To meet these challenges, the United States, Israel, and other members of the emerging U.S.-led Middle East air and missile defense partnership will need to: Push for greater integration and digitization of existing air and missile defense partnerships to facilitate a more effective response to emerging missile threats, while ensuring that the effort is adequately resourced. Emphasize preemption and forward defense to destroy, when possible, Iranian missiles on the ground and to defeat attacks during the boost, ascent, and early midcourse phases of flight—that is, before advanced RVs and penetration aids are deployed.
Develop and/or deploy in large numbers the following systems: ground-launched hypersonic missiles (e.g., the U.S. Army’s Dark Eagle) and air-launched ballistic missiles to destroy Iranian ballistic missiles prior to launch; air-launched interceptors (e.g., the new AIM-174B air-to-air missile) to destroy missiles in flight; boost-phase interceptors (e.g., constellations of attack drones loitering over launch sites); and additional systems capable of midcourse, exo-atmospheric interception (e.g., the U.S. Navy’s SM-3 missile).
Further emphasize the targeting of Iran’s missile production facilities, as Israel did in October. Develop the ability to discriminate between conventional and nuclear-armed RVs using AI capabilities to fuse intelligence, tracking data, and other signatures.
Highlight, through public diplomacy, the huge waste of resources that Iran’s missile force represents, noting how the costly program has been used to advance the regime’s hegemonic ambitions at the expense of the people’s needs.
By bolstering the effectiveness of their missile defense efforts through these and other means, the United States and its allies can undermine the central pillar of Iran’s military strategy, enhance their ability to counter Tehran’s most likely means of delivering a prospective nuclear weapon, and devalue the regime’s massive investment of resources in missiles.
**Michael Eisenstadt is the Kahn Senior Fellow and director of the Military and Security Studies Program at The Washington Institute. Farzin Nadimi is a senior fellow at the Institute.

Two “Axes” Converging in Iran
Assaf Orion/The Washington Institute/December 26/2024
https://eliasbejjaninews.com/2024/12/138389/
Iran’s Middle East “axis of resistance” and the Eurasian axis it shares with China, Russia, and North Korea are increasingly challenging the global and regional order, highlighting the need for more partnerships and a comprehensive counterstrategy with special efforts focusing on Tehran.
When discussing foreign policy issues, international media frequently dwell on two “axes,” but separately: a Eurasian axis of China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, and a Middle East “axis of resistance” led by Iran that includes Hezbollah in Lebanon; the Assad regime in Syria (until recently); Shia militias in Syria and Iraq; Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad in Gaza and the West Bank; and the Houthis in Yemen. The fall of the Assad regime—following Israel’s military feats against Hamas and Hezbollah and its strikes on Iran—has brought the latter axis to a historic low and pushed Russia to withdraw at least some of its assets from Syria. It is prudent, however, to assume that Russia and Iran’s presence in Syria and the axis of resistance itself are down but not out.
Both axes are staunch U.S. adversaries, and while their members differ in means and motivations, they share revisionist ideologies that oppose the West and the rules-based world order led by the United States. The axis of resistance also seeks a new order in the Middle East centered on establishing Iranian/Shia hegemony, removing the United States from the region, and eliminating Israel. Iran is a key partner in both axes, with ambitions that go beyond the Middle East and include nuclear weapons. Oil exports to China have been helping Russia and Iran weather Western sanctions, allowing Tehran to generate more than $50 billion per year, up to half of which is funding the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Two Axes, Two Wars, Two Competitions
The two axes clearly intersect in the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. Wars are competitions in military effectiveness, technological and operational learning, and adaptation, but long wars test endurance and resources. On the battlefields, Ukraine is defending itself from Russia, while Israel is fighting the resistance axis on seven fronts. Logistically, it is the West against both axes.
The endurance competition in Europe pits Ukraine, supported by the U.S.-led West, against Russia’s population, resources, and military industries, supported by the Eurasian axis with weapons, ammunition, and manpower. Reportedly, Iran is supplying Russia with combat drones, ballistic missiles, artillery shells, small-arms ammunition, antitank rockets, mortar bombs, and glide bombs, and also helped build a drone factory in Russia. North Korea supplies artillery pieces, ballistic missiles, rockets, and millions of shells, and recently sent around eleven thousand troops. In return, it receives Russian support, at least in air defenses and possibly in nuclear and missile technology. While China ostensibly does not provide Russia with weapons directly, it reportedly manufactures Russian long-range Garpiya-3 attack drones in China, and Chinese entities and individuals have recently been sanctioned by the United States and the EU for aiding Russian war efforts. Since the beginning of the war, Russia has made every effort to curb Western support for Ukraine, including a sabotage campaign against defense factories in the West, possibly including the United States, and even threats to attack European countries. Russia also recruited hundreds of Syrian and Yemeni mercenaries. Reportedly, South Korea is considering sending weapons and experts to Ukraine in response to Pyongyang’s reinforcement of Moscow’s troops, while Ukraine helped Syrian rebels in their attack on the Russia-supported Assad regime.
