Titles For The Latest English LCCC Lebanese & Lebanese Related News & Editorials published on July 26-27/2024
ELias Bejjani/Text and video: Did Netanyahu, in his speech before the Congress, pave the way for a strike on the Iranian nuclear weapon by announcing the development of a new weapon and that Iran’s nuclear weapon is a threat to the USA?/Elias Bejjani/July 25/2024
Israeli Northern Command chief: When we go on the offensive, it will be a decisive offensive
Two senior Hezbollah officials killed by Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon - report
Tenenti: UNIFIL Mandate Renewal to Be Decided
2 Hezbollah members killed in Israeli airstrike
Involving the Resistance Brigades in the South, a Futile Cover
White House grants deportation reprieve to Lebanese, citing Israel-Hezbollah tensions
US President Biden issues deferred enforced departure for Lebanese nationals, protecting them from deportation for 18 months
Border clashes between Hezbollah and Israel continued on Friday
Israeli general says any Lebanon attack will be 'decisive and conclusive'
Report: Western diplomat tells Lebanon escalation and pacification chances equal
Hezbollah fighter killed in strike on Markaba
Mikati in Paris for Olympics, talks with world leaders
Hezbollah “Forces an Israeli Plane to Retreat”: Khaled Hamade Clarifies
Israeli Military Prepares for “Decisive Offensive” Against Hezbollah
The Countdown Is On! Summer's Most Awaited Event: Miss Lebanon, Live Tomorrow at 8:30 PM on LBCI and lbcgroup.tv
Gaza’s ancient Christian monastery gets ‘danger listing’ at UNESCO session in India
Fred’s Spirit/Michel Touma/This Is Beirut/July 26/2024
Israel is spying on Hezbollah commanders — and killing them one by one/Nabih Bulos/ Los Angeles Times./July 26, 2024

Titles For The Latest English LCCC Miscellaneous Reports And News published on July 26-27/2024
France's high-speed rail network hit by arson attacks hours before Olympics
Gaza mediators, Israel spy chief to meet in Rome: Egypt media
With nowhere else to hide, Gazans shelter in former prison
Israeli troops battle Palestinian fighters in Gaza city of Khan Younis
Hamas leader in West Bank dies in Israeli custody, says Palestinian government body
Location of hostage bodies rescued on Thursday came from interrogation, says Shin Bet
'Now for the best part': Trump, Netanyahu meet at former US president's Florida resort
Israel slams UN expert over Hitler-Netanyahu comparison
Trump welcomes Netanyahu to Mar-a-Lago, mending his relationship with a key political ally
Canada calls for Israeli response to ICJ advice on occupied Palestinian territory
Russia will have to scale back front lines assaults in 6 weeks due to losses, Ukrainian commander says
With Palestinian deal and Ukrainian foreign minister's visit, China shows its rising influence
Barack and Michelle Obama endorse Kamala Harris: 'This is going to be historic.'

Titles For The Latest English LCCC analysis & editorials from miscellaneous sources on July 26-27/2024
Why 'Moderate' Muslim Ed Husain Cannot Discuss Muslim Jew-Hatred Honestly/Andrew Bostom/Gatestone Institute/July 26, 2024
Iran reestablishes its presence in the Caucuses with Armenian arms deal/Janatan Sayeh/ FDD's Long War Journal/July 26/2024
The perils of a Turkish-Syrian rapprochement/Sinan Ciddi & Sophia Epley/FDD's Long War Journal/July 26/2024
Question: “What is wrong with being a solo Christian?”/GotQuestions.org/July 26/2024
Iran’s nuclear advances raising serious concerns/Dr. Majid Rafizadeh/Arab News/July 26, 2024
Turkiye’s view on NATO’s Middle East expansion/Sinem Cengiz/Arab News/July 26, 2024

Latest English LCCC Lebanese & Lebanese Related News & Editorials published on July 26-27/2024
ELias Bejjani/Text and video: Did Netanyahu, in his speech before the Congress, pave the way for a strike on the Iranian nuclear weapon by announcing the development of a new weapon and that Iran’s nuclear weapon is a threat to the USA?
Elias Bejjani/July 25/2024
https://eliasbejjaninews.com/2024/07/132464/
In his speech before the US Congress on July 24, 2024, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a powerful message about the threat posed by Iran obtaining nuclear weapons. Netanyahu asserted that the Islamic Republic’s acquisition of such weapons is not only an existential threat to Israel and the Middle East but also a serious and existential danger to the United States and every city within it. Netanyahu emphasized that the US and Israel must confront this danger together, stressing that their fates are intertwined in facing this threat. He stated, “We either win together or we are defeated together.” This existential linkage between the two nations reflects the deepening strategic cooperation between them, which Netanyahu underscored by announcing the development of a new joint weapon between Israel and the US. In his speech, Netanyahu announced that Israel and the US have developed a new and highly significant weapon, without providing specific details. This announcement could be interpreted as an indication of bolstering military capabilities to counter Iranian threats. With rising tensions between Iran and the West, especially given Iran’s continued pursuit of its nuclear program, this announcement may be seen as a prelude to a potential Israeli strike on Iranian nuclear facilities. Iran’s possession of nuclear weapons is not only a threat to Israel but also to peace and stability in the Middle East. The Iranian mullahs carry an expansionist ideology, utilizing terrorism and their regional proxies to achieve their strategic goals. A nuclear weapon in the hands of a regime seeking to dominate regional countries through its expansionist, occupational, and religious ideological project could significantly enhance its ability to impose its hegemony and threaten regional and international security.
Given the current election situation in the United States and the presidential race, making decisive decisions becomes more complicated. This reality might drive Israel, which views Iran’s nuclear program as an existential threat, to take unilateral actions if it feels that international support is insufficient or that time is not on its side. Considering Netanyahu’s speech and the repeated warnings about the danger of Iran’s nuclear program, the possibility of Israel carrying out a preemptive strike against Iranian nuclear facilities remains on the table. Such a strike, if it occurs, would have significant repercussions for the region and would test international alliances and the global community’s ability to handle its aftermath.
Conclusion
Israeli Prime Minister’s speech before the US Congress reflects the deep concern over the threat posed by a nuclear-armed Iran and underscores the urgent need for close US-Israeli cooperation to face this danger. Given the current developments, the question of whether Israel will take unilateral steps to strike Iranian nuclear facilities remains a matter of international interest and anticipation.

Israeli Northern Command chief: When we go on the offensive, it will be a decisive offensive
Uzi Baruch/Arutz Shiva/July 26/2024
'When the moment comes and we go on the offensive, it will be a decisive offensive; the residents have our back and we are aiming our weapons at the enemy,' MG Ori Gordin, commander of IDF's Northern Command, says. During the visit, MG Gordin spoke with the brigade commanders who have been defending the central area of the Lebanese border for around five months. The Golani Brigade is operating to protect the communities of the Upper Galilee and prepare for the transition to offense. The unit works in close cooperation with the security teams in the northern communities and carries out proactive operations in the field in close cooperation with IDF aerial and artillery forces in order to eliminate terrorists and target Hezbollah terrorist infrastructure in southern Lebanon. Speaking during the visit, Gordin said, “I, the Brigade Commander, the Battalion Commander, the Company Commander, and all of you — we are committed to changing the security reality here in the north." "The residents of Metula and all residents of the north will be able to return to their homes. The battalion and the brigade do an excellent job of completing your defensive actions. There are a lot of offensive activities in this matter. We have already eliminated more than 500 terrorists in Lebanon, the great majority of them from Hezbollah, and we have destroyed thousands of [terror] infrastructure targets. "The residents have our back, the citizens have our back, and we are facing and aiming our weapons at the enemy. When the moment comes and we go on the offensive, it will be a decisive offensive. And the reality we are building now, in terms of striking the other side and pushing the enemy back, enables us to carry out this offensive in a very, very high-quality way."

Two senior Hezbollah officials killed by Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon - report
Jerusalem Post/July 26/2024
The Qatari channel Alaraby claimed that the strikes targeted the headquarters of Hezbollah in the region. Two senior Hezbollah officials were killed in an attack on the village of Markaba in southern Lebanon on Friday morning, as reported by Saudi-owned Al-Arabiya.
The Qatari channel Alaraby claimed that the strikes targeted Hezbollah's regional headquarters. Earlier, the Hezbollah-affiliated Lebanese site Al Manar reported that Israeli airstrikes had targeted Markaba. The IDF confirmed on Friday afternoon that it had identified a number of terrorists entering a Hezbollah military structure in Markaba, and had struck the building soon after. They also confirmed strikes were carried out against Hezbollah military structure in Ayta ash Shab. Escalating tensions. In the past week, several Hezbollah commanders have been killed by IAF strikes. Senior Hezbollah Radwan force commander Ali Jaafar Maatuk was killed in a strike in southern Lebanon last Thursday, the IDF announced. Several lower-ranking operatives were also killed.Tensions escalate as Hezbollah and the Israeli military exchange a barrage of attacks, with rockets reaching deeper into Israel.
* Ariel Roth contributed to this report.

Tenenti: UNIFIL Mandate Renewal to Be Decided
This Is Beirut/July 26/2024
UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti sounded the alarm on Friday over the increasing intensity of cross-border fire exchange. He expressed concern over a “potential risk of a sudden, wider and uncontrollable conflict.”In an interview with Voice of Lebanon radio, Tenenti called on all parties to cease fire and return to full implementation of resolution 1701, “as it represents the path towards stability and peace.”“UN Security Council will take a decision on UNIFIL’s mandate renewal,” he said, affirming that “UNIFIL are here to fulfill their tasks at the request of the Security Council.”Noting that “resolution 1701 provided more than 17 years of relative stability thanks to the parties’ commitment to it,” Tenenti cautioned that “the resolution now faces a lack of practical commitment from Israel and Lebanon to fully implement it.”“1701 remains the most effective framework to address the current situation and work towards a long-term settlement of the conflict,” he added. Tenenti pointed out that “all parties are concerned about the ongoing hostilities; a political and diplomatic solution is the only possible solution in the long term.” “Any solution involving violence will only lead to more destruction and death on both sides,” he continued. When asked if such messages or impressions were conveyed during recent meetings with Lebanese officials, he replied, “It is essential to maintain open channels of communication with all parties to de-escalate tensions and minimize the risk of misunderstandings that could lead to an escalation of the conflict, which no one wants.”

2 Hezbollah members killed in Israeli airstrike
NAJIA HOUSSARI/Arab News/July 26, 2024
BEIRUT: Hostilities between Hezbollah and the Israeli army continued in southern Lebanon on Friday. An Israeli airstrike targeting the outskirts of Markaba in the Marjayoun district killed two members of Hezbollah on Friday.
Israeli artillery shelled the outskirts of Shebaa, and phosphorus bombs targeted the outskirts of Rachaya Al-Foukhar in the Hasbaya district.
At dawn, Israeli warplanes raided the outskirts of Aita Al-Shaab, targeting an empty house.The Israeli army said in a statement that it “shelled a Hezbollah military building in the Aita Al-Shaab area.” Hezbollah announced targeting “the technical system at the Ramya site with a guided missile, hitting it directly and destroying it.”The party targeted “a movement of Israeli soldiers inside the Hadab Yaroun site with appropriate weapons, hitting it directly.”For the second consecutive day, Hezbollah used “anti-aircraft missiles, which it announced were fired at Israeli warplanes within Lebanese airspace in the south.”
In a statement, it said that “launching these missiles forced the Israeli planes to retreat and withdraw behind the Lebanese borders.”Hezbollah’s military media published footage of the operation targeting “an anti-drone system at the Israeli military site of Al-Abad at the southern border using an assault drone.”The military media also showed footage taken by “an assault drone while targeting a building used by Israeli army soldiers in the settlement of Metula.”Israeli media reported that “sirens sounded in Dafna, She’ar Yashuv, and Kibbutz Dan in the Galilee panhandle.”UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti said that “the extent of the damage cannot currently be estimated until the exchange of fire ends, but it is certain that many homes have been destroyed, tens of thousands of families have been displaced, and many civilians have been injured or killed, necessitating a cessation of violence.”Tenenti affirmed the UN’s position that Resolution 1701 had provided more than 17 years of relative stability due to the parties’ commitment to it. “It faces challenges in the form of a lack of practical commitment from both Israel and Lebanon to implement it fully, but it remains the most effective framework for addressing the current situation and working toward a long-term resolution of the conflict.”The UNIFIL spokesperson stated that “the key provisions of Resolution 1701, including security, stability, support for the Lebanese army, and a long-term solution, remain in effect, and the success of Resolution 1701 depends on the parties’ commitment.”Tenenti stressed the need to “maintain open channels of communication with all parties to de-escalate tensions and reduce the risk of misunderstandings that could lead to further conflict, which no one wants.” The Lebanese Ministry of Health, in its cumulative report on health emergencies in light of the Israeli attack on Lebanon, clarified on Friday that “the death toll from this aggression from Oct. 8, 2023, to July 23 has risen to 490, in addition to 2,016 injured.”

