English LCCC Newsbulletin For Lebanese, Lebanese Related, Global News & Editorials
For  August 03/2025
Compiled & Prepared by: Elias Bejjani
#elias_bejjani_news

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Bible Quotations For today
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed meto bring good news to the poor
Luke 04/14-21: "Then Jesus, filled with the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and a report about him spread through all the surrounding country. He began to teach in their synagogues and was praised by everyone. When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written: ‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed meto bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind,to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.’ And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then he began to say to them, ‘Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.’

Titles For The Latest English LCCC Lebanese & Lebanese Related News & Editorials published on August 02-03/2025
On the Anniversary of Hezbollah’s Terrorist Assassination of Elias Al-Hasrouni: A Crime That Time Will Not Erase/Elias Bejjani/August 02/2025
The Martyrdom of the 350 Maronite Monks/Elias Bejjani/July 31/2025
Barrack and Ortagus Coordinate on Lebanon/Bassam Abou Zeid/This is Beirut/August 02, 2025
Welcome Back!/Johnny Kortbawi//This is Beirut/August 02, 2025
Baabda and Hezbollah are seeking a safe exit from Tuesday's session. Washington and Israel: No compromise on the arms issue.
The government's Tuesday session statement will be entirely sovereign... and intransigence could ignite war.
Minister of Agriculture Nizar Hani: Tuesday's session will discuss the broad lines outlined by the President in his speech
Arms Restriction in Tuesday's Session or a Security Explosion?/Yola Hashem/Al-Markazia/August 2, 2025
Gunfire towards the outskirts of Blida and a bomb over Kfar Kila
Israeli Escalation in the South: Shelling and Sweeping Operations in Kfar Kila and Kfar Shuba
Tuesday's cabinet session: Latest developments
What’s on the table in Tuesday’s Cabinet session? Lebanon weighs disarmament timeline — the details
Lebanon’s president urges $1 billion a year: Can this funding finally secure the army and stabilize the south?
Aoun holds 'positive' and 'frank' meeting with Raad
As fuel tax stalls, Lebanon hunts for new ways to pay military and security personnel
Wildfire threatens homes and church in Ain al-Haour, Chouf
Bassil urges Hezbollah to admit its arms have become 'a burden'
UK chargé Victoria Dunne inaugurates new military accommodation facility in Hamat
Govt. likely to approve arms monopoly decision on Tuesday
Will Ortagus replace Barrack as US envoy to Lebanon?
AUB inaugurates the Abu Sittah-Gilbert Humanitarian Award
Beauty on a budget: Why salons in Lebanon are a top stop for returning expats
Civil Aviation General Director: Beirut Airport Traffic to Increase in Coming Days
Geagea Accuses Hezbollah of Setting Lebanon “a Hundred Years Back,” Calls for Weapons to Be Returned to the State

Titles For The Latest English LCCC Miscellaneous Reports And News published on August 02-03/2025
Israel army chief warns of combat ‘without rest’ unless hostages are freed
Hamas says it won’t disarm unless independent Palestinian state established
US envoy meets Israeli hostage families in Tel Aviv
Israeli drone followed Gazan doctor home to kill his family: Colleague
Italy to begin airdrops over Gaza, foreign minister says
Amount of aid entering Gaza remains ‘very insufficient’
Jordan says two armed people killed after ‘infiltration attempt’ via Syrian border
Israel closes majority of military abuse cases without charges: Report
Israeli fire again kills Gaza aid-seekers as US envoy meets with hostages' families
Anger over Gaza could unseat top UK ministers: Pollsters
Ukraine hits military targets and pipeline in Russia
Trump deploys nuclear submarines in row with Russia

Titles For The Latest English LCCC analysis & editorials from miscellaneous sources on August 02-03/2025
A masterclass in diplomacy/Ali Shihabi/Arab News/August 02, 2025
Africa’s debt crisis demands self-reliant solutions/Hafed Al-Ghwell/Arab News/August 02, 2025
The Race Against China for Fusion Power: Whoever Controls It, Controls the Century/Lawrence Kadish/Gatestone Institute/August 02/2025
Today in History: ‘Victory Goes to the Brave’/Raymond Ibrahim/The Stream/August 02/2025
Is Israel the Region’s New Police?/Abdulrahman Al-Rashed/Asharq Al-Awsat/August 02/2025

The Latest English LCCC Lebanese & Lebanese Related News & Editorials published on August 02-03/2025
On the Anniversary of Hezbollah’s Terrorist Assassination of Elias Al-Hasrouni: A Crime That Time Will Not Erase
Elias Bejjani/August 02/2025
https://eliasbejjaninews.com/2025/08/145874/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubjDYs2HE2U&t=60s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TidGqbBZAU&t=9s
The Blood of Elias Al-Hasrouni (Al-Hantoush) Exposes Hezbollah’s Crime and Betrayal of the South
On this day in 2023, the hand of treachery struck again. The hand of darkness, of jihadist terrorism, of Iran’s proxy militia Hezbollah, reached deep into the heart of southern Lebanon — into the steadfast town of Ain Ebel — and assassinated one of its most devoted sons, Elias Al-Hasrouni, known affectionately as “Al-Hantoush.” They tried to pass off the murder as a car accident, but God, truth, and technology exposed them. Surveillance cameras recorded the crime and unmasked the killers. The lie fell. Once again, Hezbollah was caught in its own web of deceit. From that moment on, Hezbollah moved to suppress justice — threatening the victim’s family, silencing questions, and blocking the investigation entirely. Shockingly, official investigators told Al-Hasrouni’s family that there would be no investigation, simply because the “Party” does not allow it. What kind of country is this, where justice requires Hezbollah’s permission?
Elias Al-Hasrouni: The Voice of a Free South
Elias Al-Hasrouni was not a random victim — he was a target. He was a man who stood for the Lebanese state, not the state-within-a-state. A believer in peace, not war. In coexistence, not sectarianism. In a Lebanese south, not an Iranian satellite. In Ain Ebel, he was a beloved figure — selfless, compassionate, and committed to serving his people. He worked tirelessly to promote coexistence between communities, and he stood as a proud and active member of the Lebanese Forces, a party deeply rooted in the struggle for Lebanon’s sovereignty. He carried no weapon — only conviction. He spread no hatred — only hope. And that is why they killed him.
A Bloodstained Record: Hezbollah’s Trail of Crimes
The assassination of Elias Al-Hasrouni is not an isolated incident — it is part of a long and bloody history of violence by Hezbollah:
The May 7, 2008 invasion of Beirut and Mount Lebanon, aimed at crushing political opponents.
The assassination of photojournalist Joe Bejjani, who had captured footage of the Beirut Port blast.
The deliberate obstruction of the Beirut Port investigation, with judges intimidated and replaced.
The murder of MP Gebran Tueni and his fellow journalists at An-Nahar newspaper.
The assassination of Rafik Hariri, and the cover-up that followed.
The execution-style killing of Lokman Slim, a Shiite intellectual who dared to say “No.”
The dozens — if not hundreds — of other assassinations of journalists, politicians, and activists.
Hezbollah does not know dialogue — only bullets. It does not believe in democracy — only obedience to Iran. It is not a resistance — it is a criminal enterprise.
Hezbollah: Iran’s Terror Armed Proxy in Lebanon
It is no longer a secret that Hezbollah is not a Lebanese party. It is an Iranian military wing, a direct extension of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). It does not take orders from Beirut, but from Tehran and Qom. It claims to defend Lebanon, but it destroys it. It claims to protect dignity, but it murders the dignified. It claims to resist the enemy, but it occupies the homeland. There can be no salvation for Lebanon as long as this armed, sectarian, foreign-controlled militia is allowed to operate with impunity.
No Lebanon Without Disarmament and Justice
Lebanon cannot rise unless Hezbollah is disarmed, its leadership arrested and tried, and its military and security infrastructure dismantled, in accordance with international resolutions:
UNSCR 1559 (calling for disarmament of militias),
UNSCR 1701 (enforcing the cessation of hostilities and deployment of the Lebanese Army in the south),
UNSCR 1680, and The Ceasefire Agreement that Hezbollah violates daily.
A sovereign, free, and peaceful Lebanon cannot coexist with a private army that answers to foreign rulers.
In Conclusion
On the anniversary of Elias Al-Hasrouni’s martyrdom, we bow our heads in reverence before his sacred blood. We vow that his memory will not fade, and that his cause will live on — not just in the hearts of the people of Ain Ebel, but in every Lebanese soul that still believes in justice, in truth, in freedom.
O martyr of free Lebanon and of sovereign politics, O hero Elias Al-Hasrouni – Al-Hantoush, your voice still echoes through Ain Ebel, the South, and all of Lebanon, crying out: No to Iran, no to the terrorist Hezbollah, no to crime — and yes to justice and to Lebanon.

The Martyrdom of the 350 Maronite Monks
Elias Bejjani/July 31/2025
https://eliasbejjaninews.com/2025/08/145862/
Feast Day: July 31
Among the most radiant pages in the history of the Maronite Church is the martyrdom of 350 monks from the Monastery of St. Maron in 517 AD. These monks were brutally killed by order of the Byzantine Emperor Anastasius, under the instigation of the Monophysite Patriarch Severus of Antioch and his ally Peter the Fuller. Their crime? Upholding the doctrine of the Council of Chalcedon, which affirmed that Jesus Christ is both fully divine and fully human, united in one person.
Why Were They Killed?
The monks of St. Maron, spiritual descendants of St. Maroun, lived in northern Syria near the border of modern-day Lebanon. They were deeply committed to Catholic orthodoxy, especially the teaching of the Council of Chalcedon (451 AD), which declared that Christ is one person in two complete and distinct natures: divine and human. This doctrine was rejected by the Monophysites, who claimed that Christ had only one divine nature. Emperor Anastasius, a supporter of Monophysitism, empowered Severus to persecute those who remained loyal to Chalcedonian orthodoxy. In 517, imperial soldiers swept through the district of Apamea, shutting down monasteries and targeting faithful monks. Many were beaten, imprisoned, or exiled. On their way to the Monastery of St. Simeon Stylite, 350 Maronite monks were ambushed and slaughtered, even as some clung to the altar. The monastery itself was then set ablaze.
A Witness Recorded in Rome
The surviving monks wrote a powerful letter to Pope Hormisdas (514–523), recounting the horrors they had witnessed and endured at the hands of Severus and his followers. In 518, the Pope replied with a message of comfort and strength, praising their steadfastness and encouraging them to persevere in the true faith.
Church historians—including Theophanes and Theophilus of Edessa, a Maronite—confirmed the massacre, documenting the persecution and execution of the Chalcedonian monks.
The Meaning of Martyrdom in Christianity
In the Christian tradition, martyrdom is not defeat—it is a triumph of truth, love, and unwavering faith. Jesus taught: “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:10). The 350 monks were not merely victims of violence; they were witnesses to eternal truth. Their blood was not spilled in vain—it nourished the very roots of the Maronite Church and sustained the flame of orthodoxy across centuries. Their martyrdom remains a sacred legacy of faithfulness, resistance, and spiritual heroism.
The Maronites: A People of Faith, Asceticism, and Sacrifice
The 350 martyred monks are a faithful mirror of the Maronite identity.
They are the fruit of an unshakable faith grounded in the teachings of the universal Church.
They are the embodiment of spiritual asceticism, rooted in mountains, caves, and silence.
They are a symbol of profound love for Lebanon—as a land of divine mission and sacred purpose.
Through every generation, the Maronites have never forsaken their faith, even under siege. They never surrendered their spiritual freedom, even during war. They have been a monastic people, even within their homes—planting a cross in every field and lighting a candle in every darkness. If Lebanon remains free today, it is thanks to the faith of this people and the sacrifices of its martyrs.
Maronites have remained inseparably tied to Lebanon
The Maronites have always been devoted to prayer, monastic life, and steadfast loyalty to Christ and His Church. They have remained inseparably tied to Lebanon, seeing in it not just a homeland but a holy mission.
Despite persecution, exile, and war, they held tightly to their faith and to the land. Their story is not only one of survival—it is a testament of sacrificial love. In every cave they built a chapel; in every valley they sowed the seeds of resurrection.
Remembrance and Intercession
On July 31, the Maronite Church commemorates the 350 Martyrs of St. Maron Monastery. In recognition of their sacrifice, Pope Benedict XIV extended the indulgences associated with this feast to all Maronite churches, following the example of Pope Clement XII in 1734.
May their prayers sustain us.
May their courage inspire us.
And may we never abandon the truth for which they laid down their lives.

