English LCCC Newsbulletin For Lebanese, Lebanese Related, Global News &
Editorials
For September 30/2026
Compiled & Prepared by: Elias Bejjani
#elias_bejjani_news
The Bulletin's Link on the lccc Site
https://eliasbejjaninews.com/aaaanewsfor2026/english.september30.26.htm
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Bible Quotations For today
I know your works; you are neither cold nor hot.
I wish that you were either cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, and
neither cold nor hot, I am about to spit you out of my mouth.
Book of Revelation 03/14-22: "‘To the angel of the church in
Laodicea write: The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the origin
of God’s creation: ‘I know your works; you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that
you were either cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor
hot, I am about to spit you out of my mouth. For you say, "I am rich, I have
prospered, and I need nothing." You do not realize that you are wretched,
pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. Therefore I counsel you to buy from me gold
refined by fire so that you may be rich; and white robes to clothe you and to
keep the shame of your nakedness from being seen; and salve to anoint your eyes
so that you may see. I reprove and discipline those whom I love. Be earnest,
therefore, and repent. Listen! I am standing at the door, knocking; if you hear
my voice and open the door, I will come in to you and eat with you, and you with
me. To the one who conquers I will give a place with me on my throne, just as I
myself conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. Let anyone who has
an ear listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches."
Titles For The English LCCC Lebanese & Lebanese Related News &
Editorials published on September 29-30/2026
With Ambassador Mouawad and With All Lebanese Who Believe in Peace With
Israel and With All Peoples of the World, We Pray for the Healing of the Son of
the Israeli Ambassador to America/Elias Bejjani/September 29/2026
A Cheap and Fake Theatrical War of Words Between Hezbollah and Gebran
Bassil/Elias Bejjani/September 28, 2026
New details about Rubio's meeting with the Lebanese Prime Minister in Washington
US Treasury urges Lebanon to disrupt Iranian, Hezbollah financial networks and
advance banking reforms
US Treasury Secretary urges Salam to 'disrupt Iranian, Hezbollah finance
networks'
European official says any European mission to back army in disarming Hezbollah
Gallant says main plan was walkie-talkie attack on Hezbollah, Netanyahu blocked
it
Sources to LBCI: Senior US and Arab officials attend dinner honoring Lebanese PM
Salam in Washington
PM Salam meets World Bank chief in Washington to discuss reforms, recovery and
reconstruction
Salam pushes for further implementation of framework deal in Rubio meeting
Salam: Lebanon Committed to State Sovereignty; Hezbollah Must Adhere to
Restricting Arms to the State
Israel raises military readiness amid Lebanon operations and fears of regional
escalation
Israeli army sets off large explosions in Mansouri, Zawtar and Aitaroun
Berri says only Trump can pressure Israel to end Lebanon war
Speaker Berri warns against ending UNIFIL mandate, says US alone can pressure
Israel to end war on Lebanon
Lebanese Army receives US Humvees and trucks
UK reaffirms support for stability, resilience and recovery in south Lebanon
Private Meeting Between Rjei and Needham at the White House
Syria Announces Foiling of Sabotage Plot by Hezbollah-Linked Cell in Daraa
Report: Aoun, Salam pressing for withdrawal from new pilot zone
The South Faces the Equation of Arms, Withdrawal, and the Army: Between
Escalation and Civil Peace/Najwa Abi Haidar/Al-Markaziya/September 29, 2026
Lebanon’s List of Demands is Lengthy; Washington’s Response is Brief: Start by
Confronting Hezbollah/Lara Yazbek/Nidaa Al-Watan/September 30, 2026
Rmeich... A Border Town of Steadfastness/Roger Nahra/ Nidaa Al-Watan/September
30, 2026
Beyond Elections: The Framework Agreement Conundrum/Rafiq Khoury/Nidaa
Al-Watan/September 30, 2026
Journalists for Freedom: We demand an immediate investigation into the threat
against Mohamed Barakat and accountability of those responsible
Mohamed Barakat: I was subjected this evening to a direct threat because of my
political positions, from two men who introduced themselves as "resistance".
A third lawsuit from lawyer Bazzi against activist Ahmed Ismail!
Titles For The Latest English LCCC Miscellaneous Reports And News
published on September
28-29/2026
Trump Denies Offering Iran Sanctions Relief for Nuclear Concessions
Trump: Iran in very bad shape.. and will surrender
Iranian rial falls to record low.. Dollar exceeds 2.5 million rials / The
previous record low for the Iranian currency was 2.2 million rials to the dollar
Rezaei on the 7-day proposal: We informed them of our conditions.. and Trump is
in crisis
America imposes sanctions on 10 individuals and entities for purchasing weapons
for Iran
Iran FM says expects US answer Tuesday on plan to open Hormuz
US, Iran Separately Talk with Mediators in Latest Bid to End War
CNN, MS NOW, Politico Ask Judge to Extend Block on White House Ban
UN Expands List of Companies Linked to Israeli Settlements
Sources Confirm to Asharq Al-Awsat that Senior Hamas Commander Killed in Gaza
2,300 Houthis Killed and Wounded Across Eight Fronts in Three Days
Yemen Parliament Approves General Mobilization Against Houthis
WHO: Houthi Attacks Leave More than 4,000 Victims in Yemen
Morocco's king appoints first woman PM following Sept 23 election
Israel PM says 'indications' enemies will try to attack ahead of elections
Israel defense minister threatens to target Hamas leaders abroad
Titles For The Latest English LCCC analysis & editorials
from miscellaneous sources published
on September 29-30/2026
As the Houthis Burn with Desire to Fight Israel from Lebanon/Hazem
Saghieh/Asharq Al Awsat/September 29/2026
Middle East Stability Lies in Resolving the Palestinian Issue/Yousef
Al-Dayni/Asharq Al Awsat/September 29/2026
Lebanon... Israeli Occupation May Expand/Hanna Saleh//Asharq Al Awsat/September
29/2026
Saudi Arabia to Build an Integrated Energy Resources System/Walid
Khadouri/Asharq Al Awsat/September 29/2026
Perishing for an Illusion/Mishary Dhayidi/Asharq Al Awsat/September 29/2026
The United Nations: What is the Value of a Right Without Protection?/Mamoun
Fandy/Asharq Al Awsat/September 29/2026
Selling F-35s to Saudi Arabia: A Gift to China?/Con Coughlin/Gatestone
Institute/September 29, 2026
The Dimensions of Iranian Arrogance in Closing the Straits of Hormuz and Bab
al-Mandab/Kamel Al-Harmi/Al-Rai/September 29, 2026
The journalist and advisor on international affairs to the Israeli Prime
Minister in 2025/Caroline Glick, has accused Great Britain, France, and Canada
of hypocrisy./X platform/September 29/2026
Selected Face Book & X tweets on September 29/2026
Latest English LCCC Lebanese &
Lebanese Related News & Editorials published
on September 29-30/2026
With Ambassador Mouawad and With All Lebanese Who
Believe in Peace With Israel and With All Peoples of the World, We Pray for the
Healing of the Son of the Israeli Ambassador to America
Elias Bejjani/September 29/2026
https://eliasbejjaninews.com/2026/09/157939/
With Ambassador Mouawad and With All Lebanese Who Believe in Peace With Israel
and With All Peoples of the World, We Pray for the Healing of the Son of the
Israeli Ambassador to America. With a heart wrenched with pain, and with an
unwavering faith in the value of man and the sanctity of life, I stand today, as
I stood the moment I heard the news of the heinous crime, to raise my prayer in
reverence and supplication for the healing of the young man Neriya Leiter, the
son of His Excellency the Ambassador of Israel to the United States, Mr. Yechiel
Leiter.
This faithful young man, a family man and a father of four children, was
subjected to a cowardly terrorist attack in the West Bank, where a Palestinian
Jihadi terrorist deliberately rammed his car into him at full speed while he was
on reserve duty. The terrorist criminal was killed in the confrontation with the
Israeli security forces, while the Ambassador's son was transported with
extremely serious wounds and injuries to Shaare Zedek Medical Center in
Jerusalem, where he underwent several delicate surgical operations, and he is
still to this moment between life and death, unconscious.
The bitter cup of death is being tasted by the Ambassador's family for the
second time. Just recently, at the beginning of the Gaza war, he lost his eldest
son, who was a father of six children and fell defending his country and his
people. And today, the same terror of hatred comes to target his second son. Yet
despite all this pain, he remains a pillar of the wisdom of peace, and heads his
country's delegation in the peace talks with Lebanon, believing deeply that
peace is our destiny.
What happened is not merely a ramming attack. It is a direct attack on peace
itself. It is a despicable attempt to assassinate everyone who believes in peace
and works for it. They target you because you are a man of peace. They target
you because you chose the language of dialogue instead of the language of
rockets, and the culture of life instead of the culture of death.
Therefore, I repeat today what I said on the day he was injured: I, Elias
Bejjani, the Lebanese expatriate activist, together with every free, honorable,
faithful, and patriotic Lebanese who shares my national, political, and
faith-based orientations, bow before your pain, and we pray with you and with
your family, and we join our prayers to the prayers of hundreds of thousands
around the world whom you yourself asked to pray for your son. "Bear one
another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2)
And in this painful yet honorable context, I must pause with reverence and
respect before the noble humanitarian and moral stance of Her Excellency the
Ambassador of Lebanon to the United States, Mrs. Nada Homsi Mouawad, who heads
our country's delegation in the peace talks with Israel alongside her colleague
Ambassador Leiter. Israeli media reported that Ambassador Mouawad, out of purely
humanitarian motives, contacted her Israeli colleague and wished his son a
speedy recovery. This is the bare minimum dictated by human conscience, and the
most basic rule of peaceful, moral, and diplomatic values.
But, as expected in an occupied and hijacked Lebanon, a savage, barbaric, and
hateful campaign was launched against her by the groups of hatred, bigotry,
obscurantism and inhumanity, represented by the terrorist, jihadi, and criminal
Hezbollah, its media mouthpieces and its electronic flies, and she was forced to
deny this humanitarian contact.
Today I extend a salute of admiration and reverence to Ambassador Nada Mouawad
for her courageous humanitarian and moral gesture. She represents the true
Lebanon, the Lebanon of the message, the Lebanon of peace, the Lebanon that the
majority of my Lebanese people want. As for those who criticized and attacked
her, they represent nothing but the culture of death and graves, the culture of
hatred that has destroyed our homeland and turned it into a cemetery for the
living.
I say to them loudly: "Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in
his own eyes." (Proverbs 26:5)
And I conclude my prayer and solidarity with these holy words which are the
constitution of my life: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called
children of God." (Matthew 5:9). "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil
with good." (Romans 12:21)
O Lord, God of Peace, place Your healing hand upon the body of Neriya Leiter.
Bring him back safely to his wife and his four children, and to his bereaved
father and mother. Grant the Leiter family strength and hope. And let his
healing be a message that life will always triumph over death, and that peace
will inevitably triumph over terrorism. I pray, and all free Lebanese who
support my positions pray with me.
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
New details about Rubio's meeting with the Lebanese
Prime Minister in Washington
Riyadh - Al Arabiya.net / September 29, 2026
A US source revealed that the meeting held by Foreign Minister Marco Rubio with
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam in Washington on Monday was positive, but
Rubio stressed the need to accelerate the implementation by the Lebanese state
of all its commitments.
The source told Al Arabiya / Al Hadath on Tuesday that Rubio confirmed to Salam
that "the trilateral framework represents the only path to achieve lasting peace
between Lebanon and Israel," noting that disarming Hezbollah is a key item in
the framework agreement concluded between the two sides, but this commitment has
not yet been implemented. The American minister also explained that the
deployment of the Lebanese army in the south of the country is not enough
without disarming Hezbollah, stressing that Lebanon must take concrete steps in
this file before demanding any additional Israeli withdrawal. He also pointed
out that the United States calls on the Lebanese army to extend its full control
over the south and prevent any armed presence of Hezbollah, affirming at the
same time Washington's support for Lebanon as a sovereign state away from "the
harmful influence of Hezbollah and Iran."
Salam had called during his meeting with Rubio to activate the framework
agreement concluded between Lebanon and Israel. The Prime Minister also
stressed, according to a statement issued by his office on Monday, "the
necessity of moving to the stage of activating the trilateral framework and
translating the principles of reciprocity and phasing into practical steps and
tangible results on the ground, leading to Lebanon restoring its full
sovereignty, achieving full Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territories, and
confining weapons to the hands of the state over all its territories."He also
stressed "the importance of setting a clear timetable for implementing the
commitments contained in the framework, ensuring progress in the tracks of
Israeli withdrawal and extending state authority and exclusivity of weapons,
alongside establishing a reliable verification mechanism to follow up on
implementation and ensure compliance with pledges, so as to prevent
non-implementation from being used as a pretext to disrupt the path."For its
part, the US State Department announced in a statement that Rubio reaffirmed,
during his meeting with Salam, the United States' strong commitment to
supporting Lebanon's efforts to implement the trilateral framework, which
represents the only path towards lasting peace between Lebanon and Israel. The
minister also praised Salam's government and its efforts aimed at extending
state authority, and reaffirmed US support for Lebanese state sovereignty "away
from the destructive influence of Hezbollah and Iran."
It is recalled that the war in the Middle East that began with an
American-Israeli attack on Iran on February 28, expanded to Lebanon on March 2,
with Hezbollah launching rockets at Israel "in revenge" for the killing of
Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Meanwhile, Israel responded with a wide campaign of
airstrikes and ground incursion into areas in southern Lebanon. The pace of
violence declined after Lebanon and Israel signed on June 26 a framework
agreement after 5 rounds of direct negotiations under American sponsorship
stipulating the disarmament of Hezbollah and Israel's gradual withdrawal from
the territories it occupies in southern Lebanon, and the deployment of the
Lebanese army starting from "pilot" areas. Accordingly, the army deployed in
July in the town of Zoutar al-Gharbiyah after the withdrawal of Israeli forces
from its outskirts, and reinforced its deployment in the towns of Srifa and
Froun. But no new areas have been agreed upon. While Israel continues to launch
attacks on southern Lebanon, and carries out bombing and demolition operations
in the towns it occupies.The stumbling in implementing the agreement came at a
time when a new round of negotiations between Lebanon and Israel was postponed
to October after it was scheduled for September, according to AFP.
US Treasury urges Lebanon to disrupt Iranian, Hezbollah
financial networks and advance banking reforms
LBCI/September 29, 2026
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent met with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf
Salam and Finance Minister Yassine Jaber in Washington on Monday, urging Lebanon
to take proactive steps to disrupt Iranian and Hezbollah financial networks.
According to a statement published by the U.S. Treasury Department on Monday,
Bessent also stressed the importance of advancing key financial sector reforms
to restore confidence in Lebanon’s banking system.
US Treasury Secretary urges Salam to 'disrupt Iranian,
Hezbollah finance networks'
Naharnet/September 29, 2026
U.S. Secretary of Treasury Scott Bessent met Monday with Prime Minister Nawaf
Salam and Finance Minister Jaber Yassine in Washington. Bessent said the meeting
discussed the need for "decisive action to disrupt Iranian and Hezbollah
financial networks" and the importance of key financial sector reforms to
restore confidence in Lebanon’s banking system. Salam on Monday called for the
further implementation of a framework agreement with Israel as he met with U.S.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
European official says any European mission to back army in
disarming Hezbollah
Naharnet/September 29, 2026
While the mission of the UNIFIL forces in southern Lebanon is expected to end
late this year, a senior European diplomatic official confirmed on Tuesday that
any European security mission in Lebanon will not replace UNIFIL. The diplomat
also clarified to Al-Arabiya television that the proposed European security
mission “will support the Lebanese Army in disarming Hezbollah.”Discussions
regarding this mission had started recently among several countries that
expressed readiness to provide resources, personnel, training, and logistical
support to the Lebanese Army and security forces -- especially with the
conclusion of UNIFIL's mission and its non-renewal by the United Nations. The
work of this proposed mission would focus on supporting and developing the
capabilities of the Internal Security Forces and the Lebanese Armed Forces to
enable them to maintain stability. Its mandate would also include enabling the
army to extend state authority, move toward the southern border areas, and
dedicate itself to implementing international resolutions, including addressing
the arms issue and confining weapons strictly to state control. The U.N.
Security Council has decided to end the UNIFIL mission by the end of 2026, with
the Lebanese Army assuming responsibility for security in the region.Meanwhile,
France and Italy announced their support for launching a new European mission to
assist Lebanon after the conclusion of the U.N. mission, while the final nature
of the mandate for this force remains a subject of discussion among European
nations and relevant parties.
Gallant says main plan was walkie-talkie attack on
Hezbollah, Netanyahu blocked it
Naharnet/September 29, 2026
Two years after Israel’s pager operation against Hezbollah, new details are
emerging about the steps Israel took before thousands of devices carried by
Hezbollah members exploded across Lebanon. Among them, according to former
defense minister Yoav Gallant, was the killing of a Hezbollah member who
suspected the pagers had been booby-trapped, as well as the destruction of
equipment brought in from Iran to test them, Israel’s Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper
reported. “To prevent Hezbollah from realizing Israel feared the plan had been
exposed, the (Israeli air) strikes also included other targets,” the daily said.
“What was on the table was the operation to eliminate Hezbollah’s fighting force
using communications devices (walkie-talkies),” Gallant told Yedioth Ahronoth.
The walkie-talkies, which had also been rigged and were detonated only after the
pagers because the pager operation was in danger of being uncovered, had
originally been intended as the main strike. “So we have three different
events,” Gallant said. “First, we suspect that someone in Hezbollah has figured
out the pager story. We find the reason and eliminate him, but testing equipment
arrives in Lebanon. We destroy that too, together with other things.”
“Then it becomes clear to us that some pagers are already being examined. That,
for lack of a choice, means we have to act, because the operation is important
and has dramatic value, but its power is part of an entire campaign,” Gallant
added. “In practice, we activate the pagers, an operation that had been ready
for a decade, and the result is very impressive. Hezbollah has more than 2,000
wounded, finger, eye and thigh injuries,” he said. “But the main operation
involving the communications devices (walkie-talkies), which were several times
greater in number and contained several times more explosives, was activated a
day later, when the overwhelming majority of the devices were in warehouses and
exploded there, so the effect was not fully realized,” Gallant added. “The only
time it was connected to one complete concept was on October 11, 2023,” he said.