Involving the Resistance Brigades in the South, a Futile Cover
This Is Beirut/July 26/2024
Driven by harsh criticism from various political groups of its unilateral move to open its so-called “support front” for Gaza in south Lebanon, Hezbollah decided to involve the “Resistance Brigades” that it formed in the July 2006 war, in the confrontations against Israel. The aim is to give a multi-sectarian and comprehensive national cover for the “resistance” operations in the south, since the Brigades include Sunni, Christian, Druze, and Shiite members. In other words, it was Hezbollah’s response to the wave of accusations made by the opposition of monopolizing war decisions, aggravating Lebanon’s economic and political crises and obstructing the presidential elections by prioritizing the Iranian agenda, namely the war on Gaza. The enrollment of the Resistance Brigades in the southern confrontations to support the war on Gaza gives the semblance of a Lebanese consensus on Lebanon’s involvement in the war through Hezbollah. Lebanon incurred serious political and material losses as a result of Hezbollah’s unilateral actions, including the disruption of the presidential election, since the presence of a head of state would have curbed its acts. Following Hezbollah’s Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah’s speech in which he reiterated military and political support for Gaza, opposition groups asked why didn’t he follow Syria’s and Iran’s suit by providing political support only, instead of a military one, knowing very well that Lebanon’s political, financial, and economic situation is in a state of deterioration and the state’s institutions are disintegrating. Was it not in Lebanon’s interest not to be involved in the Gaza war?

White House grants deportation reprieve to Lebanese, citing Israel-Hezbollah tensions
Reuters/July 26, 2024
WASHINGTON: The White House will offer deportation relief and work permits to an estimated 11,500 Lebanese nationals already in the US, due to conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, US President Joe Biden said in a memo on Friday. The measure, under an authority known as Deferred Enforced Departure, will allow Lebanese nationals to remain in the US for 18 months and could be renewed. The announcement comes after Vice President Kamala Harris pressured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday to help reach a Gaza ceasefire deal that would ease the suffering of Palestinian civilians, striking a tougher tone than Biden. Harris has emerged as the likely Democratic presidential nominee after Biden ended his campaign on Sunday. Israel and Hezbollah have been trading fire since Hezbollah announced a “support front” with Palestinians shortly after its ally Hamas attacked southern Israeli border communities on Oct. 7, triggering Israel’s military assault in Gaza. Hezbollah is an Iran-backed militant group and the most powerful military and political force in Lebanon. US Representative Debbie Dingell, a Democrat from Michigan, which is home to Lebanese Americans in Detroit and elsewhere, applauded the move and estimated it would cover 11,500 people. “Michigan is home to many Lebanese Americans who continue to watch their families suffer as Lebanon faces an unprecedented economic, political, and financial disaster,” she said in a statement. Former President Donald Trump, a Republican seeking another term in the White House, has pledged mass deportations if reelected. His campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The fighting in Lebanon has killed more than 100 civilians and more than 300 Hezbollah fighters, according to a Reuters tally. On the Israeli side, 10 Israeli civilians, a foreign agricultural worker and 20 Israeli soldiers have been killed. Tens of thousands have been evacuated from both sides of the border.

US President Biden issues deferred enforced departure for Lebanese nationals, protecting them from deportation for 18 months
LBCI/July 26/2024
US President Joe Biden has announced a deferral of removal for certain Lebanese nationals in the United States, citing deteriorating humanitarian conditions in southern Lebanon due to ongoing tensions between Hezbollah and Israel. This directive will protect eligible Lebanese nationals from deportation for 18 months. "While I remain focused on de-escalating the situation and improving humanitarian conditions, many civilians remain in danger," Biden stated in the memorandum. "Therefore, I am directing the deferral of removal of certain Lebanese nationals who are present in the United States."The deferral applies to Lebanese nationals present in the US on the date of the memorandum, with several exceptions. Those excluded from this protection include individuals who have returned to Lebanon voluntarily after the memorandum's date, those who have not continuously resided in the US, and those who are inadmissible under specific sections of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Additionally, individuals convicted of felonies or multiple misdemeanors, those subject to extradition, and those deemed a danger to public safety or adverse to US interests are also excluded. Biden emphasized that this decision aligns with the foreign policy interests of the United States. The memorandum directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to take appropriate measures, including authorizing employment for noncitizens whose removal has been deferred. The memorandum also advises considering the suspension of regulatory requirements for F-1 nonimmigrant students who are Lebanese nationals. The Secretary of Homeland Security has been instructed to publish this directive in the Federal Register to ensure its implementation.

Border clashes between Hezbollah and Israel continued on Friday.
This Is Beirut/July 26/2024
Israeli warplanes destroyed one house and damaged three others in an attack on the outskirts of Markaba, killing two Hezbollah fighters. Both had apparently succumbed to wounds they had sustained. The pro-Iranian group first announced the death of one combatant, identified as Abbas Hammoud, code-named “Amir”, from Markaba. It later said another combatant, Fadel Noureddine, was also killed in the raid. Earlier, Hezbollah reported targeting the technical system of the Israeli Ramya site with a guided missile, resulting in its destruction. It also claimed responsibility for an attack on Israeli soldiers moving through the Hadab Yaroun site in the morning. Hezbollah’s air defense units had previously fired anti-aircraft missiles at Israeli fighter jets flying over southern Lebanon. The planes had to “withdraw from Lebanese airspace,” according to a statement issued by the group on Thursday night.
Then, shortly after midnight, Israeli military aircraft attacked the outskirts of Aita al-Shaab, targeting an uninhabited house, before targeting the village with two missiles. Israeli MK spy planes also carried out reconnaissance flights over the Hasbaya caza, including Mount Hermon, and overflew the Beqaa Valley and the Iqlim al-Tuffah region.

Israeli general says any Lebanon attack will be 'decisive and conclusive'
Naharnet/July 26/2024
The commander of the Israeli army’s northern command, Major General Uri Gordin, visited the Golani Brigade's combat squad this week, the Israeli army said on Friday. "We are committed to changing the security situation here in the north," said Gordin, adding that "all the residents of Metula and all the residents of the north will be able to return to their homes.”“We have already eliminated more than 500 terrorists in Lebanon, the great majority of them from Hezbollah, and we have destroyed thousands of infrastructures," he added. “When the moment comes and we go on the attack, it will be a decisive and conclusive attack … This attack should be done in a very, very high-quality way," Gordin went on to say.

Report: Western diplomat tells Lebanon escalation and pacification chances equal
Naharnet/July 26/2024
A Western diplomat has told Lebanese officials that the chances of escalation and pacification between Israel and Hezbollah are “still equal,” a media report said. “The U.S. administration is trying to impose a low-intensity status quo in the region pending the (U.S.) presidential vote, after which the files can be permanently settled,” the Western diplomat told ad-Diyar newspaper in remarks published Friday. “The roadmap involves the implementation of the first phase of the Gaza agreement and extending negotiations over the second phase until November. This will include a ceasefire that applies to the front in south Lebanon and preserves the lives of the Israeli captives, after which the focus can become on the day-after period in Gaza and on all fronts,” the diplomat added. Israel’s Maariv newspaper meanwhile reported that the political class in Israel, both the ruling coalition and the opposition, are convinced that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is inclined to strike a deal with Hamas, which will “begin in August and last until the beginning of (Donald) Trump’s term.”

Hezbollah fighter killed in strike on Markaba
Naharnet/July 26/2024
Hezbollah targeted Friday Ramia and Hadb Yaroun in north Israel and fired overnight anti-aircraft missiles at Israeli warplanes in south Lebanon forcing them to retreat beyond the border. The group said it targeted technical equipment in the Ramia post and soldiers in the Hadb Yaroun post, in support of Gaza. It later targeted two posts in the occupied Shebaa Farms and Kfarshouba Heights. Israeli warplanes had raided overnight a house in the outskirts of Aita al-Shaab in south Lebanon and struck Friday morning the outskirts of Markaba, reportedly killing at least one person. Hezbollah announced the death of one of its fighters, Abbas Hammoud, from Markaba, "on the road to Jerusalem" and said it targeted buildings used by soldiers in Shtula in response to attacks on civilians in south Lebanon and to the overnight strike on Aita al-Shaab. On Thursday, Hezbollah attacked an Israeli military base in Neve Ziv in northern Israel with explosive drones after one of its members was killed in an Israeli airstrike in the southern town of Rab Tlaine. Since early October, Israeli strikes in Lebanon have killed more than 450 people, mostly Hezbollah members, but also around 90 civilians and noncombatants. On the Israeli side, 21 soldiers and 13 civilians have been killed.

Mikati in Paris for Olympics, talks with world leaders
Naharnet/July 26/2024
Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati has arrived in Paris to represent Lebanon at the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games that will witness the attendance of the leaders and representatives of 120 countries. According to al-Joumhouria newspaper, Mikati will meet on the sidelines of the event with French President Emmanuel Macron and a number of Arab and foreign leaders. “The situation in Lebanon and means to halt the Israeli attacks by compelling Israel to abide by U.N. resolution 1701 will be the main topics during these meetings, especially amid the Israeli threat to wage a broad war on Lebanon,” the daily said.

Hezbollah “Forces an Israeli Plane to Retreat”: Khaled Hamade Clarifies
Élie-Joe Kamel/This Is Beirut/July 26/2024
Hezbollah’s air defense units “fired an anti-aircraft missile” at Israeli warplanes flying over south Lebanon”, forcing them “to retreat from the Lebanese airspace”, according to a communiqué published by Hezbollah on the night of Thursday to Friday. Is it a game changer or an incident that can be exploited politically by Hezbollah? Contacted by This Is Beirut, retired army general and general director of Regional Forum Consultancy and Studies (RFSC), Khaled Hamade, believes that “a simple communiqué would not be enough to substantiate Hezbollah’s declaration, given especially that the Americans and Israelis mentioned nothing about it.”Hamade said. “We have no information on the type of missile used or its capacity when it comes to the defense of the Lebanese airspace.” In this same context, the retired general explained that “state-of-the-art missiles, which should normally be a threat to the Israeli air force, are part of a radar and electronic jamming system. Therefore, they cannot be easily concealed.” Additionally, General Hamade highlighted that “some modern planes can hit their target hundreds of kilometers away. Israel (that owns these planes) can hence hit targets in Lebanon from the Western Mediterranean.” He asked the following question: “Can such an anti-aircraft missile endanger such planes from so long a distance? We don’t know that, the answer to this question requires a good deal of objectivity and restraint. We should wait and see if a similar incident occurs again, and if this type of missile will really be a game changer.”General Hamade also wonders if Tehran possesses missiles that are able to counter the threat of Israeli and American jet fighters, known to be the most efficient in the region. He states that Russia (Iran’s ally in Syria and Ukraine) has such means; radars and a big number of anti-aircraft missiles whose efficacy was tested on the battlefields of Ukraine. But would Moscow hand them over to the Islamic Republic? If it does, would it want to see them used by Hezbollah? Hamade answered all these questions by saying “In any case, if Russia intended to arm Hezbollah with such weapons, it would have rather given them to the Revolutionary Guard or the Syrian regime, knowing that the Israeli air force regularly bombs targets in Syria.” All things considered, using these weapons requires the Kremlin’s approval, which applies to Lebanon.”Following the same logic, Hamade is convinced that this incident is “exploitable” locally. He said that party statements made to the media aim to show that Hezbollah is capable of “protecting” Lebanon and bring about positive change in its struggle against Israel. The second aim is to rally more people to its cause. Finally, General Hamade insisted that “it is still too early to determine whether the incident and these weapons can change the game; objectivity and rigor remain an imperative.”

Israeli Military Prepares for “Decisive Offensive” Against Hezbollah
This Is Beirut/July 26/2024
The Israeli military is gearing up for a “decisive offensive” against Hezbollah, according to Major General Ori Gordin, the commanding officer in the country’s north. This comes after months of deadly exchanges across the border, which intensified following the October 7 attack by Hamas on southern Israel, sparking the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip. Gordin stated that Israeli forces have eliminated “more than 500 terrorists in Lebanon, the majority of whom were Hezbollah militants.”According to an AFP count, the nine months of violence have resulted in at least 523 deaths in Lebanon, including 342 Hezbollah militants and 104 civilians. However, Gordin did not address the civilian casualties. In northern Israel, at least 18 soldiers and 13 civilians have been killed, according to the Israeli military. The war has largely been confined to border areas, displacing tens of thousands of residents on both sides. Gordin noted that the Israeli military has destroyed thousands of targets across the border and that troops are now preparing “for the transition to offense.” He emphasized that when the offensive begins, it will be decisive. To recall, Hezbollah launched attacks on Israel in support of Hamas on October 8. The escalating violence and failed mediation efforts have raised concerns about a full-scale war on the southern front, reminiscent of the 2006 war. Israel has called for the clearance of Hezbollah militants from parts of southern Lebanon by the UN Security Council resolution that ended the 2006 war.

The Countdown Is On! Summer's Most Awaited Event: Miss Lebanon, Live Tomorrow at 8:30 PM on LBCI and lbcgroup.tv
LBCI/July 26/2024
The countdown is on for one of the year's most anticipated events: the Miss Lebanon pageant. Tune in live on LBCI and our website tomorrow, Saturday, July 27, 2024, at 8:30 pm local time. This spectacular evening will feature special performances by the renowned Lebanese singer, Elissa, who will enchant the audience with a selection of her most beautiful songs. Held at Beirut's Seaside Arena, the pageant will showcase contestants from all corners of Lebanon, highlighting the diverse beauty and talent of our nation. The current Miss Lebanon, Yasmina Zaytoun, who has also been crowned Miss World Asia 2024 and first runner-up at the 71st Miss World, will pass on her crown to the new winner. The stunning crown, crafted by the globally renowned luxury jeweler Mouawad, bestows upon this year's winner the esteemed role of an ambassador of hope. Designed by Robert Mouawad, the "Cedar of Hope" crown is inspired by Lebanese culture, symbolizing resilience, unity, and unwavering optimism. It is noteworthy that the last Miss Lebanon competition was held in 2022, during which Yasmina Zaytoun was crowned the winner. Yasmina has since brought international recognition to Lebanon with her success at the Miss World pageant. Don't miss this unforgettable evening of elegance, beauty, and cultural pride.

