English LCCC Newsbulletin For Lebanese, Lebanese Related, Global News & Editorials
For September 28/2026
Compiled & Prepared by: Elias Bejjani
#elias_bejjani_news


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Bible Quotations For today
Beware that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, "I am the Messiah!" and they will lead many astray
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 24/01-14/:"As Jesus came out of the temple and was going away, his disciples came to point out to him the buildings of the temple. Then he asked them, ‘You see all these, do you not? Truly I tell you, not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down.’When he was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, ‘Tell us, when will this be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?’Jesus answered them, ‘Beware that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, "I am the Messiah!" and they will lead many astray. And you will hear of wars and rumours of wars; see that you are not alarmed; for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places: all this is but the beginning of the birth pangs. ‘Then they will hand you over to be tortured and will put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of my name. Then many will fall away, and they will betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because of the increase of lawlessness, the love of many will grow cold. But anyone who endures to the end will be saved. And this good news of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the world, as a testimony to all the nations; and then the end will come."

Titles For The English LCCC Lebanese & Lebanese Related News & Editorials published on September 27-28/2026
A Cheap and Fake Theatrical War of Words Between Hezbollah and Gebran Bassil/Elias Bejjani/September 28, 2026
The Theatrical Walkout of Cowards: 77 Hypocritical Nations Applaud Terrorism, Flee the Truth, and Boycott Netanyahu’s Speech/Elias Bejjani/September 26, 2026
President Aoun Frequently Attends Masses
Naim Qassem’s Hallucinations: A Quintessential Trojan Delusion
Deputy Director of State Security Attends Nasrallah Commemoration and Comments
Airstrikes on Mayfadoun and Qabrikha
Israeli Officer Reveals: 83 Bombs and a 12-Hour Blockade to Prevent Nasrallah’s Rescue
Israeli Escalation Continues... Notable Drone Activity Over the International Highway from the Bekaa to Beirut
Israeli Army Targets Areas in Southern Lebanon with Artillery and Aircraft
Israel: Hezbollah will attempt to escalate and ignite the northern front soon!
Will a Vote of No Confidence Be Called Against the Minister of Education?
Were Security Chiefs Asked Not to Attend the Commemoration of Nasrallah?
Lebanese National Joseph Francis Becomes Member of the French Senate
UNIFIL Commander: We Have Three Months, But We Are Working for Stability
Hawat: Preserving Hasarat Public High School is a National Duty
Samy Gemayel: The time for dialogue regarding "Hezbollah's weapons is over... Have mercy on those on earth!

Titles For The Latest English LCCC Miscellaneous Reports And News published on September 27-28/2026
Notable regional development... Netanyahu visited the Emirates
Trump: I am thinking of striking Iran again
New round of negotiations between Washington and Tehran tomorrow / It is not yet clear whether the two sides will be able to overcome their differences
Telegraph: Iran tops suspicion for targeting British base used by US forces / Security sources investigate possibility of Russian involvement
Iraq.. Two ISIS members wearing explosive belts killed in Kirkuk
Al Arabiya sources: Meeting of the four presidencies in Iraq will discuss Iran sanctions and restricting arms/Will also discuss completing ministerial portfolios
Yemeni Armed Forces: 4 Iranian missile and drone experts killed in Taiz
Between Awadallah and al-Amoudi.. Hamas to choose this week its political bureau chief in Gaza / Khaled Meshal and Zaher Jabarin support Nizar Awadallah while Ali al-Amoudi has support from Khalil al-Hayya
8 killed in Russian raids on Ukraine.. and neighborhoods in Kyiv targeted
Zelensky: Russia launched more than 2,200 attack drones on Ukraine during the past week
Al-Burhan rejects US conditions for ceasefire / Washington conditioned granting al-Burhan a US entry visa to attend UN General Assembly on his acceptance of ceasefire
Pope calls for struggle against the "scourge" of sexual violence and rejects euthanasia
Pope meets seven victims of sexual violence

Titles For The Latest English LCCC analysis & editorials from miscellaneous sources published on September 27-28/2026
The Shiites in Lebanon – 4/Colonel Charbel Barakat/September 27/2026
Mount Lebanon: "The Legacy of Identity, Rights, Survival, and Role as a Gateway to Shaping the Future."/Zeina Mansour/ X Website/September 27, 2026
Advice on the Threshold of Critical Diplomatic and Economic Milestones: Beware the Cost of Populist or Demagogic Moves!/Exclusive – Tony Gebran/Al-Markaziya / September 27, 2026
Netanyahu Defines the Parameters of Confrontation: Iran, Lebanon, and Syria in the Frame/Mounir Al-Rabie/Al-Modon/September 27, 2026

Latest English LCCC Lebanese & Lebanese Related News & Editorials published on September 27-28/2026
A Cheap and Fake Theatrical War of Words Between Hezbollah and Gebran Bassil
Elias Bejjani/September 28, 2026
https://eliasbejjaninews.com/2026/09/157883/
Gebran Bassil, who is listed under U.S. OFAC sanctions, and Nawaf Moussaoui, a member of Hezbollah, exchanged insults and verbal attacks on social media through a series of accusations, disparaging remarks, and personal attacks. We note here that this media campaign is a coordinated theatrical performance between the two sides aimed at boosting Gebran Bassil’s Christian popularity, which has fallen to very low levels., Bassil is a hypocrite, a charlatan, an opportunist, and a corrupt politician. He is a product of Hezbollah, just like the rest of the MPs in his Trojan-style political party. This type of media deception is well known among party leaders who come to each other’s aid in order to raise their popularity through verbal campaigns that, in practical terms, mean nothing, since they are all corrupt and cut from the same narcissistic cloth.

The Theatrical Walkout of Cowards: 77 Hypocritical Nations Applaud Terrorism, Flee the Truth, and Boycott Netanyahu’s Speech
Elias Bejjani/September 26, 2026
https://eliasbejjaninews.com/2026/09/157859/

What took place in the United Nations General Assembly hall during the speech of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was not so much a political position as it was a moral and political scandal in every sense of the word. Seventy-seven countries chose to walk out of the hall in a cheap, submissive, theatrical, and foolish display. It was a walkout with no value, no weight, and no impact whatsoever on a single word Netanyahu said. They walked out—but what changed? Nothing. The speech remained, the facts remained, and Israel continued fighting in defense of the free world against barbarians, jihadists, and the foolish left, while these countries continued playing the role of heroes before their oppressed populations.
These 77 countries are the great hypocrites. They are the very same countries that deal with Israel both secretly and openly in the fields of science, military affairs, intelligence, medicine, technology, and security. Most of them maintain diplomatic, commercial, and security relations with Israel at the highest levels, including Turkey, which fills the world with anti-Israel rhetoric while its intelligence services remain closely coordinated with Israel. In the media, however, they transform into revolutionaries. Like parrots, they repeat stale and rotten slogans that mean nothing: criminality, killing children, Zionism, expansionism, occupation, racism. It is an entire dictionary of falsehoods that they have memorized in order to deceive and anesthetize their peoples.
The overwhelming majority of these countries are underdeveloped and failed states. They exploit their peoples, impoverish them, and deprive them of electricity, water, education, healthcare, freedom, and dignity. Their citizens dream of enjoying even a quarter of the level of services and per-capita income available to Israeli citizens. If the gross national product of two-thirds of the countries that walked out were combined, it would still not equal that of Israel alone. Yet they walk out in order to lecture the world on morality.
The Arab States That Walked Out: Cheap Populism and Exposed Hypocrisy
Among the 77 countries that walked out were 18 Arab states that participated in this cheap spectacle: Egypt, Syria, Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Yemen, Sudan, Tunisia, Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, Somalia, and the Comoros. What is particularly revolting is that most of these states either recognize Israel or deal with it behind the scenes, while publicly delivering hollow populist speeches about Palestine and Palestinian rights. As for the Lebanese government, its walkout represented the height of populism, cowardice, and hypocrisy. It claims to seek Lebanon’s liberation and sovereignty while simultaneously protecting the Iranian jihadist occupation and remaining silent regarding its illegal weapons that have destroyed the Lebanese state.
What kind of hypocrisy is this? O rulers of Lebanon, practitioners of hypocrisy and submissiveness, you walk out of the United Nations in protest against Netanyahu, who is fighting the terrorism that occupies your country, while remaining silent about the crimes and terrorism of Hezbollah, which occupies your country and drowns it in destruction, corruption, and bloody jihadism. Your walkout was not a patriotic position. It was a submissive, sectarian, and unmistakably Iranian position. It sent a clear message that your government and your president are nothing more than followers of Hezbollah, obedient to its orders and directives. Had you been genuine statesmen, you would have remained in the hall and confronted Netanyahu with arguments and logic. Had you truly respected Lebanon’s national interest, you would not have boycotted the man who struck and destroyed the arsenal of your enemy, Israel’s enemy, and humanity’s enemy—the organization falsely and hypocritically called “Hezbollah.” Instead, you chose to become part of the herd—the herd of cowards whom Netanyahu accurately described.
The walkout of these countries did not affect Netanyahu in any way. On the contrary, it confirmed the accuracy of his description of them as cowards. He said: “If there is another coward who has not yet left, I advise him to leave now.” A coward does not confront; he withdraws. And he was right.
From the bottom of my heart, I salute the countries that respected themselves. A salute to Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, which did not walk out. They did not behave like sheep following the herd. Rather, they respected themselves, their peoples, and the intelligence of their citizens, while other countries that recognize Israel and maintain various forms of relations with it preferred deception, demagoguery, and cheap populism.
Let me say this clearly: Netanyahu is a historic Israeli national hero—a hero in every sense of the word. Through his determination, strategic vision, and resolve, Israel and the United States struck Iran’s nuclear reactor and destroyed the terrorist project of the mullahs that threatened the entire world.
In my view, he is the man who defeated the barbaric and savage forces of political Islam represented by Hamas, ISIS, and Hezbollah. He worked to eliminate Hezbollah’s leaders—from Nasrallah to Safieddine and the rest of the symbols of murder and terrorism—and targeted much of the first and second tiers of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps leadership.
As a Lebanese Christian, the son of a six-thousand-year-old civilization, I can do nothing but salute Netanyahu and thank the State of Israel for what it has done—and continues to do—to help liberate Lebanon from the terrorism, criminality, Persian domination, and jihadist ideology of Hezbollah. Hezbollah occupies Lebanon and has transformed it from a civilized country, once known as the Switzerland of the East, into a destitute, dark, and hungry nation without electricity, water, or medicine—a failed state on every level. Had it not been for Israel’s military strikes, Lebanon today would have become a full Iranian province.
As for Lebanon’s current rulers and much of its political and religious establishment, they are products of occupation. They are agents and beneficiaries of successive occupations. They continue promoting the perpetuation of Hezbollah’s domination, weapons, and mini-state because Hezbollah’s disappearance would mean their own disappearance as well. They survive on Iran’s leftovers and on dubious funds, while selling Lebanon’s sovereignty every day in the marketplace of political servitude. The walkout of 77 countries will not liberate the Palestine they exploit for political gain. It will not restore electricity to Lebanon, nor will it build a hospital in Yemen, Sudan, or Syria—countries whose destruction was aided by the very Iran they applaud.
From a Lebanese perspective, there can be no salvation for Lebanon and no restoration of its independence and sovereignty without ending the state of war with Israel, completely dismantling Hezbollah, prosecuting its leaders, dismantling all of its structures, recognizing Israel, and living in peace.
The author, Elias Bejjani, is a Lebanese expatriate activist
Author’s Email: Phoenicia@hotmail.com
Author’s Website: https://eliasbejjaninews.com

