English LCCC Newsbulletin For
Lebanese, Lebanese Related, Global News & Editorials
For December 29/2024
Compiled & Prepared by: Elias Bejjani
#elias_bejjani_news
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Bible Quotations For today
The Magi, Wise men, prostrate & pay Homage to the child Jesus
Matthew 02/01-12./:”In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in
Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, ‘Where is
the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its
rising, and have come to pay him homage. ’When King Herod heard this, he was
frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief
priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to
be born. They told him, ‘In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by
the prophet: “And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least
among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my
people Israel.” ’Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from
them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem,
saying, ‘Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him,
bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.’ When they had heard the
king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen
at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they
saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the
house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him
homage. Then, opening their treasure-chests, they offered him gifts of gold,
frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to
Herod, they left for their own country by another road.
Titles For The Latest English LCCC
Lebanese & Lebanese Related News & Editorials published
on December
28-29/2024
Elias Bejjani: Article and Video - Commemorating the Assassination of
Martyr Mohammad Chatah
Elias Bejjani/Text & Video: Christmas and the Holy Obligation to Honor Parents
Elias Bejjani/Barbaric Arson Attack on Ragheb Alama's School in Beirut Condemned
Please Forget the Heresy of Protection and Deterrence/Marwan Al-Amin/Face
book/December 28, 2024
Syria's embassy in Lebanon suspends services as Lebanon hands over former Syrian
army officers
Relatives of Assad arrested as they try to fly out of Lebanon
Lebanon returns 70 officers and soldiers to Syria, security official says
Israel destroys Hezbollah tunnel, met with calls for popular resistance
Hamas – hemmed in and isolated – finds itself with few options for the day after
the Gaza war
Shebaa Farms: The disputed land at the crossroads of Lebanon, Syria, and Israel
Israel's regional strategy: Lebanon border reinforcements and Yemen offensive
Israeli soldiers vandalize and loot South Lebanon's Naqoura fishermen's port
KSrelief continues emergency relief efforts for displaced families from South
Lebanon
Iraq to resume flights to Lebanon on Monday
Muhamad Mugraby/Open Letter to President Donald Trump, please Treat as Urgent!
Titles For The Latest English LCCC Miscellaneous Reports And News published
on December
28-29/2024
Houthi rebels say new air raids hit northern Yemen
Israel says intercepted missile from Yemen, day after Sanaa hit with strikes
Babies freezing to death due to cold weather and lack of shelter in Gaza, says
UNRWA chief
Israeli troops burn a hospital in north Gaza after forcibly removing staff and
patients
Qatar PM meets Hamas delegation for Gaza ceasefire talks
WHO chief details 'close' encounter to Israeli strike at Yemen airport
Israel detains director of one of last functioning hospitals in northern Gaza,
Palestinians say
Inside Syria's Captagon empire: Syrian regime's survival through Captagon trade
and its regional impact
Damascus rally demands news of missing Syrians
Syria’s new intel chief vows reforms to end abuses
Turkey and US discuss need to cooperate with new Syrian administration
Netanyahu to undergo prostate removal surgery
Afghan forces target Pakistan in retaliation for deadly airstrikes
Iran says 2025 'important year' for nuclear issue
Case of Italian journalist detained in Iran "complicated", Rome says
Putin apologizes to Azerbaijan for ‘tragic incident’ over plane crash
China, Iran FMs agree Mideast 'not a battleground for big powers'
Titles For
The Latest English LCCC analysis & editorials from miscellaneous
sources
on December
28-29/2024
Iran's
Race to Nuclear Bombs: The Mullahs Have Got to Go/Majid Rafizadeh/Gatestone
Institute/December 28, 2024
Holy Land exodus: Why Bethlehem’s Christians are vanishing/Maayan Hoffman/Ynetnews/December
28/2024
Exposing Qatar: The truth behind its global influence/Sharon Kidon/Ynetnews/December
28/2024
Hamas and Hezbollah aren’t liberators – here’s why/Amir Avivi/Ynetnews/December
28/2024
The path to peace and stability in the Arab world/Dr. Turki Faisal Al-Rasheed/Arab
News/December 28, 2024
Hezbollah’s plot to down an Israeli plane: The tactics that foiled their master
plan/Yoav Zitun/Ynetnews/December 28/2024
The Latest English LCCC
Lebanese & Lebanese Related News & Editorials published
on December
27-28/2024
Elias Bejjani: Article and
Video - Commemorating the Assassination of Martyr Mohammad Chatah
With the Letter He Sent to the Iranian President Two Days Before His
Assassination in Arabic and English
Elias Bejjani / December 27, 2024
https://eliasbejjaninews.com/2024/12/138425/
How Martyr Mohammad Chatah Exposed the Iranian strategic scheme
and the Reasons Behind His Assassination. What did his last tweet on Twitter say
just two hours before his assassination? He wrote: "Hezbollah intimidates and
pressures to achieve what the Syrian regime imposed for 15 years: forcing the
state to relinquish its sovereign role in security and foreign policy."
On December 27, 2013, Iranian, terrorist, and jihadist Hezbollah assassinated
Lebanese sovereign thinker and politician Mohammad Chatah. Today, we remember
this heinous and condemnable crime, one of hundreds of similar assassinations
committed by Hezbollah against free, honorable, and sovereign Lebanese
figures—parliamentarians, journalists, writers, activists, clerics, and
intellectuals—who opposed its occupation, exposed its crimes, and rejected its
Iranian criminal schemes
Many Lebanese politicians and activists inside and outside Lebanon strongly
believe that Minister Chatah was assassinated due to his firm stance against the
Iranian occupation, represented by Hezbollah. He boldly advocated for excluding
Hezbollah from governance, refusing to legitimize it through government
participation, and called for the implementation of all international
resolutions concerning Lebanon.
Notably, just days before his assassination, Minister Chatah sent a bold letter
to the Iranian president, rooted in sovereignty, independence, and
constitutional principles. The full text of the letter, in both Arabic and
English, is included at the end of this article.
We pray for the soul of Martyr Mohammad Chatah and for the hundreds of other
Lebanese victims assassinated by this criminal armed Iranian proxy.
We remind the public that numerous senior officials and politicians, including
ministers and parliamentarians, directly accused Hezbollah of this crime. Their
accusations are backed by verified information in the investigation file, which
Hezbollah forcibly shut down. This tactic is consistent with Hezbollah's ongoing
obstruction of all criminal investigations implicating it, including the Beirut
port explosion and the assassinations of figures like Lokman Slim, Hashem
Salman, Joe Bejjani, and Elias Hasrouni.
Today, with Hezbollah defeated, its crimes exposed, and its total allegiance to
Iran fully revealed, its destructive impact on Bekaa, South Lebanon, and the
southern suburbs is undeniable, resulting in thousands of deaths, injuries, and
permanent disabilities. There is no alternative but to dissolve Hezbollah and
prevent it from playing any political or social role in Lebanon. Its leaders
must be held accountable for their crimes.
Everyone in Iranian occupied Lebanon must recognize an essential truth: Lebanon
cannot be liberated from Iranian occupation without declaring it a failed state
and subsequently appealing to the United Nations Security Council to enforce
international resolutions. These include the armistice Accord with Israel and
Resolutions 1559, 1701, and 1680.
It is both necessary and imperative to disband Hezbollah and to prohibit its
participation in Lebanese politics under any pretexts or excuses, as Martyr
Mohammad Chatah courageously demanded.
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.
Please Forget the Heresy of Protection and Deterrence
Marwan Al-Amin/Face book/December 28, 2024
https://eliasbejjaninews.com/2024/12/138481/
The ceasefire agreement clearly stipulates who is authorized to bear arms across
Lebanese territory: the army, internal security forces, public security, state
security, customs, and municipal police. This applies without exception,
including in areas south and north of the Litani River.
Accordingly, the Lebanese Army and official authorities bear full responsibility
once Hezbollah hands over its weapons to the army. This is per an agreement
negotiated and approved by Hezbollah itself, not the army.
To those indulging in “tactical games,” we say: when the army assumed
responsibility for defending the south, the results were very positive and
obvious to see. You were not protecting the south—you were protecting Nasrallah
and your other leaders, all while selling the people illusions of security.
And let’s be clear, if Israel were to assassinate Naim Qassem today, you
wouldn’t dare retaliate by declaring war. You know all too well that your
military apparatus has been dismantled.
You wage wars, displace your people, bring destruction to homes, and spread
death and devastation. Then, you shamelessly shift the blame onto the people,
the state, and the army!
Enough is enough. Hand over the remaining 15-20% of your weapons, warehouses,
and military infrastructure to the army. Every day of delay only deepens the
tragedy of the southerners and inflates the cost of rebuilding their homes.
Syria's embassy in Lebanon suspends services as Lebanon hands over former Syrian
army officers
Abby Sewell/BEIRUT (AP)/December 28, 2024
Syria’s embassy in Lebanon suspended consular services Saturday, a day after two
relatives of deposed Syrian President Bashar Assad were arrested at the Beirut
airport with allegedly forged passports. Also on Saturday, Lebanese authorities
handed over dozens of Syrians — including former officers in the Syrian army
under Assad — to the new Syrian authorities after they were caught illegally
entering Lebanon, a war monitor and Lebanese officials said. The embassy
announced on its Facebook page that consular work was suspended “until further
notice” at the order of the Syrian foreign ministry. The announcement did not
give a reason for the suspension. Two Lebanese security officials, who spoke on
condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly, said
the suspension was ordered because the passports belonging to Assad’s relatives
— the wife and daughter of one of his cousins — were believed to have been
forged at the embassy. Assad’s uncle, Rifaat Assad — who has been indicted in
Switzerland on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity — had flown out
the day before on his real passport and was not stopped, the officials said. The
U.K.-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported Saturday that 70
Syrians, including former army officers, were handed over by a Lebanese security
delegation to the security forces of the new Syrian government, led by the
former insurgent group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS. Three Lebanese judicial
officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the report. Regional
countries have been quick to establish ties with Syria’s new rulers. Delegations
of Libyan and Bahraini officials arrived in Damascus on Saturday on official
visits. HTS leader Ahmad al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani,
has largely succeeded in calming fears within and outside of Syria that his
group would unleash collective punishment against communities that supported
Assad’s rule or attempt to impose strict Islamic law on the country’s religious
minorities. However, in recent days, sporadic clashes have broken out between
the HTS-led security forces and pro-Assad armed groups. The country’s new
security forces have launched a series of raids targeting officials affiliated
with Assad and have set up checkpoints in areas with significant populations of
the Alawite religious minority to which the former president belongs to search
for weapons.
There have also been ongoing tensions and clashes in northeastern Syria between
Kurdish-led forces and armed groups backed by Turkey. Many Kurds have viewed the
new order in Damascus, which appears to have strengthened Turkey’s hand in
Syria, with anxiety. Ankara sees the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces — a
key U.S. ally in the fight against the Islamic State group — as an affiliate of
its sworn enemy, the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or PKK, which it classifies as a
terrorist organization. The U.S. State Department said Saturday that Secretary
of State Antony Blinken had spoken with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to
“discuss the latest developments in Syria.” “Secretary Blinken emphasized the
need to support a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process that upholds
human rights and prioritizes an inclusive and representative government,” the
statement said, adding that they “also discussed the shared goal of preventing
terrorism from endangering the security” of Turkey and Syria. On Saturday,
hundreds of protesters convened by Kurdish women’s groups participated in a
demonstration in the northeastern city of Hasaka to demand women’s rights in the
new Syria. Perishan Ramadan, a participant from Hasaka, said the new government
“is worse than Bashar” and that its leaders are Islamist extremists who “don’t
accept any role for women.” While the country’s new leaders have not attempted
to impose Islamic dress or other conventions, it remains to be seen what role
women will have in the new order and whether they will hold political or
government positions. "Women must be present in the new constitution for Syria,”
said Rihan Loqo, spokeswoman for the Kongra Star women’s organization. "...
Women’s rights should not be ignored.”
Relatives of Assad arrested as they try to fly out of
Lebanon
Associated Press/December 28, 2024
The wife and daughter of one of deposed Syrian president Bashar Assad's cousins
were arrested Friday at the Beirut airport, where they attempted to fly out with
allegedly forged passports, Lebanese judicial and security officials said.
Assad's uncle departed the day before. Rasha Khazem, the wife of Duraid Assad —
the son of former Syrian Vice President Rifaat Assad, the uncle of Bashar Assad
— and their daughter, Shams, were smuggled illegally into Lebanon and were
trying to fly to Egypt when they were arrested, according to five Lebanese
officials familiar with the case. They were being detained by Lebanese General
Security. Rifaat had flown out the day before on his real passport and was not
stopped, the officials said. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity
because they were not authorized to discuss the case publicly. Swiss federal
prosecutors in March indicted Rifaat on charges of war crimes and crimes against
humanity for allegedly ordering murder and torture more than four decades ago.
Rifaat Assad, the brother of Bashar Assad's father Hafez Assad, Syria's former
ruler, led the artillery unit that shelled the city of Hama and killed
thousands, earning him the nickname the "Butcher of Hama." Earlier this year,
Rifaat Assad was indicted in Switzerland for war crimes and crimes against
humanity in connection with Hama. Tens of thousands of Syrians are believed to
have entered Lebanon illegally on the night of Assad's fall earlier this month,
when insurgent forces entered Damascus.
The Lebanese security and judicial officials said that more than 20 members of
the former Syrian Army's notorious 4th Division, military intelligence officers
and others affiliated with Assad's security forces were arrested earlier in
Lebanon. Some of them were arrested when they attempted to sell their weapons.
Lebanon's public prosecution office also received an Interpol notice requesting
the arrest of Jamil al-Hassan, the former director of Syrian intelligence under
Assad. Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati previously told Reuters
that Lebanon would cooperate with the Interpol request to arrest al-Hassan.
Lebanon returns 70 officers and soldiers to Syria, security
official says
Reuters/December 28, 2024
Many senior Syrian officials and people close to Bashar Assad have fled the
country to Lebanon. Lebanon expelled around 70 Syrian officers and soldiers on
Saturday, returning them to Syria after they crossed into the country illegally
via informal routes, a Lebanese security official and a war monitor said.
Many senior Syrian officials and people close to the former ruling family of
Bashar Assad fled the country to neighboring Lebanon after Assad’s regime was
toppled on Dec 8. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), a London-based
organization with sources in Syria, and the Lebanese security official said
Syrian military personnel of various ranks had been sent back via Lebanon’s
northern Arida crossing. SOHR and the security official said the returnees were
detained by Syria’s new ruling authorities after crossing the border. The new
administration has been undertaking a major security crackdown in recent days on
what they say are “remnants” of the Assad regime. Several of the cities and
towns concerned, including in Homs and Tartous provinces, are near the porous
border with Lebanon. The Lebanese security official said the Syrian officers and
soldiers were found in a truck in the northern coastal city of Jbeil after an
inspection by local officials. Lebanese and Syrian government officials did not
immediately respond to written requests for comment on the incident.Reuters
reported that they included Rifaat Assad, an uncle of Assad charged in
Switzerland with war crimes over the bloody suppression of a revolt in 1982.