Gaza’s ancient Christian monastery gets ‘danger listing’ at UNESCO session in India
Sanjay Kumar/Arab News/July 26, 2024
NEW DELHI: An ancient Christian monastery in Gaza was recognized as a World Heritage in Danger site during a UNESCO session in New Delhi on Friday. Founded in about 340 by Saint Hilarion, the monastery is part of Tell Umm Amer, an archaeological site located in the Nuseirat refugee camp of Gaza’s Deir Al-Balah governorate. Submitted for inscription by the Permanent Delegation of Palestine to UNESCO in 2012, its nomination was processed on an emergency basis during the World Heritage Committee’s ongoing annual session. Ambassador Mounir Anastas, Palestine’s permanent delegate to the UN cultural agency, welcomed the inscription as giving hope to the people of Gaza in the wake of the ongoing Israeli attacks, which since October have killed at least 40,000 people and destroyed most of the Palestinian enclave’s infrastructure. “It constitutes a message of hope to our people in Gaza who are fleeing bombing, who have no shelter, no water, no food. Nevertheless, they are committed to protect their heritage because this heritage is part of our people’s memory and history,” Anastas told Arab News on the sidelines of the UNESCO session. The move was submitted by Belgium and sponsored by 18 other members of the World Heritage Committee, who resorted to the emergency procedure provided for in the World Heritage Convention and agreed to inscribe the Saint Hilarion monastery complex on both the World Heritage and World Heritage in Danger lists. Under the terms of the convention, its 195 states parties — including Israel — are barred from directly or indirectly damaging the site and are committed to providing their cooperation for its protection. “Once the site is enshrined on the World Heritage in Danger list, this means that all state parties to the convention are responsible for the protection and promotion of the site,” Mounir said. “And this is also another strong message from the international community to our people in Gaza, saying that the international community did not forget you.”Saint Hilarion was a native of the Gaza region and is considered the father of Palestinian monasticism. His monastery used to be an important station on the crossroads between Egypt, Palestine, Syria and Mesopotamia, and is associated with the phenomenon of monastic desert centers during the Byzantine period. It also bears testimony to Christianity in Gaza. One of the oldest monasteries in the Middle East, the complex consists of two churches, a burial site, a baptism hall, a public cemetery, an audience hall and dining rooms. At least 207 archaeological sites and buildings of cultural and historical significance, out of a total of 320, have been reduced to rubble or severely damaged by Israel’s bombardment of the Gaza Strip over the past 10 months. These include the Orthodox Church of Saint Porphyrios — the world’s third oldest church — the 12th century Great Omari Mosque and nearby Al-Qissariya medieval Old City market, Gaza’s ancient seaport dating to 800 B.C. and a Philistine cemetery dating to the Late Bronze period, 1550-1200 B.C. The destruction of many of the archeological sites was detailed in South Africa’s case against Israel for the crime of genocide at the International Court. of Justice. The case argues that the mass killings and destruction of cultural heritage in Gaza demonstrate the Israeli leadership’s intent to destroy the Palestinian people and their cultural identity.

Fred’s Spirit
Michel Touma/This Is Beirut/July 26/2024
The inception of Ici Beyrouth, along with the unique concept of this young media outlet, are inextricably linked to the lasting impact of Frédéric Domont. From its very beginning, he infused his vision into this venture, which started from scratch and swiftly became a prominent presence in the media landscape in less than three years. As a true visionary, Fred channeled his exceptional energy, unparalleled enthusiasm and passion for the profession to make this journalistic dream come true with a small group of veterans in record time. Preparations were initiated under his leadership at the beginning of 2021. With a sharp sense of clarity, he defined the project’s vocation, direction and stakes addressing both political and professional challenges without any unnecessary embellishments. Politically, he consistently emphasized the importance of unwavering and unequivocal dedication from the Ici Beyrouth team to the principles of sovereignty and independence. Though French by birth, Fred had Lebanon in his blood; he embraced his Lebanese identity daily and took pride in his naturalization by presidential decree. It was thus fitting that he chose Lebanon for his final resting place, particularly Bikfaya, a place he deeply cherished for both personal and emotional reasons. For Frédéric Domont, the second major challenge of our venture was also of a professional nature. He envisioned the new media outlet as a transformative force in the media landscape in Lebanon. In his view, Ici Beyrouth had to be a “global media” outlet, one that seamlessly blended two distinct yet complementary worlds: print journalism and audiovisual media. This was further enhanced by integrating the unique and equally valuable aspects of social media and graphic design. To achieve this, he aimed to build the media platform from its inception on two pillars: the seasoned expertise of Marc Saïkali in television and broadcasting, and the core of veteran print journalists with long-standing careers in Francophone media. It was this innovative blend of these two media worlds — masterfully conceived and implemented by Frédéric Domont and the founding team — that enabled Ici Beyrouth to gain impressive momentum from the outset, despite the inherent challenges and setbacks of the industry. His untimely passing is a tremendous loss for Ici Beyrouth. May his legacy, from the heavens, continue to inspire with a virtuous vision and his spirit guide this young media venture as it navigates the complexities of a region and country undergoing significant transformation. His enduring influence remains crucial to overcoming the many professional, human and political challenges ahead.

Israel is spying on Hezbollah commanders — and killing them one by one
Nabih Bulos/ Los Angeles Times./July 26, 2024
https://eliasbejjaninews.com/2024/07/132511/
The first assassination took two tries. An Israeli drone fired a missile that hit a Renault van in southern Lebanon. When the target, a Hezbollah operative, climbed out and fled into a roadside thicket, a second missile finished the job. —
That same morning, 60 miles to the northeast, another drone struck a Dodge pickup carrying a commander in Jamaah Al-Islamiyah, a Lebanese Sunni Islamist faction allied with Hamas and Hezbollah.
The third assassination took place that night, when a missile slammed into a three-story building in the town of Jmaijmeh, killing Ali Maatouq, a senior commander with Hezbollah's elite Radwan force.
The three hits last week were part of a particularly violent day across southern Lebanon, where Hezbollah, the Shiite paramilitary faction and political party, has tussled with Israel for more than nine months. But they were also another salvo in a longer-running intelligence war.
Since Oct. 7 — when Hamas made its brutal attack on southern Israel and Hezbollah launched what it calls a "solidarity campaign" — Israel has picked off some two dozen Hezbollah commanders.
The circumstances around some of the assassinations hint at a major security breach.
In June, Israel killed Sami Taleb Abdullah, the 55-year-old head of Hezbollah's southeastern district, bombing a building in which he and three other operatives were holding a secret meeting. Three weeks later, it felled Mohammad Nimeh Nasser, who commanded the southwestern division, as he was driving in the southern city of Tyre.
Paramount among the questions facing Hezbollah is how Israel managed to identify, track and kill top officers of the group, which has a reputation for high levels of operational security and discipline.
Using its technological edge in intelligence-gathering, Israel has long maintained a vigil over Hezbollah-dominated parts of the country, flying drones, intercepting phone calls and harvesting information on social media.
In years past, it planted spying devices disguised as rocks or pieces of trash and tapped into the secure fiber-optic landline network that Hezbollah built across vast swaths of the country following a 2006 war with Israel.
"It's logical the Resistance will have losses because Israel has satellites, spying technologies and the cooperation of intelligence services from other countries," said Gen. Mounir Shehadeh, who has served as the Lebanese government's coordinator to the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Lebanon. The term "Resistance" refers to a pro-Iranian network of governments and various factions — including Hezbollah — that are arrayed against Israel and the U.S.
Shehadeh said that Israel has obtained landline and cellphone numbers that are not public and has been utilizing voice-print and facial-recognition technologies to track targets.
Still, Hezbollah has managed to reduce Israel's success rate to what he described as "an acceptable level of losses," he said.
In Hezbollah-dominated areas of the capital, the eastern Bekaa valley and the country's south, the group has told residents to turn off online connections with security cameras in front of their homes for fear they could be hacked. It broadcast instructions for people to refrain taking and posting photos with their smartphones. And for its own cadres and their families, it prohibited smartphone use entirely, ordering them instead to rely on pagers, couriers and coded messages through its landline network.
"Turn it off ... put it in a steel box and lock it in there for a week, two weeks, a month," said Hezbollah General Secretary Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah in a speech in February. "God knows how long this situation will last."
Hezbollah has also enhanced the security of its landline network since a recent hack was blamed for at least two assassinations, according to a Lebanese security source who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
That Israel has managed to detect and kill cadres despite those countermeasures has raised suspicions of spies in Hezbollah's midst.
With Lebanon's economy since 2019 all but paralyzed by a years-long inflation crisis that wiped out much of people's savings, it would not be difficult to recruit agents with financial incentives.
Lebanese authorities say they have made several arrests amid a spike in intelligence-gathering attempts.
Many of those who have been apprehended became ensnared with they responded to social media ads for jobs at a supposed real estate company and then agreed to photograph certain sites — initially nothing sensitive, but eventually more restricted areas such as the Dahieh, the Beirut suburb where Hezbollah is headquartered. One suspect was caught late last year conducting 3-D mapping of streets there along with radio spectrum monitoring on behalf of a foreign company which was thought to be an intelligence front.
Foreigners have also been embroiled. Last year, a Russian citizen was caught trying to escape the country after he was recorded on camera trying to break into a Hezbollah-owned building in the Dahieh.
Nevertheless, experts say Israel relies less on human intelligence than it does on electronic eavesdropping.
"The nature of the ongoing war is based on a huge information database Israel is exploiting in its operations," said Ali Al-Amin, an analyst who is critical of Hezbollah.
He added that Hezbollah's security is so tight that Israel would almost have to be getting its information from insiders.
At the same time, Hezbollah has notched up intelligence victories of its own. Over the last nine months, it has methodically attacked Israeli intelligence infrastructure along the border between the two countries, chipping away at Israel's network of monitoring towers, listening devices and surveillance balloons with countless little attacks that have in turn degraded the defensive capabilities of the Iron Dome and other systems.
On Wednesday, Hezbollah released a nine-minute video that it says was shot this month from an Iranian-made drone that flew over Israel's Ramat David air base, some 30 miles from the border. The video highlights a series of potential military targets — including rows of Apache and Panther helicopters, C-130 transport planes, repair depots and other logistics areas — and provide the name and a photograph of the base commander.
Israeli authorities downplayed the significance of the video, with an army spokesman writing on X that "the images published by Hezbollah were captured by an exclusively photographic drone. The activity of the air base was not affected."
"The air force is working in every way to protect the skies over the State of Israel," he wrote.
Since early October, when Hezbollah began launching attacks into northern Israel and Israel retaliated, nearly 400 Hezbollah members and more than 100 Lebanese civilians have died in the fighting. Some 90,000 people in Lebanon were forced to flee their homes. On the Israeli side, 21 soldiers and 13 civilians have been killed, and around 60,000 people have been displaced.
Los Angeles Times.

The Latest English LCCC Miscellaneous Reports And News published on July 26-27/2024
France's high-speed rail network hit by arson attacks hours before Olympics
Associated Press/July 26, 2024
Arsonists attacked France's high-speed rail network early Friday, setting fires that paralyzed train travel to Paris for some 800,000 people across Europe, including athletes heading to the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games. Targeting remote locations far from the capital, the apparently coordinated attacks sought to cut off rail routes into the city from all directions. The fires were predominantly set in pipes containing critical signaling cables for the system known as the TGV. There were no reports of injuries. Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo said the damage would not affect the ceremony in which 7,000 Olympic athletes were due to sail down the Seine past iconic Parisian monuments such as Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum and the Musee d'Orsay. Fires were reported before dawn near the tracks on three separate lines, causing widespread disruptions. Another arson attempt, in the south in Vergigny, was thwarted by rail agents who scared off several suspects. French authorities did not publicly comment on who might have carried out the attacks or why; none of them said the sabotage was directly related to the Games. Prime Minister Gabriel Attal said intelligence services were mobilized to find the arsonists, whose attacks he described as "premeditated" and "calculated."The evidence indicates "a desire to seriously harm" the French people, said the CEO of national railway company SNCF, Jean-Pierre Farandou, who estimated the number of customers affected at 800,000. "The places were especially chosen to have the most serious impact, since each fire cut off two lines."
The rail company said in a statement Friday evening that it would ensure transport for all Olympic delegations, without elaborating. It stepped up ground and air surveillance, including with 50 drones. Prosecutors in Paris opened a national investigation, saying the crimes included property damage threatening the nation's "fundamental interests" and could carry prison sentences of up to 20 years. "Disturbing such a festival of peace with acts of violence can never be accepted and demands the most determined rejection," German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said in Paris. Two out of four trains carrying athletes to Paris on the western line were stopped hours before the opening ceremony, an SNCF official said. Two German athletes who were on a Paris-bound train for the opening ceremony had to turn back in Belgium because of the closures, German news agency dpa reported. Repairs were being made as police conducted forensic tests. "We have to repair cable by cable, so it's very meticulous work," Farandou said. French Transport Minister Patrice Vergriete said train traffic began to resume in the afternoon. Rail officials said they expected most trains to be working again Saturday, with possible delays. Some disruptions were likely to continue into Sunday. The attack occurred against a backdrop of global tensions and heightened security measures as the city prepared for the Games. French authorities have said they foiled several plots to disrupt the Olympics, including arresting a Russian man on suspicion of planning to destabilize the games.
Earlier this week, French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said about 1,000 people suspected of possibly meddling on behalf of a foreign power have been blocked from attending the Games. Among those blocked were people suspected of Islamic radicalization or left- or right-wing political extremism, or who had significant criminal records, he said. Although he has repeatedly pointed to suspicions of Russia-backed interference, Darmanin added that such threats have also come from other countries that he did not name. The Paris police prefecture "concentrated its personnel" in train stations after the attack, Paris Police Chief Laurent Nuñez told France Info television. In the capital, 35,000 police officers are being deployed each day for the Olympics, with a peak of 45,000 for the opening ceremony. Paris has been the target of deadly terror attacks in the past decade, and some French officials saw the Games as a chance for the nation to heal from years of trauma.
The disruptions hit Paris' Montparnasse station particularly hard. In the station's crowded hall, Maiwenn Labbé-Sorin said she spent hours stranded on a train before it doubled back to Paris. "We stayed two hours without water, without toilets, without electricity," she said. "Then we could go out on the track for a bit, and then the train returned. Now I'm not sure what's going to happen." Many passengers at the Gare du Nord, one of Europe's busiest train stations, sought answers and solutions on Friday morning. All eyes were on the central message boards as most services to northern France, Belgium and the United Kingdom were delayed. Germany's national railway operator, Deutsche Bahn, said there also were short-notice cancellations and delays between France and Germany. Prominent French cartoonist Plantu found inspiration in the rail network's quick response. He posted a cartoon on Instagram depicting the first three Olympics gold medals going to SNCF agents. Three agents were sketched on the Olympic podium, holding cables and trains, with dangling gold medallions around their necks. Also Friday, the French airport of Basel-Mulhouse on the border with Germany and Switzerland was evacuated in the morning and shut down briefly "for safety reasons," the airport said. It wasn't clear whether there was a connection to the rail attacks.