President Aoun Frequently Attends Masses
LCCC/September 27/2026
President Aoun attended the Mass presided over by Patriarch Al-Rahi at St. George’s Church in Beirut—an event attended by both officials and the public—to mark the consecration of the altar dedicated to the Blessed Patriarchs Estephan Douaihy and Elias Howayek. Al-Rahi’s sermon was typical of this Patriarch, who lacks true pastoral aptitude.

Naim Qassem’s Hallucinations: A Quintessential Trojan Delusion
LCCC/September 27/2026
Yes, Qassem delivered a speech marking the second anniversary of Hassan Nasrallah’s assassination. As usual, it was a bundle of hallucinations, delusions, and empty bravado, claiming that Lebanon would cease to exist without the "Resistance."

Deputy Director of State Security Attends Nasrallah Commemoration and Comments
Janoubia/September 27, 2026  (Translated from Arabic by AI)
Brigadier General Morshed Suleiman, Deputy Director General of State Security, sparked a reaction after posting a comment on his WhatsApp "Status" feature. This occurred hours after he attended the commemoration of the late Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, amidst unofficial reports of a directive prohibiting military and security agency leaders from participating in the event. Suleiman wrote: "When one of us strips off his clothes, he is left naked. That is how we were raised, that is who we are, and that is how we will die." The comment came hours after his attendance, without making direct reference to the event or the circular, while the timing of its publication sparked debate regarding its implications. Conversely, on Sunday evening, security sources denied to the MTV and LBCI channels that any circular had been issued instructing heads of security agencies not to participate in the event or send representatives.

Airstrikes on Mayfadoun and Qabrikha

Agencies September 26, 2026 (Translated from Arabic by AI)
Today, an Israeli Apache helicopter launched a raid on Mayfadoun, targeting a commercial center. Less than ten minutes later, the helicopter carried out another strike on the Badran Commercial Center, located on the main road between Choukin and Mayfadoun. This marks the first time the Israeli army has deployed combat helicopters in its daily attacks. Subsequently, a hostile helicopter targeted an uninhabited house on the outskirts of the town of Qabrikha. A hostile Merkava tank also fired four shells at the town of Hadatha before hostile forces advanced toward a center within the town and set it ablaze. Meanwhile, drones and warplanes are flying at low altitudes over southern Lebanon. This afternoon, Israeli aircraft launched a raid on the outskirts of Hadatha, while heavy artillery shelling continued against Al-Mansouri. Later, an Israeli strike targeted the Hammam area in the town of Khiam, hitting a building that had been partially destroyed in a previous raid a few days earlier.
Salam–Rubio Meeting
The second focus shifts to New York, where a meeting is anticipated between Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Concurrently, Foreign Minister Youssef Rajeh is holding a meeting at the White House with Deputy National Security Advisor Michael Needham, prior to meeting with Rubio—part of a series of discussions expected to address Lebanese and regional issues. The negotiation file will feature prominently in the talks between Salam and Rubio, with both sides emphasizing the need to maintain the negotiating process. Discussions will cover the Lebanese and American approaches to this process, as well as the key political and security obstacles still hindering it. The talks will also address ways to resolve points of contention and bridge the gap between the concerned parties, paving the way for a new round of negotiations. Salam had previously affirmed that the diplomatic option is the fastest and least costly for Lebanon, noting that his country is mobilizing all its diplomatic and political resources to end the occupation. He stressed that Lebanon still requires an international presence in the south for monitoring and reporting purposes, and that an agreement on a new international force under UN auspices is required.

Israeli Officer Reveals: 83 Bombs and a 12-Hour Blockade to Prevent Nasrallah’s Rescue
Al-Modon/September 27, 2026 (Translated from Arabic by AI)
Two years after the assassination of former Hezbollah Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut’s southern suburbs on September 27, 2024, details of the operation have resurfaced. An Israeli officer has revealed new information regarding preparations for the assassination and a plan to prevent rescue teams from reaching the strike site—aiming to ensure his death even if he survived the initial bombardment. An Israeli army reservist stated that the plan went beyond merely targeting the complex where Nasrallah was located; it also involved blocking rescue teams from accessing the site for twelve hours, anticipating the possibility that he might survive the airstrike. On Sunday, *The Jerusalem Post* quoted the officer—identified only by the initial "S" and formerly responsible for managing the target bank in an Israeli Air Force unit—as saying that the aircraft involved in the operation dropped 83 bombs on the complex where Nasrallah was present. The officer explained that, during preparations for the operation, he consulted an official from an Israeli rescue unit to determine the time a specialized team would need to reach individuals trapped under the rubble of a building subjected to similar destruction. After initially estimating the duration at around six hours, the decision was made—according to his account—to double that time and bar anyone from approaching the site for a full twelve hours. He indicated that the aim of this measure was to ensure Sayyed Nasrallah’s death, whether through direct bombardment or as a result of hemorrhaging and oxygen deprivation should he remain alive beneath the rubble. Regarding the events following the strike, the officer stated that the Israeli army detected a motorcycle arriving in the area, as well as individuals attempting to enter the site through a nearby opening. He added that a bulldozer subsequently arrived to clear the debris but came under fire, after which the army targeted a second bulldozer that had arrived for the same purpose. The report did not specify the identities of the individuals attempting to reach the complex or the parties operating the bulldozers. Furthermore, the newspaper provided no independent evidence confirming the number of bombs used, the targeting of rescue vehicles, or the sequence of events following the strike, relying instead on the Israeli officer's testimony for these details.
Long-term monitoring of Nasrallah’s movements
Regarding the preparations leading up to the assassination, the officer revealed that Israel had monitored Sayyed Nasrallah’s movements over an extended period. They managed to identify several apartments where he had stayed and locations where he had sought refuge, in addition to sites prepared for emergency use. He noted that Nasrallah did not reside permanently in underground bunkers; rather, he spent time in an apartment on the eighth floor of a residential building in the Southern Suburbs—a location that allowed for a quick transfer to a fortified site if necessary. According to the officer, Israeli planners had devised scenarios to target Nasrallah across various buildings and bunkers, noting that on the day of his assassination, he had options to relocate to sites more heavily fortified than the complex he ultimately chose to visit.
**Prior Assassinations and Their Repercussions for Hezbollah
The Israeli newspaper’s report also addressed the assassinations of several Hezbollah field commanders prior to Nasrallah’s killing, noting that these operations had contributed to weakening the group's command structure and its network of operational expertise.
In this context, the report reviewed Lebanese accounts and previous statements—including testimony from Wafiq Safa, the head of Hezbollah’s Liaison and Coordination Unit, regarding the impact of the pager explosions on Nasrallah. It also cited assessments by Israeli officials indicating that, two years after the assassination of its former Secretary-General, Hezbollah continues to face challenges in rebuilding its military capabilities and restoring its command structure.