Earlier this month, Lebanese Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi said top Assad
adviser Bouthaina Shaaban had flown out of Beirut after entering Lebanon
legally. In an interview with Al Arabiya, Mawlawi said other Syrian officials
had entered Lebanon illegally and were being pursued.
Israel destroys Hezbollah tunnel, met with calls for
popular resistance
NAJIA HOUSSARI/Arab News/December 28, 2024
BEIRUT: The Israeli military announced its “success in dismantling an
underground tunnel in southern Lebanon, measuring 100 meters in length, leading
to a hideout belonging to the Radwan Forces of Hezbollah.”Israeli forces, which
have been infiltrating the border area in southern Lebanon since Oct. 1 continue
to operate in the country despite the ceasefire agreement, with Saturday marking
the beginning of the second month of the specified withdrawal deadline. While
the Israeli military justified its hostile activities in southern Lebanon as
“removing threats in line with the ceasefire understandings between Israel and
Lebanon,” it said that “the 300th Brigade, in cooperation with the 146th
Division and engineering forces, successfully dismantled the mentioned tunnel.”
It added that “the specialized Yahalom Unit, dealing with explosives, secured
and inspected the tunnel for threats. During the operations, large quantities of
weapons were discovered inside the tunnel, including rifles, machine guns,
anti-tank missiles, as well as advanced surveillance systems. All the equipment
was confiscated and destroyed, including the tunnel itself.”
The statement mentioned “the discovery of a stockpile of anti-tank missiles and
heavy machine-gun positions directed toward Israeli sites near the tunnel.” It
also noted that “the tunnel’s path led to a Hezbollah command center containing
rocket launch platforms previously used against Israel during the war, as well
as large quantities of explosives.”While the Israeli military continues to
encroach upon the border area and prevents residents from accessing the area
until further notice in an attempt to establish a buffer zone, anonymous
statements circulated on social media calling for “popular resistance.”
Activists supportive of Hezbollah criticized the Lebanese Army and state for not
responding to the Israeli incursions into towns and villages and demanded that
Hezbollah “arm and train us so we can resist the Israeli occupier and liberate
our land with our own hands.”A statement signed by a group calling itself Youth
of the Border Villages declared: “We find ourselves compelled to defend our
villages and properties with whatever weapons are available, and we will not
accept the continuation of this barbaric, systematic, and brutal aggression by
the enemy. We will be forced to launch a southern popular resistance to confront
this assault.”
Another statement signed by a group called Youth of Beirut’s Southern Suburb
called on “the Islamic Resistance in Lebanon, represented by Hezbollah, to fight
in defense of the land, the people, and honor.”The statement referred to the
Israeli violations that occurred after the ceasefire agreement was announced and
stated that “given what has happened, after consulting with the Lebanese state
and receiving no response, and consulting UNIFIL without receiving any answer,
we hereby legally, morally, and ethically authorize Hezbollah and demand it to
arm and train us so we can resist the Israeli occupier and liberate our land
with our own hands.”However, despite these anonymous calls, the caretaker
government, in which Hezbollah is a key partner, continues to affirm its
commitment to the “ceasefire agreement and its insistence on implementing
Resolution 1701 as a means to stop hostilities against Lebanon.”Meanwhile,
Hezbollah continues to hold funerals for members killed in southern Lebanon.
During the funeral of one in the city of Hermel on Saturday, Hezbollah MP Ihab
Hamadeh condemned “the repeated Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement.”
He held “the Lebanese government and the committee overseeing the implementation
of the ceasefire accountable,” asserting that “resistance remains the most
effective option to confront the Israeli enemy.”On the other side of the border,
the Lebanese General Security deported 67 Syrians who had entered Lebanese
territory illegally through Al-Arida border crossing with Syria in the north. In
a statement, the Internal Security Forces announced that they had “intercepted a
bus carrying the Syrians in the Jbeil area. Upon inspection, 67 individuals were
found on board, including men, women, and children, one of whom was an infant no
older than 40 days. They had been smuggled into Lebanon from Syria to be
transported to Beirut.”Meanwhile, media reports cited a Lebanese security source
stating that “Rifaat Assad, uncle of the ousted Syrian president Bashar Assad,
departed Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport for Dubai on Tuesday
afternoon, accompanied by two individuals on a private jet.” On Friday, Lebanese
General Security detained Rifaat Assad’s granddaughter and her mother at the
airport after discovering both were carrying passports that had expired.
Numerous former Assad regime officials have left the country via Lebanon since
the fall of the regime. Among those was Bouthaina Shaaban, a senior adviser to
the deposed leadership , according to Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi. However,
security services arrested a former officer from the 4th Division, belonging to
Syria’s Al-Kreidi family, while he was en route to Beirut with $170,000 in his
possession. Meanwhile, security forces are still investigating whether the
former head of Syrian Air Force Intelligence, Jamil Hassan — accused by US
authorities of committing war crimes during Assad’s rule — is currently in
Lebanon.
The Lebanese judiciary received an Interpol request for his arrest, and Prime
Minister Najib Mikati affirmed at the time that Lebanon “will cooperate with
Interpol’s request.”
Hamas – hemmed in and isolated – finds itself with few
options for the day after the Gaza war
Mkhaimar Abusada, Northwestern University/The Conversation/December 28, 2024
In early December 2024, Hamas announced a major concession: It was prepared to
cede future governance of Gaza to a unity Palestinian committee, working
alongside its chief political rival, Fatah, to create the body. Fatah, the party
of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, has since expressed hesitancy
about such an arrangement – which, in any event, would face stern opposition
from Israel and likely the U.S., too. . But the fact that Hamas would strike
such a deal with a faction it took up arms against for the right to govern Gaza
in the first place points to the militant group’s weakened position after more
than a year of Israel’s devastating war in Gaza. Israel’s recent ceasefire
agreement in Lebanon has further damaged Hamas’ prospects by curbing Hezbollah’s
direct support in Gaza and by extension that of Iran – leaving it even more
isolated. Hemmed in on all sides, Hamas has, from my observations as an expert
on Palestinian politics, shifted its calculus for a post-Gaza war world. That it
was Egypt pushing for a Fatah-Hamas deal is also noteworthy, as what ultimately
transpires in terms of Gaza’s governance will likely hinge on the wishes of the
governments in Cairo and Israel, both of which sees Gaza as the backyard of its
national security.
An Egyptian plan for Gaza
Egypt, with tacit support from the United States, has been focused on what a
future Palestinian political arrangement in Gaza might look like. To try to
address this security and governance vacuum, Egypt convened the leaders of both
the Fatah movement and Hamas in early December in hopes of establishing a
governing committee to take over Gaza’s governance once the war ends. In Cairo,
Egyptian mediators proposed the establishment of a community support committee
to be made up of Palestinian professionals and technocrats not affiliated with
Fatah or Hamas. Abbas, who as leader of the Palestinian Authority has governance
powers in the West Bank, subject to Israeli approval, would need to approve the
committee. Hamas’ quick acceptance of the Egyptian formula points to a group
facing a far different security and organizational environment than it did prior
to the escalation of conflict with Israel.
Shifting regional dynamics
When Hamas launched its attacks on Oct. 7, 2023, it did so knowing it could rely
on active military support from its Hezbollah allies in neighboring Lebanon and
ongoing financial and diplomatic cover from Iran. Fast-forward 14 months, the
position of Tehran’s so-called “Axis of Resistance” looks far more tenuous.
Hezbollah and Israel’s months of tit-for-tat violence along the Israeli-Lebanese
border escalated into full-scale warfare that saw Israel expand its brutal
military campaign into southern Lebanon. Hezbollah emerged from that fight
severely wounded, having lost numerous members of its leadership to Israeli
bombs. The subsequent Nov. 26 ceasefire has effectively taken Hezbollah out of
the Gaza conflict. Meanwhile, Iran, which has exchanged rounds of missile
volleys with Israel, has thus far been keen to outsource direct confrontation
against Israel to its Hamas and Hezbollah proxies, seeking to avoid a prolonged
military engagement with Israel. With that regional military support curtailed,
Hamas also finds itself facing a changed diplomatic landscape. Since 2012, Qatar
has hosted Hamas’ political leadership under an agreement with the United
States. The small Gulf nation has since acted as a mediator between Hamas and
Israel and the United States, which refuse to negotiate with the group directly.
But in early November, Qatar announced it was suspending its role in mediating
Gaza peace talks, citing dissatisfaction with the process, though it has since
suggested talks may be regaining momentum and that it was once again mediating.
In any case, U.S. officials have recently pushed Qatar to shutter its Hamas
political office, and remaining Hamas political operatives there have reportedly
decamped to Turkey. Qatar is also eyeing a changed U.S. political scene, where
an incoming Republican-led Congress and President-elect Donald Trump are likely
to exert an even harder line on Hamas having any kind of political base outside
of Gaza.
Decimated, both militarily and politically
Alongside increasing isolation, Hamas has also sustained deep operational damage
in the course of the Gaza war. The recent Israeli killing of Hamas leader Yahya
Sinwar caused a vacuum at the very top. That came after Israel had already
killed much of the senior military and political Hamas leadership in Gaza, not
to mention high-profile political leaders outside of Gaza such as Hamas
political leader Ismail Haniyeh, who was assassinated in July in Iran. It’s not
even clear who makes up Hamas leadership in Gaza as of December 2024, aside from
Sinwar’s brother, Mohammed, who is a member of the military wing of Hamas. Nor
is it clear whether Hamas members outside of Gaza can even communicate with
leaders within. For now, prominent Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya has been
involved in the talks with Fatah in Egypt. However, the executive committee of
the Palestine Liberation Organization – of which Fatah is the dominant faction –
rejected the Egyptian proposal. That doesn’t mean the proposal is necessarily
dead in the water – just that Egypt will have to work with Fatah leaders to
address their concerns.
A depleted movement eyes the future
While Hamas has been weakened militarily and politically, there is also little
chance that Hamas will not remain an ideologically potent force, capable of
drawing support from the many Palestinians in Gaza, as well as the West Bank and
the broader Palestinian diaspora. But as a governing entity, Hamas appears to be
a spent force for the foreseeable future – something that members of the group
readily acknowledge. The recent Egyptian-hosted Palestinian talks, however
fitfully, point to how any long-term future for Gaza – or the Palestinians as a
whole – requires a more cohesive Palestinian political leadership. Indeed, one
shortcoming of the latest Egyptian plan is that it does not unite the
Palestinians under a unified government, because the governing entity proposed
will be responsible only for overseeing the Gaza Strip.
And trust between Hamas and Fatah remains low, as it has ever since Hamas took
over the Gaza Strip in June 2007 following a violent confrontation with Fatah.
Yet even if Hamas and Fatah would agree on a unity government, the broader
reality is that cannot happen so long as Israel and its international allies,
chiefly the United States, oppose it. For his part, Israeli Prime Minister
Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly stated that neither the Palestinian Authority
nor Hamas will play any role in the day after the war.
When the war is over
Yet apart from a permanent Israeli military occupation, it’s hard to see what
options exist for Palestinians going forward absent some unification in
Palestinian politics. When Hamas won a major victory in Palestinian legislative
elections in January 2006, it was in no small measure due to Fatah divisions,
corruption, widespread dissatisfaction with what the Oslo peace process had
delivered and little sign for future progress toward a Palestinian state. Almost
20 years later, none of those realities has meaningfully changed. The
devastation in Gaza has only compounded the humanitarian crisis and the
difficulty of charting a long-term solution. Yet when the war in Gaza does come
to an end, there will be no option but for Arab countries, including Egypt, the
U.S. and the wider international community to help Palestinians in the enclave
rebuild and seek some measure of security. The Palestinians who live there
cannot afford another governance failure. This article is republished from The
Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and
trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written
by: Mkhaimar Abusada, Northwestern University.
Shebaa Farms: The disputed land at the crossroads of
Lebanon, Syria, and Israel
LBCI/December 28, 2024
Who really owns the Shebaa Farms—Syria or Lebanon? The Shebaa Farms, located in
a border area between Lebanon, Syria, and Israel, have been a point of dispute
between the three countries. The region holds significance for several reasons.
Its strategic geographic location, situated between three countries, makes it a
key point for controlling border passages that overlook vast areas of these
nations. Additionally, it is of considerable economic importance as it is rich
in natural resources, particularly water. After the 1967 war, and specifically
starting in 1969, Israel gradually annexed the farms until 1991, when it
installed a barbed wire fence that came to define the Blue Line. However, over
the years, a military conflict emerged over the area between Israel and
resistance factions in Lebanon, particularly Hezbollah. But to whom do the
Shebaa Farms belong? French documents show that the farms are part of Lebanon,
notably a 1937 report by Pierre Bart, the French military’s head of the maps
division. Furthermore, retired Brigadier General Antoine Mrad, who follows the
border demarcation issue, confirmed this to LBCI. In 2007, the Lebanese
government submitted a comprehensive set of documents supporting its claim to
the Shebaa Farms area. The Syrian side, according to the rhetoric of the former
regime, declared that the farms are Lebanese. However, it did not provide any
official documents to substantiate this claim, neither to Lebanon nor to the
United Nations. As a result, Syria's acknowledgment remains a political position
aimed at justifying the presence of Hezbollah's weapons in Lebanon. The identity
of the Shebaa Farms carries significant political implications, as it has
provided Hezbollah with a justification for maintaining its weapons in Lebanon
and resisting Israel, even after its withdrawal from southern Lebanon in 2000.
The Israeli government, on the other hand, operates on the premise that the
farms are Syrian territory, unrelated to Lebanon, and fall under United Nations
Security Council Resolution 242, which states that the Shebaa Farms are part of
Syria. Ultimately, if the Shebaa Farms are indeed Lebanese, the only viable path
for Lebanon to reclaim them currently lies through diplomatic and legal
channels, avoiding the involvement of any party in armed conflict. The process
of reclaiming the farms begins with the demarcation of the land border between
Lebanon and Syria, particularly following the fall of the Assad regime and the
establishment of a new authority in Syria, with the aim of definitively
resolving the question of the Shebaa Farms' identity.
Israel's regional strategy: Lebanon border
reinforcements and Yemen offensive
LBCI/December 28, 2024
The Israeli military has bolstered its deployments along the southern Lebanese
border, deploying engineering units and reconnaissance equipment deeper into
Lebanese territory. The move comes under the pretext of surveying a vast area
following an intelligence report alleging that Hezbollah is strengthening its
manpower and arsenal. Israel claims this development could necessitate an
escalation of military operations inside Lebanon. In response, Israeli security
officials argued that a complete military withdrawal under the current ceasefire
agreement would undermine Israel's achievements in Lebanon. Retired General Amir
Avivi, head of a security-focused organization of officers, urged intensified
combat operations and advised against relying on coordination with UNIFIL or the
Lebanese Army. To implement its strategy, Israel has established military
infrastructure in several locations along the border, including sensitive areas
inside Lebanon. This controversial expansion, detailed in an army report, has
sparked debates among Israeli officials, with some warning about the risks of
reigniting conflict on the Lebanese front. The concerns come as Israel
simultaneously engages in an "open battle" with Yemen's Houthi forces. Israeli
officials have framed the escalating attacks on the Houthis as part of a
prolonged campaign that could last weeks. According to Israeli plans, the
offensive will mimic early strategies used against Hezbollah, combining targeted
strikes on leadership, aerial and naval attacks, and cyber warfare. At the same
time, Israel is working to establish an international coalition involving the
United States, the United Kingdom, and countries near Yemen. The coalition aims
to secure logistical and operational support from regional bases, addressing the
challenge of conducting daily airstrikes 2,000 kilometers from Tel Aviv. In a
parallel development, the U.S. military has repositioned its THAAD missile
defense system, initially deployed months ago to counter potential Iranian
attacks. The system was recently used to intercept two missiles launched from
Yemen, highlighting the growing regional threat.