Russia has supplied Iran with S-300 long-range air defense systems (which were destroyed by Israel in April and October), has begun supplying it with Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets, launches Iranian satellites, and will probably share advanced military technologies with Tehran, including nuclear technology. Since 2015, Russia has actively fought in Syria’s civil war alongside the Assad regime, Iran, and Hezbollah. Most of the Hezbollah weapons recently captured by the IDF in Lebanon are Russian made, as were the Hezbollah SAM batteries destroyed in Syria and Lebanon and the Syrian arsenal destroyed by Israel after Bashar al-Assad’s fall. Reportedly, Russia, with Iranian mediation, also provided the Houthis with targeting data for shipping attacks in the Red Sea, and even considered supplying them with Yakhont and Bastion supersonic antiship missiles, while GRU military advisors operated in Yemen for months, helping the Houthis pin down U.S. naval assets and deplete the U.S. stock of interceptor missiles
C-802 antiship missiles, designed in China and manufactured in Iran, were fired by Hezbollah in 2006 and the Houthis in 2016 at Israeli, American, and Emirati ships. The 2021 China-Iran “comprehensive strategic partnership” agreement included cooperation on military, security, intelligence, and cyber issues, while the two countries’ navies, alongside Russia’s, periodically drill off the coast of Iran. North Korea exported ballistic missiles and tunneling technologies to the Middle East that were well received by Iran and its axis partners, as well as nuclear technology, such as the plutonium production reactor that Israel destroyed in Syria in 2007. The war zones in Ukraine and around Israel are testing grounds for advanced weapons systems and military practices. UAVs, antiship missiles, and ballistic missiles are being used in large numbers in both theaters, and the parties to the hostilities have gained significant experience in using and countering them. All parties are closely following the real-life battle laboratories, their eyes on Ukraine, Russia, Israel, and Iran, but with China, Taiwan, and the Indo-Pacific in mind. The destruction of Russia’s S-300 missiles in Iran by the Israeli Air Force informs Israel’s U.S. ally and other partners about similar challenges. Israel’s strike on Iran’s missile and drone industry in October reduced the supply of weapons not only to Tehran’s Middle East partners, but also to Russia and other customers. China and Russia are closely following U.S. and Israeli efforts to counter the Houthi missile campaign, learning important lessons for their next Eurasian conflicts.
Finally, it is important to recognize Iran as a vital node at the intersection between the two axes. Iran is not only facilitating access to the Middle East by the West’s rivals and threatening international shipping as well as U.S. forces, partners, and allies in the region. It is also an active player in promoting the military technology, operational learning, and battlefield experience of the Eurasian axis, endangering Western partners and interests in Europe and the Indo-Pacific. Tehran is also brazen enough to interfere in U.S. elections and plot to assassinate Donald Trump.
What Next?
It is important to address the combined global challenge of the axes as a comprehensive strategic system, rather than as two separate problem sets spread across Europe, the Middle East, and the Indo-Pacific. Efforts to counter axis threats should include diplomatic, informational, military, and economic measures.
At the grand strategy level, the axes’ regional and global posture calls for a parallel Western architecture, a regional-global partnership with vital U.S. leadership and support, promoting inter-regional integration and interoperability globally. The outcome in one region, such as Ukraine, will surely affect the others, such as Asia. They should be seen as a strategic whole rather than separately. Operationally, it is essential to learn the lessons of the current wars in preparation for coming conflicts. The battlefields of Ukraine and Israel are important sources of operational learning, and it is important for their experience to help Western partners prepare for the future. Iran and China learn from Russia, and Tehran and Beijing very likely exchange information about their encounters with the U.S. Fifth and Seventh Fleets, respectively, on antiaccess/area denial (A2AD), but also on ballistic and antiship attacks and Western responses. Operational dialogue between U.S. Central Command, U.S. European Command, and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, with the participation of Israel, Ukraine, and partners from the Middle East, Europe, and the Indo-Pacific, could be a vital step in this regard.
Technologically, the West must accelerate and expand joint efforts to develop advanced and affordable responses to the qualitative and quantitative threats from adversaries, with an emphasis on antimissile technology, UAVs, electronic warfare, and cyber, as well as applications for artificial intelligence, directed energy weapons, and more. Joint exploitation of enemy hardware is also vital.