Barrack and Ortagus Coordinate on Lebanon
Bassam Abou Zeid/This is Beirut/August 02, 2025
The cabinet session on Hezbollah’s weapons is expected to shape the Arab and international reaction toward Lebanon. All eyes are on the Lebanese Cabinet session scheduled for next Tuesday, which will address the issue of “disarming Hezbollah,” a phrase used by President Joseph Aoun in his speech on Thursday, Army Day’s eve.According to sources, Washington is awaiting the outcome of this session before determining its next steps toward Lebanon. US Ambassador Lisa Johnson has reportedly informed Lebanese officials that American envoys, notably Tom Barrack, will suspend their visits to Lebanon until the Lebanese government takes a concrete stance on Hezbollah’s weapons. Official Lebanese sources say President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Foreign Minister Youssef Raji are aligned on having the Cabinet issue a position stating the disarmament and the launch of practical steps toward that goal within a specified time frame. However, Hezbollah voiced strong objections. MP Mohammad Raad reportedly told President Aoun that the group refuses any detailed or practical discussion on disarmament. Instead, they demand that the issue be reduced to vague rhetorical affirmations of “state monopoly over arms,” without implying any actionable plan. Raad also expressed his disapproval of the phrase “disarming Hezbollah,” calling it provocative and inconsistent with current developments. Amid Hezbollah’s continued refusal to disarm, media speculation has emerged about a possible shift in the US handling of the Lebanon file, from Tom Barrack to Morgan Ortagus. However, available information suggests that the US administration, including both Barrack and Ortagus, is maintaining deliberate ambiguity on the matter. Lebanese officials seeking clarity have only been told that both figures are working on the Lebanon file from their respective positions within the US government, and that coordination between them is ongoing and producing positive results.
US sources indicate that once US Congress confirms the appointment, expected in September, the Lebanon file will fall under full responsibility of incoming US Ambassador Michel Issa. These sources stressed that Issa’s deployment to Lebanon, or that of any US official, hinges on a constructive stance by the Lebanese government regarding Hezbollah’s disarmament. A negative position could delay Issa’s mission and halt US diplomatic engagement, possibly leading to an Arab and European boycott and rising security tensions, with the risk of a full-scale Israeli war.

Welcome Back!
Johnny Kortbawi//This is Beirut/August 02, 2025
As soon as press leaks emerged suggesting that the Lebanese file was being taken away from US envoy Tom Barrack and handed back to former envoy Morgan Ortagus, a certain optimism resurfaced among the Lebanese. This might be explained by the fact that Ortagus is seen as more than just a US envoy; she has indeed become some kind of celebrity in Lebanese social circles. There is no doubt that this raises many questions, particularly given Ortagus’ initial sidelining, followed by Barrack’s removal and her reinstatement. The shifting roles and decisions surrounding this file have sparked widespread surprise.
Truth is, Lebanon’s case is far from secondary in Washington’s halls of power. It is part of a broader, integrated regional strategy. However, reports spoke of tensions between Morgan Ortagus and Steve Witkoff, US envoy to the Middle East, especially over her failure to consult him on several key matters. Though the issue was eventually resolved amicably, Tom Barrack failed to make any breakthrough. In fact, his involvement arguably worsened the situation. In fact, Barrack failed to grasp the region’s dynamics and Lebanon’s intricate sensitivities, despite a personal background that should have offered more insight. His agenda reflected US policy, but his approach missed the mark. His first misstep was attempting to separate Hezbollah’s political and military wings; an overly simplistic stance, given Washington’s cautious approach to the issue. He then made matters worse by sparking controversy over his remarks about Bilad al-Sham and Lebanon “returning” to it (a notion far removed from today’s regional discourse). Nonetheless, Ortagus’ return raises eyebrows. She belongs to a camp that advocates for decisive action, demanding clarity and firm stance, unlike the current climate. Her reappointment signals a potential escalation, a warning that the status quo can no longer stand. If the Lebanese state cannot assert its sovereignty in critical matters, the international community may back Israel in resolving the issue on its own terms. So, the question for Lebanon is the following: Will it prove its capacity of asserting its authority on existential matters; or will it leave the door open for Israel, under Netanyahu’s hardline doctrine, to impose its own solution?

Baabda and Hezbollah are seeking a safe exit from Tuesday's session. Washington and Israel: No compromise on the arms issue.
Al-Markazie/August 2, 2025
Al-Jadeed reported today, Saturday, that "the final version of the Cabinet's position may be released on Monday evening, based on the vision of the presidency and the government, which is based on eliminating any differences or contentious issues between the political parties within the session."
The newspaper indicated that the party prefers to formulate a formula based on the Supreme Defense Council without any scheduling or dates, while the Lebanese Forces Party is proposing to assign the task to the Supreme Defense Council to develop a clear plan within a specific timetable. She said that the party is open to formulas that confirm the exclusivity of weapons in the hands of the state according to the ministerial statement and the inauguration speech, but what Israel seeks is to impose another agreement. She spoke of “mutual formulas between the party and the presidential palace through envoys aimed at reaching common formulas that confirm the state’s right to monopolize weapons on the one hand and prevent internal slippages on the other hand.” Meanwhile, a source close to the ministers of the Amal Movement and the party announced in an interview with Al-Jadeed that “work is underway to pull any fuse that could blow up the government during Tuesday’s session.” He pointed out that, “The decision so far is to participate in Tuesday’s session under the umbrella of the ministerial statement and the inauguration speech.” The source pointed out that “matters are still under consultation to find an appropriate formula for Tuesday’s session that avoids slipping into an ‘ill-considered’ phase.” Diplomatic sources told Al Jadeed that "Washington and Tel Aviv will not accept any solution, and what is required is the approval of the arms clause according to a timetable and with government consensus." They added that "US envoy Tom Barrack, during his recent visit to Lebanon, stated that this was the last opportunity for an understanding and that he might not return."

The government's Tuesday session statement will be entirely sovereign... and intransigence could ignite war.
Al-Markazie/August 2, 2025
In keeping with a tradition that has been in place for years, and following the example of previous presidents of the republic, President Joseph Aoun participated in the Divine Liturgy today, Sunday, marking the feast of Our Lady of the Miraculous Hill in the Chouf town of Deir al-Qamar. This is a brief religious break, after which he will resume his political activities ahead of a pivotal cabinet session scheduled for the day after tomorrow, Tuesday, at the Presidential Palace. The session will particularly discuss the issue of restricting arms to international legitimacy, amid intense efforts to ensure a formula agreed upon by all parties, thus preventing the collapse of the government first and the return of the specter of war second. Informed political sources confirmed to Nidaa Al Watan that consultations are ongoing between President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri. These consultations will continue until the final hours before the cabinet session scheduled for Tuesday, in order to come up with the best scenario for the arms issue. A meeting will be held, for the same purpose, in the coming hours between President Aoun and Speaker Berri. In this context, Nidaa Al Watan learned that President Aoun will intensify his contacts with Hezbollah and Speaker Berri to convince them that they have no choice but to return to the fold of the state that protects everyone, and that continued intransigence may lead to the re-ignition of war. Meanwhile, Berri will work to round things off so that the government does not implode from within. Nidaa Al Watan also learned that the statement of the upcoming government session on Tuesday will be purely sovereign and will include excerpts from the spirit of the recent truce agreement, the inaugural address, and the ministerial statement. It will also address the arms issue, as Arab and international pressure is pushing the state to make an explicit decision to restrict weapons.
Positions on the Arms Issue
Meanwhile, Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea considered that "Hezbollah is committing two dangerous fallacies: the first is constitutional, as it has no right to interfere in state affairs or impose conditions on it. The second is the belief that weapons are the only way to expel Israel, when in fact these weapons are the cause of the catastrophe and are incapable of achieving any real results." Addressing the party, Geagea said, "Leave us alone a little so we can save you." In Diman, the arms issue also came up during a reception by Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Bechara Boutros al-Rai for a delegation from the Lebanese Forces party. Following the meeting, MP Ghiath Yazbek expressed his hope that Tuesday's session would be pivotal, with the final word affirming Lebanon's sovereignty and the unity of its arms. MP Tony Frangieh also took a leading position, when he received a delegation of expatriates in Ehden. He called for an alliance based on the logic of the state, the army, and institutions, believing that the issue of arms should be in the hands of President Joseph Aoun. Frangieh said, "What we need is to restrict arms to the state and the army, and to restructure the army, starting with the personnel, equipment, and weapons. This will enable this institution to truly protect Lebanon and its borders with Israel, as well as protect it from all possible dangers."

Minister of Agriculture Nizar Hani: Tuesday's session will discuss the broad lines outlined by the President in his speech
Al-Markazia/August 2, 2025
Minister of Agriculture Nizar Hani confirmed that Tuesday's cabinet session will be a regular but important one, and will clearly discuss the broad lines outlined by the President in his speech. Speaking to the "Events in Conversation" program on Sawt Kul Lubnan, he explained that the President's speech set a clear timetable for restricting weapons to the state, emphasizing that "this issue enjoys broad political consensus among the components of the government." He confirmed that no boycott is expected from any political party, including the Shiite duo. He pointed out that the army is making significant efforts in the south and has taken over hundreds of sites and weapons depots, confirming the gradual and effective transition to the exclusive control of weapons by the Lebanese state. In response to a question about Hezbollah's position on the arms restriction process, Hani stressed that "the party is part of the Lebanese fabric and has played a major role in liberating the land," noting that "the next phase requires that the state alone be the decision maker of war and peace." He also pointed to "the importance of Arab and international support, especially from the United States, France, and Saudi Arabia, in stabilizing and keeping pace with the next phase," stressing that "the opportunity is now available to establish a new, positive phase on the security and political levels." Regarding the launch of the cannabis cultivation regulatory authority, Hani said it would be a matter of weeks, revealing close cooperation with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization and the Central Laboratory in Greece. He believed that the Lebanese domestic market alone would be sufficient to absorb medical and industrial cannabis products in the first phase. Regarding the agricultural export issue, Hani noted that relations with Syria, Jordan, Iraq, and Egypt are good, "but the most prominent challenge remains the absence of a land export line to the Gulf states via Saudi Arabia, forcing Lebanon to use expensive and slow sea freight."

Arms Restriction in Tuesday's Session or a Security Explosion?
Yola Hashem/Al-Markazia/August 2, 2025
Al-Markazia - The evening before yesterday, a meeting was held between President of the Republic, General Joseph Aoun, and the head of the Loyalty to the Resistance bloc, MP Mohammad Raad. The meeting was described as a frank discussion on several issues, and was described as positive. Awaiting the upcoming government session next Tuesday to discuss illegal weapons, circulating information suggests the possibility of the government approving the clause restricting arms to the state, with the Supreme Defense Council being authorized to proceed with the implementation of the government's decision, after a plan is developed by the Army Command. Is Lebanon heading toward arms restriction, or are we facing the possibility of an internal explosion? MP Ibrahim Mneimneh confirmed to Al-Markazia that "no one will go towards exploding the situation, and the president's speech was clear. What was popularly desired was clarity on the path the president is pursuing in negotiations or the open channel with Hezbollah. The speech clarified the position regarding restricting weapons to the state, but a clear plan is also lacking regarding the issue of disarmament. It should be accompanied by a declaration of intent from Hezbollah regarding the necessity of disarmament after discussion with the government and the provision of the necessary international and other guarantees to halt the Israeli aggression and end the occupation. At the same time, this should be accompanied by clear steps and a clear statement from Hezbollah in this direction. These facts must coincide with each other for matters to take their course towards stability." Mneimneh added: "This discussion is required, and the party agreed. It is part of the government, voted for the president and gave the inaugural speech, and then participated in the government based on the ministerial statement. This is not a new or surprising issue for it. Hezbollah knows the balance of power and knows that there is a major internal division over weapons and that its solution has become imperative." Are you optimistic about reaching a result in Tuesday's session? "I believe it is necessary to reach a conclusion, and the appropriate place for this discussion is the Council of Ministers. This is what we have been demanding, so that the Lebanese people can also know and hold their government accountable for its performance. This is necessary, and the political decision in the country lies with the Council of Ministers."

Gunfire towards the outskirts of Blida and a bomb over Kfar Kila
Al-Markazia/August 2, 2025
The Israeli army carried out a sweep using machine guns from the al-Bayadh position towards the outskirts of the town of Blida. An Israeli drone dropped a bomb over the town of Kfar Kila. Drone flights were recorded over the Iqlim al-Tuffah area in southern Lebanon.

Israeli Escalation in the South: Shelling and Sweeping Operations in Kfar Kila and Kfar Shuba
Nidaa al-Watan/August 2, 2025
A Nidaa al-Watan correspondent reported that an Israeli reconnaissance aircraft has dropped three bombs so far on the border town of Kfar Kila, as part of an ongoing field escalation in southern Lebanon. In a related development, Israeli army forces are conducting a sweep from the Ruweisat area towards the outskirts of Kfar Shuba. An Israeli drone also targeted the vicinity of the Kfar Kila cemetery with several shells, the explosions of which were heard in areas relatively far from the town.