Israeli Escalation Continues... Notable Drone Activity Over the International Highway from the Bekaa to Beirut

Al-Markaziya/September 27, 2026 (Translated from Arabic by AI)
Israeli escalation in Lebanon persists with renewed airstrikes and shelling across several areas, alongside ongoing attacks targeting border regions. In the latest developments, reports this evening indicated that a hostile Merkava tank stationed in the town of Zoutar al-Sharqiya was targeting the town of Arnoun. Significant drone activity was observed over the international highway stretching from the Bekaa—passing through Dahr al-Baidar and Aley—all the way to the capital, Beirut. Intensive, low-altitude flights by Israeli warplanes were also recorded over southern Lebanon; concurrently, reports emerged of Israeli artillery shelling on the town of Bani Hayyan and an airstrike targeting the town of Al-Qantara. Artillery fire also targeted the outskirts of Kafr Tibnit and the vicinity of Ali al-Tahir, extending toward Al-Khardali. Furthermore, warplanes launched a third wave of raids, targeting several homes in the Al-Arish area—located between the towns of Haris and Hadatha in the Bint Jbeil district. Two Israeli Apache helicopters also carried out strikes, firing two missiles at the town of Qabrikha in the Bint Jbeil district. Earlier this afternoon, the outskirts of the towns of Zoutar al-Sharqiya and Mifdoun were subjected to intermittent hostile artillery fire originating from an enemy artillery position at Tal al-Nahas. Ambulance teams from the Student House, the Islamic Health Authority, and Nabatieh EMS narrowly escaped an Apache helicopter strike on a commercial building located on the main road between the towns of Mifdoun and Choukin. They were in the area conducting a field assessment following an earlier strike on the same building less than thirty minutes prior; no injuries were reported, though both strikes caused damage to shops and residential apartments within the targeted building. The Israeli army carried out a demolition operation in the town of Al-Mansouri (Tyre District), coinciding with an airstrike on the town of Mays al-Jabal. Separately, Israeli Army Radio announced that the military had struck a Hezbollah military building in the town of Khiam. Heavy machine-gun fire swept across the towns of Beit Yahoun and Sarbine, as well as Wadi Zibqin, in southern Lebanon. Additionally, an Israeli Merkava tank fired four shells at the town of Hadatha before Israeli forces advanced toward a center in the town and set it ablaze. In a related development, the Israeli army blew up several houses in the town of Al-Mansouri in southern Lebanon at dawn today. For its part, the Israeli army announced it had attacked Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, stating the action was in response to the launch of an explosive-laden drone at its forces the previous night. https://x.com/lobnanlyawm/status/2104102018436440129/video/1
Saturday-Sunday Night: Shortly after midnight on Saturday-Sunday, Israeli warplanes launched a series of airstrikes targeting the town of Nabatieh al-Fawqa (two strikes), the outskirts of Kfar Tebnit, and the town of Mifdoun—where a house was completely destroyed—according to the National News Agency. The area of ​​Dawhat Kfar Remman was subjected to intensive artillery shelling, which also extended to Wadi Zibqin, the outskirts of Mazraat al-Shumariya, and the town of Al-Qusair. Additionally, the Israeli army conducted a sweep using heavy machine-gun fire targeting the towns of Beit Yahoun and Sarbin, as well as Wadi Zibqin.

Israeli Army Targets Areas in Southern Lebanon with Artillery and Aircraft
Smotrich Calls for Annexing Parts of Southern Lebanon
Riyadh: AlArabiya.net and agencies/September 26 (Translated from Arabic by AI)
The Israeli army continued to target areas in southern Lebanon on Sunday. An Israeli Merkava tank stationed in the town of Zoutar al-Sharqiya shelled the town of Arnoun, while Israeli warplanes launched a strike on the outskirts of Kfar Tebnit, according to the National News Agency (NNA). The agency reported Israeli artillery shelling on the town of Bani Hayyan and the outskirts of Baraachit. Israeli warplanes also renewed their raids for a third time, targeting several homes in the Al-Arish area—located between the towns of Haris and Hadatha in the Bint Jbeil district. Additionally, two Israeli Apache helicopters carried out two strikes, firing missiles at the town of Qabrikha in the Bint Jbeil district. That afternoon, the outskirts of Zoutar al-Sharqiya and Mifdoun were subjected to intermittent Israeli artillery shelling originating from a battery position at Tal al-Nahas. An ambulance team—comprising members from Bayt al-Talaba, the Islamic Health Society, and Nabatieh EMS—narrowly escaped a strike by an Apache helicopter on a commercial building along the Mifdoun-Shoukin main road. They were in the area conducting a field assessment following an earlier strike on the building less than thirty minutes prior. No injuries were reported, though the two strikes caused damage to shops and residential apartments within the targeted building. Israeli warplanes conducted multiple raids on the area between Haris and Hadatha.
Israeli occupation forces carried out massive controlled detonations on the outskirts of the towns of Baraachit and Beit Yahoun in the Bint Jbeil district. An Israeli strike targeted the Al-Hammam area in the town of Al-Khiam, hitting a building that had been partially destroyed in a previous raid a few days earlier. Another Israeli strike targeted the town of Mays al-Jabal. Separately, far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called on Sunday for the annexation of areas in southern Lebanon and the Gaza Strip currently under Israeli military control, and for "going to war" in the West Bank. Speaking on a podcast for the Israeli news site *Ynet*, Smotrich said: "I would like us to annex at least the areas extending to the 'yellow line' in Gaza [which separates Hamas-controlled areas from Israeli-controlled ones] and to reach the Litani River in Lebanon; because if the war ends at the same lines where it began, what will deter the enemy from waging war again?"

Israel: Hezbollah will attempt to escalate and ignite the northern front soon!
Al-Markaziya/September 27, 2026 (Translated from Arabic by AI)
Israel's Channel 12 reported on Sunday evening that "Hezbollah will attempt to ignite the northern front in the coming period."The channel noted that "the security establishment assesses that Hezbollah may attempt to escalate the situation on the front with Israel in the near future."

Will a Vote of No Confidence Be Called Against the Minister of Education?
Al-Markaziya/September 27, 2026 (Translated from Arabic by AI)
MP Edgar Traboulsi, Rapporteur of the Education Committee, commented via MTV on the ministerial decision to close the secondary section of the Hasarat School in Jbeil, stating: "There is a conspiracy against public schools, particularly in Christian areas." Traboulsi added, "The school in Hasarat must remain open," remarking sarcastically: "We open prisons and close schools, instead of having a national plan to revitalize them." He also revealed a move to summon the Minister of Education, Rima Karami, to the Education and Higher Education Committee, saying: "We will issue a statement from Parliament on Wednesday regarding the Ministry of Education's failures; the Minister will be questioned before Parliament, and we may call for a vote of no confidence if she does not provide convincing answers."

Were Security Chiefs Asked Not to Attend the Commemoration of Nasrallah?
Al-Markaziya/September 27, 2026 (Translated from Arabic by AI)
There has been much talk regarding a request made by a senior official to military and security leaders, asking them not to attend the ceremony held by Hezbollah to mark the anniversary of the assassination of its former Secretary-General, Hassan Nasrallah, and not to send representatives. However, a security source denied to the MTV website that any such request had been made, noting that reports circulating in this regard are baseless; "no official figure has asked security or military leadership for anything concerning this matter."

Lebanese National Joseph Francis Becomes Member of the French Senate

Al-Markaziya/September 27, 2026 (Translated from Arabic by AI)
Joseph Michel Francis—a native of the town of Bqesmaya in the Batroun district—has achieved a new milestone adding to the record of Lebanese success in the diaspora, having been elected as a member of the French Senate representing the Montpellier region.
This victory underscores the presence of Lebanese talent and its impactful role within major decision-making capitals and the French parliamentary arena.