Logistically, the West must accelerate its collective defense production efforts, sharing the burden with common stockpiles, but also allowing responses in other regions. For example, Gulf states could fund a regional ammunition stock for CENTCOM partners that could also be used as reserves for possible global developments in other areas, while axis arms captured on the battlefield could be transferred to Western partners who need them. Concurrently, the production base and supply chains of the two axes must be disrupted through enhanced and accelerated export restrictions, sanctions, cyber efforts, and when appropriate, sabotage and covert operations. Finally, to neutralize Tehran’s malign contribution to both axes across the various theaters, Iran must be the focus of common efforts that prevent it from ever acquiring nuclear weapons—a scenario that would enable it to join the other nuclear members of the Eurasian axis, likely collapsing the global nuclear nonproliferation regime. Other efforts should seek to erode Iran’s ballistic missile arsenal and military production capacity, disrupt its supply lines, continue undermining the axis of resistance, and reduce the resources at Tehran’s disposal to support both axes, firstly by enforcing the ban and sanctions on its oil exports as part of the maximum pressure campaign. The benefits will be felt beyond the Middle East, from Europe to the Indo-Pacific.
*Brig. Gen. Assaf Orion (Res.) is The Washington Institute’s Rueven International Fellow and former head of the IDF Strategic Planning Division.

How Long Will Qais al-Khazali Hide in Iran?
Hamdi Malik, Michael Knights/The Washington Institute//December 26/2024
Qais al-Khazali, the leader of Asaib Ahl al-Haq (AAH), is still hiding in Iran , and his movements (and those of his deputies back in Iraq) are worth watching closely.
Qais al-Khazali, the leader of Asaib Ahl al-Haq (AAH), has been out of the picture for many weeks, prompting public rumors that has been killed or injured in a drone strike. In order to deny these rumors, the head of AAH officer in Tehran Ghadir Sharif told Baghdad Today on December 21, that “Khazali has been in the Islamic Republic of Iran for some time and settled for a period in the city of Mashhad in northeastern Iran, where the shrine of Imam Ali bin Musa al-Rida is located. After that, he moved to the city of Qom in central Iran to continue his individualized hawzai (seminary) studies”.
Khazali frequently visits the cities of Mashhad and Qom, which are considered holy for Shia Muslims, so there is nothing unusual about that. However, the unusual aspect lies in the statement by an AAH official, who claimed that Khazali’s stay in Iran was for religious studies. This is intriguing for two reasons. First, despite his frequent visits to Iran, this is likely the first time his presence there has been described as related to religious studies. Second, Khazali has worked hard in recent years to portray himself as an active, hands-on militia and political leader. For him to suddenly shift focus to hawza studies is quite unexpected.
Qais leaves, just as he is needed the most
Given the significant influence AAH holds within the Iraqi government, one would assume that Qais al-Khazali is an exceptionally busy individual. Indeed, he is usually highly active, engaging in frequent meetings with Iraqi and international actors, delivering speeches, and making numerous TV appearances. However, this changed in the recent months of the regional conflict, which began on October 7, as the so-called Axis of Resistance faced significant setbacks in late 2024.
Open imageiconQais in Karbala
Figure 1: Qais al-Khazali’s recent visit to Karbala, footage posted on December 23, 2024.The fact that Khazali appears to be reducing his presence in the Iraqi political sphere at a time when political parties are gradually preparing for the upcoming general elections, scheduled for October 2025, makes this move even more intriguing. It is worth noting that, on December 23, 2024, AAH-affiliated social media accounts shared footage of Qais al-Khazali’s recent visit to the Iraqi city of Karbala, seemingly aimed at refuting rumors about his death (Figure 1). This indicates that he has been in Iraq recently but it does not mean he is still there, or that he has mainly been in Iraq in recently months. In all likelihood, Qais became fearful of an Israeli or American strike and sought protective refuge in Iran.
Looking ahead
Khazali’s move is reminiscent of Moqtada al-Sadr's decision in 2008 to relocate to Iran for “religious studies.” (In this case, and later in 2012, Moqtada was warned by the Iranians that he might be targeted (in 2008 by the Americans, in 2012 by AAH) and was offered sanctuary in Iran.) At that time, Sadr announced his withdrawal from politics, yet Moqtada returned from Iran on multiple occasions after breaks in Iran, and he played critical roles in both the 2018 and 2021 elections. Moqtada never studied for long enough to increase his clerical rank.
In our view, Khazali is also unlikely to step down from politics or significantly reduce his activities. However, his absence, coupled with subsequent media statements by AAH officials, points to unusual and intriguing developments within the world of Iraqi muqawama militias. Something is up: this is worth watching. In Qais’ absence, his brother Laith al-Khazali (also a U.S.-designated terrorist and a designated serious human rights abuser) will be the main power within AAH, alongside and probably in rivalry with long-time deputy leader of AAH, Mohammed al-Tabatabai. Monitoring how these two interact will also be worthwhile.