Tuesday's cabinet session: Latest developments
Naharnet/August 02, 2025
The call for Tuesday’s crucial cabinet on Hezbollah’s arms “was not preceded by any agreement, seeing as contacts intensified after PM Nawaf Salam declared the date,” political sources said. “There is no final agreement on an exit for the session and Hezbollah is linking its participation to the outcome of talks, while showing openness to a formula that would approve arms monopolization,” the sources told Al-Jadeed TV. “Hezbollah and the Amal Movement have agreed to have a common stance on the session, which means to attend, not attend or boycott the government if needed,” the sources said.
“MP Mohammad Raad agreed with Speaker Nabih Berri to carry out contacts to contain the repercussions of Tuesday’s session, and he discussed its agenda with President Joseph Aoun in Baabda and it was agreed to work on avoiding any domestic deterioration,” the sources added. The sources also revealed that “a meeting is expected between the president and the parliament speaker to discuss the course of Tuesday’s session and the best scenario to tackle the file of arms.”Informed sources meanwhile told Hezbollah’s Al-Manar TV that the meetings of Raad with Aoun and Wafiq Safa with the army chief had been scheduled prior to the president’s Army Day speech. “Hezbollah’s stance in the two meetings was clear and firm: Hezbollah knows the magnitude of pressures and is ready for discussions,” the sources said.

What’s on the table in Tuesday’s Cabinet session? Lebanon weighs disarmament timeline — the details
LBCI/August 02, 2025
The countdown has begun for Tuesday’s Cabinet session, which will resume discussions on implementing the ministerial statement—specifically the section related to extending state authority over its territory using only its own forces. The key question remains: What formula will the government adopt, and will it set a timeline for exclusive control over weapons? The final version of the proposal has not yet been completed. The Lebanese Presidency is currently working on a draft that merges elements from the ministerial statement, the presidential oath of office, and the president’s Army Day speech. The draft is expected to be presented to both the prime minister and the parliament speaker. Among the proposals being considered is a government statement reaffirming its commitment to exclusive control of weapons, with implementation details to be referred to the Higher Defense Council. While the formula is still being developed, ministers affiliated with Hezbollah and the Amal Movement are not expected to boycott the session. They believe their participation is essential, given their central role in the issue. Their presence would allow them to register objections, reservations, or comments.
Hezbollah is expected to argue that setting a timeline for disarmament is not in Lebanon’s interest. The group believes such a move would increase external pressure on the country and that establishing a timeline without reciprocal steps from Israel would amount to political suicide. The Tom Barrack proposal, which is on the session’s agenda, outlines a three-phase disarmament plan. Last-minute consultations are expected to intensify. Hezbollah is relying on President Joseph Aoun, who reportedly showed flexibility during a recent meeting with MP Mohammad Raad and acknowledged the sensitivity of the situation, which requires careful handling. Ahead of what is expected to be a tense session, Lebanese officials were surprised by reports that the Lebanon file may have been transferred from U.S. envoy Tom Barrack to Morgan Ortagus. Although Lebanese officials have not officially confirmed the reports, some sources expressed concern about the relevance of discussing the U.S. envoy’s proposal in the Cabinet if Barrack is no longer overseeing the file. Other sources noted, however, that Ortagus never fully relinquished the Lebanon file.

Lebanon’s president urges $1 billion a year: Can this funding finally secure the army and stabilize the south?
LBCI/August 02, 2025
While everything President Joseph Aoun outlined in his recent speech is important and cannot be separated in terms of implementation, the core of his message centered on proposed solutions—chief among them, securing $1 billion in annual funding for the Lebanese Army over the next ten years.
Sources familiar with the matter said that although Aoun presented his points gradually, he considers them equally urgent. They noted that the weapons issue remains the key priority. His call for $1 billion in funding stems from his experience as a former army commander and his understanding of what the military requires to fulfill its full mission. According to information obtained by LBCI, the army support plan was first initiated during Aoun’s tenure as commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces and has since continued to develop, aiming to reinforce the army’s deployment in the south in line with the ceasefire agreement. The requested annual funding is primarily intended to support the army’s presence in the south. It would cover salaries for military personnel, the costs of recruiting new troops, and logistical needs related to deployment, including equipment and facilities. The funds would also support special arrangements specific to the army’s operational requirements, which are not publicly disclosed due to the sensitive nature of its work. According to the army’s current plan, troop numbers in the south are expected to reach 10,000 by this fall, following the recruitment of 4,500 additional soldiers. President Aoun, aware that placing all weapons in the hands of the army necessitates the military being adequately armed to protect Lebanon’s territory and security, urged those calling for a state monopoly on arms to honor their commitment to strengthening the army since the ceasefire agreement took effect.

Aoun holds 'positive' and 'frank' meeting with Raad
Naharnet/August 02, 2025
President Joseph Aoun held a meeting Thursday with MP Mohammad Raad, the head of Hezbollah’s Loyalty to Resistance parliamentary bloc.“It was a session of frankness on many files,” the Hezbollah-affiliated al-Ahed news portal reported. “The meeting was positive, pending further crystallization of the picture in the coming days,” al-Ahed added. The talks come days before a crucial cabinet session scheduled for Tuesday that will tackle the issue of monopolizing arms in the hands of the state. President Joseph Aoun said Thursday that Lebanon is determined to disarm Hezbollah, a step it has come under heavy U.S. pressure to take. In a key speech marking Army Day, Aoun said Lebanon was demanding "the extension of the Lebanese state's authority over all its territory, the removal of weapons from all armed groups including Hezbollah and their handover to the Lebanese Army."
He added it was every politician's duty "to seize this historic opportunity and push without hesitation towards affirming the army and security forces' monopoly on weapons over all Lebanese territory... in order to regain the world's confidence."
On Wednesday, Hezbollah chief Sheikh Naim Qassem had said that "anyone calling today for the surrender of weapons, whether internally or externally, on the Arab or the international stage, is serving the Israeli project."He accused U.S. envoy Tom Barrack, who has visited Lebanon several times in recent months for talks with senior officials, of using "intimidation and threats" with the aim of "aiding Israel."Lebanon has proposed modifications to "ideas" submitted by the United States on Hezbollah's disarmament, Aoun added, and a plan would be discussed at a cabinet meeting Tuesday to "establish a timetable for implementation."Aoun also demanded the withdrawal of Israeli troops, the release of Lebanese prisoners and "an immediate cessation of Israeli hostilities."

As fuel tax stalls, Lebanon hunts for new ways to pay military and security personnel
LBCI/August 02, 2025
Before August 15, and possibly within a few days, Lebanon’s Ministry of Finance will pay the approved grant for July to both active and retired military and security personnel, once it receives the payroll lists from the army command and security institutions. This grant, which amounts to approximately $30 million per month, was funded through the fuel tax approved by the government before the State Shura Council suspended its implementation a month after its approval. An active-duty soldier will receive 14 million Lebanese lira, while a retiree will receive 12 million. The number of active military personnel stands at 120,000, with retirees totaling around 82,000. The State Shura Council's decision canceled the tax, but the increase was not canceled. Therefore, the Ministry of Finance is facing a challenge in terms of securing alternative sources of funding to continue paying, and here lies the issue. The Ministry of Finance has pledged not to spend a single lira without guaranteed revenue. The ministry is committed to following the International Monetary Fund’s advice, fearing that any wrong decision could jeopardize the signing of an agreement with the IMF. But what funding sources are available? Some propose increasing a specific tax on gasoline only, excluding diesel, especially since gasoline is not used by everyone. This tax hike does not require approval from parliament, but some MPs might oppose the measure. Alternative solutions include improving tax collection, encouraging tax compliance, and boosting revenue from customs and coastal property, which could provide alternative funding sources. The most important thing is to move away from relying on consumption taxes and instead adopt permanent and sustainable financing plans.

Wildfire threatens homes and church in Ain al-Haour, Chouf
LBCI/August 02, 2025
Civil defense teams, with the help of local residents, continued efforts to extinguish a massive wildfire that broke out in Ain al-Haour, Chouf, and swept through nearby forested areas. On Saturday, the flames reached the vicinity of a local church and several homes. The municipality and residents issued urgent calls for authorities to act swiftly to support civil defense teams and contain the blaze.

Bassil urges Hezbollah to admit its arms have become 'a burden'
Naharnet/August 02, 2025
Free Patriotic Movement leader Jebran Bassil considered, amid domestic and American pressure to disarm Hezbollah, that it is time for the group to admit that its arms have become a burden to Lebanon. "I call on Hezbollah to act responsibly and to admit that these arms have become a burden," Bassil said in an interview Thursday with Lebanese TV channel MTV, also urging the group to do some "serious thinking" and "not to buy time."The Christian leader said that he supports peace but only fair peace, where Lebanon gets his full rights - to all its resources and territories - and is protected from Israeli attacks.
Israel has repeatedly struck south and east Lebanon and less frequently Beirut's southern suburbs despite a ceasefire reached in late November. The Israeli army is also still occupying in south Lebanon five hills it deems strategic. Bassil said that Lebanon also can't make peace accords with Israel alone and can only consider peace once there is a comprehensive Arab decision to normalize ties. After several Arab-Israeli wars, Egypt was the first Arab state to recognize Israel diplomatically in 1979. It was followed by Jordan, the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco and Sudan. In October 2023, Saudi Arabia suspended talks on the possible normalization of relations with Israel, following the Israeli war on Gaza.

UK chargé Victoria Dunne inaugurates new military accommodation facility in Hamat
Naharnet/August 02, 2025
Ahead of Lebanese Army Day on August 1, the UK Chargé D’Affaires Victoria Dunne, accompanied by UK Defense Attaché Lt. Col. Charles Smith, inaugurated a new military accommodation facility in Hamat on Thursday, July 31. The building, funded by the UK Ministry of Defense, will support UK personnel to deliver a variety of training and support to various Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) units. This includes leadership development for junior officers and infantry skills courses, including for female LAF personnel. "The UK continues to be a steadfast supporter of the LAF, the sole legitimate defender of Lebanon, supporting with training, kit and equipment," a British embassy statement said. Chargé D’Affaires Dunne said: "A huge congratulations to the LAF on their 80th anniversary whose bravery defending Lebanon internally and on the borders is admirable. I am thrilled to be in Hamat today to inaugurate this new accommodation facility. We are proud of our partnership with the LAF and ongoing support for the development of its capabilities, including through training."Defense Attaché Smith for his part said: "Today is another milestone for UK-Lebanese defense cooperation. The provision of accommodation and facilities will assist UK personnel in delivering high-impact training to various LAF brigades and units, including to female officers and soldiers. And it also demonstrates that the UK remains a proud and enduring partner to the LAF."

Govt. likely to approve arms monopoly decision on Tuesday
Naharnet/August 02, 2025
The Lebanese government will likely approve Tuesday the article on monopolizing arms in the state’s hands, sources told Sky News Arabia on Friday. “The Lebanese government will task the Higher Defense Council with pressing on with measures to implement the government’s decision after the Army Command presents a plan,” the sources added. Ministerial sources also told Al-Jadeed TV that "discussions are underway on a proposal suggesting that the government adopt the principle of arms monopoly before referring it to the Higher Defense Council to specify the executive mechanism."President Joseph Aoun said Thursday that Lebanon is determined to disarm Hezbollah, a step it has come under heavy U.S. pressure to take, with the Iran-backed group insisting that doing so would serve Israeli goals. In a key speech marking Army Day on Thursday, Aoun said Lebanon was demanding "the extension of the Lebanese state's authority over all its territory, the removal of weapons from all armed groups including Hezbollah and their handover to the Lebanese Army."He added it was every politician's duty "to seize this historic opportunity and push without hesitation towards affirming the army and security forces' monopoly on weapons over all Lebanese territory... in order to regain the world's confidence."On Wednesday, Hezbollah chief Sheikh Naim Qassem had said that "anyone calling today for the surrender of weapons, whether internally or externally, on the Arab or the international stage, is serving the Israeli project." He accused U.S. envoy Tom Barrack, who has visited Lebanon several times in recent months for talks with senior officials, of using "intimidation and threats" with the aim of "aiding Israel."Lebanon has proposed modifications to "ideas" submitted by the United States on Hezbollah's disarmament, Aoun added, and a plan would be discussed at a cabinet meeting Tuesday to "establish a timetable for implementation." Aoun also demanded the withdrawal of Israeli troops, the release of Lebanese prisoners and "an immediate cessation of Israeli hostilities."

Will Ortagus replace Barrack as US envoy to Lebanon?
Naharnet/August 02, 2025
Morgan Ortagus will return to being the U.S. special envoy to Lebanon and Tom Barrack is no longer in charge of the Lebanese file, Lebanese TV networks reported on Friday. But a U.S. State Dept. official later told Al-Arabiya’s Al-Hadath that the reports are baseless. Ortagus had been accused of adopting an approach of “harsh diplomacy” in Lebanon, while her successor Barrack, who is of Lebanese origins, has been accused of making contradictory statements regarding Hezbollah and the thorny issue of the group’s weapons. Barrack handled the Lebanese file in recent months alongside his roles as U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and U.S. special envoy for Syria. Media reports had said that Barrack had replaced Ortagus due to “matters related to the U.S. administration and not to the Lebanese file.”U.S. journalist Laura Loomer had said in a post on X that Ortagus would be “cordially reassigned to another role in the Trump administration.”“She wanted to be the Special Envoy to Syria, but the position was instead given to Tom Barrack,” Loomer added. Ortagus had been named as Amos Hochstein’s successor at the request of some Republicans, although U.S. President Donald Trump was not enthusiastic about her appointment. "Early on Morgan fought me for three years, but hopefully has learned her lesson," Trump wrote at the time. Ortagus is close to many senior Republicans like Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Senator Lindsey Graham, former national security adviser Mike Waltz and Trump's envoy for special missions, Ric Grenell. She also worked closely with Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner during Trump's first term in office, and they remain close. During the Republican presidential primary before the 2016 elections, Ortagus criticized Trump's "isolationist" foreign policy and his personal behavior.
After noting that past criticism, Trump said he decided to appoint Ortagus regardless of their differences because "she has strong Republican support.""I'm not doing this for me, I'm doing it for them. Let's see what happens," he added in January. In Israel, a Channel 14 journalist said Ortagus’ departure would not be in Israel’s favor, seeing as she is an avid supporter of Israel and had “firmly worked on the file of disarming Hezbollah.”Al-Akhbar newspaper noted recently that Ortagus had “a very bad relation with Army Commander Rodolphe Haykal” and that President Joseph Aoun had expressed to U.S. officials “his unease over her approach and her way in talking to officials.”“She later criticized a large number of politicians, including a clear insult to ex-MP Walid Jumblat which embarrassed the majority of the friends of the U.S. Embassy in Lebanon,” the daily added.