Israeli soldiers vandalize and loot South Lebanon's Naqoura
fishermen's port
LBCI/December 28, 2024
Israeli soldiers reportedly vandalized and looted the fishermen's port in
Naqoura, located in Lebanon's western sector, on Saturday. A group of fishermen
had coordinated with UNIFIL forces to access the port and retrieve their boats
and belongings. However, before the designated timeframe elapsed, Israeli
soldiers began firing the port, forcing the fishermen to retreat.
KSrelief continues emergency relief efforts for displaced
families from South Lebanon
LBCI/December 28, 2024
The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) continues its
emergency intervention efforts to support displaced families from South Lebanon.
The center has been distributing essential relief items, including food
supplies, shelter materials, winter clothing, and blankets, to families who have
fled from southern Lebanon. The distributions targeted displaced families in
several areas, including Beirut, Aaramoun, Iqlim al-Kharrub, Central Bekaa, and
Western Bekaa. In Saturday’s efforts, relief assistance reached 1,226 families,
benefitting over 6,000 individuals.
Iraq to resume flights to Lebanon on Monday
Reuters/December 28, 2024
Iraq's official news agency reported on Saturday, citing the Minister of
Transport's statements, that Iraq will resume flights to Lebanon on Monday.
Muhamad Mugraby/Open Letter to President
Donald Trump, please Treat as Urgent!
Dear Mr. President:
It is not a secret that Lebanon continues to be plagued by a shamefully corrupt
and highly inefficient public administration. That is why I nominated a world
famed manager, Carlos Ghosn, for president of Lebanon due to his outstanding
success in saving four international companies from being ruined, starting with
cutting costs as you propose for the United States. One of the worst victims of
Lebanon’s bad administration is the disastrous condition of the state-run energy
sector. The dimensions of this condition are beyond belief. Most Lebanese homes
receive electricity at the rate of four hours a day and meet their needs for the
rest of the day from an army of private suppliers who own their own generators
for uncontrolled and outrageous prices. To add insult to injury, a
remarkably advantageous natural gas supply deal with Egypt to fuel Lebanese
electricity plants was signed and sealed years ago with the consent of Jordan
and Syria, through which the gaz would transit, but was vetoed by the Biden
Administration, so we were told. In the meantime Lebanon is incurring huge debts
to Iraq for purchases on credit of fuel that does not meet the specifications
necessary to operate the Lebanese plants. These purchases are then bartered on
the international market for more suitable cargo. In the meantime Lebanese
corrupt intermediaries, some of whom are political patrons of the old Lebanese
energy cartel, are reaping fat commissions!
Mr. President:
The purpose of this open letter is to urge your swift intervention, upon
assuming office, for the lifting of the alleged American veto, if it actually
exists, on the supply of natural gas to Lebanon from Egypt through Jordan and
Syria in order to partially alleviate the ongoing disaster of the Lebanese
energy sector.
Thank you.
The Latest English LCCC
Miscellaneous Reports And News published
on December
28-29/2024
Houthi
rebels say new air raids hit northern Yemen
AFP/December 28, 2024
SANAA: Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels said new air raids hit the country’s
north on Saturday, shortly after they claimed responsibility for a missile
attack on Israel. A Houthi military statement said the raids were carried out in
the Buhais area of Hajjah province’s Medi district, blaming “US-British
aggression.” There was no immediate comment from London or Washington. The
Houthis made the same claim about a raid they said hit a park in the capital
Sanaa on Friday. Hostilities have also flared between the rebels and Israel in
recent days after a series of Houthi missile attacks prompted deadly Israeli air
strikes in rebel-held areas on Thursday. Six people were killed, including four
at Sanaa airport, where World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom
Ghebreyesus was waiting for a flight. On Saturday, the Houthis claimed they had
“successfully” targeted the Nevatim base south of Jerusalem with a ballistic
missile.The Israelis had earlier said a missile launched from Yemen was shot
down.The Houthis, part of the “axis of resistance” of Iran-allied groups, have
been firing at Israel and ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden in solidarity
with Palestinians since the war in the Gaza Strip broke out last year.
Israel says intercepted missile
from Yemen, day after Sanaa hit with strikes
Associated Press/December 28, 2024
The Israeli military said it intercepted a missile launched from Yemen early
Saturday, a day after the Houthi-held capital Sanaa was hit by fresh air
strikes. Sirens sounded in areas of Jerusalem and the Dead Sea on Saturday as "a
missile launched from Yemen was intercepted... prior to crossing into Israeli
territory", the Israeli military said. The day before, a fresh air strike hit
Sanaa, which Houthi rebels blamed on "U.S.-British aggression" though it remains
unclear who was behind it. There was no comment from Israel, the United States
or Britain. "I heard the blast. My house shook," one Sanaa resident told AFP
late Friday. The Iran-backed Houthis control large parts of Yemen after seizing
Sanaa and ousting the government in 2014. Since the eruption of war in Gaza in
October last year, the Houthis -- claiming solidarity with Palestinians -- have
fired a series of missiles and drones at Israel. They have stepped up their
attacks since November's ceasefire between Israel and another Iran-backed group,
Hezbollah in Lebanon. Israel has also struck Yemen, including targeting Sanaa's
international airport on Thursday in an attack that came as the head of the
World Health Organization was about to board a plane. The Houthis have also
attacked commercial shipping in the Red Sea, prompting reprisal strikes by the
United States and sometimes Britain. Earlier Friday, before the strike on Sanaa,
tens of thousands of people gathered to protest and express solidarity with
Palestinians. "The equation has changed and has become: (targeting) airport for
airport, port for port, and infrastructure for infrastructure," Houthi supporter
Mohammed al-Gobisi said. "We will not get tired or bored of supporting our
brothers in Gaza."
Airport damaged -
Israel's strike on the Sanaa international airport on Thursday shattered windows
and left the top of the control tower a bombed-out shell. A witness told AFP
that the raids also targeted the adjacent Al-Dailami air base, which shares the
airport's runway. "The attack resulted in four dead until now and around 20
wounded from staff, airport and passengers," Houthi Deputy Transport Minister
Yahya al-Sayani said. It occurred as the head of the U.N.'s World Health
Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, was preparing to fly out, and left one
U.N. crew member injured. Tedros was in Yemen to seek the release of U.N. staff
detained for months by the Houthis, and to assess the humanitarian situation. He
later posted on social media that he had safely reached Jordan with his team. He
said the injured member of the U.N.'s Humanitarian Air Service "underwent
successful surgery and is now in stable condition." Israel's military did not
immediately respond to a request for comment on whether they knew at the time
that the WHO chief was there. An Israeli statement said its targets included
"military infrastructure" at the airport and power stations in Sanaa and Hodeida
-- a major entry point for humanitarian aid -- as well as other facilities at
several ports. Huthis use these sites "to smuggle Iranian weapons into the
region and for the entry of senior Iranian officials", the statement said. But
U.N. humanitarian coordinator Julien Harneis said the airport was "a civilian
location" which the U.N. also uses, and the strikes took place as "a packed
civilian airliner from Yemenia Air, carrying hundreds of Yemenis, was about to
land". Although the plane "was able to land safely... it could have been far,
far worse", Harneis said. In his latest warning to the Houthis, Israeli Prime
Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said 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. Despite the damage, flights at Sanaa
airport resumed at 10 am (0700 GMT) on Friday, deputy transport minister Sayani
said.
Yemenis depend on aid -
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres denounced the escalation in hostilities,
and said bombing transportation infrastructure threatened humanitarian
operations in Yemen, where 80 percent of the population depends on aid. The
United Nations has called Yemen "the largest humanitarian crisis in the world",
with 24.1 million people in need of humanitarian aid and protection. The airport
is "absolutely vital" to continue transporting aid for Yemen, U.N. humanitarian
coordinator Harneis said. "If that airport is disabled, it will paralyze
humanitarian operations." After the attack on Sanaa airport, Houthis said they
fired a missile at Ben Gurion Airport outside Tel Aviv and launched drones at
the city and a ship in the Arabian Sea. The Israeli military said the same day a
missile launched from Yemen had been intercepted. Israeli "aggression will only
increase the determination and resolve of the great Yemeni people to continue
supporting the Palestinian people", a Houthi statement said Friday.
Babies freezing to
death due to cold weather and lack of shelter in Gaza, says UNRWA chief
Arab News/December 28, 2024
LONDON: Freezing temperatures and a lack of basic supplies in Gaza are
threatening lives amid Israel’s ongoing assault on the enclave, a United Nations
official warned on Saturday. Philippe Lazzarini, commissioner-general of the UN
Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, issued a stark
warning about the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where he said babies and
infants were succumbing to the cold due to the region’s harsh winter weather and
inadequate shelter.“Meanwhile, blankets, mattresses, and other winter supplies
have been stuck in the region for months waiting for approval to get into Gaza,”
Lazzarini wrote on X. He also emphasized the urgent need for the immediate
provision of essential winter supplies and reiterated calls for a ceasefire to
allow humanitarian aid to reach those in need. The World Food Program has also
highlighted the worsening hunger crisis in Gaza. The agency reported that it has
only managed to deliver about a third of the food required to support the
population. “Hunger is everywhere in Gaza,” the WFP stated in a post on X. The
agency echoed calls for the restoration of law and order, safe and sustained
humanitarian access, and an immediate ceasefire to alleviate the
suffering. UN agencies continue to urge swift international
action to address the urgent needs of Gaza’s vulnerable population.
Israeli troops burn a
hospital in north Gaza after forcibly removing staff and patients
Associated Press/December 28, 2024
Israeli troops stormed and set fire to one of the last hospitals operating in
the northernmost part of Gaza on Friday, forcing many of the staff and patients
out of the facility, the territory’s health ministry said. The Kamal Adwan
Hospital has been hit multiple times over the past three months by Israeli
troops, according to staff. Israel says it is waging an offensive against Hamas
fighters in surrounding neighborhoods. Israel’s military said it was conducting
operations against Hamas infrastructure and fighters in the area of the
hospital, without providing details. It repeated claims that Hamas fighters were
operating inside Kamal Adwan , though it provided no evidence. Hospital
officials have denied the accusations. The Health Ministry said troops forced
medical personnel and patients to assemble in the hospital yard and remove their
clothes amid the winter temperatures. They were led out of the hospital, some to
an unknown location, while some patients were sent to the nearby Indonesian
hospital, which was knocked out of operation after an Israeli raid earlier this
week. The ministry said troops set fires in several parts of Kamal Adwan,
including the hospital’s lab and surgery department. It said 25 patients and 60
health workers remained in the hospital out of 75 patients and 180 staff who had
been there. The ministry’s account could not be independently confirmed, and
attempts to contact hospital staff were unsuccessful. Israel’s military said
there was only a small fire in an empty hospital building, and was unaware of
any Israeli gunfire causing the blaze. Since October, Israel’s offensive has
virtually sealed off the north Gaza areas of Jabaliya, Beit Hanoun and Beit
Lahiya and levelled large parts of the districts. Last week, the medical aid
group Doctors Without Borders accused Israel of systematically attacking Gaza’s
healthcare system and restricting essential humanitarian assistance.
Qatar PM meets Hamas
delegation for Gaza ceasefire talks
AFP/December 28, 2024
DOHA: Qatar’s prime minister met a Hamas delegation in Doha on Saturday to
discuss a “clear and comprehensive” ceasefire deal to end the war in Gaza, a
statement said. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani held talks
with a Hamas team led by senior official Khalil Al-Hayya, the foreign ministry
statement said. It is unusual for Sheikh Mohammed, who is also Qatar’s foreign
minister, to be publicly involved in the mediation process that has appeared
deadlocked for months. “During the meeting, the latest developments in the Gaza
ceasefire negotiations were reviewed, and ways to advance the process were
discussed to ensure a clear and comprehensive agreement that brings an end to
the ongoing war in the region,” the statement said.
Earlier this month, the sheikh expressed optimism that “momentum” was returning
to the talks following Donald Trump’s election victory in the United States. “We
have sensed, after the election, that the momentum is coming back,” he said at
the Doha Forum political conference. The incoming Trump administration had given
“a lot of encouragement in order to achieve a deal, even before the president
comes to the office,” the premier added. The Gulf emirate, along with the United
States and Egypt, has been involved in months of unsuccessful negotiations for a
Gaza truce and hostage release. In November, Doha announced it had put its
mediation on hold, saying that it would resume when Hamas and Israel showed
“willingness and seriousness.” But Doha then hosted indirect negotiations this
month, with Hamas and Israel both reporting progress before again accusing each
other of throwing up roadblocks.
WHO chief details 'close' encounter
to Israeli strike at Yemen airport
Reuters/December 28, 2024
"I was not sure actually I could survive because it was so close, a few meters
from where we were.”Tedros spoke via telephone from Jordan on Friday, where he
flew after the strike to help evacuate a United Nations colleague who was
seriously injured at the airport. “You know, we didn't know actually what would
happen, but after four explosions, I think it stopped. The bombing occurred
alarmingly close to our location, just meters away. And to be honest, a slight
deviation could have resulted in a direct hit."Tedros traveled to Yemen over
Christmas to try to negotiate the release of 16 U.N. staff and others held
there. He acknowledged that the trip was risky in light of tensions between
Israel and the Houthis. He said talks with Yemeni authorities had gone well and
that he saw a chance that staff could be freed.
Israel’s military said it struck multiple targets linked to the Houthi movement
on Thursday, after Houthis repeatedly fired drones and missiles toward Israel in
what they describe as acts of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said afterwards that Israel was "just
getting started" with the Houthis.
Israel detains director of one of last functioning hospitals in northern Gaza,
Palestinians say
Wafaa Shurafa And Sam Mednick/DEIR
AL BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP)/December 28, 2024
Israel's army detained the director of one of the last functioning hospitals in
northern Gaza as overnight strikes in the enclave killed nine people including
children, Palestinian medical officials said, while sirens rang out across
Israel. Gaza's Health Ministry said Saturday that Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya,
director of Kamal Adwan Hospital, was arrested by Israeli forces. The
announcement comes a day after Israeli troops stormed the hospital, forcing many
staff and patients outside to strip in winter weather, according to the
ministry. Israel’s army didn’t respond to questions about Dr. Abu Safiya. On
Friday, it denied claims it had entered or set fire to the complex and said it
was conducting operations against Hamas infrastructure and militants in the area
and had ordered people out of the hospital.
It repeated claims that Hamas militants operate inside Kamal Adwan Hospital but
provided no evidence. Hospital officials have denied that. Kamal Adwan Hospital
has been hit multiple times over the past three months by Israeli troops waging
an offensive against Hamas fighters in surrounding neighborhoods. The ministry
said a strike on the hospital earlier this week killed five medical personnel.