UNIFIL Commander: We Have Three Months, But We Are Working for Stability

Al-Markaziya/September 27, 2026 (Translated from Arabic by AI)
The Head of Mission and Force Commander of UNIFIL in Lebanon, General Deodato Abagnara, called for "working earnestly to avoid any security vacuum." He emphasized that "the goal is to create the best conditions for maintaining stability, in cooperation with the United Nations, Lebanese authorities, other concerned parties, and the international community." While participating in the "Southern Women's Traditional Products Exhibition" organized by the Tyre Municipality, Abagnara noted, "We have three months remaining until the end of the year—and the conclusion of UNIFIL’s mission—but I believe the future begins today. Therefore, we cannot wait for the future to arrive; we must act now, day by day, to prepare the conditions we desire for the coming phase." He stated, "We must act today and fulfill our duties today, then let the future take shape through our current actions. This is my vision, and I will remain here as long as my presence is required and necessary for peace and stability in the service of the people. For me, being here alongside the people is a great honor. We are here to serve and support them, because UNIFIL exists for the people." He added, "It has always been our dream to keep working and moving forward, and to continue building a better future. We must press on and keep working together, for what we aspire to achieve can only be realized through cooperation, determination, and perseverance." He noted, "We all have a stake in this matter; we must remain united and continue our efforts to realize our vision and goals. In a sense, we want to highlight the situation and remind everyone that, together, we can achieve peace and security." He continued, "You have the power to bring about reform and change in this place—it is a beautiful place—and to work for the benefit of its people, both women and men; this is of the utmost importance. I want to remind you that we can achieve great things if we work together for peace and the common good. We must stand united; no one can succeed alone—absolutely no one. Therefore, we must work every day; that is the only way to bring about reform and demonstrate that this vision is attainable." General Abnyara thanked the media for standing with UNIFIL and covering its activities, stating, "I wish to express my deep gratitude for the tremendous effort you put in daily. We place special importance on supporting women, as they constitute a fundamental force in society and play a pivotal role in building a more stable future." Following a tour of the exhibition, the Mayor of Tyre, Hassan Dbouk, thanked the UNIFIL Commander for accepting the invitation and participating in the event. He emphasized UNIFIL’s role in the peace process and expressed appreciation to the force and its commander for "providing assistance to the local community and supporting the local population." General Abnyara also distributed gifts to the women participating in the exhibition.

Hawat: Preserving Hasarat Public High School is a National Duty
/Al-Markaziya/ September 27, 2026 (Translated from Arabic by AI)
MP Ziad Hawat wrote on the "X" platform: "On the eve of the meeting scheduled for tomorrow with the Minister of National Education, Dr. Rima Karami, to discuss the fate of Hasarat Public High School, we emphasize the necessity of preserving this school and keeping its doors open to our children amidst the harsh economic crisis and rising fuel prices. The high school represents an indispensable need for the residents of Hasarat and neighboring villages—an area that serves as a key source of personnel for the military institution and the public sector. Its closure—God forbid—would be a grave injustice and would jeopardize the futures of thousands. Preserving it is a national duty, especially given that the student enrollment required to sustain its educational mission is sufficient; we stand ready to cooperate with the Ministry of Education, provide support, and share in covering expenses if necessary."

Samy Gemayel: The time for dialogue regarding "Hezbollah's weapons is over... Have mercy on those on earth!
Al-Markaziya/September 27, 2026 (Translated from Arabic by AI)
Following the speech by Sheikh Naim Qassem, Kataeb Party leader MP Samy Gemayel wrote on X: "The time for dialogue regarding Hezbollah's weapons is over. These weapons are no longer a bargaining chip but a settled issue; there shall be no arms outside the State, and no authority above the authority of the State. We are proponents of dialogue, but there can be no dialogue until the weapons are surrendered. Have mercy on those on earth, and He who is in heaven will have mercy on you."

The Latest English LCCC Miscellaneous Reports And News published on September 26-27/2026
Notable regional development... Netanyahu visited the Emirates

Al-Markazia/Sept 27, 2026 (Translated from Arabic by AI)
Israeli website N12 and Axios reported that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu left this morning, Sunday, for the United Arab Emirates on a private plane, in an unannounced visit. According to the report, Netanyahu remained in the Emirates throughout the day, and met in the capital Abu Dhabi with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. N12 said that two sources confirmed the meeting took place between Netanyahu and Mohammed bin Zayed, while the Israeli prime minister's office did not provide official details about the visit or the content of the talks. No details have yet been announced about the files discussed by Netanyahu and Mohammed bin Zayed during the meeting, nor has a detailed official statement been issued by the Emirati side about the meeting. The visit comes amid renewed controversy over the issue of transferring the warning that preceded the October 7 attack. This is Netanyahu's second visit to the Emirates in the last year; his previous visit took place during Operation "Roar of the Lion."

Trump: I am thinking of striking Iran again
US President after rejecting Iranian proposal: Not the deal I want
Washington: Bandar al-Doshi Al Arabiya/ Sept 27, 2026 (Translated from Arabic by AI)
US President Donald Trump said he expects more talks with Iran this week, just one day after rejecting an Iranian proposal to end the war. Trump explained in a telephone interview with the Axios】 website on Sunday that the United States and Iran may resume indirect dialogue, while Qatar and regional mediators continue their efforts to bring the positions of the two sides closer. Trump said: "I expect more talks with Iran this week. They want to reach a deal, but it is not the deal I want to reach. It is what we might have agreed to perhaps a year ago. They overestimated their position." When asked if he was considering resuming strikes against Iran, he answered: "I am always thinking about it."According to two regional sources, a new round of indirect talks between Washington and Tehran is expected to begin as early as Monday, but major disagreements between the two sides remain. One of the most prominent points of disagreement is centered on the Strait of Hormuz. Iran wants negotiations to focus on reopening the strait and ending the US naval blockade, while the Trump administration is demanding that Tehran make concessions regarding its nuclear program. US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner had held, last Tuesday, indirect talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly meetings in New York, with the participation of Qatari officials who conveyed messages between the two sides.
During those talks, Iran proposed reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and resuming nuclear negotiations within a week, in exchange for lifting the US naval blockade, removing sanctions imposed on oil sales, and reinstating a ceasefire in the region, but Trump rejected the proposal on Saturday. In return, Qatari mediators continue their moves between the two parties. A US official and two regional sources told Axios that Qatar presented a compromise proposal to both sides for review, while amendments to the text of the agreement are being discussed. The Qatari mediators are expected to meet Araghchi and Witkoff separately as early as Monday. In statements to NBC on Sunday, Araghchi said that Iran still seeks a diplomatic solution despite Trump's rejection of the proposal, adding that the US midterm elections are not part of Tehran's calculations. He said: "We care only about our national interests. We are ready for negotiations," adding that Iran is still awaiting a "formal response through mediators." Meanwhile, Trump said that the US military continues to facilitate the passage of oil through the Strait of Hormuz, noting that more than 20 million barrels passed during the weekend. A US defense official confirmed that about 22 million barrels of oil passed through the strait on Friday night.

New round of negotiations between Washington and Tehran tomorrow / It is not yet clear whether the two sides will be able to overcome their differences

Al Arabiya.net and agencies/Sept 26, 2026 (Translated from Arabic by AI)
The United States of America and Iran will hold another round of indirect negotiations tomorrow, Monday, according to Axios. According to the source, Qatari mediators continue their indirect diplomatic efforts in an attempt to reach an agreement between Washington and Tehran. And they will hold separate meetings on September 28 with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and US Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff. The website indicates that it remains unclear whether the two parties will be able to overcome their existing differences during the negotiations. Earlier, US President Donald Trump confirmed that the United States will hold a new round of negotiations with Iran next week. In this context, Iran on Sunday issued a warning to ships crossing the Strait of Hormuz "if they use illegal routes," while affirming that diplomacy is the only solution to the conflict with the United States, a day after US President Donald Trump announced his rejection of an Iranian proposal to reopen the strait and stop the fighting. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said: "Our conditions are clear, and any step towards reopening the Strait of Hormuz is conditional on meeting these conditions." He added: "Only a negotiated solution can get them out of this impasse."For his part, Trump said that Iran wants to open Hormuz because "its economy is dying," pointing out that the United States has "comprehensive control" over the strait. He affirmed that "Iran wants a deal, and I want a deal, but the proposal is unacceptable."
For his part, Iranian army spokesman Mohammad Akrami Nia said on Sunday that the United States could launch a new attack on Iran because of what he described as a tense regional situation, adding that Tehran is ready to confront and inflict greater damage on Washington.
The authority established by Iran to manage the strait warned ships of consequences if they use "illegal routes" in the area. It said that "this carries risks of financial and life losses for the ship, owner, captain and crew, and severely restricts its future transit through the Strait of Hormuz."