AUB inaugurates the Abu Sittah-Gilbert Humanitarian Award
Naharnet/August 02, 2025
In a ceremony that honored the courage and sacrifice of healthcare professionals working in conflict zones, the American University of Beirut (AUB) inaugurated the Abu Sittah-Gilbert Humanitarian Award. Established in 2024, this award recognizes health workers and first responders who risk their lives and livelihoods to protect and care for people facing war, siege, and occupation. The event, which was hosted by the Palestine Land Studies Center at AUB, opened with a minute of silence in respect for all victims of wars and conflicts, followed by a performance by soprano and educator Ghada Ghanem, who recited short poems by Palestinian poet Mosab Abu Toha and sang ‘If I Must Die,’ by the late Refaat Alareer. Ghanem is a faculty member at AUB and collaborates with the Edward Said Conservatory to bring music to children in Gaza. Following the opening tributes, the program continued with a recorded message from Dr. Debarati Guha-Sapir, an award-winning expert on the health impacts of disasters and conflicts. “Warring parties are required by law to respect and protect medical personnel. Over the last few years, and as we are seeing Gaza, the complete opposite is happening," said Guha-Sapir. “We are witnessing the attacks that are usually resulting in the casualties among not only medical workers, but health professionals as well. Ambulance drivers, nurses, paramedics, medical assistants form the foundation of the medical sector, and are the ones who are usually in the frontlines and end up being the victims of such conflicts," she continued. Guha-Sapir's message was followed by a recorded video that included testimonies from health workers who are on the ground in Gaza, explaining the dire situation there, and a thank you note from Dr. Khamis Elessi. The ceremony continued with remarks by Dr. Iman Nuwayhid, professor of public health and environmental and occupational health at the Faculty of Health Sciences at AUB, who spoke about the award's origins and urgency. “The idea of this award was proposed by my colleague, Dr. Bassem Saab, and was inspired by the resilience, endurance, and resistance of the people of Gaza and the courage of two healthcare professionals–Dr. Ghassan Abu Sittah and Dr. Mads Gilbert–who risked their lives and professional careers to support the people of Palestine and beyond," he said, highlighting the individuals after whom the award is named. Head of the Division of Plastic Surgery and founder of the Conflict Medicine Program at the American University of Beirut Medical Center, Dr. Ghassan Abu Sittah, is a prominent plastic and reconstructive surgeon and academic who has spent decades treating victims of war – particularly children – in some of the world's most dangerous conflict zones, while championing the rights of the injured and displaced.
Dr. Mads Gilbert is a Norwegian anesthesiologist and emergency medicine specialist who has long stood in solidarity with the Palestinian people, and provided critical medical care in Gaza while advocating globally for justice through his medical and political work. Nuwayhid reflected on the violence and horrors that have been inflicted on the people of Gaza for almost two years. He also spoke about the reasons behind the selection committee's decision to honor all healthcare professionals of Gaza as the first recipients of the Abu Sittah-Gilbert Humanitarian Award, which came after the committee realized that the award needed to honor all who have contributed to supporting the people of Gaza, “from paramedics, nurses, ambulance drivers, first responders, to the patriarch of a family who sought to salvage everyone from his family who he could reach." Dr. Mohamad Zeyara, who worked and lived in Gaza, received the award on their behalf. Zeyara is a plastic surgeon currently based in Lebanon and receiving further training in reconstructive surgery under the mentorship of Abu Sittah. Dr. Zaina Jallad, director of the Palestine Land Studies Center and assistant professor at the Department of Political Studies and Public Administration at AUB, also spoke during the gathering, noting that the Abu Sittah-Gilbert Humanitarian Award “is not merely a recognition of courage in the face of danger, it's a recognition of fidelity to life, care, and the irreducible dignity of every human being."
Later in the program, a panel discussion brought together Dr. Gilbert and Dr. Abu Sittah, along with Dr. Ben Thomson, public health professional, nephrologist, and internal medicine physician; and Dr. Noura Erakat, human rights attorney and associate professor at the Department of Africana Studies and the Program in Criminal Justice at Rutgers University, New Brunswick. Abu Sittah spoke about his role as a physician. He noted that this role had so far resulted in eight lawsuits that were intended “not to silence you, but to paralyze you, to make an example of you, and to drain you economically and mentally where you spend your life defending yourself." Abu Sittah said that dealing with these lawsuits was “nothing compared to the horrors that happened to others who spoke up."Gilbert highlighted the disproportionate number of attacks against the healthcare system. “Healthcare workers in Gaza are 0.9 percent of the population, but they also make up 7 percent of the total casualties. This means that healthcare workers are being killed eight times more than civilians," he said. He added that “these attacks are taking place to prevent people from helping in this area because healthcare is a form of resistance in areas where such oppression is taking place."The event concluded with remarks from Dr. Fadlo Khuri, AUB president. He reflected on the emotional weight of the evening, stating, “It's very difficult to find the words to follow what we've heard tonight from the testimonies of the voices that were nearly silenced but found a way through." Drawing from his own background in medicine, he emphasized the deeper purpose of the medical profession, “As someone who spent most of his life in medicine, I believe that this award encapsulates what medicine is supposed to be about. Medicine is not just a science or a service, but a moral commitment to protect life – especially when it's most threatened." Khuri honored the courage and sacrifice of those the award seeks to recognize, “Today we are honoring those who have upheld that commitment and paid the ultimate price, and also those who continue to serve under conditions that defy comprehension."

Beauty on a budget: Why salons in Lebanon are a top stop for returning expats
LBCI/August 02, 2025
When Lebanese expatriate women arrive in Lebanon, one of the first things many of them do is visit a beauty salon. From blow-dries to eyebrow shaping, these routine services are significantly cheaper compared to prices abroad. According to the numbers, the basic beauty services done weekly include a manicure and pedicure, which cost around $20; a blow-dry, around $10; and eyebrow shaping, approximately $5. In total, customers could pay about $35 at a standard salon in Lebanon. The same services in Dubai, for example, would cost around $100: a manicure and pedicure about $45, a blow-dry between $35 and $40, and eyebrow shaping between $15 and $20. The total comes to approximately $95 to $105. In Paris, prices are even higher. A manicure and pedicure cost around $50, a blow-dry $40, and eyebrow shaping $15, bringing the total to about $105 to $120.
In Canada, prices are even steeper. A manicure and pedicure range from $50 to $60, a blow-dry from $35 to $45, and eyebrow shaping from $15 to $25, with a total cost of roughly $100 to $130. So why are beauty service prices in Lebanon lower than in many other countries? The main reason is lower operating costs—ranging from employee wages to rent and the wide availability of products. In addition, the large number of salons across the country creates strong competition, which helps keep prices affordable. In Lebanon, the beauty industry is not just about luxury or changing one’s look. It’s part of the country’s tourism sector—specifically, beauty tourism. While other countries, such as Turkey, are also competing in this field, Lebanon remains a key destination. So if you’re heading to Lebanon, don’t forget to book your appointment—before salons are fully booked!

Civil Aviation General Director: Beirut Airport Traffic to Increase in Coming Days
This is Beirut/August 02, 2025
The Director General of the Civil Aviation, Amin Jaber, said on Saturday that traffic at Beirut International Airport was normal at this time, but was set to increase in the coming days. In an exclusive interview with An-Nahar, Jaber explained that the heavy traffic was due to the arrival of expatriates to Lebanon and the departure of residents for their summer vacation. He warned that the traffic was bound to increase in the coming days due to the Arbaeen pilgrimage to Iraq, an annual Shia Islamic event marking the end of the 40-day mourning period after Ashura. He advised travelers to follow these directions to facilitate their departure:
Arrive at the airport three hours before departure
Conduct an online check-in before arriving at the airport
Do not carry prohibited items for personal inspection
Do not place any hazardous materials (power banks, batteries in general, oils, etc.) in checked bags
Do not carry liquids exceeding 100g or sharp materials in hand luggage
Lebanon has regained economic activity with the regular functioning of constitutional institutions, the election of President Joseph Aoun as president of the republic and the appointment of Nawaf Salam as prime minister.
Airport lounges are currently crowded with travelers and expatriates, marking a significant economic recovery for Beirut after a series of crises and wars.

Geagea Accuses Hezbollah of Setting Lebanon “a Hundred Years Back,” Calls for Weapons to Be Returned to the State
This is Beirut/August 02, 2025
During the annual dinner of Radio Liban Libre, Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea delivered a sharp speech against Hezbollah, accusing it of being the primary cause of Lebanon’s political, economic, and institutional decline. “We don’t need Israel to attack us to push us back a century: Hezbollah is already doing that,” Geagea said, referencing a decades-old Israeli statement. According to him, the pro-Iranian group imposes a model rejected by nearly 75% of Lebanese and blocks any genuine political life in the country. Geagea denounced “the monopolization of strategic decisions by a single party,” claiming Hezbollah “speaks a language most Lebanese do not understand” and refuses to submit to legitimate institutions. He criticized the absence of sovereign decision-making for more than thirty years, accusing the Shia party of dragging Lebanon into wars and regional alliances that go against its interests. On the regional front, Geagea condemned Hezbollah’s military involvement in Syria and its stance toward Israel, arguing that the party’s weapons have caused more destruction than protection. “Only the Lebanese Army, under the authority of the state, can ensure the security of all citizens,” he stressed, rejecting the argument that Hezbollah’s arsenal is needed as long as Israel remains in the south. Calling for all weapons to be handed over to the national army and for the full restoration of state sovereignty, Geagea urged the government and parliament to “act without waiting for Hezbollah’s approval.” “We want a real republic, not a state paralyzed by a party acting according to a foreign agenda,” he concluded, vowing that his party would continue to raise its voice “to defend Lebanon’s freedom and independence.”

The Latest English LCCC Miscellaneous Reports And News published on August 02-03/2025
Israel army chief warns of combat ‘without rest’ unless hostages are freed
AFP/August 02, 2025
JERUSALEM: Israel’s top general has warned that there will be no respite in fighting in Gaza if negotiations fail to quickly secure the release of hostages held in the Palestinian territory.“I estimate that in the coming days we will know whether we can reach an agreement for the release of our hostages,” said army chief of staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, according to a military statement. “If not, the combat will continue without rest,” he said, during remarks to officers inside Gaza on Friday. Footage released by the Israeli military showed Zamir meeting soldiers and officers in a command center. Of the 251 people who were kidnapped from Israel during Hamas’s attack in October 2023, 49 remain in Gaza, 27 of them dead, according to the military. Palestinian armed groups this week released two videos of hostages looking emaciated and weak. Negotiations – mediated by the United States, Egypt and Qatar – to secure a ceasefire and their release broke down last month, and some in Israel have called for tougher military action. This comes against the backdrop of growing pressure – both internationally and domestically, including from many of the hostages’ families – to resume efforts to secure a ceasefire in the nearly 22-month conflict. Aid agencies have meanwhile warned that Gaza’s population is facing a catastrophic famine, triggered by Israeli restrictions on aid. Zamir nonetheless rejected these allegations out of hand. “The current campaign of false accusations of intentional starvation is a deliberate, timed, and deceitful attempt to accuse the IDF (military), a moral army, of war crimes,” he said.“The ones responsible for the killing and suffering of the residents in the Gaza Strip is Hamas.”Hamas’s 2023 attack resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, mostly civilians, according to a tally based on official figures. A total of 898 Israeli soldiers have also been killed since ground troops were sent into Gaza, according to the military. Israel’s campaign in Gaza has killed at least 60,332 people in Gaza, mostly civilians, according to figures from the Hamas-run territory’s health ministry, deemed reliable by the UN.