Israel’s nearly 15-month-old campaign of bombardment and offensives has
devastated Gaza’s health sector. The war has killed more than 45,400
Palestinians, more than half women and children, and wounded more than 108,000
others, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. Its count does not distinguish
between civilians and combatants.
Dr. Abu Safiya was detained Friday along with dozens of other staff from the
hospital and taken to an interrogation center, the ministry said. On Friday,
MedGlobal, the humanitarian organization where Dr. Abu Safiya worked, said he
was a lead physician for the group and was gravely concerned about him. The
group said the incident follows the October detention of five other of its
staff, calling it an “alarming and egregious pattern of targeting medical
personnel and spaces." Since October, Israel’s offensive has virtually sealed
off the northern Gaza areas of Jabaliya, Beit Hanoun and Beit Lahiya and leveled
large parts of them. Tens of thousands of Palestinians were forced out but
thousands are believed to remain in the area where Kamal Adwan and two other
hospitals are located.
Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas after the militants' Oct. 7, 2023, attack on
southern Israel in which they killed around 1,200 people and abducted some 250
others. Around 100 Israelis remain captive in Gaza, around a third believed to
be dead. On Saturday, Israel continued attacks across Gaza. An overnight strike
killed at least nine people in Maghazi, including women and children, according
to an Associated Press reporter who saw the bodies and staff at Al Aqsa Martyrs
Hospital where they were taken. Israel said its troops had also begun operating
in the northern city of Beit Hanoun, following intelligence that fighters and
Hamas infrastructure were in the area. Strikes also continued into Israel. Early
Saturday morning, air raid sirens once again awoke Israelis and the military
said it intercepted a missile fired by Yemen's Houthi rebels. Israeli warplanes
bombed key infrastructure in Yemen again on Thursday. The Iran-backed Houthi
rebels have also been attacking shipping in the Red Sea and say they won't stop
until Israel agrees to a ceasefire in Gaza.
Inside Syria's Captagon empire: Syrian regime's survival through
Captagon trade and its regional impact
LBCI/December 28, 2024
Amid the ruins of the Fourth Division's former strongholds in the Syrian army,
once commanded by Maher al-Assad, lies a seemingly tranquil villa in Al-Dimass,
near the Lebanese border. A serene façade featuring a swimming pool, art, and
statues conceals a much darker reality: a hub of illegal activity resembling the
dens of global drug lords. Within the villa, a hidden section houses a fully
operational Captagon production lab. A 100-square-meter room in the villa
contained a mixer, pill-production machinery, and raw materials capable of
generating billions for the regime, offsetting international sanctions and
making Syria a rare international case where a government supports illicit trade
instead of combating it. The Assad regime's Captagon network extended far beyond
Syria's borders. Initially, drugs were smuggled into the Gulf states via Jordan,
Iraq, and Lebanon, ultimately reaching the Gulf states through partners and
traders aligned with the regime. To avoid raising suspicion, Syria exported the
drugs from Lebanon, labeling them as Lebanese products, sometimes sending them
to third-party countries before reaching their final destination in the Gulf.
Captagon was often disguised as Lebanese exports like fruits, vegetables, and
industrial machinery. This tactic led to notorious cases, such as Captagon pills
hidden in shipments of pomegranates and lemons, intercepted in Lebanon, the UAE,
and Saudi Arabia.
The scale of this trade prompted Saudi Arabia to impose a ban on Lebanese
agricultural imports, citing the recurring drug smuggling incidents. While the
Assad regime reportedly earned around $2.5 billion annually from the Captagon
trade, Lebanon suffered significant economic and reputational damage. With the
fall of the Syrian regime, the Captagon trade faces significant disruption.
However, experts in drug control emphasized to LBCI the urgent need for Lebanon
to clamp down on this trade. They recommend heightened border inspections to
prevent the transfer of Captagon manufacturing equipment and raw materials to
its territory. Strict border controls and monitoring of materials that could be
used in Captagon production are crucial, particularly those that might be
imported under the guise of legitimate industries.
Additionally, these experts advocate for enhanced coordination between Lebanon
and drug control agencies in Syria and other Arab countries. International
agencies like the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) should lead
investigations to identify and prosecute individuals involved in this
cross-border trade. Freezing the financial assets of those complicit could be a
decisive step toward dismantling this network. The collapse of the Assad regime
presents a unique opportunity to dismantle the Captagon industry and its
associated networks.
Damascus rally demands news of missing Syrians
AFP/December 28, 2024
DAMASCUS: A silent crowd gathered in the Syrian capital Damascus to press the
new authorities about the fate of relatives who went missing under Bashar Assad
and to demand justice for their loved ones. The fate of tens of thousands of
people who disappeared under Assad — who was ousted on Dec. 8 by a coalition of
rebels — is a key question after more than 13 years of devastating civil war
that saw upwards of half a million people killed. Dozens of somber protesters
holding pictures of the disappeared assembled in central Damascus’s Hijaz
Square, a journalist said. “It is time for tyrants to be held accountable,” read
a black banner unfurled from the balcony of the elegant Ottoman-era train
station. Other placards read: “Revealing the fate of the missing is a right,”
and “I don’t want an unmarked grave for my son, I want the truth.” Such a
demonstration would have been unthinkable under Assad’s rule, but it is now
possible under the new authorities dominated by the radical group Hayat Tahrir
Al-Sham, which led the offensive that overthrew him.
“Unfortunately for many years we were united in the grief of absence and
uncertainty, waiting for our loved ones, one amnesty after another,” said Wafa
Mustafa in a speech in the midst of the protesters. Her father Ali was arrested
in 2013.
“We all saw the scenes of prisoners being freed. It was a source of joy, but it
was also very difficult because we did not see our own loved ones among them,”
she said.
“We are here to say we will not accept anything less than the whole truth, to
know what happened to our relatives, who tortured them, and if they were buried,
where they are,” she added. Amani Al-Hallaq, 28, was seeking news about where to
find the remains of her cousin, who was kidnapped in 2012 when he was a student
dentist. “I was once one of those who was afraid. This is the first time I am
protesting,” the 28-year-old Amani said. Her cousin was abducted as he came out
of the university, said the young woman in a headscarf. “They pulled out his
nails. He died instantly,” she said. “We want to know where the disappeared are,
their bodies, so we can identify them.”
Syria’s new intel chief vows reforms to end abuses
AFP/December 29, 2024
DAMASCUS: The new head of Syria’s intelligence services announced on Saturday a
plan to dissolve the institutions that were so feared under the rule of ousted
dictator Bashar Assad. “The security establishment will be reformed after
dissolving all services and restructuring them in a way that honors our people,”
Anas Khattab said, two days after being appointed to his post by the country’s
new leadership that overthrew Assad in early December. In a statement carried by
the official Sana news agency, he stressed the suffering of Syrians “under the
oppression and tyranny of the old regime, through its various security
apparatuses that sowed corruption and inflicted torture on the people.”Prisons
were emptied after Assad’s fall as officials and agents of the deposed regime
fled. Most of these installations are now guarded by fighters of Hayat Tahrir
Al-Sham (HTS), the Islamist group that led the armed coalition that seized power
in Damascus. Numerous Syrians have rushed to former detention centers in the
hope of finding traces of relatives and friends who went missing during the 13
years of a devastating civil war that left more than a half million dead. “The
security services of the old regime were many and varied, with different names
and affiliations, but all had in common that they had been imposed on the
oppressed people for more than five decades,” Khattab continued. According to
the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), more than 100,000 people died in
Syrian prisons and detention centers during the conflict. On Thursday, a general
who ran military justice under the former regime was arrested in the west of
country, accused of being responsible for sentencing to death thousands of
people held in the notorious Saydnaya prison. And in Europe, several former
senior Syrian intelligence officers accused of torture and other abuses have
been convicted and jailed since 2022.
Turkey and US discuss need to cooperate with new Syrian
administration
Reuters/December 28, 2024
ANKARA: Turkiye’s foreign minister discussed with US Secretary of State Antony
Blinken on Saturday the need to act in cooperation with the new Syrian
administration to ensure the completion of the transition period in an orderly
manner, the ministry said. In a phone call, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan
told Blinken that Ankara would not allow Kurdish YPG militia to take shelter in
Syria, the ministry spokesperson said. During the call, Blinken emphasized the
need to support a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process that “upholds
human rights and prioritizes an inclusive and representative government,”
according to a statement from the US State Department.Blinken and Fidan also
discussed preventing terrorism from endangering the security of Turkiye and
Syria, the statement said.
Netanyahu to undergo prostate removal surgery
AFP/December 28, 2024
JERUSALEM: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is to undergo prostate
removal surgery on Sunday, his office said after he was diagnosed with a urinary
tract infection. The procedure comes with Israel at war against Hamas militants
in the Gaza Strip more than 14 months after the Palestinian militants carried
out an unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7 last year. Netanyahu
underwent a test at Hadassah Hospital on Wednesday, where he was “diagnosed with
a urinary tract infection resulting from a benign prostate enlargement,” the
prime minister’s office said in a statement.“As a result, the prime minister
will undergo prostate removal surgery tomorrow,” it said. In March, he underwent
a hernia surgery, while in July last year doctors implanted a pacemaker in
Netanyahu after a medical scare.
Afghan forces target Pakistan in retaliation for deadly airstrikes
The Associated Press/December 28,
2024
Afghanistan's Defense Ministry said Saturday that its forces hit several points
inside Pakistan in retaliation for deadly airstrikes last week. Pakistan last
Tuesday launched an operation to destroy a training facility and kill insurgents
in Afghanistan’s eastern Paktika province. The strikes killed dozens of people,
mostly women and children. Comments from the Taliban Defense Ministry on
Saturday, posted on X, said its forces targeted Pakistani points that “served as
centers and hideouts for malicious elements and their supporters who organized
and coordinated attacks in Afghanistan.”Ministry spokesperson Enayatullah
Khwarzami gave no further information about the strikes, including how they were
carried out and if there were any casualties on either side. However, a
pro-Taliban media outlet, Hurriyet Daily News, cited ministry sources as saying
that the strikes killed 19 Pakistani troops and three Afghan civilians. No one
from Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry was immediately available for comment. People
celebrated Afghanistan's retaliation in the country's southeastern Khost
province, according to the organizer, Rasheedullah Hamdard. Thousands turned out
to show their happiness and assure the Afghan military of their support against
Pakistan. Khost neighbors Paktika, which was targeted last week. “All of them
were chanting angry slogans against this action by Pakistan, such as death to
Pakistan,” Hamdard said. “All Afghans are brothers, so it is necessary that the
nation and government show their pride in their blood.”Pakistani officials have
accused the Taliban of not doing enough to combat cross-border militant
activity, a charge the Taliban government denies, saying it does not allow
anyone to carry out attacks against any country from its soil.
Iran says 2025 'important year' for nuclear issue
Reuters/December 28, 2024
Iran, bracing for a possible re-imposition of incoming U.S. president Donald
Trump's "maximum pressure" policy, said on Saturday that 2025 would be an
important year for its nuclear issue. Trump in 2018 reneged on a deal struck by
his predecessor Barack Obama in 2015 in which Iran agreed to curb uranium
enrichment, which can yield material for nuclear weapons, in return for the
relaxation of U.S. and U.N. economic sanctions. "2025 will be an important year
regarding Iran's nuclear issue," Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told reporters
in Beijing, adding in remarks aired by Iran's state TV that he had discussed the
issue in talks with his Chinese counterpart. He did not mention Trump by name,
however, or spell out how the year might be significant. Iranian leaders' main
concern may be that Trump could empower Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin
Netanyahu to attack Iran's nuclear sites, while further tightening U.S.
sanctions on its crucial oil industry. The Iranian rial on Saturday hit a new
all-time low against the U.S. dollar amid uncertainty about Trump's arrival in
the White House on Jan. 20.
The rial plunged to 820,500 to the dollar on the unofficial market, compared to
808,500 rials on Friday, according to Bonbast.com, which reports exchange rates.
The bazar360.com website also said the dollar was being sold for about 820,500
rials.Also facing an inflation rate officially put at about 35%, Iranians
seeking to shelter their savings have been buying dollars, other hard
currencies, gold or crypto currencies, and the rial has dropped about 18% in all
since Trump was elected in November.
Case of Italian journalist detained in Iran "complicated",
Rome says
Reuters/ December 28, 2024
The case of an Italian journalist being held in Iran is "complicated", but Rome
hopes to bring 29-year-old Cecilia Sala home quickly, Italy's foreign minister
said on Saturday. Sala, 29, who works for the newspaper Il Foglio and the
podcast company Chora Media, was detained in Tehran on Dec. 19 but her arrest
was only made public on Friday. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said he hoped
the issue could be resolved quickly but added: "It doesn't depend on us." "We're
trying to solve an issue that's complicated," he was quoted as saying by the
news agency ANSA. Tajani said Sala was being held in a single cell, in decent
conditions that Italy would keep monitoring: "It looks like she is being treated
in a way that is respectful of personal dignity," he said. "So far we haven't
had negative feedback." Tajani said the official reason for Sala's detention was
not yet clear, but that he hoped her lawyer could visit her soon and find out
more. There was no official public confirmation of the arrest from Iran, and
Tajani declined to say whether it might be linked to the arrest of an Iranian in
Italy this month at the request of the U.S. Sala, who is being held in Tehran's
Evin prison, left Italy for Iran on Dec. 12 with a valid journalist visa, Chora
Media said on Friday. She had been due to fly back to Rome on Dec. 20. Prime
Minister Giorgia Meloni said she was following Sala's case closely with the aim
of bringing her home as soon as possible, urging media to treat the issue with
the "necessary caution".
Putin apologizes to Azerbaijan for ‘tragic incident’ over plane
crash
Reuters/December 28, 2024
MOSCOW: Russia’s Vladimir Putin on Saturday apologized to Azerbaijan’s president
for a “tragic incident” which happened in Russian airspace involving an
Azerbaijan Airlines passenger plane that crashed after air defenses were used
against Ukrainian drones. Flight J2-8243 crashed on Wednesday in a ball of fire
near the city of Aktau in Kazakhstan after diverting from southern Russia where
Ukrainian drones were reported to be attacking several cities. At least 38
people were killed. Four sources with knowledge of the preliminary findings of
Azerbaijan’s investigation into the disaster told Reuters on Thursday that
Russian air defenses had. mistakenly shot it down. “(President) Vladimir Putin
apologized for the tragic incident that occurred in Russian airspace and once
again expressed his deep and sincere condolences to the families of the victims
and wished a speedy recovery to the injured,” the Kremlin said in a statement.
“At that time, Grozny, Mozdok and Vladikavkaz were being attacked by Ukrainian
unmanned aerial vehicles, and Russian air defense systems repelled these
attacks,” the Kremlin said. The Kremlin said the call took place at Putin’s
request. Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan’s president, had noted that the plane had been
“subjected to external physical and technical interference in Russian airspace,
resulting in a complete loss of control and redirection to the Kazakh city of
Aktau,” according to Azerbaijan’s presidential office. The Embraer EMBR3.SA
passenger jet had flown from Azerbaijan’s capital Baku to Grozny, in Russia’s
southern Chechnya region, before veering off hundreds of miles across the
Caspian Sea.