Gaza mediators, Israel spy chief to meet in Rome: Egypt media
AFP/July 27, 2024
CAIRO: Egyptian, Qatari and US mediators are to meet with Israeli negotiators in the Italian capital Sunday in the latest push for a Gaza truce, Egyptian state-linked media said. “A four-way meeting between Egyptian officials and their American and Qatari counterparts, in the presence of Israel’s intelligence chief, will be held in Rome on Sunday to reach an agreement on a truce in Gaza,” Al-Qahera news, which has links to Egyptian intelligence, reported on Friday, citing a “senior official” who was not identified. Egypt, along with Qatar and the United States, has been involved in months of mediation efforts aimed at ending the Israel-Hamas war raging in the Gaza Strip for more than nine months. The proposed truce deal would be linked to the release of hostages held by Gaza militants in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israel. US news outlet Axios separately reported that CIA Director Bill Burns is expected to hold talks on the issue in Rome on Sunday with Israeli, Qatari and Egyptian officials. The official quoted by Al-Qahera News said Egypt insists on “an immediate ceasefire” as part of the agreement, which should also “ensure the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza” and “safeguard the freedom of movement” of civilians in the Palestinian territory. Cairo would also like to see a “complete (Israeli) withdrawal from the Rafah crossing” connecting Gaza to Egypt, the official added. Recent mediation efforts have focused on a framework which US President Joe Biden presented in late May, billing it an Israeli proposal.
On Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed Congress, pleading for continued US support, before meeting with Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. Harris, the presumptive Democratic nominee in the US presidential election later this year, said after the meeting she would not be “silent” on the suffering in Gaza and that it was time to end the “devastating” conflict. The Gaza war began after Hamas’s October 7 attack on southern Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,197 people, most of them civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures. Out of 251 people taken hostage that day, 111 are still held in the Gaza Strip, including 39 the military says are dead. Israel launched a retaliatory campaign against Gaza rulers Hamas, killing at least 39,175 people in the territory, according to its health ministry, which does not give details of civilian and militant deaths.

With nowhere else to hide, Gazans shelter in former prison
Hatem Khaled/GAZA (Reuters) /July 26, 2024
After weeks of Israeli bombardment left them with nowhere else to go, hundreds of Palestinians have ended up in a former Gaza prison built to hold murderers and thieves. Yasmeen al-Dardasi said she and her family passed wounded people they were unable to help as they evacuated from a district in the southern city of Khan Younis towards its Central Correction and Rehabilitation Facility. They spent a day under a tree before moving on to the former prison, where they now live in a prayer room. It offers protection from the blistering sun, but not much else. Dardasi's husband has a damaged kidney and just one lung, but no mattress or blanket. "We are not settled here either," said Dardasi, who like many Palestinians fears she will be uprooted once again. Israel has said it goes out of its way to protect civilians in its war with the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which runs Gaza and led the attack on Israel on Oct. 7 that sparked the latest conflict. Palestinians, many of whom have been displaced several times, say nowhere is free of Israeli bombardment, which has reduced much of Gaza to rubble. An Israeli air strike killed at least 90 Palestinians in a designated humanitarian zone in the Al-Mawasi area on July 13, the territory's health ministry said, in an attack that Israel said targeted Hamas' elusive military chief Mohammed Deif. On Thursday, Gaza's health ministry said Israeli military strikes on areas in eastern Khan Younis had killed 14 people. Entire neighbourhoods have been flattened in one of the most densely populated places in the world, where poverty and unemployment have long been widespread. According to the United Nations, nine in ten people across Gaza are now internally displaced. Israeli soldiers told Saria Abu Mustafa and her family that they should flee for safety as tanks were on their way, she said. The family had no time to change so they left in their prayer clothes. After sleeping outside on sandy ground, they too found refuge in the prison, among piles of rubble and gaping holes in buildings from the battles which were fought there. Inmates had been released long before Israel attacked. "We didn't take anything with us. We came here on foot, with children walking with us," she said, adding that many of the women had five or six children with them and that water was hard to find. She held her niece, who was born during the conflict, which has killed her father and brothers. When Hamas-led gunmen burst into southern Israel from Gaza on Oct. 7 they killed 1,200 people and took more than 250 people hostage, according to Israeli tallies. More than 39,000 Palestinians have been killed in the air and ground offensive Israel launched in response, Palestinian health officials say. Hana Al-Sayed Abu Mustafa arrived at the prison after being displaced six times. If Egyptian, U.S. and Qatari mediators fail to secure a ceasefire they have long said is close, she and other Palestinians may be on the move once again. "Where should we go? All the places that we go to are dangerous," she said.

Israeli troops battle Palestinian fighters in Gaza city of Khan Younis
Reuters/July 26, 2024
Israeli troops battled Palestinian fighters in Khan Younis in southern Gaza and destroyed tunnels and other infrastructure, as they sought to suppress small militant units that have continued to hit troops with mortar fire, the military said on Friday. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) said troops had killed around 100 Palestinian fighters since Israeli troops began their latest operation in Khan Younis on Monday, which continued as pressure mounted for a deal to halt the fighting. It said seven small units that had been firing mortars at the troops were hit in an air strike, while further south, in Rafah, four fighters were also killed in air strikes. The Islamic Jihad armed wing said it fired rockets toward the southern Israeli city of Ashkelon and other Israeli towns near Gaza. No casualties were reported, the Israeli ambulance service said. The continued fighting, more than nine months since the start of Israel's invasion of Gaza following the Oct. 7 attack, underlined the difficulty the IDF has had in eliminating fighters who have reverted to a form of guerrilla warfare in the ruins of the coastal strip. A Telegram channel operated by the armed wings of Hamas and Islamic Jihad, the two main militant groups in Gaza, said fighters had been waging fierce battles with Israeli troops east of Khan Younis with machine guns, mortars and anti-tank weapons. Medics said at least six Palestinians were killed in Israeli strikes in eastern Khan Younis.
U.S. PRESSURE
U.S. President Joe Biden, and Vice President Kamala Harris, the presumptive Democratic Party nominee for president, both urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to agree to a proposed ceasefire deal as soon as possible. However there has been no clear sign of movement in talks to end the fighting and bring home some 115 Israeli and foreign hostages still being held in Gaza. Public statements from Israel and Hamas appear to indicate that serious differences remain between the two sides. Local residents contacted by messenger app, said Israeli tanks had pushed into three towns to the east of Khan Younis, Bani Suhaila, Al-Zanna and Al-Karara and blew up several houses in some residential districts. The military said air force jets hit around 45 targets, including tunnels and two launch pads from which rockets were fired into Beersheba in southern Israel. Even while the fighting continued around Khan Younis and Rafah in the south, in the northern part of the enclave, Israeli tanks pushed into the Tel Al-Hawa suburb west of Gaza city, residents said. A Hamas Telegram channel said fighters targeted an Israeli tank in Tal Al-Hawa and shot an Israeli soldier. Medics said two Palestinians were also killed in an air strike in western Gaza city. More than 39,000 Palestinians have been killed in the fighting in Gaza, according to local health authorities, who do not distinguish between fighters and non-combatants. Israeli officials estimate that some 14,000 fighters from militant groups including Hamas and Islamic Jihad, have been killed or taken prisoner, out of a force they estimated to number more than 25,000 at the start of the war.

Hamas leader in West Bank dies in Israeli custody, says Palestinian government body
Reuters/July 26/2024
"From the moment of his arrest, Sheikh Abu Ara, like all prisoners, has faced unprecedented crimes," the reports claim. A Hamas leader in the West Bank allegedly died in Israeli custody after a deterioration in his health condition, a Palestinian governmental body reported early on Friday. Mustafa Muhammad Abu Ara, 63, reportedly died after being transferred to a hospital from the Ramon jail in southern Israel, the Palestinian Commission of Detainees Affairs said in a statement. "Before his arrest, he was suffering from serious health problems and needed intensive medical follow-up. However, from the moment of his arrest, Sheikh Abu Ara, like all prisoners, has faced unprecedented crimes ... since the beginning of the war of extermination."
Reports of torture
Abu Ara, who was arrested in October last year, was reportedly subjected to torture and deprived of medical treatment, the Palestinian body said. There was no immediate comment from Israel. At least 18 Palestinians have died in Israeli custody since the start of the Gaza war on Oct. 7, the Palestinian Prisoners Association said last month.

Location of hostage bodies rescued on Thursday came from interrogation, says Shin Bet
Jerusalem Post/July 26/2024
"This was an operation that arose from intelligence deriving from Shin Bet investigations, carried out by investigators at detention facilities." The recovery of the bodies of five hostages from Gaza on Thursday was based on intelligence taken from interrogations of terrorists, Yossi Amrosi, a former senior Shin Bet officer, told Maariv on Friday morning.  During the operation, the bodies of three civilians and two soldiers who were taken hostage on October 7 were recovered from Khan Yunis. Amrosi said that "this was an operation that arose from intelligence deriving from Shin Bet investigations, carried out by investigators at detention facilities. In this war, there are a high number of detainees, and for the Shin Bet, it's like an intelligence treasure trove." He explained that Shin Bet translated the intelligence "very quickly" into "high-quality intelligence that would help the IDF soldiers in the field." He claimed the interrogations by the investigators led to the precise location of the five bodies. "There is no doubt that these interrogations bring high-quality data," he says, adding that seven hostages have been rescued alive as a result, referring to the separate rescues on 8 June, 12 Feb, and 30 Oct. Speaking on the role of the interrogators, Amrosi said: "Terrorists who two days ago were fighting you in the field and are now suddenly brought to the facilities, and the interrogators must use many methods and tricks to make them speak. It is very satisfying. You are an investigator of a Gazan terrorist, so of course, the first thing you will ask him is what he knows about the hostages." Amrosi claimed that "Hamas gets 'hit' by the IDF and the Shin Bet every day" and that he believed "military pressure is beneficial." As examples, he said "We conquered Rafah, we control the Philadelphi Route, we constantly locate tunnels to Egypt." Amrosi noted that "the moment the IDF told the population to leave that area [Khan Yunis], everyone left, including the terrorists, leaving the bodies unattended. Therefore, I strongly believe that the IDF is determined." "We will continue the work and will not give up until we reach all the hostages, both the living and the dead," he promised.
'Mission of our lives'
Separately, on their Instagram page, Shabak posted extra details about the operation. B, a Shin Bet officer who took part in the operation said "It is hard to describe in words how it feels to be part of such an operation." He spoke of the multiple parties involved in obtaining such a precise location: "investigators, coordinators, field agents and operators, desk officers, producers, intelligence personnel, IDF forces, and others. "The sense of responsibility, the gravity of the moment, the understanding of the mission's importance—all of it converges into one moment where you realize you are in the right place," they continued. "Returning the hostages, the fallen, and the living—this is the mission of our lives."