Hamas says it won’t disarm unless independent Palestinian state established
Reuters/August 02, 2025
GAZA: Hamas said on Saturday that it would not disarm unless an independent Palestinian state is established — a fresh rebuke to a key Israeli demand to end the war in Gaza. Indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel aimed at securing a 60-day ceasefire in the Gaza war and deal for the release of hostages ended last week in deadlock. On Tuesday, Qatar and Egypt, who are mediating ceasefire efforts, endorsed a declaration by France and Saudi Arabia outlining steps toward a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and saying that as part of this Hamas must hand over its arms to the Western-backed Palestinian Authority. In its statement, Hamas — which has dominated Gaza since 2007 but has been militarily battered by Israel in the war — said it could not yield its right to “armed resistance” unless an “independent, fully sovereign Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital” is established. Israel considers the disarmament of Hamas a key condition for any deal to end the conflict, but Hamas has repeatedly said it is not willing to lay down its weaponry. Last month, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described any future independent Palestinian state as a platform to destroy Israel and said, for that reason, security control over Palestinian territories must remain with Israel. He also criticized several countries, including the UK and Canada, for announcing plans to recognize a Palestinian state in response to devastation of Gaza from Israel’s offensive and blockade, calling the move a reward for Hamas’ conduct. The war started when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages back to Gaza. Israel’s subsequent military assault on Gaza has turned much of the enclave into a wasteland, killed over 60,000 Palestinians and set off a humanitarian catastrophe. Israel and Hamas traded blame after the most recent round of talks ended in an impasse, with gaps lingering over issues including the extent of an Israeli military withdrawal.

US envoy meets Israeli hostage families in Tel Aviv
AFP/August 02, 2025
TEL AVIV: US envoy Steve Witkoff on Saturday met the anguished families of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza, as fears for the captives’ survival mounted almost 22 months into the war sparked by Hamas’s October 2023 attack. Witkoff was greeted with some applause and pleas for assistance from hundreds of protesters gathered in Tel Aviv, before going into a closed meeting with the families. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum confirmed the meeting was underway and videos shared online showed Witkoff arriving as families chanted “Bring them home!” and “We need your help.”The visit came one day after Witkoff visited a US-backed aid station in Gaza, to inspect efforts to get food into the devastated Palestinian territory. Yotam Cohen, brother of 21-year-old hostage Nimrod Cohen, told AFP in the square: “The war needs to end. The Israeli government will not end it willingly. It has refused to do so. “The Israeli government must be stopped. For our sakes, for our soldiers’ sakes, for our hostages’ sakes, for our sons and for the future generations of everybody in the Middle East.”After the meeting, the Forum released a statement saying that Witkoff had given them a personal commitment that he and US President Donald Trump would work to return the remaining hostages. The United States, along with Egypt and Qatar, had been mediating ceasefire talks between Hamas and Israel that would allow the hostages to be released and humanitarian aid to flow more freely. But talks broke down last month and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government is under increasing domestic pressure to come up with another way to secure the missing hostages, alive and dead. He is also facing international calls to open Gaza’s borders to more food aid, after UN and humanitarian agencies warned that more than two million Palestinian civilians are facing starvation. But Israel’s top general warned that there would be no respite in fighting in Gaza if the hostages were not released. “I estimate that in the coming days we will know whether we can reach an agreement for the release of our hostages,” said army chief of staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, according to a military statement. “If not, the combat will continue without rest,” he said, during remarks to officers inside Gaza on Friday. Of the 251 people who were kidnapped from Israel during Hamas’s attack in October 2023, 49 remain in Gaza, 27 of them dead, according to the military.
Palestinian armed groups this week released two videos of hostages looking emaciated and weak. Zamir denied that there was widespread starvation in Gaza. “The current campaign of false accusations of intentional starvation is a deliberate, timed, and deceitful attempt to accuse the IDF (Israeli military), a moral army, of war crimes,” he said. “The ones responsible for the killing and suffering of the residents in the Gaza Strip is Hamas.”Hamas’s 2023 attack resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, mostly civilians, according to a tally based on official figures. A total of 898 Israeli soldiers have also been killed, according to the military. Israel’s campaign in Gaza has killed at least 60,332 people, mostly civilians, according to figures from the Hamas-run territory’s health ministry, deemed reliable by the UN. Gaza’s civil defense agency said Israeli strikes killed 21 people in the territory on Saturday. Civil defense spokesman Mahmud Bassal said two people were killed and another 26 injured after an Israeli strike on a central Gaza area where Palestinians had gathered before a food distribution point run by the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). He added that Saturday’s bombings mostly targeted the areas near the southern city of Khan Yunis and Gaza City in the north. Witkoff visited another GHF site for five hours on Friday, promising that Trump would come up with a plan to better feed civilians. Adnan Abu Hasna, of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, told AFP that the agency had “approximately 6,000 trucks ready for the Gaza Strip, but the crossings are closed by political decision. There are five land crossings into the Strip through which 1,000 trucks can enter daily.”The UN human rights office in the Palestinian territories on Friday said at least 1,373 Palestinians seeking aid in Gaza had been killed since May 27, most of them by the Israeli military. Israel’s military insist that soldiers never deliberately target civilians and accuses Hamas fighters of looting UN and humanitarian aid trucks.

Israeli drone followed Gazan doctor home to kill his family: Colleague
Arab News/August 02, 2025
LONDON: A British doctor who recently returned from Gaza told Sky News that an Israeli drone pursued her colleague home and killed his family. Nada Al-Hadithy said the situation in Gaza is “absolutely desperate.” One of her patients, a 21-year-old woman who was six months pregnant, lost her baby after an Israeli bomb detonated near her tent, seriously injuring her. “Her husband was killed, she lost her eye, she had an open fracture and both her legs were completely destroyed from the bomb blast,” Al-Hadithy said. “This woman is completely emaciated, with no vitamins, no food. And one day her baby stopped moving.”A “school classroom’s worth of children” are dying in Gaza every day, the doctor said, adding that many Gazan health workers are suffering from starvation along with the general population there. In the three weeks she worked in Gaza, Al-Hadithy said there was a “tangible difference in the amount of starvation and the emaciation of our patients.”She added: “Even the severity of and relentlessness of the bombings was worse. It was mass casualty after mass casualty, with people being blown up in their tents, which were meant to be in green zones. The situation was catastrophic.”
She described her colleague whose family was killed by an Israeli drone as “patient, joyful and hardworking.”He was followed home, according to eyewitness testimony from Al-Hadithy and other medical workers, by an Israeli quadcopter first-person-view drone.
The drone’s operator chose not to “kill him on the route where he was on his own,” she said. Instead, the operator “waited until he was in his tent and greeted his three children and killed all of them.”Al-Hadithy said she regularly saw emaciated children while working in Gaza, adding: “You’ve got 2 million starving people in (an area) the same size as Exeter, which in our country and in our census in 2021 had 130,000 people in it. That’s 2 million people with no water, no sanitation, no food, no medical supplies.”She praised her Palestinian colleagues in Gaza’s besieged health sector, saying: “Never before have I seen such dignified, committed people.”

Italy to begin airdrops over Gaza, foreign minister says
AFP/August 02, 2025
ROME: Italy said it would begin airdrops over Gaza, which UN-backed experts say is slipping into famine, the latest European country to do so. “I have given the green light to a mission involving Army and Air Force assets for the transport and airdrop of necessities to civilians in Gaza, who have been severely affected by the ongoing conflict,” Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said in a statement.Italy’s air force will work with Jordan’s military to air drop special containers containing essential goods, he said. The first drops could come on Aug. 9, he said. Spain on Friday said it had airdropped 12 tonnes of food into Gaza, joining Britain and France, which have partnered with Middle Eastern nations to deliver sorely needed humanitarian supplies by air to the Palestinian enclave. The mission deployed 24 parachutes, each capable of carrying 500 kg of food, for a total of 12 tonnes — enough for 11,000 people, said Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares. Spain also has aid waiting to cross into Gaza by road from Egypt, the minister added in a video message posted on social network X, along with a video of the operation. “The induced famine that the people of Gaza are suffering is a disgrace to all of humanity,” Albares said. “Israel must open all land crossings permanently so that humanitarian aid can enter on a massive scale.”The head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, Philippe Lazzarini, warned that airdrops alone would not avert the worsening hunger. “Airdrops are at least 100 times more costly than trucks. Trucks carry twice as much aid as planes,” he wrote on X. Although Israel has in recent days allowed more aid trucks into the Gaza Strip, aid agencies say Israeli authorities could do much more to speed up border checks and open more border posts. Concern has escalated in the past week about the situation in the Gaza Strip after more than 21 months of war.

Amount of aid entering Gaza remains ‘very insufficient’
AFP/August 02, 2025
BERLIN: The amount of aid entering Gaza remains “very insufficient” despite a limited improvement, the German government said on Saturday after ministers discussed ways to heighten pressure on Israel. The criticism came after Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul visited the region on Thursday and Friday, and the German military staged its first food airdrops into Gaza, where aid agencies say that more than 2 million Palestinians are facing starvation. Germany “notes limited initial progress in the delivery of humanitarian aid to the population of the Gaza Strip, which, however, remains very insufficient to alleviate the emergency situation,” government spokesman Stefan Kornelius said in a statement.
FASTFACT
The Israeli army is accused of having equipped Palestinian criminal networks in its fight against Hamas and of allowing them to plunder aid deliveries. “Israel remains obligated to ensure the full delivery of aid,” Kornelius added. Facing mounting international criticism over its military operations in Gaza, Israel has allowed more trucks to cross the border and some foreign nations to carry out airdrops of food and medicines. International agencies say the amount of aid entering Gaza is still dangerously low, however. The UN has said that 6,000 trucks are awaiting permission from Israel to enter the occupied Palestinian territory. The German government, traditionally a strong supporter of Israel, also expressed “concern regarding reports that Hamas and criminal organizations are withholding large quantities of humanitarian aid.”Israel has alleged that much of the aid arriving in the territory is being siphoned off by Hamas, which runs Gaza. The Israeli army is accused of having equipped Palestinian criminal networks in its fight against Hamas and of allowing them to plunder aid deliveries. “The real theft of aid since the beginning of the war has been carried out by criminal gangs, under the watch of Israeli forces,” Jonathan Whittall of OCHA, the UN agency for coordinating humanitarian affairs, told reporters in May. A German government source said it had noted that Israel has “considerably” increased the number of aid trucks allowed into Gaza to about 220 a day. Berlin has taken a tougher line against Israel’s actions in Gaza and the occupied West Bank in recent weeks. The source stated that a German security Cabinet meeting on Saturday discussed “the different options” for exerting pressure on Israel, but no decision was made. A partial suspension of arms deliveries to Israel is one option that has been raised. Militants launched an attack in Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. Israel’s military offensive on Gaza since then has killed at least 60,249 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The UN considers the ministry’s figures reliable. Indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel aimed at securing a 60-day ceasefire in the war and deal for the release of hostages ended last week in deadlock. Hamas said on Saturday that it would not lay down arms unless an independent Palestinian state is established. In a statement, the Palestinian group said its “armed resistance ... cannot be relinquished except through the full restoration of our national rights, foremost among them the establishment of an independent, fully sovereign Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.”

Jordan says two armed people killed after ‘infiltration attempt’ via Syrian border
Reuters/August 02, 2025
Jordan’s armed forces often report foiling border infiltration attempts, sometimes for drug smuggling Jordan’s armed forces said on Saturday that its forces killed two armed people after a ‘foiled infiltration attempt’ through its border with Syria the previous day.
The Jordanian Armed Forces did not provide further details in its statement but said that the rest of the armed group were pushed back to the Syrian territory. Jordan’s armed forces often report foiling border infiltration attempts, sometimes for drug smuggling.
In January, Jordan and Syria agreed to form a joint security committee to secure their border, combat arms and drug smuggling and work to prevent the resurgence of Daesh militants.

Israel closes majority of military abuse cases without charges: Report
Arab News/August 02, 2025
LONDON: Israel has closed 88 percent of investigations into alleged war crimes and abuses by its forces in Gaza and the West Bank without any charges or findings of wrongdoing, according to a report by conflict monitor Action on Armed Violence. The UK-based group reviewed 52 cases reported in English-language media between October 2023 and June 2025, involving the deaths of 1,303 Palestinians and injuries to 1,880 others, The Guardian reported on Saturday. AOAV said only one case had resulted in a prison sentence, with just five others concluding with violations found. The remaining 46 cases, seven of which were closed with no fault found, and 39 still unresolved, amounted to what AOAV described as a “pattern of impunity.”Iain Overton and Lucas Tsantzouris of AOAV said: “The statistics suggest Israel was seeking to create a ‘pattern of impunity’ by failing to conclude or find no fault in the vast majority of cases involving the most severe or public accusations of wrongdoing by their forces.” Among the unresolved cases is the February 2024 killing of at least 112 Palestinians queueing for flour in Gaza City, an airstrike that killed 45 people at a Rafah tent camp in May, and the June 1 killing of 31 civilians heading to a food distribution point in Rafah. While the Israel Defense Forces initially called reports of the latter “false,” it later told The Guardian that the incident was “still under review.”The IDF said it investigates “exceptional incidents that occurred during operational activity, in which there is a suspicion of a violation of the law,” using internal fact-finding assessments and military police inquiries in line with domestic and international law. According to the IDF: “Any report … complaint or allegation that suggests misconduct by IDF forces undergoes an initial examination process, irrespective of its source.”
Cases may then be passed to the FFA team to determine “whether there is a reasonable suspicion of criminal misconduct.”Critics say the process is opaque and slow. Israeli human rights group Yesh Din told The Guardian that of 664 IDF inquiries linked to Gaza operations between 2014 and 2021, only one led to a prosecution. In August 2024, the IDF said that the FFA had reviewed “hundreds of incidents” related to the current Gaza war, with the military advocate general opening 74 criminal investigations. Of those, 52 involved detainee mistreatment or death, 13 focused on looting, and others related to civilian property destruction or excessive force. The only prison sentence to date came in February 2025, when a reservist received seven months for the aggravated abuse of bound and blindfolded Palestinian detainees at Sde Teiman detention center. One of the highest-profile cases involved the April 2024 airstrike that killed seven World Central Kitchen aid workers. While the IDF called it a “grave mistake stemming from a serious failure due to a mistaken identification,” the charity said the rapid investigation lacked credibility. Despite public commitments, AOAV said the IDF’s response has become “more opaque and slow-moving” as civilian casualties mount. The organization said unresolved cases still include four incidents in the past month alone in which Palestinians were killed at or near food distribution points.