Telegraph: Iran tops suspicion for targeting British base used by US forces / Security sources investigate possibility of Russian involvement
Washington: Bandar al-Doshi/Al Arabiya / Sept 27, 2026 (Translated from Arabic by AI)
British counter-terrorism police are investigating the possibility that Iran is behind a suspected bombing plot targeting "RAF Fairford" air base in Gloucestershire, which is used by the US Air Force in its operations against Iran, according to the British newspaper "Telegraph."
British authorities arrested five men on suspicion of offenses under the explosives law and preparation of a terrorist act, after three suspicious trucks were spotted heading towards the base in the early hours of Sunday morning. The Telegraph said that investigators are considering several possibilities regarding the party behind the plot, including Russian sabotage or a plot linked to extremist Islamist groups, but sources familiar with the investigation said that the Iran-linked motive is currently considered the most likely possibility. According to sources cited by the newspaper, if a link to Tehran is confirmed, the operation was likely carried out by elements directly linked to Iran, and not through criminal proxies, as happened in previous incidents attributed to networks linked to Iran. The hypothesis of an Iranian motive is of particular importance because of the location of the base and its role in US military operations. RAF Fairford has been used by the US Air Force during operations against Iranian targets, which previously made it a direct target of threats from Tehran. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard threatened in last July to target the base, saying that "any base used for aggression against Iranian territory is a legitimate target for us." For his part, US President Donald Trump said that the arrested men were "looking to cause significant damage," praising cooperation between British and American authorities. He added that the suspects had been under surveillance for a long time before being arrested.
Police announced that the operation began after receiving a report at around 12:45 a.m. about three suspicious vehicles heading towards the base, after which armed forces deployed and arrested the five men in the nearby Wilford area. A specialized team from the British Army was also called in to deal with explosives to examine the vehicles, while about 85 houses in the area were evacuated as a precautionary measure.Images from the scene show a robot belonging to the bomb disposal team examining three white trucks, while police imposed a wide security cordon around the area.

Iraq.. Two ISIS members wearing explosive belts killed in Kirkuk
Al Arabiya.net and agencies/Sept 26, 2026 (Translated from Arabic by AI)
The Counter-Terrorism Service announced today, Sunday, the killing of two terrorists wearing explosive belts in Altun Kupri in Kirkuk Governorate. The Service said in a brief statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA): "Clashes between the Counter-Terrorism Service and remnants of the terrorist ISIS gangs in Kirkuk Governorate resulted in the killing of two terrorists wearing explosive belts in Altun Kupri."
Hours earlier, the Security Media Cell in Iraq announced the death of a woman during an attempt to target two ISIS members in Kirkuk (250 km north of Baghdad). The media cell said in a statement published on its Facebook page today: "Security forces detected late last night, Saturday, the movement of two members of the remnants of ISIS near the village of al-Malihah located within the sector of the 11th Division in the Kirkuk Operations Command."
It added that "as a result, our units engaged the detected site by firing two mortar shells," noting that "the incident led to the injury of a civilian woman who happened to be near the site, where she was urgently transferred to the hospital for treatment, but she died as a result of her injuries."

Al Arabiya sources: Meeting of the four presidencies in Iraq will discuss Iran sanctions and restricting arms/Will also discuss completing ministerial portfolios
Riyadh: Al Arabiya.net/ Sept 26, 2026 (Translated from Arabic by AI)
Al Arabiya/Al Hadath sources said on Sunday that the meeting of the four presidencies in Iraq on Monday will discuss completing the ministerial portfolios. The sources also indicated that the meeting will discuss US sanctions on Iranian aviation. The sources reported that the meeting will also discuss the new government's plan to restrict arms to the state.An Iraqi government source had previously confirmed to Al Arabiya / Al Hadath that Baghdad is holding talks with Washington to allow Iranian aircraft to land exclusively in Najaf. The repercussions of the new US sanctions on the Iranian aviation sector quickly began to unfold, after countries, airports, and airlines rushed to reconsider their dealings with Iranian carriers for fear of secondary sanctions from Washington, which led to the suspension and cancellation of a number of international flights and disruption of the Iranian air transport network. These developments came after the new package of US sanctions came into effect, which comprehensively targets the Iranian aviation sector, including companies that provide fuel, maintenance, ground handling, and ticket sales services to Iranian carriers. And with growing fears of losing access to the global financial system based on the dollar, many entities preferred to stop or reduce dealings with Iranian airlines. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the new measures aim to tighten economic pressure on Iran, noting that Iranian airlines will face increasing difficulties operating their international flights if foreign airports and service providers refrain from dealing with them.

Yemeni Armed Forces: 4 Iranian missile and drone experts killed in Taiz
Yemeni Army: We carried out 756 operations against Houthi targets in 72 hours
Al Arabiya.net: Awsan Salem/Sept 26, 2026 (Translated from Arabic by AI)
The Yemeni Armed Forces said on Sunday that they carried out 756 targeting operations in the past 72 hours against sites, elements, and military capabilities belonging to the Houthi militias on several combat fronts, confirming the killing of 4 Iranian experts specializing in drones and missiles in Taiz.
The official spokesman for the Armed Forces, Colonel Majed al-Nazili, said in a statement that the operations targeted sites in Kataf, al-Buqa, the Alab axis, al-Jawf, Marib, al-Bayda, Lahj, and Taiz, and that the Air Force, drones, snipers, artillery, and rocket launchers were used.
He added that the operations resulted, according to the Armed Forces, in the destruction or disabling of a number of troop carriers, vehicles, military reinforcements, missile launch platforms, and stores of weapons and military equipment, in addition to the killing and wounding of 2,316 members of the Houthi group.Al-Nazili said the operations also led to the killing of four Iranian experts who he said specialized in operating and launching drones and missiles in Taiz governorate, considering that as additional evidence of continued Iranian support and expertise provided to the group.He accused the Houthis of "falsifying facts" by attributing the targeting of civilians and civilian objects to government forces, saying these claims aim to cover up what he described as the group's violations against civilians and public facilities.
He pointed to the targeting of Amr ibn al-Aas school in al-Madaribah and Ras al-Arah district in Lahj governorate on September 23, saying the attack resulted, according to the Armed Forces' account, in the killing of three civilians, wounding four others, and damaging the school and its facilities. Al-Nazili also accused the Houthi group of planting mines he said are "internationally banned" on roads and mountain passes in Lahj governorate, warning of their dangers to civilians and population movement. He affirmed that the Armed Forces will continue their operations against what he described as sources of threat, and said that military operations are carried out "within the framework of commitment to the rules of international humanitarian law," adding that government forces will continue to work to protect the population and property and restore security, stability, and the rule of law.

Between Awadallah and al-Amoudi.. Hamas to choose this week its political bureau chief in Gaza / Khaled Meshal and Zaher Jabarin support Nizar Awadallah while Ali al-Amoudi has support from Khalil al-Hayya
Riyadh: Al Arabiya.net / Sept 26, 2026 (Translated from Arabic by AI)
Hamas is expected to hold a runoff this week to elect the head of its political bureau in the Gaza Strip, according to private sources for Al Arabiya and Al Hadath channels, after the first round — held weeks ago between political bureau members Nizar Awadallah and Ali al-Amoudi — failed to produce a winner.
The runoff comes amid internal competition for leadership of the movement in the Strip, and at a stage in which Hamas is undergoing a broad reorganization of its leadership structures after the war and changes that affected its political and organizational levels.
The sources explained that the first round ended without a decision, after a number of those entitled to vote used blank ballots. This repeats a scene witnessed in the elections for the head of the movement's general political bureau, which later ended with the election of Khalil al-Hayya as head of the political bureau after a contest with Khaled Meshal. According to private sources for Al Arabiya and Al Hadath, the competition between al-Amoudi and Awadallah has in the recent period seen a shift in the orientations of some members of the leadership bodies in the Shura Council within the movement, after al-Amoudi had enjoyed noticeable support at the beginning of the race. The sources said that Khaled Meshal entered the competition, and that he made contacts with members of the Shura Council to urge them to support Nizar Awadallah. The sources added that Awadallah also enjoys the support of Zaher Jabarin, who is responsible for the West Bank file in the movement, while al-Amoudi enjoys the support of Khalil al-Hayya. Figures within the movement, according to the sources, see Awadallah as possessing long political and organizational experience qualifying him to manage the political bureau in Gaza in the coming phase, while al-Amoudi relies on his organizational presence inside the Strip and his close ties to leaders from the circle that was close to Yahya Sinwar. According to the same sources, the recent shifts in the positions of some of those entitled to vote have increased Awadallah's chances of winning compared to the previous round. The sources tell Al Arabiya and Al Hadath that Awadallah's victory, if it happens, will be reflected in the balance of power within the movement's institutions, especially given his political relationship with Khaled Meshal and the support of leading figures for him. The sources indicated that the shifts within Hamas leadership centers came after the defeat of Hezbollah and Iran, which created a new political reading and imposed the adoption of pragmatic policies within the movement.
Who is Ali al-Amoudi?
Ali al-Amoudi is a member of Hamas's political bureau and a freed prisoner, and he was in charge of the media department in the movement before the war. His name emerged more prominently in managing the movement's affairs inside the Gaza Strip during the phase that followed the killing of a number of its prominent leaders. Al-Amoudi was released as part of the prisoner exchange deal for the Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit in 2011, and was among the figures close to Yahya Sinwar, as the relationship between them goes back to years of imprisonment in Israeli prisons, and continued after their release. During the past period, some administrative decisions and changes attributed to al-Amoudi raised controversy within the movement's frameworks, according to press reports, at a time when his name emerged as one of the most prominent candidates to lead the political bureau in the Strip.
Who is Nizar Awadallah?
Nizar Awadallah is considered one of the historical leaders in Hamas, and has previously assumed leadership and political roles within the movement, and also participated in prominent negotiation and organizational files over the years. Awadallah was close to the movement's founder Ahmed Yassin and to Abdel Aziz al-Rantisi and a number of its first-generation leaders. His name emerged strongly during Hamas's internal elections in the Gaza Strip in 2021, when he competed with Yahya Sinwar for the presidency of the movement's political bureau in the Strip, in a competition that required several rounds before ending in favor of Sinwar. The current competition between Awadallah and al-Amoudi is important beyond the identity of the head of the political bureau in Gaza, as it comes at a stage when Hamas is reordering its leadership institutions and its internal balances after years of political, military, and organizational transformations.