'Now for the best part': Trump, Netanyahu meet at former US president's Florida resort
Itamar Eichner/ynet news/Washington/July 26/2024
PM and former US president hold private meeting at Mar-a-Lago, closed to the press; key topics on the agenda include the Gaza war and the potential normalization of relations with Saudi Arabia. The meeting at Mar-a-Lago was closed to the press. Reporters accompanying Netanyahu in Washington were not invited, and Netanyahu flew from the capital to Florida on the Wing of Zion plane a few hours before the meeting. Meanwhile, pro-Palestinian protesters gathered in Palm Beach, where the estate is located, to protest against Netanyahu In a photo released by the Prime Minister's Office, Netanyahu is seen standing beside Trump, holding a blue hat with the inscription "Total Victory" in English, a phrase he often uses when addressing the war in Gaza. Netanyahu faces a challenging diplomatic landscape as he navigates between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, both of whom seek a swift resolution to the Gaza war. Trump's Republican candidacy further complicates matters, given his ideological opposition to prolonged wars. This places Netanyahu in a precarious position as he seeks to maintain legitimacy while continuing the war. A critical task for Netanyahu is to mend his relationship with Trump, who has previously insulted him, calling him a "loser." Earlier this month, Netanyahu made an effort to reconcile by congratulating Trump on the Fourth of July during a phone call. However, tensions remain, with Trump holding grudges over Netanyahu's quick acknowledgment of President Joe Biden's election victory in 2020 and perceived failure to credit Trump for the expedited delivery of COVID-19 vaccines to Israel. Another significant challenge for Netanyahu is advancing normalization with Saudi Arabia in the remaining months of Biden's presidency. The question remains whether Trump, if reelected, would support this move, given that it aligns with the Abraham Accords initiated during his administration. It might be strategically beneficial for Trump to delay such normalization until his potential return to office. On Thursday, Trump reiterated his stance, urging for a swift end to the war with Hamas. In an interview with Fox News, he emphasized that "Israel must finish the war with Hamas quickly and bring back the hostages." He also criticized protesters in Washington who opposed Netanyahu's address to Congress, while advising that "Israel needs to manage its public relations better worldwide."
Insults, criticism and calls for ouster. In October last year, Trump sharply criticized Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Israeli intelligence for their handling of the crisis. Just five days after the October 7 attack, Trump remarked that "Israel was not prepared" and expressed his disappointment in Netanyahu. During a speech in Palm Beach, Trump recalled the 2020 assassination of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, alleging that Netanyahu refused to assist the U.S. in the operation. "I will never forget that Bibi Netanyahu let us down. That was a terrible thing. We were very disappointed, but we did the job ourselves, and it was a precise, great, wonderful job. And then Bibi tried to take credit for it. That didn’t make me feel good, but that's okay."
Trump also targeted Gallant amid rising tensions with Hezbollah, criticizing him for a perceived display of weakness. "Hezbollah is very smart, and they (Israel) have some defense minister or something who says – I hope Hezbollah doesn’t attack us from the north. Who ever heard of an idiot saying something like that?"The next day, Rolling Stone magazine reported that Trump had privately called for Netanyahu's removal. According to the report, Trump advocated for Netanyahu's ouster in multiple phone calls with pro-Israel Republican figures following the Hamas terror attack.
The report, based on two sources familiar with the conversations, claimed that Trump suggested the Knesset should "impeach" Netanyahu because the attack occurred under his leadership. Trump reportedly expressed a preference that Netanyahu not be prime minister if he were to return to office in January 2025.
In December 2021, it was revealed that Trump was furious with Netanyahu for congratulating Joe Biden on his election victory. In an interview with journalist Barak Ravid for the book Trump's Peace, Trump said, "I really liked Bibi Netanyahu. There was no one who did more for Bibi than me. There was no one who did more for Israel than me. But the elections in this country were stolen and rigged. And the first person who ran to congratulate Joe Biden was Netanyahu."
Trump, who even cursed Netanyahu, claimed he hadn't spoken to him since. "I loved Bibi. I still love Bibi. But I also love loyalty," he said, adding, "He made a terrible mistake. I was personally disappointed with him. The elections here were controversial. They are still controversial. So Netanyahu, before the ink was even dry, records a congratulatory message to Joe Biden? It was early. Okay? Let's put it this way - he congratulated him very early. Earlier than most world leaders. I haven't spoken to him since. Fuck him."

Israel slams UN expert over Hitler-Netanyahu comparison
Associated Press/July 26, 2024
Israel on Friday slammed a U.N. rights expert for "anti-Semitism" after she endorsed a social media post comparing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Adolf Hitler. Francesca Albanese, the United Nations special rapporteur on the rights situation in the Palestinian territories, has faced harsh criticism from Israel previously, especially after she in March accused the country of committing genocide in the war in Gaza. On Thursday, she responded to a post on X, formerly Twitter, displaying a picture of Hitler being celebrated by a crowd with Nazi salutes and cheers above a shot of Netanyahu appearing to be greeted by U.S. congressmen this week. "History is always watching," Craig Mokhiber, a former U.N. human rights official who resigned late last October accusing the world body of failing to prevent the "genocide" of Palestinian civilians in Gaza, wrote in the post. "This is precisely what I was thinking today," Albanese, an independent expert appointed by the U.N. Human Rights Council in 2022 but who does not speak on behalf of the United Nations, said in her response on Thursday. Israel's foreign ministry was quick to respond, slamming her on X as being "beyond redemption". "It is inconceivable that (Albanese) is still allowed to use the U.N. as a shield to spread anti-Semitism," it said. Israel's mission to the U.N. in Geneva also chimed in. "When a current U.N. 'expert' endorses Holocaust distortion spread by the former (UN rights office) director in New York... the system is rotten to its core," it said. Israel's new ambassador in Geneva, Daniel Meron, used the same hashtag, decrying that "Francesca Albanese abuses her (U.N.) title to spread hatred and inflammatory rhetoric". Israel's top ally the United States also weighed in. "UN Special Rapporteur’s comparison of Benjamin Netanyahu to Adolf Hitler is reprehensible and antisemitic," U.S. ambassador to the U.N. Human Rights Council in Geneva Michele Taylor said on X. "There should be no place for such dehumanizing rhetoric. Special rapporteurs should be striving to improve human rights challenges, not inflame them." Albanese on Friday hit back at the criticism, insisting that "the memory of the Holocaust remains intact"."Institutional rants and outburst of selective moral outrage will not stop the course of justice, which is finally in motion."The Hamas attack that started the war on October 7 resulted in the deaths of 1,197 people in Israel, most of them civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures. Out of 251 people taken hostage that day, 111 are still held in Gaza, including 39 the military says are dead. Israel's retaliatory offensive against Hamas has killed at least 39,175 Palestinians in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run territory's health ministry.

Trump welcomes Netanyahu to Mar-a-Lago, mending his relationship with a key political ally
The Associated Press/Ellen Knickmeyer, Jill Colvin And Michelle Price/July 26, 2024
WASHINGTON (AP) — A beaming Donald Trump welcomed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to their first face-to-face meeting in nearly four years on Friday, patching up a political alliance important to both men that had broken down when the Israeli leader offended Trump by being one of the first to congratulate Joe Biden on his 2020 presidential victory. Asked by journalists if his U.S. trip was making progress toward a Gaza cease-fire at home, Netanyahu said, “I hope so,” and added that Israel was eager for an agreement. Netanyahu handed Trump a framed photo that the Israeli leader said showed a child who has been held hostage by Hamas-led militants since the first hours of the war. “We’ll get it taken care of,” Trump assured him. Trump’s campaign said he pledged in the meeting to “make every effort to bring peace to the Middle East” and combat antisemitism on college campuses if American voters elect him to the presidency in November.
Trump was waiting for Netanyahu on the stone steps outside his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, where he warmly clasped the hands of the Israeli leader. Both men have a strong interest in resuming their relationship, including for the political support and luster their alliance brings. “We’ve always had a great relationship,” Trump insisted before journalists. Asked as the two sat down in a muraled room for talks if Netanyahu's trip to Mar-a-Lago was repairing their bond, Trump responded, “It was never bad."As president, Donald Trump went well beyond his predecessors in fulfilling Netanyahu’s top wishes from the United States. Yet by the time Trump left the White House, relations had soured, with Trump publicly criticizing Netanyahu as disloyal despite the other man’s efforts to mend ties. For both men, Friday’s meeting was aimed at highlighting for their home audiences in the United States and Israel their depiction of themselves as strong leaders who have gotten big things done on the world stage, and can again. Netanyahu’s Florida trip followed a fiery address to a joint meeting of Congress on Wednesday that defended his far-right government’s conduct of the war and condemned American protesters galvanized by the killing of more than 39,000 Palestinians in the conflict.
On Thursday, Netanyahu had met in Washington with Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. Both pressed the Israeli leader to work quickly to wrap up a deal to bring a cease-fire and release hostages. Netanyahu is increasingly accused at home of prolonging the war to stave off the collapse of his government when the conflict ends. For Trump, now the Republican presidential nominee, the meeting was a chance to be cast as an ally and statesman, as well as to sharpen efforts by Republicans to portray themselves as the party most loyal to Israel. D ivisions among Americans over U.S. support for Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza have opened cracks in years of strong bipartisan backing for Israel, the biggest recipient of U.S. aid. For Netanyahu, repairing relations with Trump is imperative given the prospect that Trump may once again become president of the United States, which is Israel’s vital arms supplier and protector. One political gamble for Netanyahu is whether he could get more of the terms he wants in any deal on a Gaza cease-fire and hostage release, and in his much hoped-for closing of a normalization deal with Saudi Arabia, if he waits out the Biden administration in hopes that Trump wins. “Benjamin Netanyahu has spent much of his career in the last two decades in tethering himself to the Republican Party,” said Aaron David Miller, a former U.S. diplomat for Arab-Israeli negotiations, now a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
For the next six months, that means “mending ties with an irascible, angry president," Miller said, meaning Trump. Trump broke off with Netanyahu in early 2021. That was after the Israeli prime minister became one of the first world leaders to congratulate Biden for his presidential election victory, disregarding Trump's false claim he had won. “Bibi could have stayed quiet,” Trump said in an interview with an Israel newspape back then. “He made a terrible mistake.” Netanyahu and Trump last met at a September 2020 White House signing ceremony for the signature diplomatic achievement of both men’s political careers. It was an accord brokered by the Trump administration in which the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain agreed to establish normal diplomatic relations with Israel. For Israel, it amounted to the two countries formally recognizing it for the first time. It was a major step in what Israel hopes will be an easing of tensions and a broadening of economic ties with its Arab neighbors. In public postings and statements after his break with Netanyahu, Trump portrayed himself as having stuck his neck out for Israel as president, and Netanyahu paying him back with disloyalty.He also has criticized Netanyahu on other points, faulting him as “not prepared” for the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks that started the war in Gaza, for example. In his high-profile speech to Congress on Wednesday, Netanyahu gave recognition to Biden, who has kept up military and diplomatic support for Israel's offensive in Gaza despite opposition from within his Democratic Party. But Netanyahu poured praise on Trump, calling the regional accords Trump helped broker historic and thanking him “for all the things he did for Israel.”Netanyahu listed actions by the Trump administration long-sought by Israeli governments — the U.S. officially saying Israel had sovereignty over the Golan Heights, captured from Syria during a 1967 war; a tougher U.S. policy toward Iran; and Trump declaring Jerusalem the capital of Israel, breaking with longstanding U.S. policy that Jerusalem's status should be decided in Israeli-Palestinian negotiations.
“I appreciated that,” Trump told “Fox & Friends” on Thursday, referring to Netanyahu's praise. He didn't quiet his criticism, however, of Israel's conduct of the war, which has killed more than 39,000 Palestinians. “I want him to finish up and get it done quickly. You gotta get it done quickly, because they are getting decimated with his publicity,” Trump said in Thursday's interview. “Israel is not very good at public relations, I’ll tell you that," he added. Trump has repeatedly urged that Israel with U.S. support “finish the job” in Gaza and destroy Hamas, but he hasn’t elaborated on how.

Canada calls for Israeli response to ICJ advice on occupied Palestinian territory
The Canadian Press/Fri, July 26, 2024
OTTAWA — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is calling for Israel to "respond substantively" to the top United Nations court's recent advisory opinion that Israel's presence in the occupied Palestinian territories is unlawful and that it should end.
The court's non-binding opinion released last week was an unprecedented, sweeping condemnation of Israel's rule over the lands it captured 57 years ago. Trudeau responded to the court's advice as part of a joint statement from Canada, Australia and New Zealand today, calling for the reversal of settlements in the West Bank. The countries also renewed calls for an immediate ceasefire in the conflict between Israel and Hamas that has ravaged the Gaza Strip. They say in the statement that they stand behind a proposed deal outlined by United States President Joe Biden and endorsed by the UN Security Council. Canada, Australia and New Zealand say Hamas must lay down its arms and release all Israeli hostages, and that they see no role for Hamas in the future governance of Gaza.

Russia will have to scale back front lines assaults in 6 weeks due to losses, Ukrainian commander says
Thibault Spirlet/Business Insider/July 26, 2024
Russia will have to scale back front lines assaults in 6 weeks due to losses, Ukrainian commander says. Russia will have to scale back front-line assaults in a month and a half, per a Ukrainian commander. General Oleksandr Pivnenko told Ukrinform that Russia's offensive capabilities are "not unlimited."Moscow has suffered mounting death tolls in Ukraine, in part due to its meat assault attacks. Russia will have to scale back its front lines assaults in a month and a half due to battlefield losses, according to a Ukrainian commander. General Oleksandr Pivnenko, the commander of Ukraine's National Guard, made the assessment to Ukrinform on Thursday. "In another month and a half, they will not be able to conduct active assaults in many directions at once and will switch to defense," he told the outlet, according to a translation by the Kyiv Independent. Pivnenko cited Russian force's "not unlimited" offensive capabilities and the losses they are suffering on the front lines. Russia has suffered mounting deaths since the start of its full-scale invasion in February 2022, in part due to it using waves of troops in head-on "meat assault" attacks. The UK's Ministry of Defence reported in March that Russia averaged nearly 1,000 casualties a day in February, which included both killed and wounded soldiers, likely due to Russia's attritional approach to the fighting. Last year, independent Russian outlets Important Stories and the Conflict Intelligence Team estimated that life expectancy on the battlefield for Russian soldiers was about four and a half months. On Monday, the UK MOD said that Russia's casualty rate reached a high of more than 1,000 losses a day on average in May and June, with that number likely to stay above 1,000 over the next two months as Russia continues to try to overrun Ukrainian positions using large numbers of troops. Despite mounting losses, Russia has been able to reconstitute its manpower and capabilities, according to senior military officials. Martin Herem, the commander of the Estonian Defense Forces, told Bloomberg in January that NATO has significantly underestimated Russia's capacity to replenish its armed forces with personnel and ammunition. And during a talk hosted by the Center for a New American Security in April, Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell said Russia has "almost completely" reformed its military capabilities after taking heavy losses in Ukraine. Pivnenko also said that Russia will replenish its troops, so Ukraine needs to prepare its own reserves and armament. He told Ukrinform that this involves developing training centers, and procuring weapons, military equipment, drones, armored vehicles, air defense systems, man-portable air defense systems, and ammunition. If Ukraine plans "one step ahead of Russia, then everything will be fine," he said.