Israeli fire again kills Gaza aid-seekers as US envoy meets with hostages' families
Wafaa Shurafa, Sam Metz And Samy Magdy/AP/August 2, 2025
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israeli forces opened fire near two aid distribution sites run by the Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation as crowds of hungry Palestinians again sought food, killing at least 10 people, witnesses and health workers said Saturday. The violence came a day after U.S. officials visited a GHF site and the U.S. ambassador called the troubled system “an incredible feat.”Another 19 people were shot dead as they crowded near the Zikim crossing from Israel in the hope of obtaining aid, said Fares Awad, head of the Gaza health ministry’s ambulance and emergency service.
Nearly a week has passed since Israel, under international pressure amid growing scenes of starving children, announced limited humanitarian pauses and airdrops meant to get more food to Gaza's over 2 million people. They now largely rely on aid after almost 22 months of war.But the United Nations, partners and Palestinians say far too little aid is coming in, with months of supplies piled up outside Gaza waiting for Israeli approval. Trucks that enter are mostly stripped of supplies by desperate people and criminal groups before reaching warehouses for distribution.Experts this week said a “worst-case scenario of famine” was occurring. On Saturday, Gaza’s health ministry said seven Palestinians had died of malnutrition-related causes over the past 24 hours, including a child. Aid is “far from sufficient,” Germany's government said via spokesman Stefan Kornelius. The U.N. has said 500 to 600 trucks of aid are needed daily. Families of the 50 hostages still in Gaza fear they are going hungry too, and blame Hamas, after the militants released images of an emaciated hostage, Evyatar David. “The humanitarian aid flowing into Gaza, meant to alleviate suffering, must reach Evyatar, Guy and all the other hostages too,” David's brother Illay told a large rally in Tel Aviv.
More deaths near U.S.-supported GHF sites
Near the northernmost GHF distribution site near the Netzarim corridor, Yahia Youssef, who had come to seek aid, described a grimly familiar scene. After helping carry three people wounded by gunshots, he said he saw others on the ground, bleeding. “It’s the same daily episode,” Youssef said. Health workers said at least eight people were killed. Israel's military said it fired warning shots at a gathering approaching its forces. At least two people were killed in the Shakoush area hundreds of meters (yards) from where the GHF operates in the southernmost city of Rafah, witnesses said. Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis received two bodies and many injured. Witness Mohamed Abu Taha said Israeli troops opened fire toward the crowds. He saw three people — two men and a woman — shot as he fled. Israel’s military said it was not aware of any fire by its forces in the area. The GHF said nothing happened near its sites. GHF says its armed contractors have only used pepper spray or fired warning shots to prevent deadly crowding. Israel ’s military on Friday said it was working to make the routes under its control safer. The GHF — backed by millions of dollars in U.S. support — launched in May as Israel sought an alternative to the U.N.-run system, which had safely delivered aid for much of the war but was accused by Israel of allowing Hamas to siphon off supplies. Israel has not offered evidence for that claim and the U.N. has denied it. From May 27 to July 31, 859 people were killed near GHF sites, according to a U.N. report Thursday. Hundreds more have been killed along the routes of U.N.-led food convoys. Hamas-led police once guarded those convoys, but Israeli fire targeted the officers. Israel and GHF have claimed the toll has been exaggerated. Airdrops by a Jordan-led coalition — which is made up of Israel, the UAE, Egypt, France, and Germany — are another approach, though experts say the strategy remains deeply inadequate and even dangerous for people on the ground. “Let’s go back to what works & let us do our job," Philippe Lazzarini, the head of the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, wrote on social media, calling for more and safer truck deliveries.
Hostage families push Israel to cut deal
U.S. President Donald Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, met with hostages' families Saturday, a week after quitting ceasefire talks, blaming Hamas' intransigence. “I didn’t hear anything new from him. I heard that there was pressure from the Americans to end this operation, but we didn’t hear anything practical,” said Michel Illouz, father of Israeli hostage Guy Illouz. He said he asked Witkoff to set a time frame but got “no answers.”Protesters called on Israel's government to make a deal to end the war, imploring them to "stop this nightmare and bring them out of the tunnels.”
Airstrikes continue
Nasser Hospital said it received five bodies after two Israeli strikes on tents sheltering displaced people in Gaza’s south. The health ministry’s ambulance and emergency service said a strike hit a house between the towns of Zawaida and Deir al-Balah, killing two parents and their three children. Another strike hit a tent in Khan Younis, killing a mother and her daughter. Israel’s top general Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir warned that “combat will continue without rest” if hostages aren’t freed.
Coming home to ruins
Most Palestinians are crowded into ever-shrinking areas considered safe.
“I don’t know what to do. Destruction, destruction," said Mohamed Qeiqa, who returned home to Gaza City and stood amid the neighborhood's collapsed concrete slabs. “Where will people settle?”The war began when Hamas attacked southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people, mostly civilians. Israel’s retaliatory offensive has killed more than 60,400 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which doesn’t distinguish between militants and civilians but says women and children make up over half the dead. The ministry operates under the Hamas government. The U.N. and other international organizations see it as the most reliable source of data on casualties. The ministry says 93 children have died from malnutrition-related causes in Gaza since the war began. It said 76 adults have died of malnutrition-related causes since late June, when it started counting adult deaths.

Anger over Gaza could unseat top UK ministers: Pollsters
Arab News/August 02, 2025
LONDON: Pro-Palestine election candidates in the UK could unseat top government ministers at the next general election, leading pollsters have said. Figures including Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood will likely face major battles to keep their seats despite Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s decision to potentially recognize a Palestinian state, The Independent reported on Saturday. At the last election in 2024, a pro-Palestine candidate unseated a key member of Starmer’s team, Jonathan Ashworth. Streeting retained his seat but with a tiny majority of 528, down from 5,198 in 2019. Mounting public anger over Britain’s response to the Gaza war could cause major embarrassment for the government at the next election, pollsters say. Jeremy Corbyn, the former Labour leader and now independent MP, has announced a new party that could also take a chunk of votes from the government by highlighting the Gaza crisis. John Curtice, the country’s top pollster, told The Independent that Starmer’s pledge to recognize a Palestinian state in September — should Israel fail to meet key conditions — “may not be sufficient” for voters. Both Streeting and Mahmood are in significant danger of losing their seats at the next election, while other ministers and MPs could also fall if anger continues to grow over Gaza. Starmer had also “lost out” on votes in his own constituency last year because of concerns over Gaza, Curtice said. However, the prime minister’s majority is substantially larger than some of his Cabinet ministers. “Here is somebody (Starmer) who spent a great deal of time and effort trying to reconnect with the Jewish community, and now he’s finding himself having to spend a great deal of effort trying to reconnect with the Muslim community. It is very difficult to keep himself on board with both groups at the moment,” Curtice said. When Corbyn launched his party last week, he said its members would campaign heavily on Palestine, as well as Britain’s response to Israel’s war on Gaza. Luke Tryl of polling firm More in Common said events in Gaza and government policy toward the war have revealed “deeper” problems within the ruling Labour Party. “When we have done focus groups with voters in Muslim areas, particularly some of those who backed or were thinking about backing pro-Gaza independent candidates, I compared it to speaking to voters in the red wall after Brexit,” he said. “In the sense that Brexit was the thing which caused the split, but it actually brought to the fore much deeper resentments — that they have been taken from granted, ignored, left behind by Labour … I think we’re going to see exactly the same thing with Muslim voters.”

Ukraine hits military targets and pipeline in Russia
AFP/August 02, 2025
KYIV: Ukraine said Saturday it hit military targets and a gas pipeline in drone attacks in Russia, where local authorities said three people were killed and two others wounded. Ukraine’s SBU security service said the strikes, carried out Friday night by long-distance drones, hit a military airfield in the southwestern town of Primorsko-Akhtarsk. They caused a fire in an areas where Iranian-built Shahed drones — relied on by Russia to attack Ukraine — were stored, the SBU said. It said the strikes also hit a company, Elektropribor, in Russia’s southern Penza region, which it said “works for the Russian military-industrial complex,” making military digital networks, aviation devices, armored vehicles and ships. The governor for the Penza region, Oleg Melnichenko, said on Telegram that one woman had been killed and two other people were wounded in that attack. Russia’s defense ministry said its air-defense systems had destroyed 112 Ukrainian drones over Russian territory — 34 over the Rostov region — in a nearly nine-hour period, from Friday night to Saturday morning. An elderly man was killed inside a house that caught fire due to falling drone debris in the Samara region, governor Vyacheslav Fedorishchev posted on Telegram. In the Rostov region, a guard at an industrial facility was killed after a drone attack and a fire in one of the site’s buildings, acting Rostov governor Yuri Sliusar said. “The military repelled a massive air attack during the night,” destroying drones over seven districts, Sliusar posted on Telegram. Ukraine has regularly used drones to hit targets inside Russia as it fights back against Moscow’s full-scale invasion, launched in February 2022. Russia, too, has increasingly deployed the unmanned aerial devices as part of its offensive. An AFP analysis published on Friday showed that Russia’s forces in July launched an unprecedented number of drones, 6,297 of them. The figure included decoy drones sent into Ukraine’s skies in efforts to saturate the country’s air-defense systems. In Ukraine’s central-eastern Dnipropetrovsk region, Russian drone attacks Friday night wounded three people, governor Sergiy Lysak wrote on Telegram.Several buildings, homes and cars were damaged, he said. Russian forces have claimed advances in Dnipropetrovsk, recently announcing the capture of two villages there, part of Moscow’s accelerated capture of territory in July, according to AFP’s analysis of data from the US-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW). Kyiv denies any Russian presence in the Dnipropetrovsk area. Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has consistently rejected calls for a ceasefire in the more than three-year conflict, said Friday that he wanted peace but that his demands for ending Moscow’s military offensive were “unchanged.”Those demands include that Ukraine abandon territory and end ambitions to join NATO. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, meanwhile, said only Putin could end the war and renewed his call for a meeting between the two leaders. “The United States has proposed this. Ukraine has supported it. What is needed is Russia’s readiness,” he wrote on X.