8 killed in Russian raids on Ukraine.. and neighborhoods in Kyiv targeted
Zelensky: Russia launched more than 2,200 attack drones on Ukraine during the past week

Kyiv: Agencies/Sept 26, 2026 (Translated from Arabic by AI)
Russian raids on several areas in Ukraine, including the capital Kyiv, killed eight people on Sunday, at a time when Moscow escalated its attacks on several Ukrainian cities.
Ukrainian Interior Minister Ivan Vyhivskyi announced the death toll on Sunday afternoon, saying Russian strikes hit a children's center in the city of Sumy in the north of the country, killing three people, including a 16-year-old girl. Oleh Hryhorov, governor of the Sumy region, had said earlier that three glide bombs fell near a family support center in the region, killing two people. Sumy is frequently subjected to Russian attacks due to its proximity to the border, while Russia has long said it intends to create a buffer zone in the region.
In Zaporizhzhia in southern Ukraine, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said three people were killed in overnight raids. Prosecutors also said a drone hit a car in the city of Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city located in the northeast of the country, killing its driver.
In Kyiv, authorities reported one person killed as a result of a Russian drone attack, while the capital's mayor Vitali Klitschko announced three people were injured and taken to hospital. Klitschko said a drone hit a multi-storey residential building and caused a fire in a suburb east of the city, before emergency teams were able to extinguish it. He added that drones hit sites near a kindergarten and a playground in two areas, while other areas of the capital were damaged. The Kyiv municipality said "the enemy continues to attack Kyiv non-stop using attack drones," pointing to damage to 16 sites, including 12 houses in the suburbs of the capital, in addition to a warehouse and a production facility.
In the Odesa region in the south of the country, authorities reported that a "large-scale raid" resulted in another death. Regional official Oleh Kiper said Russian raids damaged a residential building, a medical institution, a hotel, and a shop, in addition to a warehouse used for storing grain. Zelensky said on Sunday that Russian forces launched more than 2,200 attack drones on Ukraine during the past week, along with about 1,650 aerial bombs and 38 missiles of various types, noting that a large number of them were ballistic missiles. He added that the strikes targeted homes and "civilian infrastructure" in different areas of the country. The attacks come a day after Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told the UN General Assembly that Moscow intends to continue its military campaign "until the end." In contrast, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced on Sunday that Russian forces had taken control of a border village in the Kharkiv region in eastern Ukraine, where Moscow controls a number of areas. Russia has not announced the annexation of the Kharkiv region, unlike the Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions, but it has attacked the region and seized territories in it since the start of the war. The Kremlin has repeatedly declared its intention to extend its control over what remains of eastern Ukraine, while talks led by the United States to end the war, which began with the outbreak of the war in 2022, have not led to any notable breakthrough.

Al-Burhan rejects US conditions for ceasefire / Washington conditioned granting al-Burhan a US entry visa to attend UN General Assembly on his acceptance of ceasefire
Al Arabiya.net and agencies/Sept 26, 2026 (Translated from Arabic by AI)
The head of Sudan's Sovereignty Council and army commander, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, affirmed that Sudan does not intend to accept the ceasefire conditions proposed by the United States, or to make concessions under any external pressure. The newspaper "Sudan Tribune" quoted al-Burhan as saying: "What we said we will not back down from: we don't want a visa to a country, nor do we want them to grant us permission," affirming that Sudan will not bow to external pressures. Al-Burhan had intended to lead his country's delegation to the 81st session of the UN General Assembly and deliver a speech in the general debate on September 24, but the United States refused to grant him an entry visa. Khartoum appealed to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to intervene, affirming that the country had met the necessary conditions for its delegation to participate in the session. In the end, Foreign Minister Mohi El-Din Salem headed the Sudanese delegation in New York. According to Reuters, Washington conditioned granting al-Burhan a US entry visa to attend the UN General Assembly on his acceptance of an unconditional 90-day ceasefire proposed by the United States. The plan was presented by the US President's senior advisor for Arab and African Affairs, Massad Boulos, and al-Burhan rejected this condition. According to al-Burhan, the goal of government forces remains to defeat the rebel movement, the Rapid Support Forces, affirming that the army will continue military operations against this group.

Pope calls for struggle against the "scourge" of sexual violence and rejects euthanasia
Pope meets seven victims of sexual violence
AFP/ Sept 26, 2026 (Translated from Arabic by AI)
Pope Leo XIV, from the shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes on the third day of his visit to France, called on the country's bishops to "continue" the fight against the "painful scourge" of crimes against children in the Church, reiterating his opposition to euthanasia.
After more than a million people participated in the Mass he held in Paris, about 150,000 people flocked to attend an open-air Mass in Lourdes at the foot of the Pyrenees.
Pope Leo XIV, like Benedict XVI in 2008, and John Paul II in 1983 and 2004, held a huge Mass at the shrine of the Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Lourdes, which attracts a large number of visitors. During his multiple interventions on Sunday, he touched on many controversial issues in the eyes of the Catholic Church, most notably euthanasia, secularism, and Catholic education. He had previously sent messages in this regard on Friday to French President Emmanuel Macron. At the end of the Mass he presided over at the shrine of the Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Lourdes, Pope Leo XIV called on "all the faithful and all Christian communities to recite the rosary prayer during the month of October, with the special intention that wars stop, and that peace prevails among conflicting peoples."
The Pope said during his visit to a center in Lourdes for the sick and people with disabilities: "I know that the horizon may seem dark and vague and with no way out for some of you, due to some terrible diseases and pains sometimes, but no human law should make you lose confidence in your dignity. On the contrary, in the name of this inalienable dignity that man possesses specifically, the temptation to end life under the pretext of false compassion must be categorically rejected."He affirmed that "it is impossible to consider ending life as something natural. What the law approves is not necessarily moral."
Leo XIV in Lourdes also addressed sexual violence within the Church, an issue of great importance in France where a report issued five years ago revealed that 330,000 minors were subjected to such acts since 1950.The Pope had called on the bishops of France during a closed meeting with them to "continue" confronting the "scourge" of sexual violence with "greater vigilance."The Pope ended his day with a private meeting with seven victims of sexual violence who praised the initiative in which Leo XIV acknowledged the wide scope of this scourge, according to one attendee.