With Palestinian deal and Ukrainian foreign minister's visit, China shows its rising influence
The Associated Press/Huizhong Wu And Didi Tang/July 26, 2024
In consecutive days this week, China brokered a deal between rival Palestinian factions and hosted Ukraine's foreign minister at a moment when pressure is mounting on the country to negotiate an end to the grinding war there. While it's unclear if the agreement between Hamas and Fatah will succeed where others have failed and there is little concrete progress towards peace in Ukraine, China emerged a winner, further cementing its role as a diplomatic force on the global stage, not just an economic powerhouse. As Beijing and Washington vie for influence around the world, China is increasingly playing a role that had previously been the domain of world powers like the U.S. and Russia. Earlier this month, Western countries called some of China’s activities worrying and labeled Beijing a troublemaker. But the events of this week — and the China-brokered deal last year to reestablish relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia — show that international players are seeking Beijing's help, an acknowledgment that it is a diplomatic force to reckoned with. "China is now offering itself as a broker on the global stage, and countries are responding," said Carla Freeman, a senior expert for China at the United States Institute of Peace. “It’s a recognition — one much sought after by Beijing — that China has international influence and could play a role in improving the outcomes of a diplomatic process.”On Tuesday, Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah agreed in principle to form a government, the latest attempt at resolving a longstanding rivalry that looms over Gaza's future after the war with Israel. Previous similar declarations have failed, but even just getting the parties together in a room was an achievement, said Jon Alterman, senior vice president and director of the Middle East program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
“They say, ‘we did what nobody else could do, nobody saw was possible,’ and that, by itself, represents a victory,” he said.
While Beijing did not publicly offer any concrete steps such as timeline for implementation or money for rebuilding, the deal was another sign that China has influence in the Middle East — and even perhaps room to maneuver that the U.S. might not have, said Danny Russel, vice president for international security and diplomacy at the Asia Society Policy Institute. Hamas officials have said that they see China as a potential counterweight to the U.S., which is a staunch ally of their foe, Israel. “U.S. influence with key Middle East players remains substantial, but there is a new player in the game who is entirely comfortable dealing with Iran and Hamas,” Russel said, referring to the 2023 rapprochement between archrivals Iran and Saudi Arabia, widely seen as a breakthrough. Washington, meanwhile, is grappling with discontent at home over its position on the war in Gaza and its hosting of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this week, and even its allies have doubts about U.S. foreign policy commitments as a presidential race draws closer. Beijing, on the other hand, celebrated. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi exuded confidence in a photo with top representatives of Hamas and Fatah on Tuesday. The Chinese state media tabloid Global Times hailed the Palestinian deal as having “transcendent significance.”
A day later, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba also posed with Wang, and said China has a role to play for peace. The deal will “bring hope and a future to the Palestinian people, and is an important step toward resolving the Palestinian question and achieving peace and stability in the Middle East," said Mao Ning, a spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry, on Wednesday. Though some experts doubt the deal will succeed, Wang Jin, a Chinese scholar specializing in Israeli studies at Northwest University in the city of Xi’an, said the involvement of a non-Western power could inject “new force” into resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In Washington, Matt Miller, spokesperson at the State Department, declined to comment on the declaration itself but said the U.S. has generally encouraged China to “use their influence with countries in the region — especially countries with whom they have a relationship with where we don’t — to discourage any escalation in the conflict.”
China has long sought more power on the global stage, and it became more assertive around 2009, after Beijing successfully hosted the Olympics, an event seen as its global debut as a modern nation. It was a stark shift from former leader Deng Xiaoping's characterization of Beijing's foreign policy approach as “keep a low profile.”The more self-assured, and at times brash, approach has only picked up under leader Xi Jinping, who came to power in 2012. Under Xi, China has urged its diplomats to pursue “major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics” — a call for Beijing to reclaim its historic status as a global power. That has meant signature schemes like the now decade-old Belt and Road Initiative, under which the world's second-largest economy gives loans to developing countries, as well as newer ones like the Global Security Initiative, a call for China to bring its vision to the world's biggest security challenges.
While the Palestinian deal is a symbol of Beijing's new influence in the Middle East, the Ukrainian foreign minister's visit may be tied to the uncertainty the U.S. presidential election could bring for Ukraine, and the recognition that China is one of three major players to engage with, alongside the U.S. and the EU.
“I am convinced that a just peace in Ukraine is in China’s strategic interests, and China’s role as a global force for peace is important,” Kuleba, the highest-ranking Ukrainian official to visit China since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, said Wednesday during the trip.
China is one of Russia's biggest allies, and while it insists that it does not provide military aid to Moscow, it has maintained strong trade ties with its neighbor throughout the conflict. That includes technology that ends up in Russia's arms. But given China's strategic partnership with Russia — and the gradual advance of the Kremlin's forces — Ukraine has carefully courted Beijing, understanding that without its backing any cease-fire deal that benefits Kyiv would likely remain out of reach. Kuleba’s visit was the result of calculation. The foreign minister sought to convince China that deepening ties with Ukraine would not only serve Kyiv’s interests, but feed Beijing’s ambitions to be a serious player on the global stage. “Going forward, if there is to be peace at all, the Ukrainians realized that China cannot be left out of the equation,” said James Char, a research fellow at the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. Derek Grossman, a senior analyst at the RAND Corporation think tank, said while Beijing’s influence is increasing, it has a much more cautious approach than the U.S. For now, that could slow its rise. “The last 12 years have shown that China is now a great power in the world,” said Grossman. But even while they want to build up their influence everywhere, “they don’t want the burdens of having influence everywhere.”

Barack and Michelle Obama endorse Kamala Harris: 'This is going to be historic.'
Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA TODAY/July 26, 2024
A long-awaited endorsement from the former president for Vice President Kamala Harris to be the Democratic Party’s nominee for president finally arrived Friday. Harris had racked up a series of endorsements since President Joe Biden withdrew from his reelection bid after his debacle of a debate performance, but Obama was the last prominent Democrat who hadn't weighed in. In a video endorsement released Friday, Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama are shown calling Harris together to offer their support. “Aw. Hi, you’re both together! Oh, it’s good to hear you both,” says Harris, dressed in a beige suit and wearing a gold link chain. “I can’t have this phone call without saying to my girl Kamala: I am proud of you. This is going to be historic,” the former first lady says. The Obamas made history themselves 16 years ago when Barack Obama became the first person of color to be elected president of the United States. If elected, Harris, who is Black and Asian Indian, would be the first woman to win the White House. “We called to say, Michelle and I couldn’t be prouder to endorse you and do everything we can to get you through this election and into the Oval Office,” Barack Obama said.
After Biden dropped out, Harris quickly secured enough Democratic National Committee delegates to become the presumptive Democratic nominee and coalesced the party's establishment behind her. Though Obama held off while the party organized its new nomination process, he praised Biden for stepping aside. "Joe Biden has stayed true to these words again and again over a lifetime of service to the American people," Obama said on the social media site X after the president's address Wednesday night. By Wedesday, Harris had raised $126 million in campaign contributions, according to her campaign. Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy is a White House correspondent for USA TODAY. You can follow her on X, formerly Twitter, @SwapnaVenugopal

The Latest English LCCC analysis & editorials from miscellaneous sources on July 26-27/2024
Why 'Moderate' Muslim Ed Husain Cannot Discuss Muslim Jew-Hatred Honestly
Andrew Bostom/Gatestone Institute/July 26, 2024
The most basic unresolved question about Husain's metamorphosis, is why he chose to name his "Muslim anti-Islamist extremism organization"— since disbanded — after William "Abdullah" Quilliam, a lunatic, late 19th century British convert to Islam. Quilliam, a Sharia supremacist, was appointed "Sheikh ul-Islam of the British Isles," sought the re-creation of a global Caliphate, and, in a March 1896 fatwa, supported the jihadist Sudanese Mahdist state against "infidel" British soldiers.
Husain wrote an anti-Zionist diatribe in 2007, punctuated by these immoral equivalences: "Zionism and Islamism are both political perversions of ancient Abrahamic faiths of Judaism and Islam.... Disregard for the sanctity of human life is a hallmark of both Zionism and Islamism... Just as Zionists claim territory based on notions of 'Jewish land' and God-given rights, Islamists wish to reconquer India and Spain as 'Muslim land,' once ruled by Muslim monarchs..."
Husain's presentation at the [July 8-10, 2024, fourth National Conservativism Conference] re-stated his boilerplate apologetics, and taqiyya ("sacralized" Islamic dissimulation). An example from that talk illustrates Husain's approach: silencing informed opposition to his assertions as "Islamophobic."
Husain hectored the audience over their assumed concern that, broadly, "we [Muslims] don't recognize Israel." That viewpoint, Husain insisted, was "giving the Muslim Brotherhood victory over 1.8 billion Muslims." Yet Husain ignored the concrete evidence that validates the audience's presumptive trepidation, which he tarred as "Islamophobia."
Regrettably, Husain, since his much ballyhooed "moderation," espouses dishonest Islamic apologetics that never acknowledge such disturbing data. Simultaneously, he ignores the authoritative Islamic jihad and Jew-hatred that animate these widely prevalent Muslim attitudes.
Husain conveniently ignores all such materials from Al-Azhar, Sunni Islam's most authoritative teaching institution, given how they demolish his weak and deceptive "arguments." Concurrently, he demonizes those who do not accept his strict distinction between Islam and "Islamism" as somehow "threatening civilization." As a result, sadly, "moderate" Muslim Ed Husain is incapable of an honest discussion about the global scourge of Muslim Jew-hatred.
Regrettably, Ed Husain, since his much ballyhooed "moderation," espouses dishonest Islamic apologetics that never acknowledge such disturbing data. Simultaneously, he ignores the authoritative Islamic jihad and Jew-hatred that animate these widely prevalent Muslim attitudes. Pictured: Husain, in London, England on July 10, 2013. (Photo by UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office/Flickr; CC by 2.0)
British Muslim Ed Husain is currently a professor at Georgetown University. Previously, he was a member of the Islamic Caliphate revival organization Hizb ut Tahrir. Husain later drifted into various Muslim Brotherhood-affiliated groups (which included people affiliated with Hamas) and circles within the United Kingdom before allegedly disavowing all of them. Once "de-radicalized," Husain chronicled his experience (in 2007), and subsequently created the ostensibly "anti-Islamist extremism" British organization, The Quilliam Society.
The most basic unresolved question about Husain's metamorphosis, is why he chose to name his "Muslim anti-Islamist extremism organization"— since disbanded — after William "Abdullah" Quilliam, a lunatic, late 19th century British convert to Islam. Quilliam, a Sharia supremacist, was appointed "Sheikh ul-Islam of the British Isles," sought the re-creation of a global Caliphate, and, in a March 1896 fatwa, supported the jihadist Sudanese Mahdist state against "infidel" British soldiers.
As noted previously in these pages, Husain spoke on a panel entitled, "Islam, Israel, and the West," at the July 8-10, 2024, fourth National Conservatism Conference (NATCON-4), "founded in January 2019 with the aim of strengthening the principles of national conservatism in Western and other democratic countries." A triumphal Husain wrote in advance of this appearance at his Twitter/X account, possibly savoring the opportunity to address the conservative audience:
"Come and join the conversation on why Islam is not Islamism. Why the West and Islam should be allies. Why the far-right and far-left threaten civilization."
Husain wrote an anti-Zionist diatribe in 2007, punctuated by these immoral equivalences:
"Zionism and Islamism are both political perversions of ancient Abrahamic faiths of Judaism and Islam.... Disregard for the sanctity of human life is a hallmark of both Zionism and Islamism... Just as Zionists claim territory based on notions of 'Jewish land' and God-given rights, Islamists wish to reconquer India and Spain as 'Muslim land,' once ruled by Muslim monarchs..."
Husain's vicious and unrepentant anti-Zionism should have made him an obvious ideological mismatch for the National Conservatism Conference.
Ed Husain now recognizes Israel's right to exist. His recognition is contingent, however, on one (or more) contiguous Palestinian Muslim state(s), in addition to the 78% of the original Mandate for Palestine which comprises Jordan, which is officially Judenrein (Jordanian Nationality Law, 1954, Article 3, #2). Husain, nevertheless, to this day, has failed to publish a formal mea culpa renunciation of his vitriolic 2007 anti-Zionist commentary.
Husain's NATCON-4 presentation re-stated his boilerplate apologetics, and taqiyya ("sacralized" Islamic dissimulation). An example from that talk illustrates Husain's approach: silencing informed opposition to his assertions as "Islamophobic."
Consistent with his pre-conference post on X, "Why Islam is not Islamism. Why the West and Islam should be allies," Husain hectored the audience over their assumed concern that, broadly, "we [Muslims] don't recognize Israel." That viewpoint, Husain insisted, was "giving the Muslim Brotherhood victory over 1.8 billion Muslims." Yet Husain ignored the concrete evidence that validates the audience's presumptive trepidation, which he tarred as "Islamophobia."
Below, I have tabulated the concordant results from two large, rigorously conducted population-based surveys of Muslims in the Middle East and North African (MENA) — one by the Anti-Defamation League, the other by a respected academic Muslim data collection center. The prevalence of extreme Antisemitism, defined as agreement with at least 6 out of 11 Antisemitic stereotypes, as determined in 2014, ranged from 74% to 93%. These alarming findings were closely associated with the refusal to recognize Israel's right to exist, assessed in late December 2023 through early January 2024, which ranged from 68% to 99% of the sample populations in the same MENA countries.
Regrettably, Husain, since his much ballyhooed "moderation," espouses dishonest Islamic apologetics that never acknowledge such disturbing data. Simultaneously, he ignores the authoritative Islamic jihad and Jew-hatred that animate these widely prevalent Muslim attitudes. Sunni Islam's Vatican equivalent, Al-Azhar University in Cairo, for example, is an authoritative font of anti-Israel jihadism and Jew-hatred, which Husain refuses to criticize.
Mere hours after the October 7, 2023 attacks, Al-Azhar University, and its Papal equivalent Grand Imam Ahmed al-Tayyeb, celebrated (here; here; here; here) Hamas' jihad carnage, on Al-Azhar's social media platforms. During October 7 itself, ignoring Hamas' murderous atrocities, Al-Azhar, with al-Tayeb's imprimatur declared officially:
"Al-Azhar salutes with utmost pride the resistance efforts of the proud Palestinian people..."
October 18-19, 2023, Al-Azhar issued a fatwa declaring that all Israelis, including non-combatants, were legitimate targets of jihad terror: "the term 'civilians' does not apply to the Zionist settlers of the occupied land." This sentiment is entirely consistent with the Islamic legal logic of Al Azhar fatwas, or the resolutions of Al-Azhar Conference Proceedings, issued for the past 76-years. That "Islamic legal logic" has always been rooted in jihad, and sacralized Islamic Jew-hatred. Consider, the resolutions from Al-Azhar's 1968 Fourth Conference of the Academy of Islamic Research. Historian David Littman's pioneering 1971 analysis of that conference, summarized their key "recurring themes"—a prelude to annihilation—as follows:
"Jews manifest in themselves an historical continuity of evil qualities... as described in the Qur'an...
"The State of Israel is the culmination of the historical and cultural depravity of the Jews... It has to be destroyed by a Jihad."
Al-Tayyeb embodies that living legacy of annihilationist Jew-hatred. (here; here; here; here; here; here). Formerly Egypt's Grand Mufti, and since 2010, until now Al Azhar Grand Imam, al-Tayyeb has sanctioned suicide-bombing murder of Israeli Jews, including non-combatants, and twice (here; here) publicly condemned Jews eternally, while invoking Qur'an 5:82— "You will surely find the most intense of the people in animosity toward the believers [to be] the Jews and those who associate others with Allah;" — a central Antisemitic Qur'anic verse—for causing "Muslim distress... since the inception of Islam 1400 years ago."
Al-Tayyeb's immediate predecessor, the late Grand Imam of Al-Azhar University Muhammad Sayyid Tantawi (d. 2010), was one of the most revered modern authorities on Qur'anic exegesis. Tantawi's Ph.D. thesis, "The Children of Israel (Jews) in the Qur'an and Traditions," provided a summary gloss on the "degenerate" characteristics of the Jews in the Qur'an (3:112; 4:46; 4:161; 3:120, 5:79; 2:109; 3:113), emphasizing their timeless relevance, and denouncing Jews who rejected Islam as "maleficent deniers," even granting Muslims license to commit violence against them, to extirpate Jewish "evil."
Husain conveniently ignores all such materials from Al-Azhar, Sunni Islam's most authoritative teaching institution, given how they demolish his weak and deceptive "arguments." Concurrently, he demonizes those who do not accept his strict distinction between Islam and "Islamism" as somehow "threatening civilization." As a result, sadly, "moderate" Muslim Ed Husain is incapable of an honest discussion about the global scourge of Muslim Jew-hatred.
*Andrew G. Bostom, MD, MS, is the author of The Legacy of Jihad: Islamic Holy War and the Fate of Non-Muslims, The Legacy of Islamic Antisemitism: From Sacred Texts to Solemn History, , Sharia versus Freedom: The Legacy of Islamic Totalitarianism and other books and essays on Islam. His research focus has been on the impact of Islamic conquest, colonization, and governance on non-Muslims.
© 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.