Trump deploys nuclear submarines in row with Russia
Agence France Presse/August 02, 2025
U.S. President Donald Trump ordered the deployment of two nuclear submarines Friday in an extraordinary escalation of what had been an online war of words with a Russian official over Ukraine and tariffs. Trump and Dmitry Medvedev, the deputy chairman of Russia's security council, have been sparring on social media for days. Trump's post on his Truth Social platform abruptly took that spat into the very real -- and rarely publicized -- sphere of nuclear forces. "Based on the highly provocative statements," Trump said he had "ordered two Nuclear Submarines to be positioned in the appropriate regions, just in case these foolish and inflammatory statements are more than just that." "Words are very important, and can often lead to unintended consequences, I hope this will not be one of those instances," the 79-year-old Republican posted. Trump did not say in his post whether he meant nuclear-powered or nuclear-armed submarines. He also did not elaborate on the exact deployment locations, which are kept secret by the U.S. military. But in an interview with Newsmax that aired Friday night, Trump said the submarines were "closer to Russia.""We always want to be ready. And so I have sent to the region two nuclear submarines," he said. "I just want to make sure that his words are only words and nothing more than that."Trump's remarks came hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow had started mass producing its hypersonic nuclear-capable Oreshnik missile, and could deploy them to Belarus, a close Russian ally neighbouring Ukraine, by year-end.The nuclear sabre-rattling came against the backdrop of a deadline set by Trump for the end of next week for Russia to take steps to ending the Ukraine war or face unspecified new sanctions. Despite the pressure from Washington, Russia's onslaught against its pro-Western neighbor continues to unfold at full bore. An AFP analysis Friday showed that Russian forces had launched a record number of drones at Ukraine in July. Russian attacks have killed hundreds of Ukrainian civilians since June. A combined missile and drone attack on the Ukrainian capital Kyiv early Thursday killed 31 people, rescuers said. Putin, who has consistently rejected calls for a ceasefire, said Friday that he wants peace but that his demands for ending his nearly three-and-a-half year invasion were "unchanged". Those demands include that Ukraine abandon territory and end ambitions to join NATO. Putin, speaking alongside Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, said Belarusian and Russian specialists "have chosen a place for future positions" of the Oreshnik missiles."Work is now underway to prepare these positions. So, most likely, we will close this issue by the end of the year," he added.
Insults, nuclear rhetoric -
The United States and Russia control the vast majority of the world's nuclear weaponry, and Washington keeps nuclear-armed submarines on permanent patrol as part of its so-called nuclear triad of land, sea and air-launched weapons. Trump told Newsmax that Medvedev's "nuclear" reference prompted him to reposition U.S. nuclear submarines."When you mention the word 'nuclear'... my eyes light up. And I say, we better be careful, because it's the ultimate threat," Trump said in the interview. Medvedev had criticized Trump on his Telegram account Thursday and alluded to the "fabled 'Dead Hand'" -- a reference to a highly secret automated system put in place during the Cold War to control the country's nuclear weapons. This came after Trump had lashed out at what he called the "dead economies" of Russia and India. Medvedev had also harshly criticized Trump's threat of new sanctions against Russia over its war in Ukraine. Accusing Trump of "playing the ultimatum game," he posted Monday on X that Trump "should remember" that Russia is a formidable force. Trump responded by calling Medvedev "the failed former President of Russia, who thinks he's still President." Medvedev should "watch his words," Trump posted at midnight in Washington on Wednesday. "He's entering very dangerous territory!"Medvedev is a vocal proponent of Russia's war -- and generally antagonistic to relations with the West. He served as president between 2008-2012, effectively acting as a placeholder for Putin, who was able to circumvent constitutional term limits and remain in de facto power. The one-time reformer has rebranded over the years as an avid online troller, touting often extreme versions of official Kremlin nationalist messaging. But his influence within the Russian political system remains limited. In Kyiv on Friday, residents held a day of mourning for the 31 people, including five children, killed the day before, most of whom were in a nine-story apartment block torn open by a missile. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said only Putin could end the war and renewed his call for a meeting between the two leaders. "The United States has proposed this. Ukraine has supported it. What is needed is Russia's readiness," he wrote on X.

The Latest English LCCC analysis & editorials from miscellaneous sources on August 02-03/2025
A masterclass in diplomacy
Ali Shihabi/Arab News/August 02, 2025
Over the past 18 months, Riyadh has quietly delivered a masterclass in diplomacy, steadily reshaping how Western capitals approach the Palestinian file. Under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the hands-on diplomacy of Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, the Kingdom has pursued a strategy rooted in hard-nosed pragmatism: Washington’s strategic umbrella over Israel will not fold under fiery speeches or social media storms. Rather than waste energy on theatrics, Saudi Arabia has opted for a patient, cumulative approach — chipping away at Israel’s aura of effortless Western legitimacy until the political calculus inside G7 capitals begins to shift. It may feel slow to the impatient observer, but in a world that rewards persistence over noise, this is how real influence is built.
At the core of this approach is a sober understanding of limits, paired with precisely applied leverage. Saudi Arabia does not pretend it can strong-arm a superpower. Instead, it keeps oil markets steady and refrains from military theatrics — moves that earn quiet access where it matters most: in chancelleries, parliaments, and boardrooms that shape policy toward Israel. Critics mistake this restraint for timidity. In truth, it reflects a deeper wisdom: Decades of impulsive grandstanding have done little beyond plunging the region into chaos. Riyadh has learned that proportion, not provocation, delivers lasting results.
The coalition-building effort began in Paris, where France, seeking Middle East relevance, found its regional ballast in Saudi Arabia. London, responding to domestic outrage over Gaza, followed suit; Ottawa, wary of standing alone in the G7, came next. Each recognition of Palestine may be symbolic, but symbolism is precisely what has underpinned Israel’s hard-won status as a normalized Western democracy. Every fracture in that image raises the long-term reputational cost of occupation and embeds it into Israeli strategic thinking.
This quiet momentum reflects the polling data: US support for Israel’s Gaza operations has eroded sharply, especially among voters under 40. Demography is destiny. Riyadh is playing the long game — betting on time, not tantrums, to unwind Washington’s old consensus. That consensus is already fraying on college campuses, in statehouses, and across ESG-conscious boardrooms. The tactic: maintain the spotlight on Gaza, deny any pretext for American disengagement, and let US voters begin to carry the moral and political weight.
The crown prince made the Kingdom’s position unequivocal in his Shoura Council address: There will be no recognition of Israel without a viable Palestinian state. This is not a revival of 1973-style oil brinkmanship — which in today’s world would simply accelerate Western diversification and slash Arab revenues. Instead, Riyadh keeps markets stable while freezing Israel’s regional integration until it engages seriously with a two-state solution. That keeps global consumers comfortable — and Israel on edge.
Saudi diplomacy has achieved in 18 months what half a century of summitry and rhetoric failed to deliver.
The promise of normalization remains on the table — but firmly behind a two-state gate. The Abraham Accords opened easy access to the Gulf. Saudi Arabia redrew that map. Sovereign capital, Red Sea connectivity, and cutting-edge partnerships are all within reach — but only post-settlement. The burden now shifts to Israel: It must explain to its own citizens why ideology should block a generational opportunity to transform from a garrison state to a regional player. When economic logic aligns with strategic necessity, ideology eventually yields.
One of the most consequential developments came when Saudi Arabia, alongside other Arab states, publicly called for Hamas to disarm and relinquish control of Gaza. This decisive step stripped Israel of a convenient excuse to delay its withdrawal and continue its campaign of collective punishment. By removing the justification of “no partner for peace,” it undercut Israel’s excuse to prolong military operations and war crimes under the guise of self-defense — reinforcing the international call for an end to occupation and the need for a political solution. Those Muslim and Arab voices calling for boycotts, embargoes, or war have misread both history and the current moment. Power today lies in leverage applied at pressure points — not in slogans shouted from podiums. Saudi diplomacy has forced Western democracies, Israel’s most critical club of supporters, to seriously reconsider the question of Palestinian statehood. It has achieved in 18 months what half a century of summitry and rhetoric failed to deliver. The task now is for other Arab capitals to reinforce this approach, consolidating influence rather than scattering it in performative gestures.
Yes, Israel retains a US veto — for now. But no veto can stop demographic shifts in swing states, the quiet pressure of British MPs attuned to their constituents, or the economic calculus of European firms navigating boycott risks. In time, Israel will face a stark choice: perpetual siege and growing isolation, or coexistence with a sovereign Palestinian neighbor. Saudi Arabia today holds the key to that door — and remains the only real diplomatic lifeline for Ramallah. In the battlefields of 2025 — conference rooms, boardrooms, and social media feeds — the Kingdom advances quietly, methodically, and on its own terms. For those who value outcomes over optics, this is not caution. It is wisdom.
**Ali Shihabi is an author and commentator on the politics and economics of Saudi Arabia. X: @aliShihabi

Africa’s debt crisis demands self-reliant solutions
Hafed Al-Ghwell/Arab News/August 02, 2025
The much-discussed Jubilee Report, emerging from expert deliberations commissioned by the Vatican, diagnoses the acute debt distress strangling developing economies, particularly in Africa, with commendable clarity. It presents a familiar litany of systemic failures: pro-cyclical capital flows, creditor-friendly legal architectures in New York and London, the inadequacy of debt sustainability analyses, and the perverse incentives perpetuated by international financial institutions. Its prescriptions, including a new heavily indebted poor countries initiative, legal reforms to curb predatory litigation, shifts toward “growth-oriented austerity,” and massive increases in multilateral financing, echo decades of expert consensus. Yet, a fundamental flaw remains. The report’s prescriptions rely on coordinated global goodwill and structural reform that is demonstrably absent in today’s fragmented world. For Africa, where public debt has outpaced national economic growth since 2013, and home to 751 million people in countries spending more on servicing external debt than on education or health — waiting for this global consensus is not strategy; it is surrender. The report’s morally resonant idealism dangerously underestimates the entrenched hostility to meaningful concessions benefiting African economies and overlooks the imperative for radical, self-reliant solutions. Consider the sheer scale of the crisis versus the proposed global fixes. A total of 54 developing countries now allocate over 10 percent of public revenues merely to interest payments. In Africa, this fiscal hemorrhage directly competes with existential needs: costly climate adaptation for countries contributing minimally to emissions, yet facing devastating impacts, and investment in a youth population projected to reach 35 percent of the global total by 2050.
The report rightly condemns the injustice, historical and ongoing, embedded in this dynamic. However, its central remedy, a heavily indebted poor countries initiative, requires unprecedented cooperation from diverse and often adversarial creditor blocs: traditional Paris Club members; newer bilateral lenders such as China; and, crucially, private bondholders who now dominate over 40 percent of low and lower-middle income country external debt.
Regardless, historical precedent does not inspire confidence. A predecessor heavily indebted poor countries initiative, while delivering relief, failed to prevent recurrence precisely because it did not alter the fundamental dynamics or the structure of global finance. Why expect a sequel, demanding even greater concessions from powerful financial interests operating within unreformed legal jurisdictions, to succeed now? The Common Framework, hailed as progress, has delivered negligible relief precisely due to creditor discord and obstructionism. Betting Africa’s future on such actors suddenly developing a collective conscience is not realism; it is negligence. Additionally, the report’s reliance on international financial institutions as engines of reform and finance is equally problematic. It calls for an end to International Monetary Fund bailouts of private creditors; lower surcharges; massive SDR, or Special Drawing Right, reallocations; and transformed multilateral development bank lending models. Yet, the governance structures of these institutions remain frozen in mid-20th-century power dynamics that remain heavily skewed against African representation and influence. For instance, securing a $650 billion SDR allocation during the pandemic proved a herculean task; achieving the regular, larger, and equitably distributed issuances the report envisions, given rising fiscal nationalism and escalating geopolitical rivalries, seems quixotic.
Moreover, the notion that these same institutions, historically enforcers of austerity and guardians of creditor interests, can reinvent themselves as champions of unconditional, mission-driven finance for African transformation ignores their institutional DNA and the political constraints imposed by their major shareholders. Meanwhile, the call for MDBs to lend massively in local currencies, while technically sound for reducing exchange rate risk, faces fierce resistance from bond markets and rating agencies wary of currency volatility, effectively limiting its scale without improbable capital increases.
Furthermore, the report’s focus on grand interventions, from debt buyback funds and global climate funds to international bankruptcy courts, fails to grapple with the toxic geopolitical environment. Historical prejudices framing African governance as inherently corrupt or incapable, combined with rising great power competition, actively work against complex cooperative frameworks perceived as primarily benefiting African countries.
Solutions built on African agency, regional cohesion, and financial self-reliance offer a more realistic path out of the debt trap.
In addition, resources for global funds are notoriously scarce and fiercely contested; establishing new international legal architectures faces veto points at every turn. The current global context is not merely indifferent to African debt distress; elements within it are actively hostile to solutions requiring hefty financial transfers or perceived concessions of leverage. Waiting for this hostility to abate condemns Africa to prolonged debt traps, draining precious reserves crucial for the continent’s 1.4 billion people and, ultimately, global stability. The path forward, therefore, demands a harsh pivot toward solutions Africa controls, minimizing reliance on external mobilization vulnerable to global whims. This is not isolationism but pragmatic self-preservation. It requires, for instance, aggressively developing domestic capital markets. Africa’s savings, estimated in the trillions of dollars collectively, are often parked in low-yield advanced economy assets or leave the continent entirely. Redirecting these resources requires efforts to deepen local bond markets, strengthen regulatory frameworks, and incentivize institutional investors to allocate capital locally. Second, the report mentions implementing strategic capital account regulations, but underplays their centrality. African countries must actively deploy tools, from reserve requirements to taxes on short-term inflows and prudential limits on foreign currency exposure, to break the pro-cyclical boom-bust cycle of capital flows. This shields fiscal space and reduces vulnerability to the monetary policy shocks emanating from advanced economies. It is a tool of sovereignty, not retreat. Third, strengthening mechanisms such as the African Monetary Fund and expanding regional swap arrangements is critical for building robust regional financial safety nets. Pooling reserves and establishing regional payment systems, thereby reducing dollar dependency for intra-African trade, can provide vital liquidity during crises without the conditionalities of the IMF. This demands unprecedented political will for regional integration and also offers a tangible buffer against global volatility.Fourth, every new infrastructure project financed in dollars increases future vulnerability. Negotiating harder for local currency loans from remaining bilateral partners and MDBs, even at marginally higher initial rates, is essential. Simultaneously, investing in credible monetary policy frameworks is nonnegotiable to sustain this approach. Lastly, transparency and robust domestic oversight of borrowing, including contingent liabilities from public-private partnerships, are vital to prevent repeating past mistakes. Building domestic technical capacity for sophisticated debt sustainability analyses, independent of existing models often blind to climate vulnerability, strengthens negotiation positions. Ultimately, the diagnoses are accurate — there is no argument there. However, the prescribed medicine is simply a dose the global pharmacy refuses to dispense. Africa’s debt crisis, crippling distressed countries and suffocating the futures of 288 million people in extreme poverty, cannot await a global kumbaya moment. The moral imperative remains, but the strategic response must shift. Solutions built on African agency, regional cohesion, and financial self-reliance, however difficult, offer a more realistic, and ultimately, more dignified path out of the debt trap than persistent reliance on a system structurally biased against the continent’s development.
**Hafed Al-Ghwell is a Senior Fellow and Program Director at the Stimson Center and Senior Fellow at the Center for Conflict and Humanitarian Studies. X: @HafedAlGhwell