The Latest LCCC analysis & editorials from miscellaneous sources published on September 27-28/2026
The Shiites in Lebanon – 4
Colonel Charbel Barakat/September 27/2026
https://eliasbejjaninews.com/2026/09/157872/
The era of Emir Fakhr al-Din II the Great was truly an era of organizing and building a state that came close to becoming somewhat independent of the Ottoman Empire, particularly regarding its relationship with governors and their whims. The Emir’s openness to the other components of Lebanese society, and his sharing of trust, opinions, and decision-making with them through their local leaderships, contributed to a drive to fortify the regions on one hand and cooperate among them on the other. This alarmed the Sublime Porte and rendered Ottoman decrees ineffective in Lebanon—decrees that typically made governors mere puppets in the hands of the Sultan, manipulated at will to execute expansionist plans. Instead, Lebanon’s Emir opened up to Italian emirates whose ships patrolled the Mediterranean, trading goods, commodities, and occasionally expertise with Lebanese maritime ports.
Ottoman policy, much like its predecessors, relied on tax farmers—known as feudal lords—but this “feudalism” was mostly limited to an annual tax-collection commitment. This effectively turned them into salaried quota-holders rather than feudal lords in the sense of continuous local leadership. Such continuous leadership, by virtue of its longevity, fosters long-term projects for both the region and its subjects. However, Fakhr al-Din inherited a leadership built on the subjects’ recognition of the Ma’n family’s right to lead. This practically translated into continuity, far-sightedness, and prospective planning for the future, ensuring sustained production to meet the demands of the Sublime Porte while boosting development. This reality alarmed certain Ottoman administrators because continuity ran counter to their “divide and rule” strategy, which relied on temporary governors serving the Sultan who had to be routinely replaced to foster service-based competition.
Consequently, Emir Fakhr al-Din viewed Shiite leaderships, such as the Harfoush or Ali al-Saghir clans, as local families representing the regions they managed rather than mere seasonal employees tasked with extracting state-mandated taxes from the subjects. He encouraged the settlement of families possessing agricultural expertise, which locals utilized to stimulate production and help pay a portion of the taxes. This genuine cooperation between him and these local families enabled him to extend his influence southward toward Safed, and subsequently Baniyas and Ajloun. In the north, not forgetting the aggression of the Saifa clan against Deir el-Qamar, he resolved to humble them, thereby capturing the Bsharré region followed by Tripoli. He later extended his influence toward the plains of northern Syria—Homs and Hama, reaching as far as Aleppo. This undoubtedly enriched the emirate’s treasury and helped thwart many plots hatched against him by regional governors. Among these was the Damascus governor’s attempt to instigate a rift between Fakhr al-Din and the Harfoushis, which escalated into their joint participation alongside the troops of Governor Mustafa Pasha in the Battle of Anjar—a battle the Pasha lost, resulting in his capture. Alongside the Druze of the Shouf, Matn, and Wadi al-Taym, the Emir’s forces in that battle included Sunni Shihabs, Maronites who had become his allies, and groups of Shiites from Jabal Amel and Bilad Beshara.
During the reign of Murad III, the Ottoman Empire began to weaken due to fighting two wars on distant fronts: the first in the east against the Safavid Persians, and the second in the west against the Austrian Empire. Simultaneously, the Janissaries preferred raids and plundering over winning battles, which eroded discipline and weakened fighting military strength. This presented a golden opportunity for the young Emir to plan for independence and cast off the Ottoman yoke. It gave him a chance to prove his administrative control over the land as he expanded his tax-collection domains. When he was appointed governor of Sidon and its dependencies as far as Safed, these regions were integrated into the Lebanese Emirate. Thus, Bilad Beshara and Jabal Amel became an essential part of his direct rule—administratively part of Lebanon, much as they had been prior to the Mamluk era when they were annexed to the governor of Damascus.
The opportunity remained favorable for Emir Fakhr al-Din until Sultan Murad IV ascended the throne and successfully negotiated a treaty with Austria, securing peace in the west, followed by neutralizing the Safavid threat in the east. This granted him the time to rein in the chaos caused by the Janissaries within the army, which he chose to command personally rather than through the Grand Vizier. Once his domestic authority was firmly established, he turned his sights toward Lebanon and resolved to eliminate the Emir who had imposed himself on the governors and defied obedience—especially fueled by a constant stream of malicious slanders. This led to a final condition set by the Emir to halt the war: that he travel with a large entourage to Istanbul in a final attempt to appease the Caliph. However, his detractors managed to persuade the Sultan to have him hanged and to hand over the Lebanese emirate to Emir Ahmad al-Ma’n.
This was a harsh ending for the Lebanese people, including the Shiites of Jabal Amel and Bilad Beshara, who had begun growing accustomed to coordinating with the Emir on managing their affairs—especially regarding fair taxation rates, and the profound sense of belonging to an emirate and regions that reflected their identity. Within these pluralistic societies, whether ideological or ethnic, the value of the diverse individual and the respect for their privacy were prominently recognized.
During the Ma’n era, the Greek Orthodox traditionally belonged to the Patriarchate of Antioch based in Damascus, which in turn coordinated with the Greek Patriarch residing in Istanbul for direct communication with the Sultan regarding any dispute or issue. The Ottoman state had recognized this community since the conquest of Constantinople, prompting many of its followers to work in trade within major cities where they built relationships with government officials. However, a large number of followers were scattered across Lebanon, sheltered by its natural terrain, which allowed them to survive from the Islamic conquest onward through various shifts in rulers. They formed the majority of the population in the eastern Beqaa Valley, along both sides of the Anti-Lebanon mountains down to Wadi al-Taym, as well as in parts of Matn, Koura, and Akkar. They maintained connections with their brethren in Hauran, the Ghouta of Damascus, and the Valley of the Christians (Wadi al-Nasara) in northern Syria.
During the time of Emir Fakhr al-Din, the Bishop of Beqaa attempted to split from the Damascus Patriarchate and align with the Church of Rome to sever ties with Istanbul. Efforts in this direction forced Emir Fakhr al-Din to intervene and persuade the bishop and locals to exercise patience for fear of Ottoman retaliation, keeping the status quo until around 1750. At that time, the schism materialized under Bishop Atiyah II (nephew of Atiyah I), leading the Ottoman state to withhold recognition of the new community for several years. Consequently, many followers in regions like the eastern ranges were forced to migrate toward Lebanon. The eastern Beqaa regions—and later the city of Zahle—became major congregation centers for this community. Following subsequent Ottoman recognition, its members spread throughout Lebanon as skilled artisans in construction, manufacturing, carpentry, blacksmithing, and, of course, trade.
It is worth noting that the Greek Orthodox supported Emir Fakhr al-Din’s vision of independence from the Ottoman Empire, just like the rest of the Lebanese—particularly the Shiites. They sought a form of self-administration that granted every group the right to practice its beliefs and rituals with full respect in a land composed, much like its hills, mountains, and valleys, of diverse population groups bound by opinions, beliefs, or blood ties. Above all, they sought a sense of distinction and mutual respect shared by co-patriots, safeguarded by the rule of law to protect their values and practices. In modern governance terminology, this closely resembles a system of broad federalism.

Mount Lebanon: "The Legacy of Identity, Rights, Survival, and Role as a Gateway to Shaping the Future."
Zeina Mansour/ X Website/September 27, 2026  (Translated from Arabic by AI)
The question facing the Druze, the Maronites, and all Christians in Mount Lebanon is no longer: Which party do we support? Which leader do we elect? Which heir is best? Rather, it is: What kind of future do we wish to build, and what political tools—and within what framework—can achieve it?
This is not a call to sever ties with a troubled present, nor to deny the past experiences that shaped the history of Mount Lebanon and the country as a whole. Identity is not built in a vacuum; it possesses an essence, an approach, and a framework. Rights are not a burden to be shed, but a fundamental element in understanding the self, one's interests, and the future. Respecting and protecting identity, rights, survival, and one's role does not imply accepting their loss; conversely, loyalty to history does not mean replicating political tools that have proven—over the years—incapable of confronting new transformations. Lebanon—and Mount Lebanon specifically—has entered a new phase. International shifts; demographic, economic, and security transformations; the crisis of the state and its institutions; and the erosion of trust in the political class—all these factors necessitate a rethinking of traditional political approaches. It is no longer sufficient to recycle the same leadership figures, nor to expect the parties that managed affairs from the early 20th century to the present day to single-handedly generate solutions for the 21st century.
The problem is not necessarily confined to individuals, but lies in the political structure itself. When political parties transform from instruments serving society into corporate-like structures focused on preserving their own interests, networks, and influence, they lose their capacity for renewal. When electoral calculations, expedient alliances, foreign agendas, and entrenched interests take precedence, it becomes difficult for them to formulate a long-term strategic vision to safeguard identity, rights, survival, and their role. Thus, the necessary critique is not directed at individuals, nor is it a call to eliminate or cast aspersions on anyone; rather, it is a call for a profound political reassessment: What did the previous experience achieve? Where did it succeed, and where did it fail? What must change if we truly wish to protect the interests of the communities of Mount Lebanon and the future of their people? For the Druze, Maronites, and Christians, concepts such as identity, rights, survival, and role are not mere slogans, but a commitment to ensuring rights and security. They should not remain empty phrases invoked only during critical junctures. True identity translates into a political, social, cultural, and economic project that protects the individual, safeguards freedoms, fosters education and productivity, preserves diversity, ensures participation, and prevents the Lebanese people from being reduced to mere tools or electoral bases. The Druze, Maronites, and Christians of Mount Lebanon possess a deep history of engagement with the concept of Lebanon and of defending freedoms, pluralism, and coexistence. Yet, preserving this legacy requires transforming it into a vision for the future. An identity that fails to generate a project becomes nothing more than a memory, and politics devoid of vision becomes mere crisis management. What is required today of the Druze and Christians in Mount Lebanon is a shift from being mere "recipients of decisions" to becoming "partners in shaping them"—moving from a reactive policy to a proactive one. It means transitioning from waiting for others to define the direction of the era to possessing the capacity to formulate options and defend them through reasoned argument, robust institutions, and organized political action.
This does not imply isolationism or the construction of a project based on the exclusion of any constituent group; on the contrary, any viable future project must rest on a clear vision, strong and effective institutions, balanced partnership, respect for diversity and authentic identities, the rule of law, and equal rights.
However, partnership does not mean relegating some to the position of subordinates—passive recipients of decisions, marginalized and stripped of their rights and true identities—merely to accommodate the expansion of other parties' roles, spheres of influence, or monopolies. True partnership means that every community and society possesses the capacity to participate in determining the choices that shape its present and future.
The Need for New Political Frameworks
Hence, there is a pressing need to conceive new political frameworks and platforms—not mere replicas of old parties or simple electoral alliances, but open political spaces for talented individuals, youth, intellectuals, economists, professionals, and experts. These frameworks must be grounded in vision and institutions rather than leadership cults and dynastic succession; in transparency and accountability rather than blind loyalty; and in strategic thinking rather than day-to-day reactions.
The issue is not simply replacing one leader with another or one party with another; rather, it is about transforming the very process by which political decisions are made. Mount Lebanon requires a political project that clearly addresses questions about the future: How do we protect its constituent groups regarding identity, rights, survival, and their role? How do we preserve its diversity and halt the emigration of its youth? How do we rebuild its economy? How do we strengthen the presence of its people within the state—and what kind of state do we envision? And how do we ensure they have an influential voice in the decisions that shape their destiny?