According to Gallant, what was on the table that day was “the operation to
eliminate Hezbollah’s fighting force using communications devices,” an operation
he said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ultimately canceled. Gallant’s
remarks were barred from publication in 2025 by the military censor and have now
been cleared for release as part of a new film, Paging Hezbollah, scheduled to
be released in the United States next month. Netanyahu appears in the film as
the leader who directed the operation, alongside former Mossad chief Dedi
Barnea, then-Northern Command chief Uri Gordin and others. Gallant himself was
not interviewed for the film, which was directed by right-wing conservative
filmmaker Justin Pollak. Netanyahu had already disclosed some of the details in
April 2025, surprising security officials because the information had remained
classified until then. “In the third week of September, we learned that
Hezbollah had sent three pagers to Iran for inspection,” Netanyahu said at a
conference, according to a Channel 12 report. “Before that, we bombed one such
scanner they were about to bring in. We got rid of it, and also of the guy who
operated it,” Netanyahu added.
Sources to LBCI: Senior US and Arab officials attend dinner
honoring Lebanese PM Salam in Washington
LBCI/September 29, 2026
Sources told LBCI that a dinner held in honor of Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf
Salam at the Lebanese Embassy in Washington was attended by U.S. Ambassador to
the United Nations Mike Waltz, Deputy National Security Adviser Mike Needham,
and Deputy National Security Adviser to the Vice President Joseph Cutler. The
sources said the dinner was also attended by presidential assistant Sebastian
Gorka and State Department adviser Dan Holler, along with senior officials from
the White House and the U.S. departments of State, Treasury, Energy and
Commerce. Notably, the dinner also brought together Saudi Arabia’s special envoy
to Lebanon, Prince Yazid bin Farhan, the UAE ambassador to the United States,
Yousef Al Otaiba, and a number of Arab ambassadors. The dinner was held in
Salam's honor during his visit to Washington.
PM Salam meets World Bank chief in Washington to discuss
reforms, recovery and reconstruction
LBCI/September 29, 2026
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam met with World Bank Group President Ajay
Banga and International Finance Corporation (IFC) Managing Director Makhtar Diop
at the World Bank’s headquarters in Washington.The meeting was attended by World
Bank Managing Director of Operations Anna Bjerde, Multilateral Investment
Guarantee Agency (MIGA) Director General Tsutomu Yamamoto and World Bank Group
Executive Director Abdulaziz Al Mulla. Lebanese Finance Minister Yassine Jaber,
Energy and Water Minister Joe Saddi and Lebanon’s Ambassador to the United
States Nada Hamadeh Moawad also attended.Discussions focused on expanding
cooperation between Lebanon and the World Bank Group to support the government's
reform, recovery and reconstruction priorities. Salam also emphasized the
importance of developing regional connectivity and integration projects,
particularly in infrastructure and energy. The meeting addressed ongoing World
Bank-supported projects in Lebanon and ways to secure additional funding for
priority sectors, including energy, water, infrastructure, digital
transformation and social safety nets.
Salam pushes for further implementation of framework deal
in Rubio meeting
Agence France Presse/September 29, 2026
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam on Monday called for the further implementation of a
framework agreement with Israel in his meeting with U.S. Secretary of State
Marco Rubio in Washington.Hezbollah attacked Israel in March this year, the
latter responded with massive airstrikes and a ground invasion that killed more
than 4,300 people.Lebanon and Israel concluded a framework agreement in June
under U.S. auspices, providing for the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces and
the disarmament of Hezbollah, but its implementation has stalled. In a
statement, Salam's office said that in his meeting with Rubio, he "stressed the
need to move to the stage of implementation of the tripartite framework and
translation of the principles of reciprocity and phased implementation into
practical steps and tangible results on the ground, leading to the restoration
of Lebanon’s full sovereignty, the achievement of a complete Israeli withdrawal
from Lebanese territory, and the confinement of weapons to the state throughout
its territory." In a post on X, Rubio said he reaffirmed "strong U.S. support as
Lebanon implements the Trilateral Framework – the only path to a durable peace
with Israel.""The United States stands with a sovereign Lebanon, free from
Hezbollah and Iranian influence," he added. The agreement also involves the
deployment of the Lebanese army to the south, starting in test areas known as
"pilot zones."Earlier this month, U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa visited
one of the "pilot zones" that recently came under Lebanese military control "to
assess conditions on the ground and see firsthand the progress and challenges"
there. Salam "called for the establishment of a credible verification mechanism
to monitor implementation and ensure compliance with the commitments" and
stressed the importance of continued U.S. support to the Lebanese military,
tasked with the difficult mission of disarming Hezbollah. The militant group
refuses to lay down its weapons, and Israel still carries out strikes on Lebanon
and occupies a swath of its south despite the agreement. On Monday, Lebanon
reported a large explosion set off by the Israeli army in the southern town of
Mansouri, with the military saying it had completed an operation there and
dismantled "terrorist" infrastructure.
Salam: Lebanon Committed to State Sovereignty; Hezbollah
Must Adhere to Restricting Arms to the State
Al-Markaziya/September 29, 2026
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam affirmed that "Lebanon is committed to asserting
state sovereignty," stating, "We want to establish a timeline for Israel's
complete withdrawal from southern Lebanon." In an interview with *Asharq
Bloomberg*, Salam explained that "the Lebanese people have agreed to restrict
the possession of arms to the state," noting that "Hezbollah must abide by
this." He indicated that "the UNIFIL force in southern Lebanon will not continue
in its current form," and added, "We want a banking system that puts an end to
corruption, capital flight, and the financing of terrorist networks." "We also
seek to build new relations with Syria based on mutual reconciliation, and we
are working with the World Bank on several economic projects." He added: "We
want to turn a new page in our relationship with Iran, and I have requested the
appointment of a new ambassador to Iran to replace the previous one."
Israel raises military readiness amid Lebanon operations
and fears of regional escalation
LBCI/September 29, 2026
The Israeli military continues to highlight what it describes as achievements in
South Lebanon, saying it had completed operations in the town of Mansouri and
destroyed at least 600 Hezbollah infrastructure sites inside the "yellow zone,"
including underground routes.
The military has also redeployed forces in the area, including the reserve
Paratroopers Brigade, the 91st Division and Yahalom special engineering
units.However, alongside its claims of military gains, the Israeli army has
continued to warn that it is preparing for the possibility of escalation across
multiple fronts.
Against this backdrop, two squadrons of U.S. fighter jets arrived at Ovda Air
Base in southern Israel, prompting two interpretations among Israelis. Some view
the deployment as a sign of a potential security escalation following the
deadlock in efforts to reach an understanding between Washington and Tehran.
Others see it as part of measures to strengthen security coordination between
Israel and the United States. Amid the speculation, the Israeli military
disclosed intensified preparations for a possible escalation with the Houthis
following security assessments that concluded the situation involving Yemen and
several other fronts could rapidly deteriorate. Meanwhile, Prime Minister
Benjamin Netanyahu chose Tel Nof Air Base near Tel Aviv to warn of the
possibility of an external attack against Israel ahead of the country’s
legislative elections.As a result, Israel’s state of alert remains at a high
level, extending not only beyond the legislative elections scheduled for October
27 but potentially through the U.S. midterm elections. The Israeli security
establishment is preparing for several possible scenarios, including a major
escalation by Iran, which it believes Tehran could pursue as it seeks to evade
sanctions and mounting pressure on its government. The scenario has prompted
immediate measures by Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, including raising military
readiness, conducting command-level exercises, increasing oversight of sensitive
systems, strengthening coordination between the military and security agencies,
particularly the Mossad and Shin Bet, and expanding coordination with the U.S.
military and foreign militaries operating in the region.
Israeli army sets off large explosions in Mansouri, Zawtar
and Aitaroun
Agence France Presse/September 29, 2026
The Israeli military set off on Monday significant explosions in the southern
Lebanese villages of Mansouri, Zawtar al-Sharqiyeh and Aitaroun, while Israeli
artillery shelled Baraashit and Mayfadoun. "A massive explosion rocked the town
of Mansouri in the Tyre district a short while ago. The explosion was carried
out by Israeli occupation forces," Lebanon's state-run National News Agency
reported Monday. "The sound of the explosions was heard in the city of Tyre and
several surrounding villages," the NNA added. AFP correspondents saw large
clouds of smoke emerge from the largely destroyed town after the loud explosion
was heard. The Israeli military said in a statement that it had completed an
operation in Mansouri where it dismantled "more than 600 terrorist
infrastructure sites" and "eight underground routes". Lebanese authorities
accuse Israel of systematically destroying villages in the south, including
homes, schools, places of worship and water and electricity infrastructure. The
town of Mansouri, located around nine kilometers south of Tyre and 10 kilometers
north of Israel, and its surroundings were subjected to several Israeli strikes
and to artillery shelling in recent weeks despite a ceasefire that took hold in
June.During the truce, Mansouri's municipality had told residents they could
return home but that they should avoid the parts that came under Israel's
self-proclaimed "security zone". But last month, the Israeli military had
ordered Mansouri's residents to evacuate the town before fully occupying it. It
has since regularly carried out demolitions and detonations in the town, which
residents in the Tyre region can clearly see, according to
correspondents.Violence has decreased since a fragile ceasefire announced in
June after a U.S.-Iran understanding on the broader war, while Lebanon and
Israel reached a framework agreement later that month. But Israel has kept up
attacks and maintains troops in a self-declared "security zone" running around
10 kilometers inside south Lebanon, where it has carried out widespread
demolitions in villages it occupies.
Berri says only Trump can pressure Israel to end Lebanon war
Naharnet/September 29, 2026
Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri said Tuesday that the U.S. administration and
President Donald Trump are the only parties capable of pressuring Israel to end
its war on Lebanon. "The main obstacle to implementing the ceasefire agreement
is Israel's non-compliance with its obligations under all past accords," Berri
said. He reiterated that Lebanon's sovereign right to prosecute Israel for war
crimes cannot be waived under any circumstances. His remarks follow concerns
over the U.S.-brokered framework deal reached in June, which stipulates that
both countries "end all hostile or negative actions in international political
and legal forums." This clause restricts Lebanon from pursuing genocide, war
crimes, or reparations claims against Israel at venues like the International
Court of Justice (ICJ) or the International Criminal Court (ICC). Berri also
urged the U.N. Security Council to renew the mandate for UNIFIL peacekeepers
operating in southern Lebanon ahead of its upcoming vote, warning that ending
the force's mission would be a "sin".
Speaker Berri warns against ending UNIFIL mandate, says US
alone can pressure Israel to end war on Lebanon
LBCI/September 29, 2026 (Translated from Arabic
by AI)
Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri said there is still time to avoid what
he described as the grave mistake of failing to renew the mandate of UNIFIL in
southern Lebanon. Berri said the U.S. administration and President Donald Trump
are the only ones capable of pressuring Israel to end its war on Lebanon. He
added that the main obstacle to implementing the ceasefire agreement is Israel's
failure to comply with its obligations under the agreements reached to end the
war. Berri also stressed that Lebanon's right to pursue legal action against
Israel over its alleged crimes is a sovereign right that must not be
relinquished under any circumstances.
Lebanese Army receives US Humvees and trucks
Naharnet/September 29, 2026 (Translated from Arabic by AI)
The Lebanese Army on Tuesday received 47 military Humvees and five trucks as
part of the U.S. assistance programs allocated to the Lebanese Armed Forces, the
army said.
“This donation comes within the framework of U.S. support for the military
institution, aiming to enhance its operational capabilities and raise unit
readiness,” the Lebanese Army said in a statement.“Furthermore, this initiative
reflects the confidence of the U.S. authorities in the army's role in
maintaining security and stability in Lebanon,” the military added.
UK reaffirms support for stability, resilience and recovery
in south Lebanon
Naharnet/September 29, 2026 (Translated from
Arabic by AI)
A delegation from the British Embassy in Beirut, led by Chargée d’Affaires
Victoria Dunne, visited south Lebanon last week to see first-hand the impact of
the conflict on local communities and reaffirm UK support, the British Embassy
said Tuesday.
In Saida, the delegation met Mansour Daou, Governor of South Lebanon and Acting
Governor of Nabatieh, to discuss current challenges, the support needed to
strengthen local resilience and recovery planning. At a Social Development
Centre, the delegation heard from social workers from the Ministry of Social
Affairs (MoSA), about their vital support for vulnerable Lebanese households
through the Government of Lebanon’s Shock Responsive Safety Net Program. This
MoSA-led initiative is delivered through an important partnership with the World
Food Program (WFP). "The UK is proud to provide humanitarian funding for WFP and
this partnership," the embassy said. In Zahrani, the delegation visited a
Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) training facility that was upgraded in 2025 by the
UK’s Integrated Security Fund programme. Building on more than a decade of UK
support to the LAF, the facility is a key training hub, preparing soldiers for
deployment across south Lebanon and helping to extend the presence and authority
of the Lebanese state. Chargée d’Affaires Victoria Dunne said "This important
visit to south Lebanon showed us both the devastating impact of the conflict and
the direct, tangible difference UK support is making to local communities. The
conflict has resulted in a severe humanitarian crisis marked by thousands of
deaths, widespread destruction and mass displacement. The UK remains committed
to working with the Government of Lebanon and humanitarian partners to support
stability and resilience and to deliver assistance to those who need it most."
Private Meeting Between Rjei and Needham at the White
House
Al-Markaziya/September 29, 2026 (Translated from
Arabic by AI)
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Youssef Rjei met with US Deputy
National Security Advisor Michael Needham at the White House; the meeting
included a private session between the two. Needham is the highest-ranking
official in the National Security Council after the National Security Advisor—a
position held by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Needham previously served as
Director of the Policy Planning Staff at the State Department, where he acted as
a special advisor and foreign policy strategist, driving the national agenda
forward and providing guidance to relevant departments on these matters.
Syria Announces Foiling of Sabotage Plot by
Hezbollah-Linked Cell in Daraa
Riyadh – AlArabiya.net/September 29, 2026
(Translated from Arabic by AI)
On Tuesday, the Syrian Ministry of Interior announced the thwarting of a
sabotage plot in the Yarmouk Basin area of the western Daraa countryside,
stating that a cell affiliated with the Lebanese Hezbollah militia was behind
it. According to the Syrian announcement, competent authorities managed to foil
the plot in the area located southwest of Daraa Governorate; however, no further
official details have yet emerged regarding the number of cell members, the
nature of the plot, the intended targets, or the weapons and equipment seized
during the operation. This new announcement comes as Syrian authorities
intensify operations against what they describe as Hezbollah-linked cells and
networks within the country. Last May, the Syrian Ministry of Interior announced
a series of simultaneous security operations in Damascus, Aleppo, Homs, Tartus,
and Latakia, stating that they resulted in the dismantling of an organized
Hezbollah-affiliated cell. At the time, the ministry stated that the cell
members had infiltrated Syria after receiving specialized training in Lebanon,
and that preliminary investigations revealed plans to carry out assassinations
targeting high-ranking government officials. It also announced the seizure of
explosive devices, rocket launchers, weapons, and ammunition. Hezbollah denied
the Syrian accusations at the time, asserting that it... ...operates within
Syrian territory. This follows an official Syrian announcement regarding the
apprehension of another cell—linked, according to authorities, to the
party—following a joint security operation involving Internal Security and the
General Intelligence Directorate. Investigations, as stated by the Ministry of
Interior, revealed that the cell's members had undergone training in camps
within Lebanon. In July, Syrian authorities also announced the thwarting of an
attempt to smuggle a weapons shipment across the border, noting that preliminary
investigations indicated the shipment was intended for the Lebanese Hezbollah.
The Yarmouk Basin holds particular security significance due to its location in
the far southwest of Syria, near the borders with Jordan and the Golan.
Throughout September, the area witnessed repeated Israeli movements and
incursions; on September 25, official Syrian media reported that an Israeli
patrol had entered the Wadi al-Raqqad area within the Yarmouk Basin, while towns
in the region experienced shelling and military maneuvers during the month. The
Interior Ministry's announcement regarding the new cell adds another security
dimension to the rapidly unfolding events in southern Syria; however, the full
scope of the plot, its objectives, and the number of individuals detained remain
contingent upon the details the Syrian Ministry of Interior is expected to
release regarding the operation.
Report: Aoun, Salam pressing for withdrawal from new pilot
zone
Naharnet/September 29, 2026 (Translated from
Arabic by AI)
President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam “have begun admitting in
their private circles and to close associates that the Lebanese-Israeli
negotiations have failed to stop the aggression and end the Israeli occupation,”
al-Binaa newspaper reported on Tuesday.
They are trying to convince the United States and Saudi Arabia to pressure
Israel into securing a withdrawal from a single pilot zone to “avoid
embarrassment,” the daily said. “Aoun and Salam also complained about American
and international disregard for the Lebanese file. However, the U.S.–Saudi
response was clear: the government of Israel will not make any concessions prior
to the (Israeli) elections, especially given Hezbollah's clinging to its weapons
and the inability of the Lebanese state to do anything in the arms file,” the
newspaper added. A high-level Saudi envoy will meanwhile visit Lebanon in the
next two weeks carrying a message for the country, al-Binaa said. “The visit
aims to update the Lebanese state on new regional developments following the
Yemen–Saudi war and to outline Saudi Arabia's stance on Lebanon amid the Israeli
escalation, the failed negotiations, the severe political division, and the
government's instability,” the daily added.
The South Faces the Equation of Arms, Withdrawal, and
the Army: Between Escalation and Civil Peace
Najwa Abi Haidar/Al-Markaziya/September
29, 2026 (Translated from Arabic by AI)
Al-Markaziya – As tensions escalate in southern Lebanon, the task facing the
Army becomes increasingly difficult; it finds itself confronting a complex
equation: on one hand, the persistence of Israeli aggression and the occupation
of parts of the southern territories; on the other, the ongoing dispute
regarding Hezbollah’s arsenal and the mechanism for consolidating arms under
state control. Amidst these dynamics, the Army strives to maintain stability and
prevent the conflict from spreading from the South to the country's interior.