The Race Against China for Fusion Power: Whoever Controls It, Controls the Century
Lawrence Kadish/Gatestone Institute/August 02/2025
If there were a formula for who will dominate the 21st century, it would be: Fusion Energy + AI = World Supremacy.
Fusion energy is not only cheap, clean and limitless, it is also the "engine" that will drive the enormous increases in artificial intelligence (AI) that will be the ultimate super-weapon of this century. AI requires power -- enormous amounts of it -- that only fusion energy can provide. If there were a formula for who will dominate the 21st century, it would be: Fusion Energy + AI = World Supremacy. Our nation, however, is now faced with a new and dangerous 21st century threat. China has been steamrolling ahead developing cheap, clean and limitless fusion energy to fuel the great new frontier of AI. Meanwhile, America appears stuck in the technology of soon-to-be-outdated fission energy.
AI, as President Donald J. Trump has stated, is what will determine which nation is the superpower of the 21st century. The Trump administration cannot allow China to leave America in the dust for want of energy to power America's AI.
In this century, there will be two types of nations: the ones that conquered fusion energy and those that wish they had.
As China's proficiency in fusion energy grows -- the Chinese have already exported a fusion device to Thailand -- the United States dangerously still appears to prefer the soon-to-be- outdated fission energy, associated with the catastrophes of Chernobyl, Three Mile Island and the fission reactors in Ukraine, if a Russian missile should hit one.
Fission energy, as for an atom bomb, is created when a uranium atom is split:
"During nuclear fission, a neutron collides with a uranium atom and splits it, releasing a large amount of energy in the form of heat and radiation."
Fusion energy is made by forcing two electrons -- usually from deuterium and tritium -- to collide and fuse together, for example, at extremely high temperatures in containers called tokamaks. The collision releases massive amounts of energy, with no waste. The International Atomic Energy Agency notes:
"In theory, with just a few grams of these reactants, it is possible to produce a terajoule of energy, which is approximately the energy one person in a developed country needs over sixty years...
"Fusion fuel is plentiful and easily accessible: deuterium can be extracted inexpensively from seawater, and tritium can potentially be produced from the reaction of fusion generated neutrons with naturally abundant lithium. These fuel supplies would last for millions of years.
"Future fusion reactors are also intrinsically safe and are not expected to produce high activity or long-lived nuclear waste.... there is no risk of a runaway reaction and meltdown... . "
Fortunately, America is surrounded by two large oceans of seawater, and has supplies of lithium "all over the country." A lithium mine already operates in Nevada.
The problem in the US, so far, is that members of the current administration seems to prefer only fission energy. They know it, feel comfortable with it, and it is readily available. They also, understandably but shortsightedly, like projects that show an immediate return on investment. It is most urgent, however, if the US is to compete successfully with China, to think long-term. China has been investing at least $1.5 billion each year in developing fusion energy for commercial use -- its current funding of fusion energy is, along with much else there, apparently a state secret.
Trump urgently needs to assemble a "Manhattan Project for Fusion Energy," similar to the Manhattan Project that President Franklin D. Roosevelt established during WWII for the US to have an atomic bomb. The new Manhattan Project could be funded by the next Reconciliation Bill and by some of the investments for energy development that Trump has so brilliantly brought in from abroad.
Our nation once spent billions to ensure our survival during and after World War II. We can do no less against a well-armed, well financed, implacable enemy of America that is now spending the necessary funds to be the one nation that will own fusion energy. China.
To lose the AI race to China by allowing it dominance in fusion energy would be a failure the US cannot afford.
*Lawrence Kadish serves on the Board of Governors of Gatestone Institute.
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Today in History: ‘Victory Goes to the Brave’
Raymond Ibrahim/The Stream/August 02/2025
On this day in history, in an extraordinary display of bravery that even the most dramatic Hollywood stories struggle to match, Christian knights led by Richard the Lionheart routed a vast force of Muslim fighters who had just been mercilessly torturing and killing Christians.
Background: On July 27, 1192, Saladin, the celebrated Islamic sultan and hero, laid siege to the small Christian-held town of Jaffa. Contemporary accounts describe the Muslim forces as numbering up to 20,000, spreading across the land like a “swarm of locusts.”
Urgent messengers were sent to King Richard I, who was in Acre preparing to return to England. Before the full report was even delivered, Richard declared, “With God as my guide, I will do what I can,” and immediately set sail with some 2,000 men.
A Battle for Survival
Inside Jaffa, defenders fought desperately. Saladin’s chronicler, Baha’ al-Din, who witnessed the siege firsthand, described how after one wall was breached, Muslim forces poured into the city, striking fear in all hearts. Yet, the Christians responded with fierce determination, fully committed to fight to the death. As Baha’ al-Din recorded, “There was not an enemy heart that did not tremble and shake, but the Christians were more fierce and determined in the fight and more eager for and devoted to death.”
Just before the Muslims overwhelmed the main gate and the adjacent wall collapsed, a cloud of dust and smoke rose to obscure the sky. When it cleared, the attackers found that the Crusaders had replaced the walls with their own spear-points and blocked the breach with lances. Their defense was unyielding — only death could end their stand. As Muslim numbers overwhelmed the small city, Christians eventually retreated to its citadel. Meanwhile, the invading soldiers turned to the civilian population, horrifically torturing the sick and weak, as recorded by chroniclers mourning the brutal slaughter.
The King’s Fierce Return
Richard’s fleet arrived on the evening of July 31 but the warriors initially hesitated to disembark. According to Baha’ al-Din, the Crusaders saw the city swarming with Muslim banners and troops and assumed the citadel had already be lost. From the shore, the cries of “There is no god but Allah” and “Allahu Akbar” rang out over the tranquil sea. Meanwhile the Muslims onshore launched a relentless barrage of spears, javelins, and arrows to prevent the Crusaders from landing. The shoreline was so densely crowded with enemy forces that there seemed no safe place to step ashore.
Then, at dawn on August 1, a courageous priest trapped inside the citadel took a daring leap from its wall into the sea and swam to the fleet to deliver news: Although the castle was captured and many Christians taken prisoner, some defenders still held out. Upon hearing this, Richard proclaimed, “If it be God’s will, we will die here with our brothers.”Without wasting time to put on his full armor, the king donned his chainmail, hung his shield around his neck, and grabbed a Danish axe. Carrying a crossbow in one hand and shouting, “Death only to those who do not advance!” he plunged into the water and fought his way onshore, firing bolts and blocking arrows with his axe.
“Victory Goes to the Brave”
Inspired by their king’s boldness, the Crusaders followed him into the water and launched a fierce attack against the stubborn Muslim forces lining the shore. Yet none dared face Richard directly; the memory of previous encounters made the Muslims wary, and they began to retreat in panic.
One chronicle recounts how, brandishing his sword, the king chased down the fleeing enemy, striking them down relentlessly. His comrades pressed the attack, cutting down and scattering the Muslim forces until the shore was cleared of the enemy. Richard’s pursuit was brutal and unrelenting, slaying and beheading his foes as they fled in dense crowds. As one chronicler wrote, “The king fell on them with unsheathed sword, pursued them, beheaded and slew them. They fled before him, falling back in dense crowds.”
When Richard appeared drenched in blood before Saladin’s camp, a fearful cry arose among the Muslim ranks as arrows rained down on the Christians. Still, the king pressed on, cutting through all who stood before him in a furious hunt for Saladin. According to reports, “He put spur to horse and fled before King Richard, not wishing to be seen by him.”
For over two miles, the king and his knights pursued the retreating sultan, defeating many and unhorsing some in a disorderly, humiliating retreat — the worst defeat Saladin suffered before his death months later. Richard had proven his own words: “Victory goes to the brave, and God will not forsake his servants.”Because of his exploits at Jaffa and other battles, Richard the Lionheart remains, even today, the symbol of the quintessential Crusader enemy in the Muslim popular imagination — a testament to the devastation he wrought. As a personal note, my parents – whose names both start with R — nearly named me “Richard.” But they changed their minds at the last moment, fearing that if our family ever returned to their native Egypt, such a name might expose me to harsh discrimination (or worse) from fanatics still embittered by the Crusades. Instead, I was named Raymond —another Crusader name though they never knew it — highlighting how deeply the name “Richard” still resonates in the Middle East.This article was excerpted from the author’s book, Defenders of the West: The Christian Heroes Who Stood Against Islam, which has a complete chapter on King Richard I.

Is Israel the Region’s New Police?
Abdulrahman Al-Rashed/Asharq Al-Awsat/August 02/2025
Seven years ago, I wrote about the “regional rise of Israel.”
Today, its presence is greater than ever. It’s behind massive geopolitical changes in the aftermath of the October 7 attacks. After all this, how does Israel now view itself?
It’s unlikely that it will settle for its old role; it will seek political roles that reflect its military capabilities. Tel Aviv maintained a policy for over half a century based on protecting its existence and its old and occupied borders. This included confronting Iran and manipulating opposing powers like the regimes of Saddam Hussein and Bashar al-Assad.
Today, Israel is launching a new phase after having dismantled the powers that surrounded it. For the first time in its modern history, there is no regional force declaring a threat against Israel and capable of acting on it. Even Iran, after the destruction of its offensive capabilities, cannot do so. This equation could change in the future if Iran manages to rebuild its internal and external strength, but for now, that seems unlikely or far off.
With changing circumstances, Israel’s strategy is also changing. It no longer wants to be just a border guard – it wants to be an offensive player in the region. The region itself is scattered, with no clear alliances, as if it’s waiting for someone to resolve its instability, including the Tehran axis, which has significantly shrunk.
There are two possibilities for what Israel could become. The first: it sees itself as a force to preserve the new status quo and “stability,” engaging peacefully with its neighbors by expanding relations with the rest of the Arab world. This would mean the end of the era of war and boycott. With the fall or weakening of regimes that opposed it, Israel would bolster its interests by entrenching the geopolitical situation, cleaning up its surroundings, and sidelining what’s left of movements hostile to it.
The second possibility is that Israel, with its military superiority, wants to reshape the region based on its political vision and interests and that could mean more confrontations. Regional states have longstanding fears in this regard. Expansionist regimes like Saddam’s Iraq and Iran viewed Israel as an obstacle to their regional ambitions and adopted a confrontational stance, even if their rhetoric was always wrapped in the Palestinian cause.
Hamas’ attacks pulled Israel out of its shell and placed it more squarely in the regional equation than ever before. So, is Israel seeking regional coexistence or does it aim to appoint itself the region’s police?
Everything suggests that Israel wants to be a player in regional politics and conflicts. It could act as a military contractor, a regional actor, or even the leader of an alliance. It has already quickly blocked Iraqi intervention in Syria and Turkish expansion as well.
Netanyahu government’s ongoing appetite for conflict has revived fears of a “Greater Israel” project and ambitions to expand across the region. But the truth is, most of these narratives are pushed by parties involved in the conflict, like Iran, Syria, the Muslim Brotherhood, and the left. Israel may be seeking a dominant role, but geographic expansion seems unlikely. For fifty years, it has remained inward-looking, using its financial, military, and legal capabilities to absorb the territories it occupied in the 1967 war. It is still struggling to hold onto them and has foiled many attempts to return them - either through a Palestinian state or by restoring them to Jordanian and Egyptian administration.
Israel is a small country and will likely remain so, due to the nature of its system that insists on preserving its Jewish identity. Today, 20 percent of its citizens are Palestinian. If it were to annex the occupied territories, Palestinians would make up half the population. That makes the real challenge absorbing the West Bank and Gaza - not expanding.
The fear is that Israeli extremists could try to exploit the current chaos for this purpose. This already happened after October, when Hamas’ attacks were used as justification to expel part of the West Bank and Gaza population. This is a real possibility with dangerous consequences.However, there is exaggeration in the rhetoric pushed by ideologues warning of a so-called Greater Israel, often citing images and articles calling for expansion beyond the Jordan River. These may exist within Talmudic or political narratives, just as some dream of “Al-Andalus” in old Arab-Islamic history.
Demographically, Israel is bound by its concept of a Jewish state and fears ethnic dilution, unlike most countries in the region, which were formed through and accepted ethnic and cultural diversity. Israel seeks dominance, but it fears the inevitable demographic integration that comes with occupation.
Politically, the future strategy of the Jewish state - after its recent military victories - remains unclear and may still be taking shape. Regardless of what it wants - whether a peaceful state open to its Arab neighbors or a regional police entangled in constant battles - the region has its own dynamics. Competing and complex factors drive it, and no single power can dominate it.