Advice on the Threshold of Critical Diplomatic and Economic Milestones: Beware the Cost of Populist or Demagogic Moves!

Exclusive – Tony Gebran/Al-Markaziya / September 27, 2026  (Translated from Arabic by AI)
Al-Markaziya – The country is preparing to enter a week packed with diplomatic, political, economic, and social milestones, concluding with "Lebanon Week" at the United Nations on the sidelines of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly. Early in the week, all eyes will turn to Washington to monitor the anticipated meeting between Prime Minister Nawaf Salam—accompanied by Foreign Minister Youssef Raji—and US Secretary of State (and National Security official) Marco Rubio, as well as key figures from the International Monetary Fund. These are in addition to other meetings arranged by the Lebanese Embassy in Washington that have not yet been announced, as their scheduling depends on last-minute coordination regarding the visit and its duration.
All of this is unfolding alongside preparations for a so-called "Week of Rage" in Lebanon, driven by growing discontent over the current state of living conditions and the economy, rampant inflation, and the inability to address the root causes—both external and internal—of this crisis. Efforts led by the ministerial committees tasked with this issue—under the supervision of Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri—continue to clash with the Ministry of Finance’s grim projections; the Ministry finds it impossible to cover the costs of the benefits the government might offer across various sectors, and its forecasts have yet to yield a solution that guarantees even the minimum required support. Against this backdrop, economic and political figures have expressed—via the "Al-Markaziya" news agency—concern regarding suspicious schemes pursued by key figures and ideologues of the "Axis of Resistance." These actors appear intent on undermining civil peace and jeopardizing public and private property, all to advance populist agendas that exploit the hardships Lebanese citizens are enduring amidst a major international crisis affecting populations and nations worldwide. This concern arises as the Index Committee prepares to deliberate on a new salary scale, the incorporation of certain fringe benefits into base salaries, and a revised schedule for calculating employee transportation allowances—measures intended to offset the soaring cost of fuel and provide subsidies for the transport sector, farmers, and residents of remote mountain villages. These discussions are accompanied by warnings against a recurrence of the schemes that squandered billions of dollars in previous subsidy programs, as well as cautions against repeating past mistakes.
Before addressing specific proposals currently under discussion, financial and economic authorities highlighted statements made yesterday by Central Bank Governor Karim Saïd from Paris. He issued a stern warning to small depositors—and the Lebanese public at large—regarding the dangers of any move that would prevent the country from "avoiding the catastrophe of making promises to people only to default on payments." He noted that "deposits in Lebanon have been in a precarious state for six years," and that—pending a decision on the "law regarding deposit repayment and financial normalization"—the Central Bank can only repay amounts based on available liquidity. He concluded by emphasizing that Lebanon is experiencing "an unprecedented systemic and financial crisis, according to the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank," while warning that the government’s draft law—which targets the end of 2025 and outlines a four-year timeline for small depositors (those with under $100,000)—has come under scrutiny regarding the "feasibility of implementing it within the stated timeframe through to its ultimate conclusion."
In addition to warnings from economic and financial authorities, security officials advised certain unionists and agitators to acknowledge critical factors that cannot be overlooked when examining the causes of the multifaceted crisis. They pointed out that "much of the situation stems from intractable crises facing major global economies—following conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, Syria, and Yemen—compounded by the war on Iran. The 'Axis of Resistance' responded to this by launching a 'war of retaliation' in Lebanon on March 2, even before the country had moved past or absorbed the consequences of the 'Support and Diversion' and 'Men of Might' [Oli al-Ba's] campaigns." This is particularly true given the bulldozing and demolition operations resulting from Israeli attacks, which triggered unprecedented waves of displacement. These events saddled the government with additional foreign debt—an immense burden amidst global crises—and impacted the budgets of lending and donor institutions and nations, especially those in the Gulf, with costs exceeding $535 billion according to some international estimates.
Sources added that any attempt to undermine internal security or harm public and private property—even if disguised as a movement driven by demands for basic living needs—will not be tolerated; security forces stand ready to intervene. Furthermore, the conditions that enabled past maneuvers to topple the government—such as the events of May 6, 1992—simply do not exist today. External actors who once manipulated internal security from abroad are now removed from the game; their influence is minimal, limited to the potential consequences of Iranian interference in domestic affairs—an issue with limited repercussions.There is a consensus among various quarters that the Lebanese people must realize that destabilizing the country’s security would not merely affect the political landscape; it would trigger further deterioration across all sectors and undermine any remaining capacity to cope with the current situation. Any populist or demagogic stance or action would exact a heavy price on those who plan, incite, or carry it out.

Netanyahu Defines the Parameters of Confrontation: Iran, Lebanon, and Syria in the Frame

Mounir Al-Rabie/Al-Modon/September 27, 2026  (Translated from Arabic by AI)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech at the United Nations contained several key points signaling his intentions—signals that cannot be taken lightly. These include the "surprises" he alluded to regarding Iran and what it is set to witness, as well as his remarks on Syria and the Golan—asserting a Jewish presence there dating back to the time of Moses—not to mention his focus on the Lebanese file and his ongoing agenda to strike Hezbollah. Thus far, political and diplomatic information emerging from the New York meetings points toward escalation, both with Iran and in Lebanon. Trump’s meeting with leaders from the Gulf states, Lebanon, Syria, Turkey, and Jordan was an attempt to discuss the post-war phase regarding Iran; however, this does not obscure the fact that factions within the United States are pushing for a renewed war and a massive military strike—a course Israel is advocating for, focusing on targets such as power plants and the Jabal al-Fa's facility. Estimates regarding a renewed war on Iran fluctuate between the periods before and after the midterm elections. Yet, one thing is certain: any such war would impact the entire region, and Lebanon would once again find itself at the eye of the storm. Netanyahu Signals Potential Escalation: From Iran to Lebanon
On the Lebanese front, Israel is mirroring the pattern seen prior to the September 2024 war by intensifying drone overflights and surveillance operations. This includes the daily triggering of warning sirens—often later attributed to false alarms—a recurring phenomenon in the months leading up to the 2024 conflict, frequently linked to the ongoing security standoff between Israel and Hezbollah. Security assessments also express concern regarding a potential new escalation and targeted assassinations.
Jabal al-Rihane: A Target for Israeli Operations
On the ground, Israel has opened a new operational front by targeting Jabal al-Rihane, specifically the "Jabal al-Rafi'" area. The strikes carried out there signal Tel Aviv's intentions for the region, which has clearly emerged as the next target. These areas are strategically vital to Tel Aviv, viewed as strongholds housing Hezbollah’s power centers, stockpiles, and operations rooms. There is also a possibility that the "Imad 4" facility is located in this vicinity; the Israelis had previously informed the Lebanese side of their intent to dismantle such installations. Consequently, Israel’s focus for the coming phase is to launch a battle encompassing the Western Bekaa, Jabal al-Rihane, and Iqlim al-Tuffah. Israel seeks to seize control of these high-altitude hills and the entire line along this axis, subsequently imposing a new negotiation framework. This framework aims to initiate "pilot zones"—areas where the Lebanese Army would enter, disarm the region, and dismantle military infrastructure.
The Golan, Southern Syria, and Lebanon in Biblical Calculations
Even more critical are Netanyahu’s statements regarding the Golan and its Jewish identity—rhetoric steeped in the Talmudic or Biblical metaphors favored by the Israeli far-right. These statements cannot be viewed in isolation from the repeated incursions of settlers into southern Syria and southern Lebanon. The entry of settlers into Lebanese and Syrian territories is neither spontaneous nor a matter of mere infiltration; rather, it is part of an Israeli effort to deploy settlers for reconnaissance and an attempt by extremists to assert what they deem to be religious rights in those areas—a tactic previously employed at the Al-Abbad site and one likely to be repeated elsewhere.

Selected Face Book & X tweets on September 27/2026