China, Iran FMs agree Mideast 'not a battleground for big powers'
Agence France Presse/December 28, 2024
The top diplomats of China and Iran agreed Saturday that the Middle East is "not
a battleground for the big powers" and should not be an arena of geopolitical
competition between countries outside the region. Foreign Minister Abbas
Araghchi and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi agreed that "the international
community should respect the sovereignty, security, stability, unity and
territorial integrity of Middle East countries," according to a readout from
Beijing's foreign ministry. Araghchi is on his first visit to China since being
appointed foreign minister of Iran. The two major trading partners reiterated
calls for a ceasefire in Gaza, the proper implementation of the ceasefire in
Lebanon, and the "integrated promotion of counter-terrorism, reconciliation and
humanitarian processes in Syria", according to the readout. "The two sides
agreed that the Middle East belongs to the people of the Middle East, and is not
a battleground for the big powers, and should not be a victim of geopolitical
competition and conflicts between countries from outside the region," the
ministry said. China and Iran were both supporters of ousted Syrian president
Bashar al-Assad. Syria's new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, is an ardent opponent of
Tehran. Araghchi and Wang also discussed Iran's nuclear program, which
governments including Britain and the United States say could be on its way to
building weapons. Tensions have soared over Tehran's nuclear ambitions since
then-president Donald Trump pulled the United States out of a landmark agreement
that traded sanctions relief for limits on Iran's nuclear program. China is a
signatory to that agreement, and Wang told Araghchi Saturday that Beijing
"firmly supports the Iranian side in safeguarding its legitimate rights and
interests". China is Iran's largest trading partner and a top buyer of its
sanctioned oil.
The Latest English LCCC analysis & editorials from miscellaneous
sources
on December
28-29/2024
Iran's Race to Nuclear
Bombs: The Mullahs Have Got to Go
Majid Rafizadeh/Gatestone Institute/December 28, 2024
https://eliasbejjaninews.com/2024/12/138464/
In addition, now that Syria has been closed off as a supply route to rearm
Hezbollah, Iran is reportedly considering weapons airlifts directly to Lebanon
to resupply Hezbollah, so they both can continue their shared goal of
eliminating Israel. The mullahs have got to go. So long as they remain in power,
the chances for enduring peace in the region is zero.
Iran's recent losses have left the regime clinging to the hope that nuclear
weapons will enable it to secure its reign and dominate the Middle East, then
the rest of the world, using Venezuela and the Caribbean to incapacitate the
"Great Satan," the United States.
Allowing Iran to succeed in these endeavors is not a great idea. Both the
Iranian people and the entire region need to be freed from a future of tyranny.
The future of a nuclear-armed Iran, run by mullahs on a mission, must be
averted; the opportunity will not be there forever.
Both the Iranian people and the entire region need to be freed from a future of
tyranny. The future of a nuclear-armed Iran, run by mullahs on a mission, must
be averted; the opportunity will not be there forever.
This year, thanks to the relentless -- and often maliciously vilified -- efforts
of Israel standing alone, like David against Goliath, to save the West from an
autocratic tyranny, the Iranian regime has at last been facing significant
setbacks. Israel, unthanked, has weakened Iran and its proxies, Hezbollah and
Hamas, diminished their influence and destabilized their plan to wipe Israel --
and after that Western civilization -- off the map.
Compounding this, Iran's longstanding ally, Bashar al-Assad of Syria, collapsed,
further isolating Iran's regime. These events have collectively dealt a heavy
blow to Iran's strategic leverage and regional ambitions. Complacency, however,
would be a grave mistake.
History has shown that underestimating one's adversary can lead to disastrous
consequences. Now, more than ever, Iran's regime is desperate to secure its
survival by accelerating their pursuit of nuclear weapons. With its allies and
proxies crumbling, nuclear armament appears to be the regime's last hope for
maintaining their grip on power and entrenching their rule.
In addition, now that Syria has been closed off as a supply route to rearm
Hezbollah, Iran is reportedly considering weapons airlifts directly to Lebanon
to resupply Hezbollah, so they both can continue their shared goal of
eliminating Israel. The mullahs have got to go. So long as they remain in power,
the chances for enduring peace in the region is zero.
In recent weeks, Iran has significantly ramped up its nuclear program, raising
alarms -- finally! -- across the international community. The International
Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the UN's nuclear watchdog, has all but acknowledged
that reviving the 2015 JCPOA "nuclear deal" is futile: Iran is now effectively a
nuclear threshold state. IAEA director-general Rafael Grossi stated this month,
"It has uranium at 60% — 90% is military grade — and is thus practically at the
same level as nuclear-armed states."
Even traditionally cautious actors such as the United Kingdom, France and
Germany have expressed concern. In a rare joint statement, these nations called
on Iran to "reverse its nuclear escalation," emphasizing that there is "no
credible civilian justification" for Iran's highly enriched uranium stockpile.
They warned that Iran's unprecedented stockpile now enables it to "rapidly
produce sufficient fissile material for multiple nuclear weapons."
Despite these alarming developments, the West so far seems committed only to
"diplomatic tools" to curb Iran's nuclear ambitions. The joint statement from
the three European countries repeated their determination to "use all diplomatic
tools to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon." Good luck with that.
Unfortunately, we have already repeatedly seen the ineffectiveness of diplomacy
with Iran. Its leadership has openly admitted that its nuclear program has
always been geared toward developing weapons, undermining any subsequent
pretenses of peaceful intentions. Diplomatic negotiations, including the 2015
nuclear deal, have merely provided Tehran with the time to advance its nuclear
ambitions – as the deal's "sunset clauses" disastrously allowed.
The greatest problems now are political will and time. Should Iran announce that
it has developed a nuclear bomb, the geopolitical landscape will have
irreversibly shifted. Iran would achieve a level of invulnerability that comes
with nuclear deterrence, enabling the regime to act with even greater aggression
and disregard for international norms. Domestically, the regime could intensify
its oppression, crushing any dissent with even more brutal efficiency.
Internationally, Iran could equip its terrorist proxies with nuclear weapons,
rendering them virtually untouchable, as well.
The implications for global security are worse than chilling: an extremist
regime armed with nuclear weapons, openly calling for the annihilation of Israel
and advancing anti-American and anti-Western objectives worldwide. This is a
regime that has already launched hundreds of ballistic missiles at Israel, the
"Little Satan" a country the size of New Jersey; what would stop it from using a
nuclear bomb? Iran's former President Ali Akbar Hashem Rafsanjani targeted
Israel more than a decade ago as a one-bomb country.
In addition, Iran's possible willingness to share its nuclear technology with
like-minded dictators and terror groups in Latin America and other regions poses
a threat to global security, not to mention the nuclear arms race that would
doubtless follow in the Middle East.
Diplomacy, to the surprise of no one except perhaps the Obama and Biden
administrations, has failed. The time for half-measures has run out. The West
must not only impose the harshest sanctions imaginable, targeting every facet of
Iran's economy; at the same time, it must above all support the Iranian people,
who have long suffered under this brutal regime and yearn for freedom and
democratic governance.
Iran's recent losses have left the regime clinging to the hope that nuclear
weapons will enable it to secure its reign and dominate the Middle East, then
the rest of the world, using Venezuela and the Caribbean to incapacitate the
"Great Satan," the United States.
Allowing Iran to succeed in these endeavors is not a great idea. Both the
Iranian people and the entire region need to be freed from a future of tyranny.
The future of a nuclear-armed Iran, run by mullahs on a mission, must be
averted; the opportunity will not be there forever.
Dr. Majid Rafizadeh, is a scholar, strategist and advisor, Harvard-educated
analyst, political scientist, and board member of Harvard International Review.
He has authored several books on the US Foreign Policy and Islam. He can be
reached at Dr.Rafizadeh@Post.Harvard.Edu
*Follow Majid Rafizadeh on X (formerly Twitter)
© 2024 Gatestone Institute. All rights reserved. The articles printed here do
not necessarily reflect the views of the Editors or of Gatestone Institute. No
part of the Gatestone website or any of its contents may be reproduced, copied
or modified, without the prior written consent of Gatestone Institute.
https://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/21248/iran-race-to-nuclear-bombs
Holy Land exodus: Why Bethlehem’s Christians are
vanishing
Maayan Hoffman/Ynetnews/December 28/2024
Pope Francis criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza for the second time in two
days, accusing Israel of cruelty and the killing of children. This week, ILTV
visited the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, one of Christianity’s oldest
and holiest sites, believed to be the birthplace of Jesus. Yet, instead of
holiday cheer, the church stands in a somber state, just as it did last year.
There are no trees, no lights, and no decorations as the community mourns the
challenges brought by 15 months of war. Separately, Pope Francis criticized
Israel’s actions in Gaza for the second time in two days on Sunday, accusing
Israel of cruelty and the killing of children. Israel responded by condemning
the pope’s statements, calling them disconnected from the reality of its fight
against jihadist terrorism. The controversy had already escalated last week with
backlash over a nativity display at the Vatican. The display featured Jesus
wrapped in a keffiyeh, a symbol of Palestinian nationalism. This sparked
outrage, including an open letter from Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli,
who accused the pope of perpetuating a "dangerous blood libel" and distorting
history. Amid these debates, new data highlights the precarious situation of
Christians living under Palestinian Authority and Hamas control. A recent report
from the Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs revealed a sharp
decline in the Christian population in these areas, citing violence, weak law
enforcement, and religious coercion as the primary causes.
In 1922, Christians made up 11% of the population in Palestinian
Authority-controlled regions. Today, they account for less than 1%. In Gaza, the
Christian population has dropped from 5,000 before Hamas seized power in 2007 to
just 1,000 as of October 2023. Bethlehem’s plight mirrors these trends. In 1950,
Christians represented 86% of the population in Bethlehem and its surrounding
villages. Today, that number has dwindled to about 10%. The survival of
Bethlehem’s Christian community depends heavily on tourism. Yet, with no
tourists visiting, the community faces an uncertain future, struggling to
sustain itself in increasingly difficult conditions.
Exposing Qatar: The truth behind its global influence
Sharon Kidon/Ynetnews/December 28/2024
Digital marketing expert Ella Kenan began countering anti-Israel narratives
after October 7, launching a viral Hamas-ISIS campaign; she now exposes
misinformation, highlighting Qatar’s influence as both Western cultural investor
and sponsor of terror
Ella Kenan, a digital marketing professional and content creator, began her
mission to promote Israel’s narrative in the wake of the October 7 terror
attacks. Known for her popular travel blog, Kenan witnessed a wave of
misinformation on social media, with prominent accounts denying the atrocities
or circulating videos of hostages. "I understood that this is orchestrated and
that they're trying to create a narrative in which Israel did it in order to
start a war," she said. Kenan quickly mobilized, introducing a campaign equating
Hamas to ISIS. Within days, her messaging went viral, influencing global
discourse and even being echoed in speeches by U.S. President Joe Biden.Fourteen
months later, she remains active in countering misinformation and promoting
Israel’s perspective, despite mounting international criticism and ongoing
challenges like missile attacks and hostages held in Gaz Kenan believes Israel's
struggles with global opinion stem from a lack of groundwork in public
diplomacy. "A brand is built not during war or emergency; it's built during
peacetime. There's nothing different when it comes to a country. I think Israel
didn't invest in infrastructure to build its own brand around the world, so now
during war, we see the results of that," she explained, highlighting how
adversaries exploit this vulnerability in public opinion battles. Kenan recently
launched a viral campaign aimed at exposing Qatar’s dual role as a cultural and
financial influencer in the West and as a sponsor of groups like Hamas. "They
are invested in billions in education in the West from the age of 6 until the
end of university when people are 22. They're the biggest donors to elite Ivy
League universities in the U.S., and they demand to control what is being taught
and who is the staff that teaches that. Apart from that, they're purchasing
cultural assets of the West," she said. She accused Qatar of using its wealth to
silence criticism of its support for organizations such as Hamas, the Muslim
Brotherhood and even ISIS. "In the Israeli case, when we look at their efforts
to mediate between Hamas and Israel regarding the hostage deal. This is not a
mediator that says, 'there are two sides and I'm here to mitigate between them.'
This is a country that puts on its buildings the flags of Palestine, Hamas,
Sinwar and Haniyeh on a weekly basis and portrays them as heroes. They're also
the owners of Al Jazeera, whose Arabic, English and its version to Gen Z on
social media, AJ+, are inciting against Israel," she added, citing Qatar’s
funding of international institutions like the International Court of Justice.
Kenan urged families of hostages to protest at Qatari embassies to pressure the
country, which she described as fearing public opinion most. "What Qatar fears
the most is public opinion because it bought the West so as not to get
criticized for sponsoring Hamas, the Muslim Brotherhood, ISIS, al Qaeda, and it
does whatever it wants.
Hamas and Hezbollah aren’t liberators – here’s why
Amir Avivi/Ynetnews/December 28/2024
Opinion: Reframing Hamas and Hezbollah as 'freedom fighters' distorts reality,
legitimizing terror and undermining global security; these groups reject
coexistence, target civilians and rely on propaganda, while their actions are
fueled by Iran and weak local governance.
Efforts to reframe groups like Hamas and Hezbollah as “freedom fighters” distort
reality and dangerously legitimize acts of terror. These groups, far from
advocating for liberation or human rights, are driven by violent ideologies
seeking the annihilation of the State of Israel and the perpetuation of
conflict. Equating their actions with legitimate struggles for freedom is a
grave error and a serious threat to global security. The notion that terrorists
can be considered freedom fighters often stems from a biased, anti-Zionist
narrative that falsely portrays Jews as colonial oppressors in a fabricated
“State of Palestine.” This narrative disregards the Jewish people’s historical
and legal connection to Israel, affirmed by international rulings such as the
British Mandate and the United Nations Partition Plan of 1947. By promoting this
falsehood, advocates offer moral cover for terrorist organizations to commit
atrocities while simultaneously undermining Israel’s legitimacy. Radical
movements in Western societies often reinforce this distortion, miscasting the
weak as inherently virtuous and victimized. By this worldview, Hamas and
Hezbollah are romanticized as resistance movements, and their violence is
celebrated as a struggle for liberation. This rhetoric blatantly ignores these
groups’ explicit goals and their brutal methods.
The goals of terrorists: Annihilation, not liberation
Genuine freedom fighters advocate for self-determination and justice,
exemplified by figures like Mahatma Gandhi, who led peaceful resistance against
British colonial rule in India. By contrast, the objectives of Hamas and
Hezbollah are rooted in hatred and destruction. Hamas’ charter explicitly calls
for jihad against Israel and rejects any recognition of the Jewish state. It
states, “Israel will rise and continue to exist until Islam obliterates it.”
This is not a call for coexistence or reconciliation by any stretch; it is an
obvious endorsement of genocide.
Hezbollah, as a proxy of Iran, prioritizes Iran’s agenda rather than Lebanon’s
sovereignty. In Lebanon, Hezbollah’s critics often face intimidation,
imprisonment or even assassination. For Israel, its primary objective is the
eradication of our nation, as demonstrated by repeated acts of aggression and
rejection of peace initiatives. The methods used by Hamas and Hezbollah further
set them apart from any genuine freedom fighters. Polish-Israeli historian Prof.