"Sovereignist" circles tell Al-Markaziya that the "Shiite Duo"—specifically
Hezbollah—is leveraging the Army’s stance and its priority of preserving civil
peace to justify refusing to surrender its weapons and military infrastructure
(such as tunnels and depots) in the South. These circles argue that the party
prioritizes regional considerations—specifically those linked to Iran—over
Lebanese national interests. Hezbollah, however, denies this, linking its
position to the continuation of Israeli aggression and insisting that the issue
of withdrawal must be addressed before the matter of its arsenal is discussed.
The sources point to a proposal presented by Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri to
the US side: a cessation of Israeli aggression and a timeline for Israeli
withdrawal, in exchange for Hezbollah committing to surrendering its weapons in
the South. As for the weapons located in other regions, their handling would be
left to a gradual process involving a security strategy, national dialogue, and
internal consensus. Yet, this proposal has not yielded any breakthrough so far.
The fundamental sticking point regarding priorities remains: Israel links its
security to the disarmament of Hezbollah, while the party refuses to surrender
its weapons amidst ongoing strikes and the Israeli presence in the South. The
Lebanese state navigates a narrow space between these two positions. As for the
army, a military source emphasizes that its primary mission is to maintain civil
peace, security, and stability—particularly during a period marked by daily
attacks, the targeting of villages and civilians, and resulting casualties. The
source notes that current conditions do not permit a military confrontation with
any Lebanese faction, as such a clash could trigger internal unrest at a time
when the country is already grappling with significant security and operational
challenges. The source affirms that the army is fulfilling its duties—without
hesitation and within the limits of available resources—both in the South and
across other regions. The military institution’s responsibilities extend beyond
the issue of weaponry to include border control, counter-terrorism, combating
drug trafficking, addressing security incidents in towns and villages, and
preventing chaos, gunfire, and the public display of arms. Consequently, the
South appears poised for a tense waiting period; the nature of the coming phase
will depend on the trajectory of negotiations, the level of Israeli escalation,
Hezbollah’s stance on the arms issue, and the state’s ability to strengthen its
presence. Amidst this equation, the army faces a delicate task: consolidating
state authority and safeguarding civil peace without being drawn into an
internal confrontation that could further complicate the situation in Lebanon.
The South Faces the Equation of Arms, Withdrawal, and the Army: Between
Escalation and Civil Peace
Najwa Abi Haidar/Al-Markaziya/
September 29, 2026 (Translated from Arabic by
AI)
Al-Markaziya – As tensions escalate in southern Lebanon, the task facing the
Army becomes increasingly difficult; it finds itself confronting a complex
equation: on one hand, the persistence of Israeli aggression and the occupation
of parts of the southern territories; on the other, the ongoing dispute
regarding Hezbollah’s arsenal and the mechanism for consolidating arms under
state control. Amidst these dynamics, the Army strives to maintain stability and
prevent the conflict from spreading from the South to the country's interior.
“Sovereignist” circles tell Al-Markaziya that the “Shiite Duo”—specifically
Hezbollah—is leveraging the Army’s stance and its priority of preserving civil
peace to justify the refusal to surrender its weapons and military
infrastructure (such as tunnels and depots) in the South. These circles argue
that the party prioritizes regional considerations—specifically those linked to
Iran—over Lebanese national interests. Hezbollah, however, denies this, linking
its position to the continuation of Israeli aggression and insisting that the
issue of withdrawal must be addressed before the matter of its arsenal is
discussed. The sources point to a proposal presented by Parliament Speaker Nabih
Berri to the US side: a cessation of Israeli aggression and a timeline for
Israeli withdrawal, in exchange for Hezbollah committing to surrendering its
weapons in the South. As for the weapons located in other regions, their
handling would be left to a gradual process involving a security strategy,
national dialogue, and internal consensus. Yet, this proposal has not yielded
any breakthrough so far. The fundamental sticking point regarding priorities
remains: Israel links its security to the disarmament of Hezbollah, while the
party refuses to surrender its weapons amidst ongoing strikes and the Israeli
presence in the South. The Lebanese state navigates a narrow space between these
two positions. As for the army, a military source emphasizes that its primary
mission is to maintain civil peace, security, and stability—particularly during
a period marked by daily attacks, the targeting of villages and civilians, and
resulting casualties. The source notes that current conditions do not permit a
military confrontation with any Lebanese faction, as such a clash could trigger
internal unrest at a time when the country is already grappling with significant
security and operational challenges. The source affirms that the army is
fulfilling its duties—without location and within the limits of available
resources—both in the South and across other regions. The military institution’s
responsibilities extend beyond the issue of weaponry to include border control,
counter-terrorism, combating drug trafficking, addressing security incidents in
towns and villages, and preventing chaos, gunfire, and the public display of
arms. Consequently, the South appears poised for a tense waiting period; The
nature of the coming phase will depend on the trajectory of negotiations, the
level of Israeli escalation, Hezbollah’s stance on the arms issue, and the
state’s ability to strengthen its presence. Amidst this equation, the army faces
a delicate task: consolidating state authority and safeguarding civil peace
without being drawn into an internal confrontation that could further complicate
the situation in Lebanon.
Lebanon’s List of Demands is Lengthy; Washington’s
Response is Brief: Start by Confronting Hezbollah
Lara Yazbek/Nidaa Al-Watan/September 30, 2026 (Translated from Arabic by AI)
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam took Lebanon’s demands to Washington and discussed
them with senior US officials. He elaborated on Beirut’s requirements—ranging
from US support for implementing the framework agreement and advancing
Lebanese-Israeli negotiations to the provision of relief, humanitarian, and
economic aid to the state. However, after listening to the Lebanese delegation’s
perspective and expressing a willingness to cooperate, the hosts consistently
conditioned any progress on the Lebanese state taking action to confront
Hezbollah across all fronts, particularly in the military and financial spheres.
Lebanese Elaboration vs. American Brevity!
In any case, the statements issued following the meetings confirm this reality.
According to informed diplomatic sources speaking to *Nidaa Al-Watan*, the
Lebanese statements provided a lengthy, detailed account of Salam’s requests,
whereas the US statements were concise—effectively summarized by the message:
"Confront Hezbollah."
For instance, the Prime Minister’s office announced that, during his meeting
with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, he emphasized "the need to move to the
stage of activating the tripartite framework and translating the principles of
reciprocity and phasing into action." He also underscored "the importance of
establishing a clear timeline for implementing the obligations outlined in the
framework, alongside creating a reliable verification mechanism to ensure
adherence to these commitments." Salam emphasized that "the tripartite framework
also encompasses support for government efforts regarding relief, recovery, and
reconstruction." In contrast, the US State Department’s statement was brief,
noting that Rubio assured Salam that "the United States stands with a sovereign
Lebanon free from the influence of Hezbollah and Iran." The same applies to the
meeting between the Prime Minister and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
Salam’s office announced that he and Bessent discussed the progress the
government has made on reforms, as well as the steps being taken to address the
financial crisis's repercussions and rebuild the banking sector. The discussion
also covered negotiations with the International Monetary Fund, cooperation with
the World Bank, and government efforts to combat the cash-based economy and curb
the use of cash outside the formal financial system. Conversely, in a post on X,
Bessent simply stressed the need for decisive action to disrupt the financial
networks linked to Iran and Hezbollah, linking this to the importance of
implementing fundamental reforms in Lebanon's financial sector and restoring
confidence in the banking system. According to sources, this American brevity is
laden with messages and speaks volumes on its own, signaling to Lebanon the path
it must follow to secure what it seeks. Many Steps Left Untaken
In this context, sources indicate that the meetings held by Salam provided an
opportunity to confirm that Washington would not abandon Lebanon or allow the
Lebanese-Israeli negotiation process to collapse. However, the meetings also
revealed that while Washington understands the need to preserve civil peace, it
believes there are numerous steps Lebanon could take—but has not yet taken—to
weaken Hezbollah. These include disarming illicit factions in the capital and
the Bekaa Valley, prosecuting those who violate the ministerial decisions of
August 5, August 7, and March 2, and restricting the operations of the party’s
banks and financial institutions.
"Act So We Can Exert Pressure"
Sources note that US officials—dissatisfied with the Lebanese government's
attempts to evade or postpone a confrontation with Hezbollah—have encouraged
Salam to take practical steps that translate government decisions and
international commitments into action. Such measures would enable the US to
pressure Israel to resume negotiations and activate the "pilot zones"
initiative. Conversely, if the Lebanese government fails to take serious action
on this front and continues to delay fulfilling its obligations, the current
stagnation is likely to persist—at least until after the Israeli elections.
Rmeich... A Border Town of Steadfastness
Roger Nahra/ Nidaa Al-Watan/September 30, 2026 (Translated from Arabic by AI)
The people of Rmeich have chosen to remain steadfast in their town despite the
risks; for them, staying is not merely about the land itself, but about a
profound bond that transcends distance and circumstance. One resident says, "I
spent most of my life away from Rmeich, but upon retiring, the very first thing
I thought of was returning." Rmeich is located in the Bint Jbeil District,
approximately 125 kilometers from Beirut, and covers an area of about 20
square kilometers. It has a population of around 11,350; more than 6,000 reside
there permanently, while the number rises to between 8,000 and 9,000 during the
summer. The town comprises approximately 1,200 housing units and nearly 400
commercial establishments, according to the municipality's commercial value tax
records. Accounts suggest that Rmeich was established in the late 17th century,
when the ancestors of the current residents arrived and settled the land to farm
it. Oral histories indicate that the earliest families came from Northern
Lebanon and Mount Lebanon, as well as from areas in the South—particularly the
vicinity of Sidon. Local sources recount that some families arrived during the
reign of Emir Fakhr al-Din al-Ma'ani, as part of his initiative to develop
agriculture in Jabal Amel; he is said to have encouraged farmers from the Chouf
and Mount Lebanon regions to relocate, settle in the area, and engage in
farming. Upon the arrival of the first settlers, there were two natural ponds in
the area; the residents settled around them and their first act of construction
was the Church of Saint George. Over time... Over time, construction spread to
the surrounding hills and areas, expanding the town's urban footprint to its
current form. As for the name "Rmeich," there are various theories regarding its
origin; some link it to the word *ramsh* (eyelash), while another account
suggests it means "sunset"—the latter being the most widely accepted
explanation.
Rmeich is home to two old churches, the origins of which date back to the era
when the town's first inhabitants settled there in the late 17th century.
However, both churches were destroyed by the wars and successive armies that
swept through the region, and they likely suffered damage from earthquakes as
well. The old church standing today was built after 1800; the town had
previously suffered displacement and destruction—including the church—during the
reign of Ahmad Pasha al-Jazzar. Upon returning to their town, the residents
rebuilt the church, which remains standing today as a testament to Rmeich’s
history. In 1995, the church was listed as an archaeological and historical
site; it is distinguished by a unique altar that differs in design from the
traditional altars found in many other churches. The second church is the Church
of the Transfiguration; its construction began in 1995 and was largely completed
by 2000, with a capacity of approximately one thousand people. Rmeich’s economy
relies on agriculture—primarily tobacco and olives, alongside vegetables,
livestock, and beekeeping. Speaking to *Nidaa Al-Watan*, Mayor Hanna Al-Amil
explained that, based on the development program established by the municipal
council, work began on implementing various projects, foremost among them the
project... Regarding waste sorting and processing, the municipality had planned
to transition to the project's second phase—converting organic waste into
organic fertilizer—but the outbreak of war brought the project to a halt. The
municipality affirms its determination to relaunch it, as the step’s success
would reduce the volume of waste sent to landfills and make waste management
more sustainable. The mayor added that since the 2023 war, Rmeich has been
living in isolation, and the municipality is working to secure a wide range of
services; while the focus was previously on attracting and implementing
development projects, the primary concern has shifted to securing food aid for
residents. In this context, organizing convoys to transport aid between Rmeich
and Beirut has become a major part of the municipality's work. These convoys
require organization and the preparation of dossiers for submission to the
Lebanese Army, which in turn forwards them to the "Mechanism" and UNIFIL;
however, the convoys often face obstacles that lead to delays or cancellations.
Economically, data indicates that 40 to 50 percent of agricultural land is now
inaccessible to residents, and farmers have been unable to harvest olives for
three years. The livestock sector has also suffered losses, as most farms in the
area were shelled, resulting in the death of large numbers of animals. Securing
job opportunities is among the residents' most pressing needs; before the war,
Rmeich saw the launch of 50 to 60 construction projects annually, but since the
war began, construction work has ceased entirely—an impact that has extended
beyond the construction sector to affect associated professions and businesses.
...as well as the shops that used to supply building materials, which have
ceased operations.
Education... Mounting Burdens
Regarding education, Rmeich is home to five schools—three public and two
private. Before the war, the combined enrollment of the two private schools
exceeded 1,200 students; today, that figure stands at around 800. This decline
stems from families' diminishing ability to cover educational costs—a situation
that has also impacted the schools themselves, forcing them to lay off teaching
and administrative staff. In response, the municipality is collaborating with
local associations, the church, and community leaders to assist families by
subsidizing a portion of tuition fees.
The Challenge of Emergency Situations
While Rmeich has doctors, pharmacies, and medical dispensaries, emergency care
presents a challenge due to the absence of a local hospital. In the past, the
Red Cross sometimes had to wait two or three days for authorization to move—a
delay that could endanger patients' lives. The situation has since improved, and
the Red Cross is now able to transport patients on the same day. Consequently,
the municipal council is calling for the strengthening of the town's healthcare
sector and the provision of enhanced emergency response capabilities.
Religious and Cultural Life
On the religious and cultural front, the town is served by the Parish of Saint
George—the town’s patron saint—with the main church named after him, alongside
the Church of the Transfiguration. Every year on August 6th, the town celebrates
the Feast of the Transfiguration and also marks the Feast of the Cross with
various activities. Another major annual event is the Christmas Market, which
draws participants from neighboring villages as well as personnel from UNIFIL.
An Open Archaeological Legacy
Rmeich and its surrounding areas abound with archaeological sites and landmarks
spanning various historical periods. While archaeological remains have
frequently surfaced during excavation and construction work, the town's distance
from major urban centers has resulted in limited attention from the
state—specifically the Directorate General of Antiquities. One notable site is
the *Atmoun* farmstead, which features an archaeological complex comprising a
church and ancient residential buildings; the site remained inhabited until the
early 20th century. The town also includes a locality known as *Samouqiyya*,
containing landmarks and ruins—such as rock-hewn wells and the remains of old
houses—where families once spent the summer months before returning to Rmeich
for the winter. Archaeological discoveries frequently emerge during construction
and excavation, revealing artifacts from the Roman, Byzantine, Mamluk, and
Ottoman eras—a testament to the diverse civilizations that have shaped the area.
A Town Welcoming the Displaced
The town’s history is marked by instances where it sheltered displaced persons
and refugees. In 1948, Rmeich—with a population of around 2,000—hosted
approximately 10,000 Palestinians for over a year. During the conflicts of the
1980s and 1990s, it provided refuge to families displaced from the area east of
Sidon, the Iqlim al-Kharroub region, and the Chouf Mountains. In the July 2006
war, Rmeich opened its homes to displaced people, and during the latest round of
hostilities in March, it again received displaced families—though security
conditions eventually forced them to leave for Sidon, Tyre, and Beirut.
Beyond Elections: The Framework Agreement Conundrum
Rafiq Khoury/Nidaa Al-Watan/September 30, 2026 (Translated from Arabic by AI)
In Lebanon, there is no escaping the waiting game. The entirety of the political
landscape today is defined by anticipation: awaiting the outcome of Israel’s
parliamentary elections and the US midterm congressional elections, as well as
the unfolding dynamics between the United States and Iran. This waiting game
hinges on the hope of breaking the deadlock in the US-sponsored direct
negotiations between Lebanon and Israel. Yet, this stagnation is not merely a
product of electoral calculations—significant as those may be in shaping
political battles and policies. In reality, the impasse persisted even
throughout the negotiation process and its numerous sessions, which appeared to
be treading water. The "framework agreement" formula is, in itself, a recipe for
stagnation; the initial premise—that shifting negotiations from the US State
Department to the White House and then to Rome signaled a dynamic push for quick
results—proved flawed. Why? Because the very element Beirut viewed as a
strength—linking an Israeli withdrawal to the disarmament of Hezbollah—emerged
as the process's Achilles' heel. We have seen this scenario before: back when
Damascus insisted on "linkage, balance, and simultaneity" between the Syrian and
Lebanese tracks during the Middle East settlement negotiations following the
"Desert Storm" war and the Madrid Conference—yet nothing came of it. Ultimately,
the US, alongside Israel and various European and Arab nations, insisted on
conditioning Israeli withdrawal, aid, investment, reconstruction, the return of
displaced persons, and support for the army upon the surrender of illicit
weapons. Despite the state’s political and military stance—which affirms the
principle of the state’s exclusive control over arms and deems Hezbollah’s
military and security activities illegitimate—it has openly rejected the use of
force to disarm the group, given the latter’s determination to hold onto its
weapons. The clear consequence of this failure to disarm is the freezing of all
commitments made to Lebanon until actual disarmament takes place. In simple
terms, the framework agreement remains merely on paper, regardless of whether
negotiation sessions remain suspended or resume periodically. This places the
state in a highly embarrassing position; it understands why it wishes to avoid a
clash with Hezbollah, yet it is fully aware that the group is prepared to
confront the state—threatening to topple it through street protests or armed
force. The state neither wants to withdraw from negotiations—as the "Party"
demands—due to the high cost involved, nor can it achieve anything significant
while remaining at the negotiating table without implementing the policy of
exclusive state control over arms. This situation is not merely a state of "no
war, no peace"; rather, it is a state of ongoing conflict where Israel
determines the scope, while the "Party" decides the extent of its involvement or
non-involvement. The actors involved—America, Israel, Iran, and the "Axis of
Resistance"—are the same here as they were regarding the conflict involving
Iran. The equation remains the same in these "incomplete" wars: reaching a
settlement is difficult—and any resulting settlement is bound to be
incomplete—while escalating the conflict to its full, horrific extent offers no
guarantee of a solution absent a clear (rather than illusory) victory for one of
the parties. In such a scenario, waiting for the post-election period in Israel
and the United States offers no guarantee of a swift return to negotiations or a
shift in the negotiators' calculations—even if Netanyahu’s government were to
change and Donald Trump’s Republican Party were to lose control of either the
House of Representatives or the Senate. The stances held by the US, Israel,
Europe, and Arab nations will not hasten the delivery of aid to Lebanon as long
as illicit weapons remain in play. The State shows no signs of abandoning its
idealistic reliance on dialogue to persuade "the Party" to hand over its arsenal
to the army; nor is "the Party" relinquishing what MP Mohammad Raad—head of the
"Loyalty to the Resistance" bloc—termed its commitment to *Wilayat al-Faqih*
(Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist) and the Resistance. The challenge facing
the State is not merely disarming the group, but also preventing the use of
those weapons in a new war intended to support Iran in its confrontation with
the US and Israel. Nawaf Salam and Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil hardly needed
a meeting in New York with President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister
Abbas Araghchi to recognize Iran’s bullying of Lebanon and its view of the
country as merely a geographic theater for the operations of a Resistance force
linked to the Revolutionary Guard. Yet, as Al-Niffari said, "In risk lies a
measure of salvation."