Iran reestablishes its presence in the Caucuses with Armenian arms deal
Janatan Sayeh/ FDD's Long War Journal/July 26/2024
Iran and Armenia recently signed a $500 million arms deal, Iran International reported on July 24. The deal includes various military equipment Tehran will supply to Yerevan, including Shahed 136, Shahed 129, Shahed 197, and Mohajer drones, as well as air defense missile systems like the 3rd Khordad, Majid, 15th Khordad, and Arman.
A decade-long United Nations (UN) arms embargo that barred Iran from selling or purchasing conventional arms, including missiles, helicopters, and tanks, expired in 2020. Of the 14 UN Security Council member states, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and eight others abstained during a vote on extending the embargo, while Russia and China opposed the measure. Despite the previous ban, Tehran had infiltrated African markets with massive amounts of illegal weapons in 2013. Post 2020, the Islamic Republic faces far fewer technical restrictions for engaging in the arms trade.
Iran and Armenia have signaled their growing ties in recent months with various high-level meetings discussing the implications of potential changes in the border between Azerbaijan and Armenia. In an early May meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Islamic Republic Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei highlighted the “sensitivities surrounding border issues related to Armenia.” Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf echoed Khamenei’s remark during a July 11 meeting with his Armenian counterpart, stating that “any changes to the borders of our neighboring countries is our redline.”
Tehran is likely concerned with Azerbaijan’s claim over the Zangezur Corridor. This transport route would provide Azerbaijan access to the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, an exclave of Azerbaijan, without Armenian checkpoints. The corridor could also connect Turkey to mainland Azerbaijan, and the two countries aim to utilize it as a transport and energy route connecting Azerbaijan to Europe. This situation would also facilitate the supply of Azerbaijani gas to Nakhchivan via Turkey, thereby eliminating the exclave’s reliance on Iran. While Iran and Turkey are more strategic competitors/rivals than adversaries, Tehran is skeptical of Istanbul’s “Pan-Turkish” ambitions that also threaten Iranian sovereignty.
From a military standpoint, the Islamic Republic is filling a void left by Russia. After Russia’s reluctance to support Armenia during the latest escalations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Yerevan announced plans to formally withdraw from the Moscow-led Collective Security Treaty Organization.
In addition, Armenia’s decision to purchase Iranian drones also comes shortly after its foreign minister attended a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit in early July, suggesting that Yerevan did not receive the reassurances it needed from the West. In addition to seeking military and diplomatic support from the US during the recent escalations, Armenia has been urging NATO to pressure Turkey into taking a step back from supplying drones to Baku and from using its F-16 fleet to target Armenian territory. Iran evidently could not pass on this lucrative opportunity to exercise influence and send a message to Azerbaijan.
The recent deal also enables Iran to counter Israel’s relationship with Azerbaijan, as Tehran’s disdain for Israel extends to countries with ties to Tel Aviv. Armenia recognized Palestine as a state right before concluding the latest arms agreement with Tehran. And given the crucial role of Israeli drones in helping Azerbaijani advances during the previous round of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in 2020, Armenia realized this major gap in its defense industry. Yerevan can now pose a serious threat to Azerbaijan, while Iran backs up its stance against countries receiving Israeli technology.
**Janatan Sayeh is a research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies focused on Iranian domestic affairs and the Islamic Republic’s regional malign influence.

The perils of a Turkish-Syrian rapprochement
Sinan Ciddi & Sophia Epley/FDD's Long War Journal/July 26/2024
Since Turkey and Syria broke off relations in 2011, Ankara has played a prominent role in fighting Bashar Al-Assad’s regime in Syria by supplying material support to insurgent groups seeking to overthrow Assad and maintaining forces in the opposition-held northwest. However, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Assad recently signaled they are interested in restoring diplomatic ties.
A proposed Erdogan and Assad meeting
At the NATO summit on July 11, Erdogan said that he would extend a formal invitation to Assad to either come to Turkey or to meet in a third country. This overture came after the Syrian leader said Damascus was open to reviving Turkish-Syrian relations “as long as they are based on respecting the sovereignty of the Syrian state over all of its territory and fighting all forms of terrorism.
Sources familiar with the discussions claimed the meeting could occur as early as August in Moscow and be mediated by Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, Turkish diplomats have publicly stated there is no official plan.
Reluctance from both sides
Recent developments, including Syria’s readmission to the Arab League, have paved the way for rapprochement between the two former allies. Erdogan is likely responding in part to increasing anti-Syrian sentiment that has resulted in riots and xenophobic violence in Turkey. As fears about Erdogan’s re-election prospects in 2028 increase, the government in Ankara is more incentivized to strike a deal with Assad to pave the way for the return of many of the 3.6 million Syrian refugees living in Turkey.
Assad has previously stated that a precondition for any negotiations to begin with Turkey is the full withdrawal of Ankara’s support for opposition militias and the removal of Turkish troops from Syria. However, the Syrian president is also driven by his desire to end his regional political isolation. Assad is likely aware that a meeting with Erdogan would be unlikely to result in a complete withdrawal, as Ankara continues to cite its support for opposition forces as necessary to ensure a terror-free northern Syria, where cross-border attacks by the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) have occurred.
While the likelihood of concessions from either side is unclear, the possibility of this meeting indicates some willingness to find common ground that benefits both leaders’ power projection and legitimacy. Both Ankara and Damascus have an interest in curtailing the autonomy of Kurdish groups in northeast Syria, which could be a driving force in negotiations. Both governments could also be seeking economic gains by removing barriers to the flow of official commerce and trade.
Who is at risk from a rapprochement?
While both Erdogan and Assad consider reestablishing ties based on their personal ambitions, there are serious risks involved. In parts of Syria where Turkish-backed militia groups retain control, demonstrators have already expressed concern over reports that a key crossing between Assad-held territory and opposition-held cities would soon reopen to commercial traffic. Violent attacks on Turkish military and supply trucks by opposition groups indicate a growing fear of how new relations between Ankara and Damascus would impact their ability to defend themselves. Turkey itself could be left particularly vulnerable to this resentment, as many of these militias are affiliated with jihadist movements, have Turkish residency or citizenship, and have shown a willingness to retaliate violently.
A significant loser from the normalization of ties between Erdogan and Assad is likely to be the Syrian Kurds. Coalesced under the banner of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the United States has partnered with SDF forces to successfully thwart the existential threat posed by the Islamic State (ISIS).
Since the very beginning of the US partnership with the SDF, Turkey has feigned outrage, accusing Washington of consorting with “Kurdish terrorists.” Ankara identifies the SDF as an offshoot of the Kurdish separatist movement inside Turkey, spearheaded by the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). While the SDF has organic ties to the PKK, which historically waged a bloody cessation campaign against Turkey, the Syrian offshoot has been demonstrably clear in words and actions that it bears no ill will toward Turkey. The group’s primary purpose has been to defeat ISIS.
A regional source has claimed that an Assad-Erdogan rapprochement could hinge on a joint Syrian-Turkish military offensive to rout the SDF. This would result in Turkey’s goal of eliminating the so-called “Kurdish threat,” while Assad would regain further regime control over Syrian territory. It is all hypothetical right now, as both Ankara and Damascus will likely wait to see the outcome of the US election. Erdogan’s desired result would be for a second Trump administration, which he thinks he can convince to withdraw US troops, clearing the way for a military offensive against the SDF.
A withdrawal of US forces would carry big risks, however, and not just for the Kurds. There are reports highlighting a significant resurgence of ISIS in the region. And without an SDF that is aided by the US military, it is not an unforeseeable possibility to witness another significant ISIS threat reemerge.
All this could spell an unwanted victory for Russia and Iran. Their investment in the Assad regime will have paid off if he can successfully reintegrate into the region. A US departure from Syria would also be a stark recognition of waning US influence in the Middle East and stand in direct contrast to a Syrian regime with a consolidated alliance with two major American rivals.
*Sophia Epley is a student at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service. *Sinan Ciddi is a non-resident Senior Fellow on Turkey at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies.