Benzion Netanyahu outlined three critical distinctions. Firstly, in target
selection. Freedom fighters direct their actions against military forces
occupying their homeland, while terrorists deliberately target civilians to
instill fear. Hamas’ indiscriminate rocket attacks on Israeli towns and
Hezbollah’s cross-border incursions epitomize this tactic, secondly by rejecting
diplomacy.
Secondly, both groups have rejected diplomatic efforts to resolve the
Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Their refusal to accept peace proposals that
acknowledge Israel’s existence emphasizes their destructive goals. Thirdly,
through propaganda and deception. These groups manipulate media narratives to
gain sympathy. By embedding military operations in civilian areas, they cause
high casualties and have blamed Israel for the resulting devastation. This
cynical strategy does nothing but exploit the very people they claim to defend.
Portraying Hamas and Hezbollah as liberators undermines efforts to combat
terrorism and emboldens their violence. It is essential to expose their true
nature instead. They are not defenders of oppressed peoples. Rather, they are
purveyors of hate and volatility. At the same time, the international community
must address the broader factors that have allowed these groups to thrive.
Iran’s financial and military support fuels their operations, while weak
governance in Lebanon and Gaza enables their entrenchment. A unified global
effort is required to cut off funding, enforce sanctions, and support regional
stability.
**Brig. Gen. (res.) Amir Avivi is the founder of Israel’s Defense and Security
Forum (IDSF).
The path to peace and stability in the Arab world
Dr. Turki Faisal Al-Rasheed/Arab News/December 28, 2024
The Arab world stands at a crossroads, its strategic significance having drawn
the attention of global powers for over a century. This focus has often
entangled the region in a complex web of international conspiracies and
alliances, stifling its progress and development. The historical backdrop of the
two world wars illustrates this struggle, as dominant Western powers viewed the
Arab world not merely as a battleground but also as a stage for competing
interests. This dynamic underscores the delicate balance between local
aspirations and external interventions.
The challenges of achieving stability were starkly highlighted during a 2007
lecture by Gen. Wesley Clark, former supreme allied commander of NATO, who
disclosed plans by the Bush administration to invade seven Middle Eastern
nations. Clark’s revelations suggested that the motivations behind such
strategies often stemmed from special interests rather than genuine concerns for
regional stability. This raises significant ethical questions regarding the
interventions by the US in foreign governments.
Critics of immediate actions against Israel argue that such measures might
undermine the legitimacy of peace negotiations and hinder the potential for a
two-state solution. However, it is essential to recognize the necessity of
fostering inclusive dialogue, incorporating diverse voices from both sides to
promote mutual understanding and cooperation. The UN designates Israel as an
occupier state in Palestinian territories, with annexations since the 1967
Six-Day War constituting violations of international law. Therefore, to advance
development and stability in the region, adherence to international law and a
commitment to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict with justice and peace
are imperative. The Arab world has endured prolonged periods of turmoil,
exacerbated by the missteps of some leaders. Many citizens struggle with basic
human needs, with hunger emerging as a national security issue amid global
conflicts. When individuals face food scarcity, the ramifications extend beyond
mere survival, threatening stability and peace within nations. Climate change
acts as a significant driver of food insecurity, while human-induced conflicts
and the degradation of natural resources further exacerbate this crisis. In
confronting hunger, we face not only an environmental challenge but also a
profound humanitarian and security dilemma.
Despite these challenges, a newfound confidence and enthusiasm are emerging in
the region. In Syria, efforts to heal from past wounds are underway, while the
Palestinian struggle continues to reflect nearly a century of pain and
resilience. This resilience offers hope that Palestinians may ultimately break
free from the grip of occupation. Israel’s reliance on military power and
intimidation not only suppresses the Palestinian population but also poses
threats to neighboring countries such as Lebanon and Syria. History teaches us
that oppression cannot extinguish the quest for justice; the moral arc of
history bends toward justice. The complexities of ensuring stability were
further illuminated by Clark’s revelations, which raise critical questions about
the ethics of US interventions. As the Arab world navigates this pivotal moment
in history, the need for democratic governance has never been more pressing. The
prospect of resolving the Palestinian issue remains elusive, intertwined with
cycles of violence and uprising. Successive US administrations have prioritized
stability over democracy, supporting regimes that stifle dissent and obstruct
civil liberties.
History teaches us that oppression cannot extinguish the quest for justice; the
moral arc of history bends toward justice.
While some policymakers argue that engaging with established leaders mitigates
threats from extremist groups, they often overlook the harsh realities of
authoritarianism and the consequences of neglecting democratic aspirations. The
US must reassess its approach; rather than solely supporting autocratic
stability, it should empower local populations and endorse democratic
initiatives. True peace in the Middle East can be achieved only when citizens
are heard, and their aspirations recognized, fostering a conducive environment
for political expression.
Further complicating these dynamics is Israel’s unique status as the only
established democracy in the region. However, its perceived opposition to the
democratic aspirations of Arab states reflects inherent contradictions within US
policy. The overwhelming sentiment among Arab populations often opposes Israeli
influence, compelling their leaders to maintain authoritarian control to appease
public sentiment. This precarious dynamic emphasizes the importance of fostering
dialogue that addresses mutual grievances, and acknowledges the rights and needs
of all parties involved.
Inclusive political reforms and a shift in US policy can redefine the future of
US-Middle East relations, heralding a transformative era for the Arab world.
Initiatives by Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE to prioritize development and
cohesion over conflict present substantial opportunities for progress in the
region. As the British political commentator Gideon Rachman observed, while
Israel and Turkiye possess powerful militaries, the financial influence of Gulf
states could profoundly reshape the Middle East.
Reflecting on America’s historical mistakes, it becomes increasingly vital to
cultivate a new understanding of what stability truly entails. The era of
equating quiet or complacency with stability must come to an end. The cost of
continued inaction, prioritizing the interests of a select few over the many, is
unacceptably high. A genuine moral and strategic reevaluation is overdue, urging
all stakeholders, particularly the US, to adopt a more inclusive approach.
By nurturing the aspirations of citizens and fostering constructive dialogue, we
can pave the way for a meaningful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian
conflict. A commitment to promoting democratic governance and human rights will
ultimately lead to greater stability and reduce the violence that has long
plagued the region. In conclusion, while the Arab world remains a focal point in
global power dynamics, addressing the underlying grievances and embracing the
democratic aspirations of its citizens is paramount. We must acknowledge the
longing for accountability among Arab populations, as their quest for justice
resonates deeply with their experiences. Only through fostering inclusive
political reforms can we redefine the future of US-Middle East relations,
creating an environment that encourages genuine stability and open dialogue.
The unfolding narratives of hope amid despair in the Arab world remind us that
from the remnants of conflict and chaos, virtuous aspirations can emerge. As
leaders in the region prioritize peace over perpetual conflict driven by
corporate and special interests, there lies an opportunity to reshape the
geopolitics positively. By investing in the dignity and aspirations of the Arab
people, the US and its allies can facilitate progress toward a more just and
peaceful future.
Ultimately, lasting peace in the Middle East requires commitment, empathy, and
an acknowledgment of shared humanity. Promoting cooperative engagements and
sincere dialogues around core issues will enable the region to heal and thrive,
laying the groundwork for a transformative era. In this journey, let us strive
to illuminate the path toward justice and progress, shaping a Middle East that
reflects the hopes and rights of all its citizens.
*Dr. Turki Faisal Al-Rasheed is an adjunct professor at the University of
Arizona, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Department of Biosystems
Engineering. He is the author of “Agricultural Development Strategies: The Saudi
Experience.” X: @TurkiFRasheed
Hezbollah’s plot to down an Israeli plane: The tactics
that foiled their master plan
Yoav Zitun/Ynetnews/December 28/2024
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bkz8a1chyg#autoplay
Once blocked by Hezbollah's 100+ missile batteries and Syria's dense air
defenses, Israel overcame these challenges with decoys, advanced drones and
precision strikes, restoring air dominance and reopening Middle Eastern skies
for IDF operations
As they sat at their computer screens at the pit in the Defense Ministry
headquarters in Tel Aviv, mission officers rubbed their eyes in disbelief.
Prepping for yet one more routine sortie in the north, they were convinced the
sensitive strategic system had a serious bug in it. All anti-tank missile
signals from Syria, red lines and icons, which had cluttered the screens for
years, had disappeared. It was as if they never were. The skies had opened,
clean of the enemy. The Middle East was in tatters. Fighter pilots, if they
wanted, could now merrily fly in pairs, with visible operating systems, at any
altitude, to any range, to any spot in Israel’s first circle of defense. In the
first months of the war, there was no consensus within the IDF about revisiting
flying the Lebanese skies. IAF chief Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar insisted, despite the
then focus on Gaza and Hezbollah successfully downing state-of-the-art IAF UAVs
at a rate of one a month in the war’s first six months.
For this, Bar joined up the Military Intelligence Directorate and the Air
Intelligence Group to one end – finishing this war by restoring Israel’s air
supremacy in Lebanon. He didn’t know that Syria’s skies would also soon open.
So, he pushed decision-makers to attack Syrian anti-aircraft defenses too. “You
must understand, our more veteran pilots are used to practicing for all the
Syrian anti-aircraft dodging systems,” says a veteran IAF pilot. “These systems
took down one of our F16s last decade in the Galilee, and has affected every
mission to the point of having to deploy more manpower on almost every sortie,
limiting flights and implementing a totally different flight operation.
"Our people saw the screens and were in a state of shock. We used to invest so
much organization and preparation before each flight just to address this very
danger. In two days, we destroyed the main threat to the IAF, that’s been with
us for 50 years. Suddenly, this dangerous situation, which had been going on for
decades, disappeared - as if it never was. It’s as if all the missiles and
rockets aimed at Israel no longer existed.”
This dramatic change would never have come about were it not for, in a matter of
25 hours, the IAF destroying over 100 surface-to-air batteries of the densest
anti-aircraft system on Earth – dependent on advanced Russian systems that
Bashar Assad bought as new at his lowest moments last decade when his army had
collapsed.
Hezbollah’s plot to down an Israeli plane: The tactics that foiled their master
plan
Once blocked by Hezbollah's 100+ missile batteries and Syria's dense air
defenses, Israel overcame these challenges with decoys, advanced drones and
precision strikes, restoring air dominance and reopening Middle Eastern skies
for IDF operations
As they sat at their computer screens at the pit in the Defense Ministry
headquarters in Tel Aviv, mission officers rubbed their eyes in disbelief.
Prepping for yet one more routine sortie in the north, they were convinced the
sensitive strategic system had a serious bug in it.
All anti-tank missile signals from Syria, red lines and icons, which had
cluttered the screens for years, had disappeared. It was as if they never were.
The skies had opened, clean of the enemy. The Middle East was in tatters.
Fighter pilots, if they wanted, could now merrily fly in pairs, with visible
operating systems, at any altitude, to any range, to any spot in Israel’s first
circle of defense.
In the first months of the war, there was no consensus within the IDF about
revisiting flying the Lebanese skies. IAF chief Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar insisted,
despite the then focus on Gaza and Hezbollah successfully downing
state-of-the-art IAF UAVs at a rate of one a month in the war’s first six
months.
For this, Bar joined up the Military Intelligence Directorate and the Air
Intelligence Group to one end – finishing this war by restoring Israel’s air
supremacy in Lebanon. He didn’t know that Syria’s skies would also soon open.
So, he pushed decision-makers to attack Syrian anti-aircraft defenses too.
“You must understand, our more veteran pilots are used to practicing for all the
Syrian anti-aircraft dodging systems,” says a veteran IAF pilot. “These systems
took down one of our F16s last decade in the Galilee, and has affected every
mission to the point of having to deploy more manpower on almost every sortie,
limiting flights and implementing a totally different flight operation.
"Our people saw the screens and were in a state of shock. We used to invest so
much organization and preparation before each flight just to address this very
danger. In two days, we destroyed the main threat to the IAF, that’s been with
us for 50 years. Suddenly, this dangerous situation, which had been going on for
decades, disappeared - as if it never was. It’s as if all the missiles and
rockets aimed at Israel no longer existed.”
This dramatic change would never have come about were it not for, in a matter of
25 hours, the IAF destroying over 100 surface-to-air batteries of the densest
anti-aircraft system on Earth – dependent on advanced Russian systems that
Bashar Assad bought as new at his lowest moments last decade when his army had
collapsed.
“He invested every lira and ruble to purchase anti-aircraft batteries that we
destroyed in interwar attacks from the beginning of last decade, even at the
height of the civil war.” The pilot adds, “Anti-aircraft systems we attacked
were sometimes replaced within the week. As the main threat to the IAF, this
array was at the very heart of our intelligence.”
This threat has almost doubled in recent years. Hezbollah’s appetite was
whetted, and Hassan Nasrallah made it the first terrorist organization on Earth
to have a state-run anti-aircraft system, albeit with slightly different
operating systems, but the same Russian and Iranian-made batteries. A few weeks
before destroying Syria’s anti-aircraft system, the IAF also ticked off
destroying Hezbollah’s anti-aircraft system in more graduated and cunning moves,
first revealed here.
The air force operation destroying the Syrian army took only a few days. Assad’s
arsenal was its main and most important target, certainly when compared to the
MiG and Sukhoi squadrons, anyway inferior to Israel’s F15s and F16s. For years,
including over the past decade, these jets conducted Israel’s real aerial
warfare in Syria.
“Syrian aerial defense systems have been activated” was a code of sorts from
initial official statements coming out of Damascus that could be reported in
Israel, following any of the thousands of attacks in Syria for which Israel did
not claim responsibility.
On Syrian soil, there are still active, even highly advanced, anti-aircraft
batteries, such as the S-300. These, however, have always been, and still are,
in Russian hands at air bases such as Khmeimim. The IDF isn’t ruling out the
possibility of destroying them to prevent them from falling into the hands of
dangerous elements.
Assad’s army deployed its anti-aircraft array wisely: Primarily around the
capital Damascus, not far from the Golan Heights, and in “Little Syria” where
the Alawite community, of which Assad’s family is part, is concentrated; the
coast above Lebanon that includes the strategic port cities of Latakia and
Tartus. The radars themselves are deployed across the whole country. The Syrian
air force’s operational, command and control capabilities have always gotten
good grades from the IAF. There were many very close encounters with hundreds,
sometimes only dozens of meters, separating these missiles from blue and white
planes. “These bases, that we knew so well, like the Syrian army camps, have
been simply abandoned,” says an IDF source.
To what extent was the IAF caught by surprise?
"The air force had no contingency plan for destroying the Syrian army and its
anti-aircraft array. The vast operation of around 400 attacks in 72 hours was
prepared swiftly in a matter of days, literally out of thin air - witness to the
IAF’s tremendous operational flexibility.
"Syria’s entire surface-to-air array was destroyed along with both its mobile
and portable batteries, the kind greatly absorbed by Israel in the Yom Kippur
and 1982 Peace for Galilee wars. They’re fast and deadly, with efficient ranges
covering 20-40 km, and there are the SA-17 and SA-22 with further ranges. Some
have proven effective in not only endangering jets but also perusing and downing
IAF bombs.