The Framework Agreement is the best possible given the
circumstances... and the consequences of withdrawing from it are worse than
maintaining it
Riad Kahwaji/Annahar/September 29, 2026
The latest speech by Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem on the
anniversary of the assassination of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah showed how detached
the party's leadership is from reality.
While his speech was being broadcast to crowds of supporters who had gathered to
hear his defiance of the state and his promises to defeat the enemy and liberate
the occupied lands, Israeli drones were flying at low altitude over the southern
suburb of Beirut, and Israeli aircraft and artillery were bombing several
villages in the south, without any response from the party against Israeli
positions or inside Israel.
Qassem attacked the framework agreement, which has largely contributed to
keeping Beirut and the Dahiyeh [southern suburb] out of Israeli attacks. Had
Lebanon not continued negotiations and maintained this agreement, it would have
been without American cover that has kept the battles confined to southern
Lebanon, and the country would have been exposed to harsh economic sanctions.
A number of Lebanese politicians criticized the framework agreement, describing
it as unjust to Lebanon and that it did not obtain any important concessions
from Israel. Some went so far as to demand its cancellation and negotiating a
better agreement. Of course, Hezbollah does not want any negotiation with Israel
in which it is not the main player and which does not guarantee the survival of
its weapons. Therefore, it will not accept any form of agreement that leads to
the creation of geographical areas in the south that are free of its weapons.
The party is deliberately accusing the President of the Republic and the Prime
Minister of treason and accusing the state of being responsible for what Israel
is doing in southern Lebanon in terms of killing, destruction and expansion of
the occupation.
If the sequence of events since October 8, 2023 is reviewed, it clearly appears
that the framework agreement is one of the results of the two support wars
launched by the party against Israel. The party's decision to open the Lebanese
front with Israel, in compliance with Tehran's orders, led to the return of the
Israeli occupation and the launch of large-scale destruction operations of
dozens of villages in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah's refusal to hand over its
weapons to the Lebanese army in compliance with the Lebanese government's
decision and in accordance with the state's constitution will lead to the
continuation of Israeli bombardment and the loss of more villages and the
displacement of more residents of the south and the fall of additional numbers
of dead and wounded. The failure of Hezbollah's weapons to stop the expansion of
the Israeli occupation, which has reached north of the Litani at the entrances
to the city of Nabatieh, and its inability to liberate any inch of what Israel
has occupied to this day, reveals the extent of the party's weakness and the
unreality of its narrative that talks about the ability of its weapons to deter
and defeat the enemy.
The Lebanese state went to negotiations with Israel after Washington intervened
and pressured Israel to limit its military operations. It must always be
remembered that the negotiations were not an Israeli request, but the result of
American diplomatic efforts supported by regional powers. The Lebanese
delegation went to Washington with clear demands regarding stopping the war,
Israel's withdrawal from the occupied territories, and the release of prisoners.
However, Lebanon lacks any tools of pressure, and all it has is the American
commitment to force Tel Aviv to attend the negotiations and pressure it to limit
its military operations and discuss formulas for the withdrawal of its forces
from Lebanese territory. The state was not behind the decision for war and was
not consulted about it, but rather found itself facing a tragic and catastrophic
reality caused by Hezbollah. It also does not possess military capabilities that
enable it to expel Israeli forces, and Hezbollah's weapons are incapable of
resisting Israel and stopping the expansion of the occupation and liberating the
lands.
Accordingly, Lebanon lacks any tools of power to use at the negotiating table
except diplomacy. And what has been agreed upon to this day is the result of
American mediation, without which Lebanon would have been in a much worse place
than it is today.
Although the framework agreement is not ideal, it is the best possible given the
circumstances that Lebanon is experiencing and the region is witnessing. And the
most important thing in the agreement is that Israel acknowledges that it
occupies Lebanese lands, and talks about its readiness to withdraw in exchange
for specific conditions. And if Lebanon abandons the agreement, Israel will be
free from all of this and most likely Washington will withdraw from mediation
and leave the country to face its fate alone in front of Israeli ambitions and
savagery.
Hezbollah has today become a burden on its environment and the people of
Lebanon, and the continuation of its intransigence and refusal to hand over
weapons delays the implementation of the agreement and causes the destruction of
more villages and the expansion of the occupation. The pillars of power must
begin to deal with the party's weapons as a danger threatening Lebanon and its
south, and refute the narrative of its leaders about resistance and the state's
conspiracy against the residents of the south. Practical steps must be taken to
end the coexistence between the state and the mini-state to save what remains of
southern Lebanon and liberate it. The step of deployment in Nabatieh must be
completed with an operation to search for weapons in the city and confiscate
them and prevent the party's fighters from entering it. The same must be applied
in Tyre in response to the call of the city's residents, and move towards every
village whose people call for the exit of Hezbollah fighters from it. Let the
state stand with the people of the south against those who consider their
weapons today illegitimate and cause an unprecedented Nakba for Jabal Amel as a
sacrifice for Iran.
Journalists for Freedom: We demand an immediate
investigation into the threat against Mohamed Barakat and accountability of
those responsible
Agencies/September 29, 2026 (Translated from
Arabic by AI)
The association "Journalists for Freedom" condemns in the strongest terms the
threat and intimidation to which journalist Mohamed Barakat was subjected
because of his political positions and opinions, and considers what happened a
serious attack on freedom of expression and the safety of journalists, and a
rejected attempt to silence a dissenting voice.The association calls on the
Public Prosecutor's Office and the competent security agencies to open an
immediate investigation, hear Barakat's testimony and that of witnesses, and
urgently obtain recordings from surveillance cameras inside the Wooden Bakery
branch and in its surroundings, and identify the two individuals and the car
they were riding in, and take the necessary legal measures against them if the
facts are proven. It also calls on the branch's management to preserve the
recordings and not delete or tamper with them and hand them over to the
competent judicial authorities, considering them essential evidence in the
investigation.The association stresses that any threat to journalists because of
their opinions constitutes a red line, and calls on the authorities to ensure
Barakat's protection and prevent any exposure to him or attempt to pressure him.
There is no immunity for political intimidation, and there is no place for
threatening journalists in public life.
Mohamed Barakat: I was subjected this evening to a direct threat because of my
political positions, from two men who introduced themselves as "resistance".
Mohamed Barakat / Website / X / September 29, 2026
(Translated from Arabic by AI)
Minutes after I entered the Wooden Bakery branch in Hazmieh, two young men got
out of a car with dark-tinted windows, and stood behind me while I was buying
groceries. And they tried to talk to me without introduction. So I ignored
them... and headed towards the cashier and they followed me. One of them said to
me, among a lot of talk, and in a tone of "advice" that does not hide the
threat: "You are still young and the future is ahead of you... what do you want
with this talk." I answered him: "My talk is not what destroyed the south, and
not what lost my village and Jabal Amel." At that time the saleswoman noticed
them sticking to me and harassing me, so she asked them to move to the second
cashier because it is empty. One of them refused and said: "Here is fine," then
continued directing his talk to me: "Better for you to go up to your village
with your head held high, not be there with the haters... and the resistance is
not what destroyed the south." After that one of them bought a passing item near
the cashier, to justify his stay. And when I paid for my groceries and left,
they left behind me and got into their car. I asked the branch management for
camera recordings with audio and video, and recording of the outside situation
to determine the type of car and its number, and I await their response. I will
file a formal complaint before the competent agencies, and I put this post at
the disposal of the security agencies and the judiciary.
A third lawsuit from lawyer Bazzi against activist Ahmed Ismail!
Janoubia/September 29, 2026 (Translated from
Arabic by AI)
Activist and former prisoner Ahmed Ismail wrote weeks ago on September 12, that
he appeared before the Cyber Crimes Bureau on the background of a second lawsuit
from lawyer Hassan Bazzi, because of a post in which he rejected the accusation
of more than 200 personalities, including himself, of collaboration, affirming
their patriotism and rejecting treason and incitement. He expressed surprise at
filing a lawsuit against him even though the post acquits the accused and
describes them as patriots. And today activist Ismail received a call asking him
to appear tomorrow at the Cyber Crimes Bureau based on a lawsuit from the same
aforementioned lawyer, without knowing the reasons. It seems that lawyer Bazzi,
who has no personal relationship or work relationship with the southern activist
Ahmed Ismail, insists for political reasons that have become known, on harassing
Ismail with a series of unjustified lawsuits, resulting in spreading
condemnation and astonishment among a wide audience of activists on the Lebanese
scene.And these activists wonder: What is the content of the third lawsuit, and
what will be the content of the fourth lawsuit later? And is Ismail required to
take permission and approval of the guardians before writing his comments on
social networking sites, or writing an opinion article on the Janoubia website?!
The Latest English LCCC
Miscellaneous Reports And News published
on September 29-30/2026
Trump Denies Offering Iran Sanctions Relief for Nuclear
Concessions
Washington/Asharq Al Awsat/September 29/2026
US President Donald Trump on Monday denied offering Iran sanctions relief and
the release of frozen funds in return for nuclear concessions from Tehran. "This
is untrue. I offered them NOTHING," Trump wrote on Truth Social, responding to
an Axios report that cited US officials as saying that he was willing to give
Iran sanctions relief and release Iranian frozen funds in return for "concrete"
Iranian steps regarding the nuclear program. CNN also reported, citing an
unidentified US official, that Trump was willing to give Iran sanctions relief
and release frozen funds as part of a final deal on the condition that Iran
offered "concrete progress" on the nuclear issue. Trump has offered shifting
goals and timelines for the Iran war that began on February 28 when the US and
Israel attacked Iran and Tehran responded with its own strikes on Israel and
other states. US and Iranian officials spoke separately with mediators on
Monday as part of a renewed effort to end seven months of war, according to
officials of both countries. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said he
expected a formal answer on Tuesday from the US to Tehran's proposal to open the
Strait of Hormuz, state media reported. Qatari intermediaries "presented ideas,
and we discussed them; they are set to raise the matter with the American side
once more, after which the final US response will be conveyed to us," Araghchi
said late Monday.Iran's top diplomat, who is in New York for the UN General
Assembly, said "the Qataris hope this will be done by tomorrow.” "The current
focus is solely on the Strait of Hormuz, and the reopening of the strait is
contingent upon the fulfilment of certain conditions that we have communicated
to the other side," he added. The Strait of Hormuz lies at the heart of the
conflict between the United States and Iran.
Trump: Iran in very bad shape.. and will surrender
Riyadh - Al Arabiya.net/September 29, 2026
(Translated from Arabic by AI)
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that he does not know whether
Iran "will surrender after" in its war with the United States before saying: "It
will surrender." Trump told reporters at the White House: "I don't know if they
will surrender after, but they will surrender," adding that Iran is in a "very
bad" situation and "not doing well" in the war, according to Reuters. That came
as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed earlier that his country
expects a U.S. response on Tuesday to a proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Araghchi said in press statements that the Qatari mediators "put forward ideas,
and we discussed them with them, and it is scheduled to raise the issue again
with the American side, and after that the final American response will be
conveyed to us."The top Iranian diplomat, who is in New York to participate in
the work of the United Nations General Assembly, also indicated that "the
Qataris hope that this will be done by Tuesday (local time)," according to AFP.
This came after Araghchi revealed on Monday evening that he had met and spoken
again with the Qatari mediators, confirming that there are conditions that must
be implemented to open the Strait of Hormuz. These statements also came after an
unnamed U.S. official said that Trump had expressed his readiness to ease
sanctions on Iran and release its frozen funds as part of a final agreement,
provided that Tehran shows "tangible progress" on the nuclear issue, according
to CNN on Monday. However, Trump quickly denied this, confirming that the news
is fabricated and false.U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner on the one
hand, and Iranian Foreign Minister on the other hand, had held indirect talks in
recent days, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly meetings in New York.
Meanwhile, Tehran last week presented a plan to stop hostilities and reopen the
Strait of Hormuz, through which before the war a fifth of the world's oil and
gas production passed, and which has become the محور of the conflict between
Washington and Tehran. The plan stipulated a cessation of hostilities on all
fronts for 7 days, including in Lebanon, the release of frozen Iranian assets
and lifting sanctions imposed on Iranian oil and ending the U.S. naval blockade
imposed on Iranian ports, as a precondition for reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
However, Trump rejected this proposal in a post on the Truth Social platform
last Saturday.
Iranian rial falls to record low.. Dollar exceeds 2.5
million rials / The previous record low for the Iranian currency was 2.2 million
rials to the dollar
Tehran - (AP) /September 29, 2026
(Translated from Arabic by AI)
The Iranian currency fell to a new record low on Tuesday, with traders in Tehran
trading it at more than 2.5 million rials to the U.S. dollar. The latest decline
of the Iranian rial comes only 27 days after the rial reached its previous
record low of 2.2 million rials to the dollar on September 2. It is worth noting
that the Iranian currency has recorded new low levels repeatedly since the
outbreak of the war in February last. Exchange market movements showed that the
latest wave of currency decline began after the collapse of what is known as the
"Islamabad framework" and the escalation of military tensions. The dollar price
had fallen after signing the agreement from about 170 thousand tomans to 156
thousand tomans, before stabilizing near the level of 160 thousand tomans until
late June, then rising again at an accelerated pace later. The dollar price
jumped by about 50% during the past three months, which means that the Iranian
currency has lost at least a third of its value against foreign currencies
during this period. The rise in the exchange rate also contributed to feeding a
new wave of inflation through increasing the cost of imports and production
inputs.
Rezaei on the 7-day proposal: We informed them of our conditions.. and Trump is
in crisis
Riyadh - Al Arabiya.net/September 29, 2026
(Translated from Arabic by AI)
At a time when Washington tightened its siege on Tehran, the Secretary of Iran's
Supreme National Security Council, Mohsen Rezaei, said that Tehran has informed
the United States of its conditions, but he considered that U.S. President
Donald Trump "is unable to make a decision."Rezaei, during his meeting with
Azerbaijani Deputy Prime Minister Shahin Mustafayev, indicated that the United
States resorted in the military confrontation to "blockade" because of what he
described as "despair." He said that Trump is "drowning in a swamp" and cannot
negotiate or wage war.Rezaei reiterated that the U.S. and Israeli attack on his
country "violates all international laws," adding that Iran "defended itself
forcefully" in response to the war. Rezaei's statements came while Tehran awaits
an "official" American response regarding an Iranian proposal that includes a
cessation of hostilities for seven days and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, amid
continued indirect contacts between the two sides through mediators despite
Trump's public rejection of this proposal. In contrast, the U.S. President
reiterated that Iran will not be able to possess a nuclear weapon, and that "the
matter (the war) will end very soon." Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi
said on Tuesday that Qatari mediators conveyed ideas between Tehran and
Washington, explaining that the mediators will raise the proposal again to the
American side before conveying the final response to Iran.
Indirect talks took place in recent days between U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and
Jared Kushner on the one hand, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on
the other hand, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly meetings in New
York.According to the Iranian proposal, the agreement includes a cessation of
hostilities on all fronts for seven days, including the Lebanese front,
alongside the release of frozen Iranian assets, lifting sanctions imposed on
Iranian oil, and ending the U.S. naval blockade imposed on Iranian ports. Tehran
links reopening the Strait of Hormuz to the implementation of these conditions,
at a time when the strait represents a major محور in the crisis between Iran and
the United States.The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most important maritime
passages for global energy, as large quantities of global oil and gas supplies
passed through it before the outbreak of war, while the recent escalation has
disrupted navigation and raised concerns about the repercussions on energy
markets.
America imposes sanctions on 10 individuals and entities
for purchasing weapons for Iran
Riyadh - Al Arabiya.net/September 29, 2026
(Translated from Arabic by AI)
As the United States confirmed continuing to impose its blockade on Iran, the
Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Treasury Department imposed
sanctions on Tuesday on 10 individuals and entities in several countries,
accused of being involved in purchasing weapons and military components for the
Iranian Ministry of Defense.Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said, "The Treasury
Department will continue, as part of the Economic Outcast operation, to target
and disrupt entities that provide material, technical or financial support that
enables the Iranian regime to continue its terrorist activities," according to
today's statement, adding: "The Treasury Department will not tolerate any
support for the regime, and will continue to identify, expose and isolate the
entities that enable it." In addition, the U.S.