Question: “What is wrong with being a solo Christian?”
GotQuestions.org/July 26/2024
Answer: “I don’t like church.” “I can worship God on my own. Why do I need other people?” We hear statements like these, spoken with conviction, and we wonder if they have any validity. Do we need to be involved with other Christians in a local church in order to effectively serve God? After all, salvation is an individual decision. Why afterwards must we involve other people? What’s wrong with flying solo?
It is true that a relationship with God is an intensely personal decision. No one can give us the faith to believe except God (Ephesians 2:8–9; John 6:44). Church activity does nothing to impress God or earn His favor. He loves and favors us on the basis of our faith in the shed blood of His Son for our sin (Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:13–14). Obedience and surrender to the Holy Spirit are individual decisions that cannot be made for us by others. God will hold each of us accountable for our stewardship of all He has given us (2 Corinthians 5:10; Matthew 16:27; Revelation 22:12).
However, when we enter the family of God by being “born again” (John 3:3), we become “new creatures” (2 Corinthians 5:17). When we experience the new birth, we are like snakes shedding our old skin. Our spirits inflate with the presence of God, and that new Spirit crowds out the old ways. Our desires change. Our outlook changes. Where we once lived only to satisfy ourselves, we now have a longing to please Jesus and glorify Him (1 Corinthians 10:31). If no change occurs after a supposed conversion, it is likely that no regeneration occurred. C. S. Lewis said, “If conversion makes no improvements in a man’s outward actions then I think his ‘conversion’ was largely imaginary.” Part of the change is a desire to be with others who also love and serve Jesus. Being a “solo Christian” is not the norm.
There are several reasons why every born-again believer needs to be involved with other Christians. First of all, the New Testament is filled with admonitions to “love one another”—the “one another” refers to fellow Christians (John 13:34–35; 1 Peter 1:22; 1 John 4:11). Love is not just a noun; it is an action verb (see 1 Corinthians 13:1–8). We are to actively pursue ways in which we can demonstrate unselfish love for each other. “Solo Christians” who avoid association with other believers cannot do that.
Second, most of the books of the New Testament are letters written to churches, not to solo Christians. Although God loves us as individuals, we are collectively referred to in Scripture as “the church” (Ephesians 5:25, 32). The Epistles, addressed to groups of Christians, include detailed instructions about how members are to conduct themselves within the group. The letters were to be read corporately and are best understood in the context of a church working together. As a unit, Christians are the “bride of Christ” (2 Corinthians 11:2; Revelation 19:7). Most of the New Testament is instruction on how the “bride” can ready herself for her groom, Christ.
We are also called the “body of Christ.” This body has many parts, just as a physical body does (1 Corinthians 12:27). One body part cannot exist on its own. The heart cannot go solo; the chin cannot survive on its own. Any one part needs the participation of all the other parts in order to function successfully. The same is true for the members of the body of Christ. Jesus equips each one with certain gifts that He wants us to use to benefit the whole (see 1 Corinthians 12:12–30). Romans 12:4–5 says, “For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” There is no room in this passage for solo Christians.
A third reason solo Christianity is not a good idea is that we need the encouragement and accountability provided by our brothers and sisters in Christ. Often, those who shun involvement in a local church live with major blind spots and spiritual strongholds that they are only mildly aware of. Because they do not make themselves accountable to other believers, solo Christians have no one to strengthen their weaknesses. Flaws such as pride, greed, envy, anger, and a judgmental spirit often grow unchecked in the heart of one who rejects spiritual oversight from those who could gently guide him back to obedience (Galatians 6:1).
The solo Christian is a loner also misses out on preaching, corporate worship times, and opportunities to serve. Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” We grow sharper as useful tools for God when we learn from each other, pray for each other, and invest ourselves in the lives of others. Local churches offer many opportunities in which to use our gifts to serve others and glorify God. Avoiding such connections weakens the solo Christian as well as the local body.
Finally, we have a powerful enemy who “walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). The lion metaphor works in Scripture because God’s people are often referred to as sheep (Psalm 95:7; 100:3; 1 Peter 2:25; Mark 6:34). As any good shepherd knows, the sheep are safest when they stay with the flock, under the watch-care of a kind shepherd. First Peter 5:2 exhorts pastors with this: “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them.” A pastor is called the shepherd of the flock. It is his responsibility before God to nurture, protect, and encourage the sheep God has entrusted to him. A lone sheep, separated from the flock, is vulnerable to the enemy. Wolves and lions don’t usually attack a healthy flock. They wait for one who lags behind, isolated from the shepherd and the safety of the fold.
Christians need to involve themselves with other believers in order to remain healthy and productive. Satan cannot steal a soul that belongs to God (John 10:29), but he can render our lives useless for the kingdom by convincing us that we don’t need fellowship, spiritual encouragement, or challenge from anyone else. He likes to stir up trouble, bitterness, disappointment, pride, and a critical spirit to keep lone sheep away from the flock (Ephesians 4:30–31; 1 Peter 2:1; Colossians 3:5–10). Then he attacks them with discouragement, temptation, and deception to eliminate any heavenly treasure that loner could have stored up for himself (Matthew 6:20; 10:41; Luke 12:33; Revelation 22:12). We will spend all eternity worshiping with other redeemed saints of God. We might as well learn to enjoy it now.

Iran’s nuclear advances raising serious concerns
Dr. Majid Rafizadeh/Arab News/July 26, 2024
Iran’s nuclear program has always been a significant concern for the international community. However, developments over the past few weeks have escalated these concerns to unprecedented levels, signaling a critical juncture in Iran’s nuclear ambitions and the global response to them.
According to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Iran is now on the brink of producing the material necessary for a nuclear weapon, potentially within “one or two weeks.” This stark warning underscores the rapid advancement of Iran’s nuclear capabilities. The Biden administration often attributes this alarming progression to Donald Trump’s withdrawal of the US from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action nuclear deal. Blinken noted: “What we’ve seen in the last weeks and months is an Iran that’s actually moving forward.” He added: “Where we are now is not in a good place … Now, they haven’t produced a weapon itself, but ... you put those things together — the fissile material, an explosive device — and you have a nuclear weapon.”
The UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency has also issued a stark warning regarding developments in Iran’s nuclear program. For the first time, IAEA inspectors last month confirmed that Iran has begun feeding uranium gas into advanced IR-4 and IR-6 centrifuges at its Natanz enrichment facility. These centrifuges, working in cascades, significantly enhance the efficiency of uranium enrichment by spinning uranium gas at extremely high speeds. This allows Iran to enrich uranium at a much faster rate, drastically reducing the time required to produce nuclear weapons. The IAEA’s findings highlight a critical acceleration in Iran’s nuclear capabilities, emphasizing the urgent need for international attention and a response.
Recent tit-for-tat hostilities between Iran and Israel have only heightened suspicions that Tehran is determined to acquire nuclear weapons.
It is worth noting that the Iranian government is already enriching uranium to 84 percent, which is perilously close to the 90 percent enrichment level required for weapons-grade uranium. This proximity to weapons-grade material means that Iran could soon possess the necessary components for nuclear bombs. Such a development would mark a significant escalation in the nuclear threat posed by Iran and could potentially destabilize the region and beyond.
The Biden administration came into office with a commitment to revive the nuclear deal, but so far these efforts have not succeeded. In Iran, there is a noticeable lack of motivation and incentive to reach a new nuclear agreement, particularly in light of escalating tensions with Israel. Recent tit-for-tat hostilities between Iran and Israel have only heightened suspicions that Tehran is determined to acquire nuclear weapons. Proponents of this view argue that the ongoing conflict has strengthened the resolve of Iran’s leaders to become a nuclear state, despite the potential consequences.
Despite these alarming developments, there are compelling reasons for Iran to curb its nuclear program and halt its advancement. One of the most significant concerns is the potential for a regional arms race. If Iran continues on its current trajectory, neighboring countries might feel threatened and compelled to develop their own nuclear capabilities in response. This scenario would drastically increase the risk of nuclear proliferation in the Middle East, a region already fraught with tension and conflict.
A regional arms race would not only heighten the risk of nuclear confrontation but also divert critical resources away from economic development and social welfare, further destabilizing the region. In addition, by demonstrating a genuine commitment to peace and nonproliferation, the Iranian government could significantly improve its relationships with regional powers. The Middle East has long been a hotspot for geopolitical strife, with historical rivalries often exacerbating conflicts.
A decision by Iran’s leaders to halt the country’s nuclear program could serve as a powerful gesture of goodwill, signaling its readiness to engage in constructive dialogue and cooperation. This move could also help reduce existing hostilities and pave the way for collaborative efforts in addressing common challenges such as terrorism, economic instability and environmental issues. It is important to point out that a more stable and secure Middle East would benefit not only the countries within the region but also the global community, which has a vested interest in the region’s stability due to its strategic importance and vast energy resources.
A decision by Iran’s leaders to halt the country’s nuclear program could serve as a powerful gesture of goodwill.
Finally, economically speaking, de-escalating its nuclear ambitions and halting its nuclear program advancements could pave the way for Iran to improve its relations with the West, particularly the EU. Some relationships have been strained for decades, primarily due to concerns over Iran’s nuclear program and its involvement in regional conflicts. By taking concrete steps to halt its nuclear advancement, Tehran could alleviate these concerns and open the door to renewed diplomatic engagement.
Improved relations with Western powers could lead to the lifting of economic sanctions, which have severely impacted Iran’s economy. This, in turn, would facilitate trade and investment, providing a much-needed boost to the Iranian economy. Enhanced economic opportunities could lead to greater prosperity for the Iranian people, fostering a more positive and cooperative international environment. The benefits of such a shift would be manifold, contributing to global peace, security and economic stability.
In conclusion, Iran’s nuclear program has reached a critical and concerning level. It is in the best interests of Iran, as well as regional and global security, for the country to halt its nuclear advancements. Doing so would send a strong message of peace, stability and cooperation and could significantly improve Tehran’s ties with regional and international powers. The path forward must prioritize diplomatic solutions and collective efforts to ensure a safer and more stable Middle East.
*Dr. Majid Rafizadeh is a Harvard-educated Iranian American political scientist. X: @Dr_Rafizadeh

Turkiye’s view on NATO’s Middle East expansion
Sinem Cengiz/Arab News/July 26, 2024
NATO has decided to open its first liaison office in the Middle East in Jordan, reflecting the alliance’s strategy to increase its influence in the region. Although the decision was discussed during the NATO Summit in 2023, it is significant when considering the broader regional context.
Opening a representative office in Jordan underscores the country’s geopolitical importance, as it is situated at the heart of the Middle East and shares borders with Syria, Israel and Saudi Arabia. This decision signals to the wider region that NATO’s interests extend beyond Europe. However, at the same time, it should not be overstated, as NATO’s engagement with Middle Eastern states is not a new strategy.
Since the 1990s, NATO has engaged closely with states like Jordan, Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Mauritania, Morocco and Tunisia through its Mediterranean Dialogue. Established in 1994, the dialogue aims to facilitate political dialogue with Middle Eastern countries.
In the early 2000s, NATO launched the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative to strengthen its political and military relations with members of the Gulf Cooperation Council. Turkiye, a key NATO member with the second-largest army in the alliance after the US, played a pivotal role in initiating a strategic dialogue between NATO and four of the six GCC states: Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE. The goal was to foster cooperation in the field of security within the Middle East, a move Turkiye actively supported.
Through the Mediterranean Dialogue and the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative, NATO has engaged with 11 countries in the Middle East and North Africa region to broaden the scope of political discussions on various regional issues. In this context, the alliance opened the NATO-ICI Regional Centre in Kuwait in 2017, the first of its kind. This center aims to support and enhance practical cooperation between NATO and its Gulf partners, focusing on strategic analysis, military cooperation and public diplomacy.
For decades, NATO’s image in the Middle East has been contentious, especially among the public, partly due to its intervention in Libya, which exacerbated negative perceptions. However, as regional states face increasing threats of different natures and from multiple sources, NATO aims to contribute to the region’s stability through military expertise and cooperation. In this regard, NATO has trained Iraqi officers in Jordan to improve their counterterrorism skills and this training has now extended to Baghdad.
For decades, NATO’s image in the Middle East has been contentious, especially among the public. When considering the new office in Jordan, three significant points arise. First, Jordan’s military has collaborated closely with NATO forces for years and has participated in UN peacekeeping missions.
Secondly, NATO’s choice of Jordan could be attributed to the fact that the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative-member GCC states are relatively small and may not be ready to align themselves openly with NATO, often preferring hedging policies in the region.
Thirdly, in April, Jordan played a crucial role in intercepting Iranian missiles targeting Israel as they traversed Jordanian airspace, despite Amman’s opposition to Israel’s actions in Gaza. However, as the decision to open the office predates the Gaza conflict, it seems unlikely that it is directly related to the conflict. Yet, the potential geopolitical implications of this decision remain to be seen.
NATO appears to have an urgent strategic necessity to expand in the region; but how is this perceived by Ankara? Turkiye has been a crucial member of NATO since joining in 1952. Its Incirlik Air Base serves as a vital launching point for Western operations in the Middle East, including flights over Syria and Iraq during counterterrorism campaigns. Turkiye aims to play an active role in NATO’s outreach efforts in the Middle East, Eastern Mediterranean and Gulf. From the outset, it has supported initiatives such as the Mediterranean Dialogue and the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative.
However, although Turkiye supports NATO’s efforts to develop cooperation with regional states, doubts remain about the alliance’s true ambitions in the Middle East, partly due to its stance on recent regional crises. Turkiye prefers to see NATO establishing bilateral partnerships with regional countries with the aim of helping to ease the tensions that threaten these states through effective security and political collaborations. For instance, Turkiye would prefer NATO’s involvement in the region to include efforts to end the Israeli war on Gaza.
Turkiye would prefer NATO’s involvement in the region to include efforts to end the Israeli war on Gaza
While Turkiye’s NATO allies express a desire for increased engagement with regional states, they have largely remained distant from the Gaza war, which poses threats to the stability of the wider region. NATO has so far only called for a humanitarian pause, not a ceasefire. Given its previous involvement in several crises, this negligence raises questions about NATO’s approach to developing relations with regional states while seemingly ignoring opportunities to exert pressure on Israel. Turkiye has pledged to block any cooperation between the alliance and Israel until a permanent ceasefire is in place in Gaza.
NATO’s decision to expand by opening its first Middle East liaison office is a significant step. Yet, for Turkiye, this expansion presents both opportunities and challenges. From one perspective, the opening of the office is seen as an attempt to curb Russian and Iranian influence in the region, particularly through Syria. This move raises the potential for escalating rivalry between NATO and Russia, which could certainly have adverse implications for regional states, including Turkiye. The last thing the region’s states need is more tension.
As a member of the alliance, Turkiye aims to play a crucial role in NATO’s Middle Eastern strategy, with the priority being to enhance the security of regional states, rather than risking their security, through a more active involvement in resolving ongoing conflicts.
• Sinem Cengiz is a Turkish political analyst who specializes in Turkey’s relations with the Middle East. X: @SinemCngz