"The IDF noticed Assad’s army starting to move around some of its batteries,
apparently to protect them from rebels who had begun their conquests, mobilizing
Israel into preparing for action. The anti-aircraft danger now remaining in the
second circle in Iraq has also suffered serious blows from Israel this past
year. This system, however, is considered lower quality than that of Syria.
Hezbollah’s plot to down an Israeli plane: The tactics that foiled their master
plan
Once blocked by Hezbollah's 100+ missile batteries and Syria's dense air
defenses, Israel overcame these challenges with decoys, advanced drones and
precision strikes, restoring air dominance and reopening Middle Eastern skies
for IDF operations
As they sat at their computer screens at the pit in the Defense Ministry
headquarters in Tel Aviv, mission officers rubbed their eyes in disbelief.
Prepping for yet one more routine sortie in the north, they were convinced the
sensitive strategic system had a serious bug in it.
All anti-tank missile signals from Syria, red lines and icons, which had
cluttered the screens for years, had disappeared. It was as if they never were.
The skies had opened, clean of the enemy. The Middle East was in tatters.
Fighter pilots, if they wanted, could now merrily fly in pairs, with visible
operating systems, at any altitude, to any range, to any spot in Israel’s first
circle of defense.
IDF eliminates Hezbollah anti-aircraft cell in Lebanon
In the first months of the war, there was no consensus within the IDF about
revisiting flying the Lebanese skies. IAF chief Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar insisted,
despite the then focus on Gaza and Hezbollah successfully downing
state-of-the-art IAF UAVs at a rate of one a month in the war’s first six
months.
For this, Bar joined up the Military Intelligence Directorate and the Air
Intelligence Group to one end – finishing this war by restoring Israel’s air
supremacy in Lebanon. He didn’t know that Syria’s skies would also soon open.
So, he pushed decision-makers to attack Syrian anti-aircraft defenses too.
“You must understand, our more veteran pilots are used to practicing for all the
Syrian anti-aircraft dodging systems,” says a veteran IAF pilot. “These systems
took down one of our F16s last decade in the Galilee, and has affected every
mission to the point of having to deploy more manpower on almost every sortie,
limiting flights and implementing a totally different flight operation.
"Our people saw the screens and were in a state of shock. We used to invest so
much organization and preparation before each flight just to address this very
danger. In two days, we destroyed the main threat to the IAF, that’s been with
us for 50 years. Suddenly, this dangerous situation, which had been going on for
decades, disappeared - as if it never was. It’s as if all the missiles and
rockets aimed at Israel no longer existed.”
This dramatic change would never have come about were it not for, in a matter of
25 hours, the IAF destroying over 100 surface-to-air batteries of the densest
anti-aircraft system on Earth – dependent on advanced Russian systems that
Bashar Assad bought as new at his lowest moments last decade when his army had
collapsed.
“He invested every lira and ruble to purchase anti-aircraft batteries that we
destroyed in interwar attacks from the beginning of last decade, even at the
height of the civil war.” The pilot adds, “Anti-aircraft systems we attacked
were sometimes replaced within the week. As the main threat to the IAF, this
array was at the very heart of our intelligence.”
This threat has almost doubled in recent years. Hezbollah’s appetite was
whetted, and Hassan Nasrallah made it the first terrorist organization on Earth
to have a state-run anti-aircraft system, albeit with slightly different
operating systems, but the same Russian and Iranian-made batteries. A few weeks
before destroying Syria’s anti-aircraft system, the IAF also ticked off
destroying Hezbollah’s anti-aircraft system in more graduated and cunning moves,
first revealed here.
The air force operation destroying the Syrian army took only a few days. Assad’s
arsenal was its main and most important target, certainly when compared to the
MiG and Sukhoi squadrons, anyway inferior to Israel’s F15s and F16s. For years,
including over the past decade, these jets conducted Israel’s real aerial
warfare in Syria. “Syrian aerial defense systems have been activated” was a code
of sorts from initial official statements coming out of Damascus that could be
reported in Israel, following any of the thousands of attacks in Syria for which
Israel did not claim responsibility.
On Syrian soil, there are still active, even highly advanced, anti-aircraft
batteries, such as the S-300. These, however, have always been, and still are,
in Russian hands at air bases such as Khmeimim. The IDF isn’t ruling out the
possibility of destroying them to prevent them from falling into the hands of
dangerous elements. Assad’s army deployed its anti-aircraft array wisely:
Primarily around the capital Damascus, not far from the Golan Heights, and in
“Little Syria” where the Alawite community, of which Assad’s family is part, is
concentrated; the coast above Lebanon that includes the strategic port cities of
Latakia and Tartus.
The radars themselves are deployed across the whole country. The Syrian air
force’s operational, command and control capabilities have always gotten good
grades from the IAF. There were many very close encounters with hundreds,
sometimes only dozens of meters, separating these missiles from blue and white
planes. “These bases, that we knew so well, like the Syrian army camps, have
been simply abandoned,” says an IDF source.
To what extent was the IAF caught by surprise?
"The air force had no contingency plan for destroying the Syrian army and its
anti-aircraft array. The vast operation of around 400 attacks in 72 hours was
prepared swiftly in a matter of days, literally out of thin air - witness to the
IAF’s tremendous operational flexibility.
"Syria’s entire surface-to-air array was destroyed along with both its mobile
and portable batteries, the kind greatly absorbed by Israel in the Yom Kippur
and 1982 Peace for Galilee wars. They’re fast and deadly, with efficient ranges
covering 20-40 km, and there are the SA-17 and SA-22 with further ranges. Some
have proven effective in not only endangering jets but also perusing and downing
IAF bombs.
"The IDF noticed Assad’s army starting to move around some of its batteries,
apparently to protect them from rebels who had begun their conquests, mobilizing
Israel into preparing for action. The anti-aircraft danger now remaining in the
second circle in Iraq has also suffered serious blows from Israel this past
year. This system, however, is considered lower quality than that of Syria.
"Iran also, obviously, has advanced aerial defense, including S-300 batteries.
They too suffered severe blows by the IAF in October. We now know that Syria’s
anti-aircraft array, along with its radars, seems to have been linked up to
Israel’s number one enemy’s ground-to-air batteries."
Saturday night, October 7, 2023, at precisely 8 p.m., a select planning,
operations and intelligence team convened in a side room at the Air Force’s new
base at the Defense Ministry headquarters in Tel Aviv.
As the IDF was struggling to recover from its loss of control from the Hamas
invasion, and fighter squadrons were landing their first strikes on Gaza, this
group of Air Force officers conducted their first situation report for a distant
and strategic mission in a sector that was, in fact, calm on that horrific day.
The discussion was led by head of the IAF’s air supremacy division Lt. Col. I.
who was hardly four months into the job at the time. The aim was to destroy this
air anti-aircraft array built up by Hezbollah over the years preceding the war.
The Air Force rarely flew over Lebanon in recent years for fear of its manned
aircraft being shot down by Hezbollah.
The situation worsened between 2021 and 2023, as the IAF kept even simple
high-altitude photographic sorties to a bare minimum. One of the world’s most
powerful air forces was compelled to use more satellites to investigate a rocket
factory in the Bekaa Valley or keep tabs on Hezbollah officials in Beirut's
Dahieh district. Hezbollah’s gamble of invading Israel also involved it becoming
the first terrorist organization on Earth to set up an anti-aircraft array of
100 large surface-to-air missiles. This included advanced, unique and innovative
detection radars reliant on Syria’s anti-aircraft array - the densest on Earth -
alongside Iranian and Russian systems and information. In closed-door talks over
the past decade, Air Force officials sought to calibrate and reduce
expectations. “It was clear that at least one plane would be shot down in the
Third Lebanon War, not only helicopters like in the Second Lebanon War,” they
said. “The public should know that’s what we’re preparing for.”
Israel’s deterrence against Hezbollah and the unprecedented erosion of its air
supremacy delved into an almost humiliating nadir in February 2020. Hezbollah
exhibited an extraordinary and daring display of its surface-to-air
capabilities: An SA-8 missile was launched at an advanced Hermes 450 UAV
conducting a reconnaissance mission in the north. The UAV was downed, but
Israeli policy remained unchanged: Serious targets in Lebanon must not be
attacked, even more so north of the Litani River – so as not to be drawn into
escalation with Hezbollah.
A danger to Israeli planes
By the evening of October 7, Lt. Col. I. already realized that air supremacy
would not be achieved in one single strike. A startling image flickered on the
screen before the convened team. Hezbollah’s anti-aircraft rings covered a line
from Haifa, east across the Jezreel Valley, and included the Ramat David Air
Base. As the months passed, and intelligence probes accumulated, it became
apparent that Hezbollah’s cover stretched as far as the Atlit-Kineret line. This
meant that any Israeli aircraft, military or civilian, flying over the northern
third of Israeli sovereign airspace was in danger of being taken down by
Hezbollah. “From that October 7 discussion onward, we went into fighting mode,
with an ever-growing operational team,” says Air Intelligence Group Lebanon Air
Supremacy Division chief, Lt. Col. A. “Unlike in the Military Intelligence
Directorate, here at IAF intelligence, we don’t gather intelligence for
information about the enemy, but rather we collect information needed for each
operation. At that first discussion, we already understood we were heading
toward a multi-front war. We prepared an array whose entire purpose was
protecting the Air Force.”
This array was a far cry from the “Terrorists in flip flops with shoulder-held
missiles” à la 1990s Afghanistan or Maroun El Ras 2006. In addition to the
Russian-made S-300 and S-400s, which the Russians also have, a game-changing,
effectively state-owned, anti-aircraft array was built up over the past decade
in central and southern Lebanon. It included relatively advanced versions
of Soviet missiles such as radar-based SA-6, SA-8 and SA-22 missiles alongside
the jet-based and optical target identification-based Iranian Sayyad, Taer and
67 anti-aircraft arrays. These are loitering anti-aircraft missiles that can
“tour” in the air for 20 minutes, and when its homing device identifies a
target, it locks into pursuit.
The Taer can reach a range of 100km and is similar in shape to a UAV. In the
first months of the war, the IAF was concerned that such missiles would also
shoot down civilian planes en route to Beirut airport. “Even if we swiftly deny
involvement and show proof, just imagine what would happen if, in the middle of
a war, a French passenger plane were shot down off the coast of Lebanon,” says
an IAF source. “They’d blame us just like they blamed us in 2018 when 15 Russian
soldiers were killed as a Russian Ilyushin plane was shot down by Syrian
anti-aircraft during an attack on Latakia attributed to Israel.” Hezbollah’s
array included the deployment of SA-6 and SA-22 batteries around Beirut airport,
that were attacked in recent months. “Lebanon also had vested interests in our
taking out these batteries, endangering Lebanese skies,” says Lt. Col. I. “At
the start of the war, we sent the world a warning: Whoever flies to Lebanon,
risks facing an air defense systems reliant on a terrorist organization.”
Five advanced mid-sized Hermes UAVs shot down Hezbollah’s anti-aircraft array,
mainly during the first half of the war when the learning race between the two
sides peaked and incorporated Iranian weapons industries and engineers.
Lt. Col. I. and Lt. Col. A.’s team investigated and gathered information about
the array, and understood the extent of the danger to the IAF’s freedom of
action. This endangered Apache helicopters assisting forces on the ground as
well as intelligence gathering sorties to Tyre.
The greatest concern was that these batteries would be moved around and further
deployed. The SA-22 battery, considered the most dangerous of them all, can be
placed on the ground floor of a three-story building in Nabatieh or an
underground parking lot of a 14-story building in the crowded Dahieh district.
The IDF wasn’t monitoring these hundreds of anti-aircraft Hezbollah targets
24/7. It was enough for a truck covered in tarpaulin, or a couple of missile
trucks, to drive a few hundred meters to fire at IAF jets, and we’d lost.
The Air Force also failed to appreciate the level of skill of Hezbollah's
anti-aircraft cells that, in recent years, were returning from several-week
operational training courses in the Iranian army with end-of-course air shows
over Syria.
Hezbollah’s plot to down an Israeli plane: The tactics that foiled their master
plan
Once blocked by Hezbollah's 100+ missile batteries and Syria's dense air
defenses, Israel overcame these challenges with decoys, advanced drones and
precision strikes, restoring air dominance and reopening Middle Eastern skies
for IDF operations
As they sat at their computer screens at the pit in the Defense Ministry
headquarters in Tel Aviv, mission officers rubbed their eyes in disbelief.
Prepping for yet one more routine sortie in the north, they were convinced the
sensitive strategic system had a serious bug in it.
All anti-tank missile signals from Syria, red lines and icons, which had
cluttered the screens for years, had disappeared. It was as if they never were.
The skies had opened, clean of the enemy. The Middle East was in tatters.
Fighter pilots, if they wanted, could now merrily fly in pairs, with visible
operating systems, at any altitude, to any range, to any spot in Israel’s first
circle of defense.
IDF eliminates Hezbollah anti-aircraft cell in Lebanon
In the first months of the war, there was no consensus within the IDF about
revisiting flying the Lebanese skies. IAF chief Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar insisted,
despite the then focus on Gaza and Hezbollah successfully downing
state-of-the-art IAF UAVs at a rate of one a month in the war’s first six
months.
For this, Bar joined up the Military Intelligence Directorate and the Air
Intelligence Group to one end – finishing this war by restoring Israel’s air
supremacy in Lebanon. He didn’t know that Syria’s skies would also soon open.
So, he pushed decision-makers to attack Syrian anti-aircraft defenses too.
“You must understand, our more veteran pilots are used to practicing for all the
Syrian anti-aircraft dodging systems,” says a veteran IAF pilot. “These systems
took down one of our F16s last decade in the Galilee, and has affected every
mission to the point of having to deploy more manpower on almost every sortie,
limiting flights and implementing a totally different flight operation.
"Our people saw the screens and were in a state of shock. We used to invest so
much organization and preparation before each flight just to address this very
danger. In two days, we destroyed the main threat to the IAF, that’s been with
us for 50 years. Suddenly, this dangerous situation, which had been going on for
decades, disappeared - as if it never was. It’s as if all the missiles and
rockets aimed at Israel no longer existed.”
This dramatic change would never have come about were it not for, in a matter of
25 hours, the IAF destroying over 100 surface-to-air batteries of the densest
anti-aircraft system on Earth – dependent on advanced Russian systems that
Bashar Assad bought as new at his lowest moments last decade when his army had
collapsed.
“He invested every lira and ruble to purchase anti-aircraft batteries that we
destroyed in interwar attacks from the beginning of last decade, even at the
height of the civil war.” The pilot adds, “Anti-aircraft systems we attacked
were sometimes replaced within the week. As the main threat to the IAF, this
array was at the very heart of our intelligence.”
This threat has almost doubled in recent years. Hezbollah’s appetite was
whetted, and Hassan Nasrallah made it the first terrorist organization on Earth
to have a state-run anti-aircraft system, albeit with slightly different
operating systems, but the same Russian and Iranian-made batteries. A few weeks
before destroying Syria’s anti-aircraft system, the IAF also ticked off
destroying Hezbollah’s anti-aircraft system in more graduated and cunning moves,
first revealed here.