Treasury confirmed that the new step aims to "undermine the ability of the
Iranian regime to rebuild its weapons programs, and raise the cost on parties
that help Tehran's efforts to purchase military equipment."The sanctions were
taken under Executive Order No. 13382, which targets proliferators of weapons of
mass destruction and their delivery means, knowing that the U.S. State
Department had designated in October 2007, the Iranian Ministry of Defense and
the Iranian Revolutionary Guard under the same order, due to their association
with the Iranian ballistic missile program. The
Treasury said that Seyed Asghar Ali Zadeh Tabatabai, as a representative of the
Iranian Ministry of Defense in Beijing, coordinates procurement operations of
ready-made weapons systems and dual-use components from China for Iran, where
"sanctions were imposed on him for working directly or indirectly for or on
behalf of the Iranian Ministry of Defense." It also
reported that the Kavoshkom Asia Research and Development Group, based in Iran,
purchased devices and electronic components, including connectors, for the
Iranian aircraft manufacturing company "HESA", affiliated with the Ministry of
Defense and specialized in the development of drones and military aircraft. And
it identified Ali Fotot Ahmadi as director of "Kavoshkom" company, noting that
he signed correspondence addressed to "HESA" company on its behalf, pointing out
that "EC Mojo Technology Limited, based in Hong Kong, provided electronic
components in support of procurement operations carried out by Kavoshkom, and
the company's representative in China, Li Fan, tried to evade sanctions and
export controls, while Kavoshkom's representative in Iran, Parisa Lali,
facilitated procurement operations for HESA," according to the U.S. Treasury.
The decision came at a time when the U.S. administration is intensifying the use
of economic pressure tools on Iran, in parallel with military and diplomatic
pressures related to the war. Trump had rejected an Iranian proposal to stop
attacks for seven days, while Washington seeks to use sanctions and financial
measures to pressure Tehran and push it to make concessions regarding the course
of the war. Note that the U.S. administration says
that this policy aims to deprive the Iranian government of resources it uses to
finance its military and missile programs and its regional networks. In
contrast, Tehran rejects the policy of sanctions and American pressure, and
considers it part of a policy targeting the Iranian economy and restricting its
trade and oil revenues.
Iran FM says expects US answer Tuesday on plan to open
Hormuz
Agence France Presse/September 29/2026
(Translated from Arabic by AI)
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said he expected a formal answer on
Tuesday from the United States to Tehran's proposal to open the Strait of
Hormuz, state media reported.
Qatari intermediaries "presented ideas, and we discussed them; they are set to
raise the matter with the American side once more, after which the final U.S.
response will be conveyed to us", Araghchi said late Monday. Iran's top
diplomat, who is in New York for the U.N. General Assembly, said "the Qataris
hope this will be done by tomorrow"."The current focus is solely on the Strait
of Hormuz, and the reopening of the strait is contingent upon the fulfilment of
certain conditions that we have communicated to the other side," he added. The
Strait of Hormuz lies at the heart of the conflict between the United States and
Iran, which began with U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran in late February. The
shipping route carried a fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas
before the war began. But Tehran imposed a blockade on Hormuz after the war
started, prompting Washington to respond with its own blockade on Iranian ports.
Last week, discussions were held in New York between Araghchi and U.S. envoys
Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. As a precondition for ending its blockade, Iran
is demanding a seven-day ceasefire across the Middle East, including in Lebanon,
where its ally Hezbollah has been battling Israeli forces. It is also demanding
the unfreezing of Iranian assets abroad, the lifting of sanctions on its oil
sector, and an end to the U.S. naval blockade.
US, Iran Separately Talk with Mediators in Latest Bid to End War
Asharq Al Awsat/September 29/2026
US and Iranian officials spoke separately with mediators on Monday as part of a
renewed effort to end seven months of war, according to officials of both
countries. Any further talks are expected to focus on an amended version of a
seven-day proposal that Iran presented last week on the sidelines of the United
Nations General Assembly, an official briefed on the negotiations told Reuters.
The war began in late February with US and Israeli attacks on Iran, killing
thousands of people over seven months and shocking global markets as vital
waterways for oil remained choked. The US and Iran have twice previously agreed
to ceasefires in mediated peace talks, in April and June. Those agreements
quickly unraveled. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who remained in New
York after attending the General Assembly, said Iran expected to receive the US
response to its latest ceasefire proposals and its conditions for restoring
passage of maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, according to state news
agency IRNA. "If the Americans claim they are seeking an agreement or a
peaceful solution, we have presented that solution," Araqchi said.
US officials separately spoke with mediators on Monday, US President Donald
Trump told reporters at the White House, without giving further details.
TRUMP HAS FLAGGED FURTHER TALKS THIS WEEK
Iran's seven-day plan envisages an end to all hostilities in Iran and Lebanon,
the unfreezing of billions of dollars' worth of Iranian assets, an end to
sanctions on Iranian oil and the lifting of the US blockade on Iranian ports.
Iran would then allow the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital conduit for
oil tankers, and the two sides would also resume talks on Iran's nuclear
program and Trump's wish to seize or eliminate its highly enriched uranium.
Trump said on Saturday he had rejected Iran's proposal, saying Iran wanted a
swift agreement because of the crippling economic pressure it is under. However,
he also told Axios on Sunday that he expected US negotiators to engage in
further talks this week. Araghchi said on Sunday that mediators had not formally
conveyed a US rejection, and that Iran was awaiting Washington's definitive
position before deciding its next steps.
"Our conditions are clear, and any move toward reopening the Strait of Hormuz is
contingent on these conditions being met," he said on Sunday, adding that only a
negotiated solution could resolve the impasse.
CNN, MS NOW, Politico Ask Judge to Extend Block on White House Ban
Asharq Al Awsat/September 29/2026
CNN, MS NOW and Politico asked a federal judge late on Monday to issue a court
order preserving their White House access while they fight US President Donald
Trump's move to ban them over coverage he dislikes. The news outlets asked a
judge overseeing their case in Washington, DC, federal court to grant a
preliminary injunction blocking Trump's bans until there is a final ruling in
the case, Reuters reported. US District Judge Timothy Kelly previously issued a
14-day temporary restraining order blocking the bans, finding they likely
violated the news outlets' rights to fair legal treatment. The outlets said in
their September 21 lawsuit that Trump's bans were unlawful viewpoint
discrimination under the First Amendment of the Constitution, which guarantees
free speech and free press rights. The Justice Department said Trump lawfully
banned the outlets after determining their coverage threatened national security
by revealing classified information. Trump said in a September 18 social media
post that he was banning the outlets for “reporting FAKE NEWS” and that they
"shouldn't be able to constantly write or report FICTION and LIES.” Trump has
frequently clashed with the media in his second term and personally sued outlets
including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and BBC for defamation.
UN Expands List of Companies Linked to Israeli Settlements
Asharq Al Awsat/September 29/2026
The United Nations human rights office issued a list on Friday adding 61 more
companies operating in Israeli West Bank settlements, which the global body
considers illegal. The database is highly sensitive as firms could be targeted
for boycotts or divestment to pressure Israel over settler expansion in the
territory that is home to over 3 million Palestinians. The database, first
released in 2020, now includes 214 firms, mostly from Israel, but also from 10
other countries including France, Germany, China and the US. Newly added firms
included Israeli pesticides maker ADAMA, part of Chinese-owned Syngenta Group,
Israel-based real estate investment holding company Alony Hetz and Spain's
Salvat Logistica. The Spanish logistics company said it had not been informed of
any investigation and that its inclusion in the list was "surprising and
entirely inconsistent with the facts". A UN rights office spokesperson said
Salvat was contacted along with all other firms and given the opportunity to
respond. Companies already on the list include travel agency Expedia and
home-rental company Airbnb already on the list. Israel, which views the West
Bank as disputed rather than occupied, has previously said the list unfairly
vilifies companies working legally. "This is a distorted mechanism — created by
a deeply flawed body with an automatic majority against Israel," Israel's
diplomatic mission said on Friday, alleging that the database was establish to
"persecute" the Jewish state. There has been a surge in settler attacks against
Palestinians as outposts proliferate, prompting Britain, France and Canada to
block imports from settlements this month. The UN rights office assessed
companies active in a group of sectors including energy, food, hospitality,
transport and agriculture, based on confidential submissions to the UN rights
office. Another 60 or so companies were assessed but not included since they did
not meet the UN criteria of involvement in activities that violate the
Palestinian right to self-determination.
Examples include supplying demolition equipment to destroy Palestinian
buildings, provision of surveillance for settlements and other services like
transport that help maintain their existence, according to the UN website. Other
companies, like British-registered online travel company Opodo and
Spanish-domiciled online travel agent eDreams, have been dropped from the
original list after submitting a reassessment request. The UN found that there
were reasonable grounds to believe they were no longer involved in the
activities that previously justified their inclusion.
eDreams said last year it had withdrawn and would continue to block listings of
accommodation in illegal Israeli settlements, saying that some had appeared on
its website automatically after owners uploaded them. Palestinians want the West
Bank to be part of a future independent homeland. But Prime Minister Benjamin
Netanyahu's nationalist government has largely backed settlers, with building
ramped up since the militant Hamas group's attack on Israel in October 2023 and
the ensuing Gaza war. Travel firm Expedia has previously said that the listings
in what it called "disputed areas" were clearly labelled, complied with
international laws and sanctions and undergo enhanced due diligence guided by UN
standards.
Sources Confirm to Asharq Al-Awsat that Senior Hamas Commander Killed in Gaza
Gaza: Asharq Al Awsat/Asharq Al Awsat/September 29/2026
Four Hamas sources in the Gaza Strip confirmed on Tuesday that Israel
assassinated the commander of the Al-Qassam Brigades' Northern Brigade, Izz
al-Din al-Beik, in an airstrike in the Al-Nasr neighborhood, northwest of Gaza
City.The sources said in separate statements to Asharq Al-Awsat that al-Beik, known
by the nom de guerre of "Ashmawi," was killed on the spot after being targeted
in a strike that hit a residential apartment with three missiles. Israeli Prime
Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz announced the
operation, confirming al-Beik's assassination. The attack occurred at 3:30 AM,
as witnessed by the Asharq Al-Awsat reporter, who noted that fire consumed the
apartment and continued burning for more than half an hour until Civil Defense
crews managed to extinguish it. The attack took place adjacent to another
residential building subjected to a similar daytime attack about two months ago.
During that strike, Adham Nassan, commander of operations in the Gaza Brigade of
the Al-Qassam Brigades and one of those who played a prominent role in the
October 7, 2023 attack, was assassinated.
Previous Assassination Attempt
Al-Beik had previously survived an assassination attempt end of May, just days
after the killing of Izz al-Din al-Haddad and Muhammad Awad, who successively
led the Al-Qassam Brigades in the Gaza Strip, succeeding Muhammad al-Sinwar.
Imad Islim, deputy commander of the Gaza Brigade and commander of the Zeitoun
Battalion, was killed in that raid. Sources told Asharq Al-Awsat at the time
that a meeting was set to take place between Islim and al-Beik, along with the
new commander of the Gaza Brigade, Muhannad Rajab, but the latter two had not
arrived at the location when the raid was executed. This operation came about
two weeks after the assassination of the commander of the Khan Younis Brigade in
Al-Qassam, Muhammad al-Yazouri, and the commander of the Rafah Brigade, Nael Abu
Obeid.
Who is al-Beik
Izz al-Din al-Beik, 48, a resident of the Faluja area in Jabalia camp - one of
Hamas's most prominent strongholds - had been a top activist in the movement for
many years. With the outbreak of the Second Al-Aqsa Intifada, he began working
with the Al-Qassam Brigades and was heavily active in operations confronting
Israeli incursions into the camp and the town of Beit Lahia. He was among the
first to use "Al-Yassin" anti-armor shells to counter a major Israeli military
operation targeting Jabalia camp in 2004. According to Hamas sources speaking to
Asharq Al-Awsat, al-Beik led the first special forces unit in Al-Qassam in
Jabalia camp, currently known as "Elite" (Nukhba). For many years, he led the "Imad
Aql" (Western) Battalion in the Jabalia camp area before leaving it to become
the head of the intelligence apparatus for the Northern Brigade. Following the
assassination of Ahmad al-Ghandour in November 2023, he became the commander of
the Northern Brigade. Sources say that during his time as head of intelligence
for the Northern Brigade, he was described as the "spoiled boy" of Muhammad Awad,
who was then head of the intelligence corner for the entire Gaza Strip. The two
shared a special relationship and were both residents of Jabalia camp. The
sources clarify that he led the operation that foiled what was called the
"Generals' Plan" during the recent war, which aimed to displace the residents of
the northern Gaza Strip, and he stood ground alongside his fighters in
face-to-face battles against the Israeli army. One Hamas source who knew him
well described him as a skilled sniper who also took responsibility for
operations management in the Northern Brigade for a certain period. Both before
and during the war, al-Beik survived several assassination attempts. One
occurred inside Jabalia camp during which his bodyguard was killed.
2,300 Houthis Killed and Wounded Across Eight Fronts in Three Days
Asharq Al Awsat/September 29/2026
The Houthi militias have suffered heavy human and military losses across eight
Yemeni battlefronts, according to figures released by government forces, as the
fiercest clashes remain concentrated in Taiz and Lahj. There, the group’s
offensives have collided with preemptive government strikes aimed at
consolidating front lines and disrupting supply routes from Houthi-controlled
areas. The Yemeni Armed Forces said they carried out 706 precision strikes on
fronts in Kitaf, Al-Baqa, Alab, Al-Jawf, Marib, Al-Bayda, Lahj, and Taiz, using
warplanes, drones, snipers, artillery, and rocket launchers. According to the
military, these operations resulted in 2,316 Houthi fighters being killed and
wounded over a three-day span. Government forces said the operations targeted
Houthi positions, personnel, and military capabilities, destroying or disabling
troop carriers, vehicles, military reinforcements, missile launch platforms,
weapons depots and equipment. According to the military’s account, the figures
reflect an expansion of targeting efforts from direct front-line engagements to
the group’s logistical depth. This comes as the Houthis continue deploying
additional fighters and reinforcements to maintain recent gains along the
western coast. Taiz has emerged as the most active front, with Houthi ground
assaults coinciding with airstrikes targeting assembly points, storage
facilities, and troop movements. According to official military sources,
warplanes carried out five airstrikes on Houthi positions east of the
governorate, hitting Mawiyah Junction, the vicinity of Saleh City, and the
Reception Camp belonging to the Engineering Corps. Field sources said the
strikes coincided with a meeting of Houthi military leaders and the arrival of
reinforcements in the area, noting that some targeted locations were being used
to store weapons and equipment. Warplanes also targeted Houthi reinforcements in
the Al-Marzam area of Al-Rubaie, west of Taiz city. Military sources said one of
the strikes hit and destroyed a tank.
On the western fronts, government forces repelled a Houthi assault in the Al-Anin
front. Local sources also reported that government troops and local fighters
thwarted attacks launched by the group against Bani Bakari and Al-Anin in Jabal
Habashi district after substantial Houthi reinforcements arrived in the area. At
the same time, government artillery targeted Houthi gatherings and positions in
Al-Aqroudh, Al-Kadahah, Saila Ghurab, Al-Ja’sha, and Al-Zaybiyah. According to a
briefing by the Taiz Axis Media Center, artillery also destroyed a gun
emplacement in Al-Bahabah and struck a military vehicle in Dhahat Al-Rabah.Government air defenses announced that they had shot down a Houthi drone over
the Al-Kadahah front. Meanwhile, Houthi artillery attacks continued. The group
reportedly fired more than six shells toward villages in the Al-Dabab area west
of Taiz, causing material damage to homes and spreading panic among residents,
according to local sources. Smoke rises from an area targeted in what the Media
Center of the Yemeni Armed Forces said was an airstrike against Houthi militia
positions, in an undated screengrab taken from social media video released
September 27, 2026. Media Center of the Yemeni Armed Forces/via REUTERS
Supply Lines Under Pressure
The confrontation between Yemeni government forces and the Houthis is no longer
confined to front-line positions. Routes used to transport fighters and military
equipment have become major targets of government operations. Local sources said
the Houthis sent hundreds of fighters from the Al-Udayn district in Ibb province
toward Jabal Ras in Hodeidah aboard dozens of buses to reinforce fronts in Al-Waziyah,
Al-Barah, and Bani Omar. The group has also dispatched substantial manpower
reinforcements toward the Hayfan front in Taiz. Field sources report ongoing
Houthi movements aimed at exerting pressure on the districts of Al-Shamayatayn,
Al-Turbah, and Al-Maqatirah from multiple directions. These movements indicate
that the group is seeking to maintain military pressure west of Taiz while
simultaneously advancing toward Hayfan and eastern and southern areas in an
effort to create multiple avenues into the governorate. Government forces, in
contrast, are focusing on striking reinforcements before they reach the
battlefield, using warplanes, drones, and artillery. Military spokesman Majed
Al-Nazeeli said government forces had killed four Iranian experts in Taiz
province who, he claimed, specialized in operating and launching drones and
missiles. He provided no details regarding their identities.
Pressure in Lahj
In Lahj, clashes continued along fronts connected to the western coast and areas
overlooking the Bab Al-Mandab Strait, amid ongoing shelling and military
movements in Al-Waziyah, Al-Mudarabah, Ras Al-Arah, Al-Aghbarah, and Kahbub.
Field sources said the Giants Brigades carried out drone strikes against Houthi
gatherings and vehicles in Kahbub while simultaneously repelling another attack
by the group. The developments coincided with government military movements on
the Al-Subaiha fronts, where Presidential Leadership Council member Lt. Gen.
Mahmoud Al-Subaihi, accompanied by Fourth Military Region Commander Maj. Gen.
Hamdi Shukri, inspected operations and readiness levels along front-line
positions. Al-Subaihi stressed the importance of maintaining a high state of
readiness, vigilance, and preparedness to deal with field developments, praising
the steadfastness of forces across various positions.
Yemen Parliament Approves General Mobilization Against Houthis
Aden/Asharq Al Awsat/September 29/2026
The confrontation between the Yemeni government and the Iran-aligned Houthi
group has entered a new phase, following Parliament's approval of a request by
Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council Rashad al-Alimi to declare a
general mobilization.