The air force operation destroying the Syrian army took only a few days. Assad’s
arsenal was its main and most important target, certainly when compared to the
MiG and Sukhoi squadrons, anyway inferior to Israel’s F15s and F16s. For years,
including over the past decade, these jets conducted Israel’s real aerial
warfare in Syria. “Syrian aerial defense systems have been activated” was a code
of sorts from initial official statements coming out of Damascus that could be
reported in Israel, following any of the thousands of attacks in Syria for which
Israel did not claim responsibility.
On Syrian soil, there are still active, even highly advanced, anti-aircraft
batteries, such as the S-300. These, however, have always been, and still are,
in Russian hands at air bases such as Khmeimim. The IDF isn’t ruling out the
possibility of destroying them to prevent them from falling into the hands of
dangerous elements. Assad’s army deployed its anti-aircraft array wisely:
Primarily around the capital Damascus, not far from the Golan Heights, and in
“Little Syria” where the Alawite community, of which Assad’s family is part, is
concentrated; the coast above Lebanon that includes the strategic port cities of
Latakia and Tartus. The radars themselves are deployed across the whole country.
The Syrian air force’s operational, command and control capabilities have always
gotten good grades from the IAF. There were many very close encounters with
hundreds, sometimes only dozens of meters, separating these missiles from blue
and white planes. “These bases, that we knew so well, like the Syrian army
camps, have been simply abandoned,” says an IDF source.
To what extent was the IAF caught by surprise?
"The air force had no contingency plan for destroying the Syrian army and its
anti-aircraft array. The vast operation of around 400 attacks in 72 hours was
prepared swiftly in a matter of days, literally out of thin air - witness to the
IAF’s tremendous operational flexibility.
"Syria’s entire surface-to-air array was destroyed along with both its mobile
and portable batteries, the kind greatly absorbed by Israel in the Yom Kippur
and 1982 Peace for Galilee wars. They’re fast and deadly, with efficient ranges
covering 20-40 km, and there are the SA-17 and SA-22 with further ranges. Some
have proven effective in not only endangering jets but also perusing and downing
IAF bombs.
"The IDF noticed Assad’s army starting to move around some of its batteries,
apparently to protect them from rebels who had begun their conquests, mobilizing
Israel into preparing for action. The anti-aircraft danger now remaining in the
second circle in Iraq has also suffered serious blows from Israel this past
year. This system, however, is considered lower quality than that of Syria.
"Iran also, obviously, has advanced aerial defense, including S-300 batteries.
They too suffered severe blows by the IAF in October. We now know that Syria’s
anti-aircraft array, along with its radars, seems to have been linked up to
Israel’s number one enemy’s ground-to-air batteries."
Saturday night, October 7, 2023, at precisely 8 p.m., a select planning,
operations and intelligence team convened in a side room at the Air Force’s new
base at the Defense Ministry headquarters in Tel Aviv.
As the IDF was struggling to recover from its loss of control from the Hamas
invasion, and fighter squadrons were landing their first strikes on Gaza, this
group of Air Force officers conducted their first situation report for a distant
and strategic mission in a sector that was, in fact, calm on that horrific day.
The discussion was led by head of the IAF’s air supremacy division Lt. Col. I.
who was hardly four months into the job at the time. The aim was to destroy this
air anti-aircraft array built up by Hezbollah over the years preceding the war.
The Air Force rarely flew over Lebanon in recent years for fear of its manned
aircraft being shot down by Hezbollah.
The situation worsened between 2021 and 2023, as the IAF kept even simple
high-altitude photographic sorties to a bare minimum. One of the world’s most
powerful air forces was compelled to use more satellites to investigate a rocket
factory in the Bekaa Valley or keep tabs on Hezbollah officials in Beirut's
Dahieh district. Hezbollah’s gamble of invading Israel also involved it becoming
the first terrorist organization on Earth to set up an anti-aircraft array of
100 large surface-to-air missiles. This included advanced, unique and innovative
detection radars reliant on Syria’s anti-aircraft array - the densest on Earth -
alongside Iranian and Russian systems and information. In closed-door talks over
the past decade, Air Force officials sought to calibrate and reduce
expectations. “It was clear that at least one plane would be shot down in the
Third Lebanon War, not only helicopters like in the Second Lebanon War,” they
said. “The public should know that’s what we’re preparing for.” Israel’s
deterrence against Hezbollah and the unprecedented erosion of its air supremacy
delved into an almost humiliating nadir in February 2020. Hezbollah exhibited an
extraordinary and daring display of its surface-to-air capabilities: An SA-8
missile was launched at an advanced Hermes 450 UAV conducting a reconnaissance
mission in the north. The UAV was downed, but Israeli policy remained unchanged:
Serious targets in Lebanon must not be attacked, even more so north of the
Litani River – so as not to be drawn into escalation with Hezbollah.
A danger to Israeli planes By the evening of October 7, Lt. Col. I. already
realized that air supremacy would not be achieved in one single strike. A
startling image flickered on the screen before the convened team. Hezbollah’s
anti-aircraft rings covered a line from Haifa, east across the Jezreel Valley,
and included the Ramat David Air Base. As the months passed, and
intelligence probes accumulated, it became apparent that Hezbollah’s cover
stretched as far as the Atlit-Kineret line. This meant that any Israeli
aircraft, military or civilian, flying over the northern third of Israeli
sovereign airspace was in danger of being taken down by Hezbollah.
Anti-aircraft missile battery destroyed in Syria
“From that October 7 discussion onward, we went into fighting mode, with an
ever-growing operational team,” says Air Intelligence Group Lebanon Air
Supremacy Division chief, Lt. Col. A. “Unlike in the Military Intelligence
Directorate, here at IAF intelligence, we don’t gather intelligence for
information about the enemy, but rather we collect information needed for each
operation. At that first discussion, we already understood we were heading
toward a multi-front war. We prepared an array whose entire purpose was
protecting the Air Force.”
This array was a far cry from the “Terrorists in flip flops with shoulder-held
missiles” à la 1990s Afghanistan or Maroun El Ras 2006. In addition to the
Russian-made S-300 and S-400s, which the Russians also have, a game-changing,
effectively state-owned, anti-aircraft array was built up over the past decade
in central and southern Lebanon. It included relatively advanced versions of
Soviet missiles such as radar-based SA-6, SA-8 and SA-22 missiles alongside the
jet-based and optical target identification-based Iranian Sayyad, Taer and 67
anti-aircraft arrays. These are loitering anti-aircraft missiles that can “tour”
in the air for 20 minutes, and when its homing device identifies a target, it
locks into pursuit. The Taer can reach a range of 100km and is similar in shape
to a UAV. In the first months of the war, the IAF was concerned that such
missiles would also shoot down civilian planes en route to Beirut airport. “Even
if we swiftly deny involvement and show proof, just imagine what would happen
if, in the middle of a war, a French passenger plane were shot down off the
coast of Lebanon,” says an IAF source. “They’d blame us just like they blamed us
in 2018 when 15 Russian soldiers were killed as a Russian Ilyushin plane was
shot down by Syrian anti-aircraft during an attack on Latakia attributed to
Israel.” Hezbollah’s array included the deployment of SA-6 and SA-22 batteries
around Beirut airport, that were attacked in recent months. “Lebanon also had
vested interests in our taking out these batteries, endangering Lebanese skies,”
says Lt. Col. I. “At the start of the war, we sent the world a warning: Whoever
flies to Lebanon, risks facing an air defense systems reliant on a terrorist
organization.”
Iranian-made Sayyad 3 anti-aircraft system
Five advanced mid-sized Hermes UAVs shot down Hezbollah’s anti-aircraft array,
mainly during the first half of the war when the learning race between the two
sides peaked and incorporated Iranian weapons industries and engineers.
Lt. Col. I. and Lt. Col. A.’s team investigated and gathered information about
the array, and understood the extent of the danger to the IAF’s freedom of
action. This endangered Apache helicopters assisting forces on the ground as
well as intelligence gathering sorties to Tyre.
The greatest concern was that these batteries would be moved around and further
deployed. The SA-22 battery, considered the most dangerous of them all, can be
placed on the ground floor of a three-story building in Nabatieh or an
underground parking lot of a 14-story building in the crowded Dahieh district.
The IDF wasn’t monitoring these hundreds of anti-aircraft Hezbollah targets
24/7. It was enough for a truck covered in tarpaulin, or a couple of missile
trucks, to drive a few hundred meters to fire at IAF jets, and we’d lost.
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The Air Force also failed to appreciate the level of skill of Hezbollah's
anti-aircraft cells that, in recent years, were returning from several-week
operational training courses in the Iranian army with end-of-course air shows
over Syria.
“They had no intention of totally paralyzing the IAF from operations in
Lebanon," say IAF officials. “It was enough for them to show one success, like
taking down an F-16 with a pilot abandoning a mission on Lebanese soil or,
Heaven forbid, getting killed."
A month into the war, on November 8, scores were settled. Three weeks earlier,
Hezbollah had managed, for the first time in the war, to shoot down its first
Hermes 450 IAF done with an SA-67 battery. The IDF received the green light from
the political echelon to kick off its offensive deep into Lebanon. General Staff
Operations Directorate chief, Maj. Gen. Oded Basyuk gave Lt. Col. I.’s team the
go-ahead. Operation Mountain Air was underway. The IAF nicknamed the first
surface-to-air battery attacked in Lebanon, an advanced SA-22 battery, the
“Nexus.” The IAF used a small missile for “roof knocking” in the dead of night.
Families living nearby fled for their cars within ten minutes. The massive
secondary explosions in the house, reminiscent of a fireworks display, left no
room for doubt. There had been at least eight large missiles on the destroyed
multiple-barrel launcher.
Those hesitant months were utilized to gather deep intelligence on Hezbollah’s
anti-aircraft array. The young officers in the colonel lieutenants’ team
understood that an organized plan to destroy the enemy’s anti-aircraft array
could be prepared only with ongoing aerial presence. The danger, however, meant
that the bulk of the operation in the first months of the war was carried out by
the use of drones. “For Hezbollah, taking down a drone is an achievement,” says
Lt. Col. I. “They know that doing so ostensibly restricts our monitoring or
aerial assassinations of their commanders and operatives in the field.”At some
point, the air supremacy team learned something new about Hezbollah’s
anti-aircraft array: The network connecting the batteries wasn’t dense, but
rather dispersed and independent. “If you were to ask a Syrian army
battalion commander, he’d tell you it’s extraordinary and makes no sense, as
anti-aircraft batteries were being deployed on some hilltop, next to the radar
and other mechanisms protecting it,” says I. “We had to engage with this array,
even at the risk of taking down our own drones. If we hadn’t done that, we might
have saved a drone or two, but weakened our capabilities of harming Hezbollah.”
Hezbollah’s anti-aircraft array had 3,000 operatives and took serious blows in
the war, losing its top commanders. Most operatives are alumni of professional
training in Iran and Syria. They’re divided into three geographical areas: the
southern anti-aircraft array; the Beirut unit and the Bekaa unit.
“Our young guys knew that there was an advanced surface-to-air battery in a
certain place, but couldn’t say where,” says Lt. Col. A. Facing this challenge,
the air force managed to develop covert ruses and deceptions to confuse
Hezbollah’s anti-aircraft operatives. “We implemented these crazy ideas that
came from below, from 20-year-old officers who invented a variety of aerial
ambushes and knew the right moment to strike.”
At the end of December last year, the aerial supremacy unit caused a Hezbollah
anti-aircraft cell to remove a truck with a large launcher on it from a hiding
place in an orchard, that was destroyed in a precision attack, this time from an
Israeli missile ship stationed near Tyre. As the hesitation declined from one
month to the next, Hezbollah’s ambitious anti-aircraft array, laying the
groundwork for the opening shots of its planned September Operation Northern
Arrows, was systematically eroded.
“The conditions for starting the major strikes we afflicted on Hezbollah,
including those assassinating its leaders, was complete IAF freedom of action in
Lebanon. Without that, we’d have been in a quite different place," I. continues.
Complete freedom of action means F-15s, not just stealthy F-35s flying at 4000
feet, but rather actually over Beirut’s Dahieh high-rise rooftops.
A young aircraft supremacy officer also pushed for another method to make this
difficult for Hezbollah: A supersonic boom used as a regular fighting pattern –
generally by F-35 Adir planes. This is a deafening noise that can sound like a
bomb, caused when a jet exceeds the 1.1 Mach speed of sound, creating a shock
wave. In one of his final speeches before his assassination, Hassan Nasrallah
and the residents of Beirut were treated to an especially loud supersonic boom.
“It can shatter windscreens, has a huge impact on the population, and moves
things for Hezbollah,” says one officer. “To restore deterrence, it’s important
to us that Lebanon should know that our planes are free in their airspace. I
remind you, Beirut has no sirens or warning systems.”
The freedom of aerial action has another benefit for the Air Force. It’s more
effective. Jets can get closer for strikes in Syria, as these strikes can be
conducted from Lebanese skies, taking full advantage of the country’s
topography. Despite these achievements, the IAF believes Hezbollah still has
firepower, albeit much less than before the war. IAF planes no longer face the
same dangers. Israel believes that as soon as the cease-fire is fully
implemented, the array will be rebuilt with Iranian support and lessons will
have been learned. So, the IDF demands to counter in practice any effort to
rearm Hezbollah.
Alongside the large surface-to-air missiles, Hezbollah also has thousands of
shoulder-fired missiles (man-portable air-defense systems [MANPADS]), in its
possession since the 1990s. This tactical array has been upgraded in recent
years and includes an aerial rocket converted to explode in the air, triggered
by a time-activated fuse; a broad range of classic anti-aircraft mortars
(varying in diameter from 12mm through to 100mm) designed primarily to hit
helicopters and anti-tank missiles converted into anti-aircraft missiles with a
dedicated fuse for precision targeting helicopters - effectively “air mines”,
used in areas such as valleys or the Litani or Saluki rivers where the IAF
planes are expected to fly low. These mines explode a few dozen meters above the
source of sound or movement detected by its dedicated sensors. They accordingly
demand high maintenance and are battery operated.
A Hermes drone was shot down by one such MANPADS in the war in the north. During
the Egoz unit’s difficult battle in early October, in which six soldiers were
killed, Hezbollah operatives shot shoulder-held missiles that almost hit Apache
helicopters descending to low altitude in a dangerous area to help soldiers.
“We live in the Northern Command and hold weekly meetings about freedom of
action with its commander, Maj. Gen. Ori Gordin to whom this matter is very
important, mainly as a critical matter for continuance,” the IAF says. “We have
to continue flying unrestrictedly over Lebanon. Over the years, we lost our
intelligence grip there, and we can’t make the same mistake again.”
Proof of the mission’s importance flickers on a screen behind these officers:
Two pictures of a broad single-story building in Bekaa, deep inside Lebanon near
the Syrian border, that was used as a warehouse for advanced Hezbollah weapons.
There are two versions of this picture: one taken during the intelligence
gathering sortie in recent months, the other before the war.
“Iran has invested many millions in Hezbollah’s surface-to-air anti-aircraft
array, turning it into one of its heaviest arrays,” say the aerial supremacy
officers. "The Lebanese army also has anti-aircraft capabilities but hasn’t used
them against us. We couldn’t have carried out the major assassinations,
including Nasrallah without close air reconnaissance.”