Authorities said the move is aimed at strengthening the capabilities of state
institutions and the armed forces in confronting the Houthi escalation, and
protecting the republican system and the country's sovereignty. The
parliamentary decision came after an expanded meeting held by the council under
the chairmanship of Speaker Sultan al-Barakani via videoconference to discuss
military and political developments in the country, as well as al-Alimi's
memorandum requesting approval for the declaration of general mobilization. The
request was based on constitutional provisions and laws governing mobilization,
general reserve, and civil defense. Under the decision, general mobilization
takes effect from the date it is announced and will remain in place until the
reasons that prompted it have ended. It will be implemented in accordance with
the constitution, the power transfer decision, and the laws governing the
general reserve, the National Defense Council, and civil defense. During a
meeting with several governors, attended by Prime Minister Shaya al-Zindani and
military and security leaders, al-Alimi presented general mobilization as a
measure that goes beyond simply recruiting fighters or reinforcing the front
lines. He said it encompasses human, material, and moral resources, as well as
strengthening the ability of state institutions, the armed forces, and security
forces to carry out their duties. Al-Alimi praised Parliament's response to his
request, saying that the legislature's approval reflects an understanding of the
scale of the challenges facing the country and provides a constitutional
framework for unifying the capabilities of state institutions in the coming
phase. The decision comes amid a broad military escalation on several fronts, at
a time when the government says its forces have regained the initiative in a
number of areas. Fighting, however, continues in parts of Taiz, Lahj, Marib, Al-Jawf,
and Al-Bayda, as well as on northern fronts. "Safe Return"Alongside the
mobilization, al-Alimi proposed another course of action based on what he called
a "safe return," urging residents of areas under Houthi control not to send
their children to the battlefronts.
He said the state is asking them only to align themselves with the values of the
republic and its institutions, stressing that the announced guarantees and
procedures cover those who leave the group and stop fighting or working on its
behalf. He explained that the process also includes settling the status of
members of the armed forces and security forces and safeguarding their legal
rights, in an effort to open a channel for withdrawing from the Houthi ranks
while simultaneously increasing military pressure. The Yemeni Parliament based
its decision on Article 37 of the constitution concerning the declaration of
general mobilization, Article 38 concerning the National Defense Council, and
Article 119 concerning the president's powers to declare a state of emergency
and general mobilization in accordance with the law. The council also cited the
Law Establishing the National Defense Council, the General Reserve Law, and the
Civil Defense Law. The decision stipulates that the National Defense Council
will remain in continuous session once general mobilization is declared and will
oversee mobilization matters and its implementation in accordance with the
relevant laws. The measure follows a September 25 speech by al-Alimi calling for
general mobilization, at a time when the government is seeking to rally state
institutions and political and military forces behind a unified position in
confronting the Houthis. Parliament said its decision came amid what it
described as risks threatening the lives and property of citizens, as well as
their security and stability. It also pointed to the regional and international
repercussions of the Yemeni conflict.
A Message to the Country and Abroad
The parliamentary decision also carried a political message extending beyond the
military dimension. It called for overcoming divisions, unifying ranks, and
coordinating with the coalition supporting the legitimate government, led by
Saudi Arabia. The council renewed its condemnation of Houthi attacks targeting
Saudi Arabia, considering threats to the security and sovereignty of countries
in the region to have repercussions for regional and international security and
stability. It also praised Saudi support for Yemen and the role played by the
coalition in supporting the government and forces aligned with it.
Al-Alimi, meanwhile, stressed that the coming phase requires governors to treat
residents of areas under Houthi control as part of Yemeni society, rather than
as a party separate from the state. He emphasized that the government wants to
restore its institutions, security, and stability in those areas. Parliament's
decision gives the general mobilization a formal framework for shifting the
government's response from separate military measures to a broader institutional
mobilization policy encompassing the armed forces, security forces, human and
material resources, and state agencies. The impact of the decision, however,
will remain linked to the mechanisms for its implementation and the ability of
government institutions and allied military forces to operate under more
coordinated leadership, given the number of formations and forces on the ground
and the differences in their areas of deployment.
WHO: Houthi Attacks Leave More than 4,000 Victims in Yemen
Aden: Mohammed Nasser/Asharq Al Awsat/September 29/2026
The health and humanitarian situations in Yemen continue to deteriorate as
fighting intensifies, with 809 new casualties recorded during the reporting
period between September 19 and 26, including 164 deaths, the World Health
Organization said on Monday. The new figures brought the cumulative total since
Aug. 6 to 4,481 casualties, including 838 deaths. In its fifth Situation Report
on the Conflict Escalation in Yemen, WHO said deaths represented 20% of newly
reported casualties during the reporting period, compared with 24% in the
previous period and 17% before that, while casualties continue to rise at
roughly 100 per day. It said Lahj remains the heaviest front where Al-Madharibah
wa Ras Al-Arah and the Bab Al-Mandab coast accounted for the largest daily
burden on both days for which detailed field reports were available, it said.
The area recorded 47 casualties on Sept. 21, including 18 deaths, and 34
casualties on Sept. 26. The next highest casualty burdens were reported in Marib
and Taiz, according to WHO. Displacement Doubled As the number of victims has
risen in Yemen, the Situation Report said displacement has grown by more than
half in eight days. It said Marib and Al-Dhale have been added as governorates
of arrival while Aden has more than tripled its caseload to 3,741 families. WHO
also noted that displaced families face rising risks of cholera, measles,
malaria and dengue, and disrupted maternal, mental health and chronic care.
The UN agency warned that the Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) registrations
reached their highest daily levels of the crisis, with 1,315 households on Sep
21 and 1,470 on Sep 23. Meanwhile, cholera alerts were registered in two
displacement sites in Aden and suspected cholera cases reached 7,784 in a week.
Also, WHO said, around 40% of newly displaced households on the West Coast draw
drinking water from unprotected wells or surface water, and nearly one third
have no lockable latrine. Hospitals Under Pressure. The UN report said the rise
in injuries has placed further strain on the healthcare system, with some
hospitals temporarily suspending emergency obstetric and neonatal services and
referring patients to other facilities able to accommodate them. Additionally,
fewer facilities are reporting in Marib, Taiz, Al-Dhale and Aden, where only
about 60% were fully functional before the escalation as verification is under
way. In an effort to strengthen response, the UN agency said it had sent 258
units of the Interagency Emergency Health Kit (IEHK) and the Trauma and
Emergency Surgery Kit (TESK) to Yemen, worth more than $184,000. It also
provided additional supplies valued at around $656,000 to 40 health facilities
across 10 governorates, alongside securing additional funding for surgical
services, trauma care and the response to epidemic diseases.
Morocco's king appoints first woman PM following Sept 23
election
LBCI/September 29/2026
King Mohammed VI appointed Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri as Morocco's first woman
prime minister on Tuesday after her liberal-centrist party came out on top in a
September 23 parliamentary election, the royal palace said. Reuters
Israel PM says 'indications' enemies will try to attack
ahead of elections
Agence France Presse/September 29/2026
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday said there were "indications" that
Israel's enemies could try to attack ahead of elections scheduled for the end of
October, without giving details."We have indications that ahead of the elections
our enemies will try to attack us. So... I am sending you a message: Don't mess
with us, not now and not ever. Our long arm will reach you anywhere, anytime,"
Netanyahu said at an air force base, according to a video published by his
office.
Israel defense minister threatens to target Hamas leaders
abroad
LBCI/September 29/2026
Israel's defense minister threatened on Tuesday to go after Hamas leaders
residing outside Gaza, as the military continues to target Palestinians it says
are militants inside the war-ravaged territory. "Hamas leaders abroad are also
in the crosshairs. None of these despicable murderers, who played a central role
in the October 7 massacre, should die peacefully in their beds," Israel Katz
said in a video statement released by his office, referring to Hamas' 2023
attack that sparked the Gaza war. AFP
The Latest LCCC analysis &
editorials from miscellaneous sources published
on September 29-30/2026
As the Houthis Burn with Desire to Fight Israel from Lebanon
Hazem Saghieh/Asharq Al Awsat/September 29/2026
https://english.aawsat.com/opinion/5323679-houthis-burn-desire-fight-israel-lebanon
The Houthi phenomenon manifests, in distilled form, the essence of Arabs’
defeats in building the modern state. The republic born of a military coup in
1962 was followed by a civil and regional war that lasted eight years and
produced a regime whose hallmarks were corruption, patronage networks, alliances
with tribes, and playing one tribe against another.With the exception of a
three-year period (1974 to 1977) that had witnessed an attempt to establish the
state as an authority standing above communal groupings - an attempt that ended
with the assassination of its architect, President Ibrahim al-Hamdi - Ali
Abdullah Saleh ruled from 1978 to 2012. Saleh was adept at managing and
allocating influence, and developments over his long reign entrenched this
foundational relationship between the state and communal groups, gradually
making that relationship seem part of the natural order of things. And because
war was always part of this trajectory, militiafication along sectarian and
regional lines flourished. The unification of the two Yemens in 1990 came after
two wars between them, in 1972 and 1979. Indeed, unification itself would
scarcely have occurred had the rule of the "comrades" in Aden not collapsed
after their ferocious internecine war of 1986. Yet four years later, "unity"
erupted into a North-South war, and it fared no better than the "republic". In
the Yemeni laboratory, four icons that radical Arab thought had exalted - not as
achievements contingent on circumstances and human action, but as unquestionable
miracles - collapsed at record speed. In the south, "national liberation" in
1967 failed to produce a condition superior, by any measure, to the colonial
one. In the north, the "republic" ended in a system that recycled corruption and
parceled out influence. Southern "socialism" then collapsed disastrously,
despite all the clamor surrounding "working-class rule." Finally, in both north
and south, "unity" met a tragic end whose consequences continued long after the
1994 war – one that ended in military victory without changing how power was
exercised.
Like two sides of a coin, the Houthis and al-Qaeda flourished beneath the façade
of a unified Yemen, becoming efficient instruments of fragmentation.
The Houthi project began in 1990-91, when Badr al-Din al-Houthi established the
"Believing Youth Movement" in Saada. Between 2004 and 2010, the Houthis fought a
succession of wars against Saleh's government, emerging stronger after each
conflict. In 2014, they exploited the "Arab Spring" that had failed to take
shape as a unified national project and, this time with Saleh's assistance,
seized the capital and most of northwestern Yemen. The Houthis thereby
effectively re-divided the country a quarter-century after its nominal
unification.
National disintegration similarly manifests itself in al-Qaeda, which began with
southern "mujahideen" returning from Afghanistan. Amid successive wars, and as
the various parties - Saleh above all - found themselves compelled to strike
temporary alliances with them, their numbers and influence grew.
In late 2000, as the Houthis were preparing for their wars, al-Qaeda openly
revealed itself by bombing the American destroyer USS Cole in Aden, and Yemen
became a base of operations for the terrorist organization. Later, through
"al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula" and "Ansar al-Sharia," and through numerous
spectacular acts of violence, Yemeni al-Qaeda produced internationally prominent
figures such as Anwar al-Awlaki and Ibrahim al-Asiri. More important still,
however, was the fact that al-Qaeda grew stronger and spread in areas that had
once constituted the state of South Yemen.
If al-Qaeda's religious and sectarian extremism requires little explanation,
Houthi extremism was fed by two steps commonly undertaken by movements of this
kind. The first was the adoption of the most radical school of religious
interpretation - in this case, the Jarudiyya, named after Abu al-Jarud al-Kufi,
who, despite his association with Imam Zayd ibn Ali, departed from the latter's
moderate position toward the Rightly Guided Caliphs and refused to recognize the
imamate of Abu Bakr and Umar.
The second was an alignment with Iran that probably began a quarter-century ago.
It was accompanied by the adoption of the name "Ansar Allah," expressions of
sympathy for the doctrine of "velayat-e faqih", and an embrace of the rhetoric
of the Iranian Revolution: hostility toward the US and Israel and the cursing of
Jews. When the Houthis seized Sanaa in 2014, Tehran discovered their strategic
importance and enhanced the quality of the aid it had been providing them. The
Yemeni writer Mohammed Jumeh describes how militiafication, whose power to tempt
the Iranians is beyond doubt, spread at that point:
"The institutions of the state collapsed, foremost among them the army, which
had already been subjected to irregular restructuring and was extensively
hollowed out (...) With the army disintegrating, the Houthis taking control of
its leadership in Sanaa, and no protection against militia violence, every
region or governorate in Yemen formed its own popular resistance. Names emerged
such as the Marib Resistance, the Aden Resistance, the Taiz Resistance, the
Sanaa Resistance, the Dhale Resistance, and the Tihama Resistance. Then came the
National Resistance, the Southern Giants formations, and the various Elite
forces, such as the Shabwani and the Hadrami, as well as the Security Belts.
Regionally based armed formations emerged out of necessity, as a consequence of
the army's collapse and the Houthis' seizure of its leadership and weapons."
Naturally, extended kinship networks remained the nucleus of a movement that
ascribes a kind of sanctity to its leader, describing him as the "Banner of
Guidance" and the "Companion of the Quran," and claiming that his command of
religion and religious knowledge surpasses even that of the Prophet himself.
And yet these same people, having torn Yemen apart, are now "burning with
longing to fight Israel in Lebanon," as a Hezbollah MP happily reassured us.
Middle East Stability Lies in Resolving the Palestinian
Issue
Yousef Al-Dayni/Asharq Al Awsat/September 29/2026
On every occasion in which the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia participates and at every
international forum, it seeks to remind the international community of its
responsibilities toward what is happening in Palestine. Anyone who reviews its
statements and observes the evolution of its language, from diplomacy to
pressure and demands for practical steps to halt violations in Gaza and the West
Bank, protect holy sites, support Palestinian resilience, reject hate speech,
racism, and settler terrorism, will recognize the magnitude of the situation and
its implications from the Kingdom’s perspective. Since the first meeting between
the founding King Abdulaziz (may God rest his soul) and Roosevelt, Saudi Arabia
has consistently insisted on defending Palestinian rights. A massive fireball is
slowly forming in the region. Those who fail to look beyond the succession of
events, the rapid pace of crises, and their details may not grasp its danger.
What is alarming is that it could eventually explode, becoming difficult to
contain and placing the international community before a major test of whether
it is still capable of upholding the very rules it established, amid the
region’s growing security disorder.
My generation lived through and closely followed the Israeli-Palestinian
conflict for many years. Younger Arab and Muslim generations now follow it even
more closely due to the constant flow of content through digital platforms.
Every phase of the conflict had its own vocabulary: occupation, uprising,
negotiations, settlement, peace process, and the two-state solution. Today,
however, we are entering a different phase, one in which people are not merely
debating the shape of a settlement, but questioning the very value of a
settlement itself. Questions are increasingly being asked about the role of
international institutions, why they have become ineffective, and why confidence
in them has eroded. What is happening in the West Bank offers a revealing and
deeply troubling example. Israeli settler violence can no longer be described as
a series of isolated incidents that fall under the label of “security tensions.”
It has evolved from reactive behavior into an organized, preemptive campaign
linked to a catastrophic idea: severing Palestinians’ connection to their land
and driving them from it.
By mid-September of this year, the United Nations had documented more than 1,600
settler attacks resulting in Palestinian injuries, property damage, or both,
averaging 6.7 incidents per day. The number of affected Palestinian communities
has also expanded significantly.
What can be described as “political nihilism” is growing today, and in my view
it is more dangerous than traditional extremism. An extremist may embrace a
radical idea that can be challenged and disproven, but a nihilist begins with
the belief that the international system and the world itself have become
meaningless, that no law offers protection and no institution is capable of
stopping Israeli arrogance. Negotiations and the solutions proposed each time
are seen merely as a prolonged management of tragedy. This poses a threat not
only to Israel but to a world seeking peace, because many nihilists eventually
become a frustrated bloc searching for alternatives outside institutions, the
state, and the rule of law. I do not believe that the frustration over what is
happening in Palestine, in full view of the world, is confined to Arabs and
Muslims. There are, in my view, more profound and rapidly growing shifts taking
place within the Western world itself, particularly among younger generations,
and opinion polls confirm this. For example, a survey conducted in May 2026 by
the highly respected Pew Research Center found that 58 percent of Americans
under the age of 30 view Palestinian rights very positively, while favorable
views of the actions of Israel’s far-right government did not exceed 18 percent.
These trends reflect the emergence of new generations increasingly affected by
the daily reality of the Palestinian tragedy and by the powerful impact of
real-time images showing destroyed homes, wounded civilians, settler assaults
and intimidation, and the seizure of Palestinian land and crops under the watch,
and often with the support, of occupation soldiers.
The paradox is that these societal shifts within the United States have not been
matched by corresponding changes in official policy. Sanctions imposed in
January 2025 on individuals and groups linked to settler violence in the West
Bank were later lifted.
In September 2026, a broader American dispute with the International Criminal
Court emerged, including discussions of extensive sanctions over several issues,
among them investigations related to Israeli conduct, even as European positions
underwent substantial change. While the European stance represents a significant
development, it has not altered the harsh political reality on the ground. Since
the birth of the Palestinian cause, an opportunistic discourse has accompanied
it, exploiting Palestine without serving it. The repercussions of what is
happening in the West Bank and Gaza are likely to intensify security challenges
across the region, particularly as states and militias continue to invest in the
Palestinian issue, as they have for decades, in order to build influence,
justify weapons outside state institutions, and legitimize intervention in Arab
countries.
Yet none of these slogans has liberated a single inch of Palestinian land,
because their true aim is to turn the Palestinian tragedy into a permanent
source of political capital. This is where the importance of the role led by
Saudi Arabia and the region’s moderate states becomes evident. Continued
political and diplomatic pressure, however slow it may appear, is beginning to
influence European positions and return the Palestinian issue to the center of
international debate. In a turbulent world where trust in institutions is
declining, this path remains the most rational course: preserving faith in
politics itself and preventing nihilism from becoming the alternative.
Lebanon... Israeli Occupation May Expand
Hanna Saleh//Asharq Al Awsat/September 29/2026
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam stressed to Iranian President Masoud
Pezeshkian that the Lebanese people, “after paying the highest price in terms of
their stability and security, have chosen the state,” which has linked the twin
priorities of “Israeli withdrawal and the removal of illegal weapons.”
He emphasized that “Lebanon does not want to be an arena for others’ conflicts”
and that it looks forward to “a new chapter with Iran, a healthy state-to-state
relationship based on mutual respect for sovereignty and independence.”
Pezeshkian’s response was striking. He focused on “the importance of resistance
in the region, not only in Lebanon,” effectively treating Lebanon as a sphere of
influence rather than a sovereign state. In doing so, he appeared to reaffirm
the continuity of the so-called “Axis of Resistance” through the longstanding
“memorandum of understanding,” while overlooking the fact that developments from
the Strait of Hormuz to Bab al-Mandab have rendered previous realities obsolete,
and that Lebanon now negotiates on its own behalf, with no connection between
the Lebanese issue and Iran’s expansionist project. If this reflects the
position of what is described as the moderate camp in Tehran, one must ask what
the views are within the Revolutionary Guard, the Supreme Leader’s office, and
Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters. It is worth recalling that during the
presidencies of Mohammad Khatami and Hassan Rouhani, Qasem Soleimani exported
Khomeini’s revolution across the region through the Quds Force and its proxies.
He spearheaded plans that expanded Iranian influence across Arab states, leading
to boasts of control over four Arab capitals through auxiliary armies and
military, financial, and social infrastructures tied directly to the Iranian
regime. As columnist Hazem Saghieh described it, that revolution and the system
it produced set a record in the destruction of countries and the loss of human
lives, including those of Iranians, making it one of the region’s greatest
catastrophes. Accordingly, no priority ranks higher for the Iranian regime than
protecting its Lebanese front, its weapons, and its influence, particularly
after its dramatic collapse in Syria, its effective exit from Gaza, and amid the
uncertain state of its influence in Iraq. This priority views Lebanon only as a
component of Iran’s regional project, even if it results in thousands more
casualties, further devastation, scorched earth, forced displacement, and
suffering across the country. Most alarming is the scale of the tragedy in
southern Lebanon, where the entire community of Jabal Amel faces an absence of
any foreseeable path toward a sustainable solution.
Iran’s approach to Lebanon mirrors its approach to the broader region and the
wider world. It culminates in a dangerous intimidation around the Straits of
Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab, potentially allowing Tehran to exert influence over
the global economy.
Iran is gambling that such leverage will ultimately force the United States into
a deal that would cement a strategic victory for Tehran and unleash its project
across the Arab world.This is the role assigned to the Houthi mobs in Yemen and
Iranian-backed militias in Iraq. The nuclear program, ballistic missile
capabilities, drones, and regional proxies are interconnected components
primarily aimed at Iran’s neighbors, driven by an illusion of comprehensive
domination and exclusive control of wealth. The current deadlock in
negotiations, punctuated by periodic propaganda campaigns, is being undermined
by escalating attacks on global maritime chokepoints. This creates the
conditions for a broader conflict that may gather momentum after November 3,
regardless of the outcome of US congressional midterm elections. The danger lies
in Iranian policies that have closed off avenues for sustainable solutions and
accelerated a return to an unfinished war. In that scenario, there is little
reason to expect a quick end to the expanding conflict. It could reopen the door
to renewed Israeli escalation in Lebanon, particularly in light of Hezbollah’s
insistence, on behalf of its patrons in Tehran, on retaining its weapons and
maintaining the “resistance.”This course has brought disaster in the form of
human losses, territorial damage, displacement, and harm to both the population
and the environment.
Setting aside Hezbollah’s practice of branding opponents as traitors, Israel may
increase both its military aggression and territorial reach in Lebanon. Reports
circulating in Israel suggest the existence of plans to connect the so-called
“yellow zone” to Beaufort Castle north of the Litani River and to prevent a
normal return to the Nabatieh area. The threats facing Lebanon are immediate and
growing. Southern Lebanon has already witnessed ethnic cleansing that could
expand further. Since the outbreak of the Gaza support war, Israel has become
unwilling to tolerate a Hezbollah-supporting bloc along its border.
So beware of any reversal that would affect the essence of the trilateral
“framework agreement,” because such a move could alarm the Americans and further
weaken Lebanon’s position. nThe “framework agreement” remains the key document
underpinning Israel’s acceptance of redeploying its forces outside Lebanese
territory, thereby eliminating the rationale for any so-called “yellow” or
“gray” zone. Israeli withdrawal, even if gradual, was based on a fundamental
equation: land in exchange for weapons, a principle Prime Minister Salam
emphasized to the Iranian president.
The task now is implementation, step by step and wherever possible, beginning
perhaps with Shiite villages free of Israeli occupation whose residents are
calling for an end to weapons and unauthorized armed activity.
Saudi Arabia to Build an Integrated Energy Resources System
Walid Khadouri/Asharq Al Awsat/September 29/2026
The remarks by Saudi Energy Minister and Minister of Industry and Mineral
Resources Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman at the General Conference of the
International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna reveal an approach that goes beyond
introducing nuclear energy into the electricity mix to building a broader system
in which energy resources, mineral wealth, and industry are integrated. The
Kingdom's approach is based on investing in its diverse resources, from oil,
gas, and solar energy to uranium and minerals, and gradually transforming them
into industries and value-added products.
This approach comes at a time when global demand for energy is increasing,
economies are competing to secure sources of supply, and countries are
developing related domestic capabilities. In Saudi Arabia's case, energy
security intersects with a broader objective of diversifying the economy and
expanding the industrial base in line with the goals of Vision 2030. What stands
out in Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman's approach is that nuclear energy does not
appear as a project separate from the rest of the energy sector, but rather as
part of a mix that includes multiple sources. This means that diversifying
energy sources is not only about providing electricity, but also about
strengthening security of supply and supporting economic and industrial
activity. In this context, uranium exploration takes on significance that goes
beyond providing a potential fuel source for nuclear projects, as it forms part
of a broader effort to develop the mining sector and build a value chain that
begins with exploration and mining and extends to processing, manufacturing, and
the production of higher-value-added products. The Energy Minister emphasized
that developing the nuclear sector is interconnected with the energy and mining
sectors, stressing the importance of integrating them to build a local value
chain that makes use of the Kingdom's natural resources and supports the
development of new industries. Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman stressed the
importance of transforming natural resources into an industrial base that
supports the economy, pointing to the Kingdom's mineral resources and diverse
energy sources, including oil, gas, and solar energy. He said the goal is not
limited to extracting uranium or minerals, but extends to developing value-added
industries whose products can be exported to global markets.
He explained that the Kingdom is working on a national uranium exploration
program, emphasizing that diversifying energy sources has become necessary to
support national economic growth and security of supply. He said nuclear energy
has become an essential part of the Kingdom's energy mix, while national
capabilities in this field continue to be developed in cooperation with global
companies. This vision reflects an approach to integrating nuclear energy into a
broader system that includes the Kingdom's hydrocarbon resources, solar energy,
and mineral wealth, so that the role of natural resources is not limited to
producing energy and raw materials, but extends to building local industries and
value chains. The Energy Minister noted that this system begins with the
exploration of resources, whether oil, gas, minerals, or uranium, and extends
through mining, manufacturing, and the development of energy projects,
ultimately reaching the production of value-added products and their export,
thereby strengthening security of supply and supporting economic
diversification. The significance of this approach, therefore, lies not only in
adding nuclear energy to Saudi Arabia's energy mix, but also in connecting it to
a broader system of natural resources, mining, and industry. Uranium
exploration, nuclear energy development, and the utilization of mineral wealth
can form interconnected links in building local value chains when accompanied by
the development of the necessary industrial and technological capabilities.
The focus, therefore, is not limited to energy production, but on maximizing the
economic value of natural resources before they are exported, transforming part
of them into an industrial base and value-added products, in support of the goal
of diversifying the Saudi economy and strengthening the security of its
supplies.
Perishing for an Illusion
Mishary Dhayidi/Asharq Al Awsat/September 29/2026
Why do states and groups fight? Is the "only" reason competition and conflict
over material interests and resources? These interests take the form of land,
oil and gas wealth, minerals, and agriculture, or, in the past, water and
grazing lands, or seas, straits, and passages.
That is certainly one reason, but is it the only one? Speaking of water, seas,
and straits, the Iranian Supreme Leader in hiding, Mojtaba Ali Khamenei,
recently boasted, as he claimed, about his regime and its Guards' control over
the Strait of Hormuz and the Arabian Sea.
Leaving Mojtaba's boasts aside, I paused at these passages because of their
relevance to today's discussion. The statement was issued on the anniversary of
the outbreak of the Iran-Iraq War. In it, Mojtaba, who has remained out of
public view, said verbatim that "there are those today who consider us the
fourth great power in the world." He then qualified this by saying that Iran is
"the first power in the world" according to "divine calculations." That was not
all. Khamenei also boasted about the nighttime gatherings sponsored by the state
to mobilize his supporters in major squares in Tehran and other Iranian cities.
He said that more than 30 million Iranians had declared their readiness to
"sacrifice themselves."He predicted that "the coming days will be far more
glorious than these days." Whether Khamenei's claims are true or whether he
intended to mislead is not the point. But imagine how he must relish saying that
more than 30 million Iranians will die for the regime. Has life become this
cheap to him? Is he really, as is rumored, one of those ideologues who believe
that the end of time is near? Does he see the world the way everyone else does?
The man did not settle for ranking himself as the fourth great power in the
world, meaning after the United States, Russia, and China. That was not enough.
By God's reckoning, he is the greatest power in the entire world. That is why it
is necessary to understand and look deeply into the mindset of Iran's ruling
regime. The Supreme Leader is the heart of the system, the center of its nervous
system, and the force that drives it. Understanding this mechanism, how it
operates, how it thinks, and how it sees the world is a necessary condition for
formulating policies appropriate to it. It may be said that the man makes such
flights of fancy as a form of psychological warfare and to boost morale. But
anyone who delves deeply into the literature of the Khomeinist-Mojtabist
current, named after Mojtaba, will recognize that we are dealing with an
established system of ideas of this apocalyptic and epic nature.
Yes, they create their own world, even though Mojtaba Khamenei has not appeared
publicly since the killing of his father at the beginning of the US strikes in
late February, and no verified audio or video recording of him has been released
since he was chosen as Supreme Leader on March 8.
Even Masoud Pezeshkian, the president, said earlier that communication with
Khamenei is "very difficult at the moment," and that only a limited circle of
senior officials meet with him directly. Even amid these images of defeat, fear,
and anxiety, and even as deprivation and the collapse of services and the
economy worsen, there are still particular lenses through which the regime and
its Supreme Leader view the world. In conclusion, returning to the opening
question: Do states and groups fight only for direct material reasons? The
answer is no. Perhaps people fight, and even collectively perish, for abstract
ideas. These are the most dangerous kinds of wars.
The United Nations: What is the Value of a Right Without Protection?
Mamoun Fandy/Asharq Al Awsat/September 29/2026
It was a turbulent week in New York as the United Nations General Assembly
opened its sessions, filled with speeches, some inspiring and others mired in
bureaucracy or idealism. Yet one thing was clear: we are facing an international
institution that has succeeded in becoming a platform for rhetoric but has
failed to translate its rhetoric into protection. Before placing all the blame
on the UN and its agencies, however, we must recognize that the organization's
strength and the effectiveness of its resolutions depend on the willingness of
member states, especially the major powers on the Security Council, to uphold
international decisions and preserve their legitimacy by adhering to
international law. Speeches alone are not enough. This contradiction raises five
strategic issues: the erosion of legitimacy, the shift of decision-making
outside the institution, the use of funding as a tool of subjugation, the
fragmentation of the organization's interconnected functions, and the need to
reform power balances and representation within it. What does it mean for the
United Nations to support Palestine's right to exist as a state, or to endorse a
two-state solution, while remaining unable to protect Palestinians from
annihilation? How does its platform become a place where Benjamin Netanyahu can
accuse his critics of moral cowardice after numerous delegations walked out in
protest during his speech? What value is there in recognizing a people's rights
if their very survival remains dependent on the will of those who possess
military power, while the organization is left with little more than
condemnations and appeals to stop the killing? These questions expose the core
crisis of the international system: the gap between declaring rights and being
able to protect them. The United Nations is not a world government with an
independent army and an authority above states. Rather, it is a political and
legal arrangement whose members have pledged to share responsibilities. When
powerful states obstruct those responsibilities and then blame the institution
for its paralysis, they are ultimately judging the consequences of their own
policies while absolving themselves of responsibility.
The first issue is legitimacy. The practical value of international decisions
derives from respect for them and from the costs imposed on those who violate
them. When unenforced resolutions accumulate, the powerful learn that they can
ignore them, while the weak learn that acknowledgment of their suffering offers
no guarantee of ending it.
At that point, the value of law varies according to who invokes it and who their
allies are. Restoring legitimacy requires mechanisms for follow-up,
implementation timetables, and diplomatic and economic measures that make
violations costly rather than rewarding perpetrators with more time.
In Palestine, protecting the right to self-determination means protecting
people, land, and the institutions that make statehood possible. Recognition
that coincides with the destruction of the conditions necessary for a state's
existence risks becoming little more than linguistic compensation for a
political loss.
The real test is preventing negotiations from being used to alter facts on the
ground until the state recognized in principle exists only in name, with no
viable space in which to live.
The second issue is the migration of decision-making outside the institution.
The question is not how many heads of state attend, but where settlements are
negotiated and who participates in them. When a small number of actors negotiate
the future of a country and then ask the UN to endorse the outcome, broad
membership is reduced to the role of an audience. Limited negotiations may
sometimes be necessary, but their legitimacy depends on the participation of
those directly concerned, compliance with international law, and implementation
guarantees subject to accountability. Otherwise, the United Nations becomes
little more than a registry office for existing power balances.
The third issue is funding as a form of power. Those who can withhold resources
can shape priorities even without amending the UN Charter. When voluntary and
conditional contributions replace stable financing, the influence of donors
expands at the expense of institutional independence.
What is needed is predictable funding, the fulfillment of financial obligations,
and transparency linking expenditures to outcomes. Efficiency matters, but
reducing reform to budget cuts risks destroying the very capacities reform is
supposed to improve.
The fourth issue is the fragmentation of the organization's functions. It is
impossible to fund humanitarian relief while neglecting conflict prevention, to
call for elections without functioning institutions, or to urge refugees to
return without security guarantees. These are interconnected links in the same
chain, and disabling one transfers the burden to the others. More dangerously,
aid can become a permanent mechanism for managing the consequences of violence
while those responsible for producing that violence remain immune from
accountability. Humanitarian action must therefore be connected to a political
process that protects rights, while preserving the independence of relief
efforts so that even bread itself does not become a bargaining chip. The fifth
issue is reforming power and representation. Expanding the Security Council may
address deficits in representation, but it will not overcome paralysis if it
merely reproduces the same privileges. Genuine reform should be measured by
improvements in decision-making capacity, accountability for those who obstruct
action, and fairer representation for marginalized regions.
It should begin by restricting the use of the veto in cases of mass atrocities
and by building coalitions capable of advancing available legal and diplomatic
measures rather than waiting for a comprehensive agreement that may never come.
From an Arab perspective, this requires turning annual participation into
sustained action: coordinating voting positions, financing essential
institutions, mobilizing partners, and linking bilateral relationships to
concrete measures that protect Palestinians.
Numerical majorities become meaningful power only through organization,
persistence, and a willingness to bear costs. It also requires identifying who
is responsible for each commitment, what resources are needed to implement it,
and when outcomes will be reviewed.
The future of the United Nations depends on the willingness of its members to
transform commitments into capabilities. Israel must also understand that such
policies carry political, economic, and legal costs from which it cannot
indefinitely escape. Once those costs become real, the entire landscape may
change.
The catastrophe in Gaza demands a reassessment of the foundations of the
international order. Just as the horrors of the Second World War prompted the
creation of new institutions and rules, what has happened in Gaza should lead to
a system that genuinely protects people and holds perpetrators accountable. This
tragedy must not end with yet another statement of condemnation.
Selling F-35s to Saudi Arabia: A Gift to China?
Con Coughlin/Gatestone Institute/September 29, 2026
https://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/22888/saudi-arabia-f35s-china
Truth Social
The deal [to sell F-35 stealth fighter jets to Saudi Arabia] has already
generated a great deal of controversy, not least because of warnings from
American intelligence that it could result in Beijing using its ties with Riyadh
to acquire the F-35's top-secret stealth technology. [T]he deal "could put the
crown jewels of American military technology within reach of the Chinese
Communist Party." — US Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.), member of the House
Intelligence Committee. A recent warning issued by US intelligence and
cybersecurity agencies highlighted an aggressive campaign by Chinese AI
developers to extract "proprietary functionalities and capabilities" from
American frontier AI models to advance the development of their own models.
"China-based AI companies are engaging in aggressive, malicious, and targeted
distillation activities at an industrial scale," the report stated.
While China is indulging in these practices to win the AI race with the US,
there is no doubt that it will attempt to obtain F-35 technology. The Trump
administration therefore needs to proceed with the utmost caution before signing
off on any deal that could enable highly sensitive technology, whether it
relates to AI or stealth fighter jets, to fall into Chinese hands. US President
Donald Trump's decision to sell state-of-the-art F-35 stealth fighter jets to
Saudi Arabia seriously risks undermining his efforts to secure America's
technological advantage over China, both in national security and the battle for
global AI supremacy. US President Donald Trump's decision to sell
state-of-the-art F-35 stealth fighter jets to Saudi Arabia seriously risks
undermining his efforts to secure America's technological advantage over China,
both in national security and the battle for global AI supremacy.
Trump initially agreed to sell the Saudis 48 F-35s in a deal worth an estimated
$24.3 billion when he hosted Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House
in November 2025. The administration has now approved the sale, giving the
go-ahead for a deal that will provide Riyadh, which enjoys close diplomatic and
trade ties with China, access to some of the American military's most advanced
technology. The deal has already generated a great deal of controversy, not
least because of warnings from American intelligence that it could result in
Beijing using its ties with Riyadh to acquire the F-35's top-secret stealth
technology. US intelligence officials have already flagged their concerns about
possible Chinese espionage through the security partnership between Beijing and
Saudi Arabia. The Pentagon's Defense Intelligence Agency recently issued a
report claiming that Chinese military access to Saudi bases, and the Saudi use
of Chinese technology, could compromise the F-35 technology. The proposed deal
has also prompted fierce criticism from Israel, the only Middle East country
that currently operates F-35s. Israel fears the deal would effectively give the
Saudis parity with their own air force, which operates a fleet of F-35 fighters
that have recently seen action in Iran, Lebanon, Syria and Yemen.
Providing Saudi Arabia with the warplanes risks undermining the Trump
administration's commitment to help Israel maintain a "qualitative military
edge" over other countries in the region, a commitment the US State Department
stressed would not be affected by the sale.
"The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the military
balance in the region," the State Department alleged in a notice announcing the
decision. The controversy over the sale to Saudi Arabia is likely to continue,
as it will require the approval of the US Congress, which has already raised
concerns about the likely security implications of the deal. As US Rep. Raja
Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.), who sits on the House Intelligence Committee, recently
commented, the deal "could put the crown jewels of American military technology
within reach of the Chinese Communist Party."
Congressional concerns over the deal, moreover, have deepened following reports
that sensitive F-35 technology may have already fallen into Chinese hands after
a shipment of weapon components was unexpectedly diverted to Hong Kong in the
summer.
The shipment, which was being sent from the US to Australia, included one of the
F-35's canopies, which covers the cockpit and contains stealth technology that
only the US and its allies have access to. This has prompted concerns that the
parts could be analysed by Chinese scientists and used to improve Beijing's own
military technology. The Pentagon has issued a statement saying it was "aware of
the shipment issue", while politicians on Capitol Hill are undertaking their own
inquiry. The Trump administration's attempt to sell-F-35s to Saudi Arabia is not
the first time it has faced stiff Congressional scrutiny about signing lucrative
deals to provide the world's most sophisticated fighter to countries with
questionable alliances. The United Arab Emirates officially paused a proposed
$23 billion F-35 purchase agreement in 2021, after the Biden administration
expressed concerns over Abu Dhabi's relationship with Beijing and its use of
Huawei 5G technology. More recently, Congress has raised concerns about the
Trump administration's recent willingness to allow Turkey to rejoin the F-35
programme, years after it was suspended due to the country's purchase of the
Russian S-400 air defence system.
The pressure on the Trump administration to cancel the F-35 sale to the Saudis
is likely to intensify. It comes against the backdrop of the deepening rivalry
between the US and China over who wins the AI race, with Beijing being accused
of waging a dirty tricks campaign to gain an advantage over US technology firms.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent recently warned that China had been
"kicking" the US on rare earth minerals and AI intellectual property theft as
part of its long-running campaign to achieve technological supremacy over the
US. "And you know, if we have to," he said, "we'll kick back."
A recent warning issued by US intelligence and cybersecurity agencies
highlighted an aggressive campaign by Chinese AI developers to extract
"proprietary functionalities and capabilities" from American frontier AI models
to advance the development of their own models. "China-based AI companies are
engaging in aggressive, malicious, and targeted distillation activities at an
industrial scale," the report stated. While China is indulging in these
practices to win the AI race with the US, there is no doubt that it will attempt
to obtain F-35 technology. The Trump administration therefore needs to proceed
with the utmost caution before signing off on any deal that could enable highly
sensitive technology, whether it relates to AI or stealth fighter jets, to fall
into Chinese hands.
**Con Coughlin is the Telegraph's Defence and Foreign Affairs Editor and a
Distinguished Senior Fellow at Gatestone Institute.
© 2026 Gatestone Institute. All rights reserved. The articles printed here do
not necessarily reflect the views of the Editors or of Gatestone Institute.
The Dimensions of Iranian Arrogance in Closing the
Straits of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab
Kamel Al-Harmi/Al-Rai/September 29, 2026
Why does Iran insist on repeatedly threatening to close the Strait of Hormuz in
the Arabian Gulf and stop the flow of oil to world markets? It is a country that
does not export its oil and can hardly import anything to its ports except with
the approval of the U.S. Navy. And why does it seek, directly or through its
allied groups, to threaten navigation in Bab al-Mandab and the Red Sea, at a
time when it knows that any major disruption in these two passages will not
remain confined to the region, but its impact will extend to the entire global
economy?
The threat to close the Strait of Hormuz or disrupt Bab al-Mandab cannot be
considered merely a passing political message. These two passages are among the
most important maritime arteries for the movement of energy and international
trade, and any serious threat to navigation in them can raise the costs of
transport, insurance and energy, and directly affect oil, fuel and global market
prices.
The paradox is clear when maritime passages are used as a tool of pressure,
while Iran itself faces major restrictions on its oil exports and the movement
of its ports. In contrast, Arab oil-producing countries continue to export crude
and petroleum products to world markets, which confirms that the security of the
Gulf and its maritime passages is not related to a single state, but to a broad
international system of producers, consumers, and transport and energy
companies.
Furthermore, any targeting of oil facilities, ports, or oil tankers would add
more risks to the energy market, at a time when the global economy depends on
the stability of supplies and the regularity of trade movement. And it knows
that the world will not remain silent if more than 10 million from the Gulf and
about 5 million barrels through Bab al-Mandab are stopped. A rise in the price
of oil is not reflected in the barrel alone, but quickly moves to the prices of
gasoline, diesel, heating fuel and transportation, then to the costs of goods
and services in various countries.[barrels]
The situation becomes more sensitive during the winter season, when demand for
energy and heating rises, and with Iranian intransigence the price of a barrel
could reach more than $100, while markets may at the same time face disruptions
in production or refining in other regions of the world. In such circumstances,
any major and sudden disruption of supplies can exacerbate pressure on prices
and increase the cost of energy for consumers.
No single country can alone control the global oil market or impose a new
reality on the entire world by closing a maritime passage. Energy markets are
based on a complex network of production, refining, transportation, storage and
trade, and are linked to economic, security and strategic interests of major
producer and consumer countries alike.
The Strait of Hormuz represents one of the most important routes for
transporting energy from the Gulf region to Asian, European and other markets,
while Bab al-Mandab constitutes a strategic link in navigation between the Red
Sea and the Indian Ocean and the Suez Canal and global markets. Therefore,
threatening either of them means a direct threat to an important part of the
movement of international trade.
The world needs the continued flow of Arabian Gulf oil, whether in the form of
crude or refined products, just as the countries of the region themselves need
stability in trade and navigation routes. Experience has proven that energy
security cannot be based on a policy of threat, but rather on the stability of
maritime passages, respect for freedom of navigation, and cooperation between
states.
For this reason, the Arabian Gulf must remain safe and open to global trade, and
the movement of tankers and ships through the Straits of Hormuz and Bab
al-Mandab must remain away from escalation, because the security of these
passages is not merely a regional matter, but a global economic interest. Let
the Arabian Gulf remain open and safe for trade and energy, and let its maritime
passages continue to be bridges for exchange between East and West, not arenas
for threat and confrontation.
The journalist and advisor on international affairs to the
Israeli Prime Minister in 2025, Caroline Glick, has accused Great Britain,
France, and Canada of hypocrisy.
X platform/September 29/2026
The Israeli-American journalist and commentator Caroline Glick has published a
speech addressed to the governments of the United Kingdom, France, and Canada.
Here is her statement in full:
“You sanctimonious and cowardly hypocrites.
How dare you threaten the only Jewish state on earth — after everything your
nations did to us!
You dare speak of “humanitarian values” while standing atop mounds of Jewish
bones that your ancestors buried beneath cobblestones, cathedrals, and the
charters of “civilized” nations?!
Great Britain.
Oh, Great Britain.
The empire that carved up the Middle East with a pencil and a gin and tonic.
You issued the Balfour Declaration, then slammed the door on Jewish refugees
fleeing the Nazis.
You handed over chunks of Jewish land to Arab monarchs and let Jews die in the
Holocaust rather than let them enter your precious Mandate.
You interned Holocaust survivors in Cyprus as if they were criminals.
And now you wag your colonial finger at Jews for building homes on our ancestral
hills?
Stuff your royal hypocrisy back into Buckingham Palace and tend to your own
crumbling society — where knife crimes, antisemitism, and Islamic extremism are
more common than fish and chips.
France.
Liberty, equality, fraternity — unless you’re Jewish.
You deported more than 75,000 Jews to their deaths during the Holocaust with the
full cooperation of the Vichy regime. You let them be crammed into cattle cars
from the Vél d’Hiv while Parisians looked on.
And after the war?
No justice.
No reckoning.
Just decades of indifference and empty words.
Today, Jews are stabbed in the streets of France, synagogues are under military
guard, and you still have the gall to lecture us on morality?
You couldn’t protect your own republic from a van full of jihadists, but now you
want to dictate to Israel how it must defend itself against genocidal
terrorists?
You’re morally bankrupt and culturally collapsing.
Canada.
Oh Canada — America’s cold, smug, spineless cousin.
Your “moral high ground” is a snow-covered hill of lies.
You locked the door on Jewish refugees during the Holocaust.
The St. Louis ship begged for your mercy.
You sent them back — to death.
“None is too many,” your officials said.
That’s your legacy.
Today, your politicians pose for photos in mosques that glorify martyrs while
condemning Israel for fighting murderers.
You’ve turned your universities into Hamas fan clubs and your parliament into a
virtue circus.
You abandoned Jews when we were stateless, and now you want to punish us for
defending our state?!
Here is our response.
We are not the stateless Jews of 1942.
We are the sovereign people of Israel — armed, aware, and unapologetic.
Your sanctions are a joke.
Your threats mean nothing.
Your moral lectures are garbage.
We don’t need your permission to live.
We don’t need your approval to fight.
We’re not going anywhere.”
Selected Face Book & X tweets
on September 29/2026
Tom Harb
Syria needs results, not more diplomatic tours and appeals for
concessions.
Europe should tie any further sanctions relief to verifiable reform: inclusive
governance, modern education, protection of rights, and decisive action against
extremism.
Security cannot be traded for promises.
Hiba Nasr
The list of attendees at Prime Minister Nawaf Salam’s dinner tonight at the
Lebanese Embassy:
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz
Deputy National Security Advisor Mike Needham
Deputy National Security Advisor to the Vice President Joseph Cutler
Deputy Secretary of Energy James Danly
Deputy Secretary of Commerce Paul Dabbar
State Department Counselor Dan Holler
Under Secretary of State Hooker
Assistant Secretaries of State Donald Blome and Mora Namdar
Assistant Secretaries of the Treasury Burke and Greenstein
Assistant Secretary of Commerce Fogel
White House National Cyber Director Craincross
Chairman of the White House Council of Economic Advisers Phelan
Assistant to the President Sebastian Gorka
DFC Head of Investments Coleman
Congressman Darrell Issa
U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa
Saudi Special Envoy to Lebanon Prince Yazid bin Farhan
U.A.E. Ambassador to the US Yousef Al Otaiba
Also Ambassadors to the US from Qatar, Jordan, Egypt, Oman, Kuwait, Iraq, and
Syria
World Bank Executive Director and IMF Director for the Middle East and North
Africa
Israeli envoy on son wounded in terror attack: ‘We need a miracle’
Israeli Ambassador to the United States Yechiel Leiter on Thursday asked for
prayers for his son, Neriyah, who remains in life-threatening condition after
being seriously wounded in a Palestinian car-ramming attack. “It’s a difficult
time for my family and me. A Palestinian terrorist rammed his car into my son,
on reserve duty, while driving at full speed,” Leiter wrote on X.
Speaking at Jerusalem’s Shaare Zedek Medical Center, where his son is being
treated, Leiter said that “hundreds of thousands of people around the world are
praying for our dear Neriyah,” a 39-year-old economist and father of four. “We
feel those prayers, and we are deeply grateful for every one of them,” he said.
“But his life is still in danger.”“Please keep praying for him. We need a
miracle,” the ambassador added.
Jerusalem News Syndicate
“Please keep praying for him. We need a miracle,” Neriyah Leiter, son of
Israel's US envoy Yechiel Leiter, remains hospitalized at Jerusalem’s Shaare
Zedek Medical Center following a Palestinian car-ramming attack.
https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0yHvKZ0
Nadim Koteich
earlier today about about Sheikh Mansour’s visit to Riyadh
“There is a realisation that the Saudi-Emirati rift has to be sorted out,” said
Nadim Koteich, an Abu Dhabi-based media executive and policy adviser. “If the
pre-existing context is that both countries are on a collision course, other
states in the region will pick sides and it will complicate every single crisis,
from Yemen to Sudan to Syria, Iran and Lebanon.”Koteich said Yemen was “too
strategic to be left alone to fall apart again”, but added that the Emiratis
would not “rush back in”.
“A clear agenda is needed . . . but this is a great step in the right
direction,” he said.
https://ft.com/content/87bfd2b4-aab6-4dcb-9c77-3d2606185578 via
Lynn Traboulsi
Why does the murder of Syrian children after abduction, rape, torture or
burning, draw almost no international outrage? When a child’s death cannot be
turned into a political instrument, the world looks away…. This hypocrite world
where condemnation is strictly political but never humanitarian.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent
Today, I met with Lebanese Prime Minister @nawafsalam and Finance Minister @JaberYassine
to discuss the need for decisive action to disrupt Iranian and Hizballah
financial networks, and the importance of key financial sector reforms to
restore confidence in Lebanon’s banking
Ahmed Khalifa
The UAE received Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. Not a leak. An official
visit. We don’t Sneak around. Our relationship with Israel is public
& we’re not asking anyone’s permission
Hussain Abdul-Hussain
The Saudis now understand the gravity of the situation in Yemen, the animosity
of Iran, and the uselessness of Pakistan (and America/Europe). Turkey and Qatar
are with Iran.
Saudis are left with the UAE and Israel, and Riyadh is moving in this direction.
If so, smart move.
Hussain Abdul-Hussain
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKOgIUoVRwg
Now here’s a Lebanese Shia who should be welcome to visit Washington, all the
time, every time. @AliKhalife5 tells state-run Lebanese TV that peace with
Israel is a prerequisite for everything, including national Lebanese security
and economic development, bashing the crap out of the state — including
President Aoun and PM Salam — for dragging their feet on all issues. The only
point where I disagree with Ali is that Lebanon must maintain ties with Iran if
Tehran stops intervening in Lebanese affairs, regardless if Iran becomes
democratic or not. That can’t be a condition for bilateral relations. Lebanon
must be neutral and maintain good ties with all states.
Hussain Abdul-Hussain
Lebanese President Aoun says Lebanon complies with the Trilateral Framework
Agreement with Israel and that America should make Israel uphold its part. I
have never seen such a thing in global affairs, policy, or politics. Hezbollah
remains armed to the teeth, yet Aoun pretends Lebanon has done its part. As
someone from Lebanon, I am embarrassed by this behavior. If I were Israeli, I
would want to scream (or pound more Hezbollah targets).
Caroline Glick
Sinwar was so careful to hide his plans for Oct. 7 that he didn’t tell his
partners Hezbollah or Iran. All of these absurd accusations ask us to ignore
Hamas’ secrecy and believe Sinwar shared his plans with non-allied regimes so
that they’d tell Netanyahu.
Pure horses**t.
nancy nisrine Lakkis
Some might take it as a joke, but it's a very dangerous indicator! The Lebanese
person is now inventing means of transportation due to the high cost of living.
We are in a real catastrophe, and let the entire world see to what extent the
condition of the Lebanese people has reached.
And Hezbollah still wants to support Palestine, Yemen, Iraq, Saturn, Uranus, and
Neptune! 🇱🇧 #Lebanon #LivingCatastrophe
Mel Gibson
Commentary account
https://x.com/Mel_Gibson04/status/2104363180092751884/video/1
IRAN JUST GOT THE WORST NEWS OF THEIR LIVES
Marco Rubio just EXPOSED it: The Iranian regime is sitting there PRAYING
Democrats win the midterms… thinking that will handcuff President Trump and give
them two years of breathing room.
THEY. ARE. DEAD. WRONG.
Rubio: “The Iranians are under this illusion that Democrats are going to win in
November and the president will no longer be able to do things against them. I
just don’t think they understand our system very well!”
When it comes to NATIONAL SECURITY…
When it comes to SANCTIONS…
When it comes to MILITARY FORCE…
THE PRESIDENT HAS EXTRAORDINARY POWERS. EVERY. SINGLE. PRESIDENT.
Iran is BANKING on a midterm miracle so Trump retreats on “NO NUCLEAR WEAPON FOR
IRAN.”
THAT’S NOT HOW AMERICA WORKS. 🇺🇸
Four years. Full mandate. No midterm off-switch.
President Trump already made it crystal clear:
Midterms don’t matter.
The blockade STAYS.
The crippling sanctions STAY.
Military action is ALWAYS on the table.
Tehran thought they could wait us out.
They just found out the Commander-in-Chief doesn’t blink.
Alberto Miguel Fernandez
Khalil left behind "one of Lebanon’s most unusual environmental
legacies — a narrow strip of Mediterranean beach where generations of volunteers
learned to protect endangered sea turtles in a country where war, pollution,
coastal development, and political neglect have repeatedly competed with
conservation."
Quote
SyriacPress
Three months after Syriac Maronite environmentalist Mona Khalil was killed by an
Israeli airstrike, her fight for Lebanon’s turtles lives on#Lebanon #SouthernLebanon
#Mansouri #Israel #MonaKhalil #SeaTurtles #TurtleConservation #OrangeHouse #MarineConservation
James J. Marlow
Foreign media including Axios and the Wall Street Journal in the U.S. are trying
very hard to influence the outcome of the Israeli general election, with non
stop allegations against Binyamin Netanyahu. To suggest that the Prime Minister
of Israel was told by Egypt, Saudi and the UAE, who have all denied the report
or not bothered to answer the absurd allegation, that Bibi knew of a devastating
attack from Hamas but did nothing about it, is so farcical.
Anyone can see there was a massive breach of security and intelligence in the
run up to October 7 massacres, not to mention the lack of armed soldiers and
tanks close to the Gaza border, but that there was a hidden plot to allow it, is
pretty sick and disgusting.