FinPol Digest

  Israel's military continues its heavy bombardment of southern Beirut, hitting the city's southern suburbs for the second consecutive day. These air strikes have devastated key areas, including the Dahiyeh district, where several buildings were levelled. The ongoing attacks have resulted in significant casualties, including at least eight people killed in the village of Dawhit Aramoun, just south of Beirut. Among the victims were three women and three children, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health. The region is bracing for further violence as Israel's air force intensifies its strikes, while the Lebanese government awaits a ceasefire proposal from international powers, particularly Washington. Casualties Mount as Israel and Hezbollah Exchange Fire The deadly exchange between Israeli forces and Hezbollah has escalated since early October, with both sides ramping up their offensive operations. The Lebanese Ministry of Public Health reports that, since October...

  In recent weeks, Israel's air forces have launched a series of aggressive strikes on Lebanon, marking a dramatic escalation in tensions in the region. This offensive has resulted in the loss of dozens of lives, mainly targeting areas in the southern part of Lebanon and its eastern border. Health authorities have reported that the toll has surpassed 29, many of whom were Syrians residing in the Bekaa valley. Despite the international community's growing demands for a ceasefire, Israel has expanded its bombardments for a fourth consecutive day, demonstrating a staunch commitment to its military objectives. The town of Younine in the Bekaa valley, close to the Syrian border, has been one of the hardest-hit areas in this relentless offensive. Several villages in southern Lebanon, including the well-known city of Tyre, have also been targeted by Israeli air raids. Beirut’s suburbs were not spared either, where at least two individuals lost their lives and 15 more were injured. The...

  In the past week, the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East has been dramatically altered by a series of coordinated attacks between Israel and Hezbollah, the latter being an ally of Hamas in Lebanon. As tensions escalate, the conflict, which began in Gaza, now threatens to spread across the region, pulling in neighboring states and further destabilizing an already volatile area. The roots of Hezbollah's current position lie in its origins during the Lebanese Civil War in the 1980s when Israel occupied southern Lebanon. Initially, Hezbollah was viewed as a resistance movement representing Lebanon’s Shia community. However, following Israel's withdrawal from Lebanon in 2000, Hezbollah retained its weapons, defying a UN resolution that called for its disarmament. Over the years, it has evolved into a powerful political and military entity, heavily supported by Iran, and has played a pivotal role in shaping Lebanon’s domestic and foreign policies. Last week’s unexpected targ...

The long-standing alliance between the United States and Israel faces a rare point of contention as the US government urges Israel to cease attacks on UN peacekeepers stationed in southern Lebanon. For decades, the two countries have enjoyed a strong military and strategic relationship, but this diplomatic request marks a significant moment of divergence. UN peacekeepers, serving as a stabilizing force in Lebanon since the late 1970s, have found themselves caught in the escalating violence between Israel and Hezbollah. Israel’s recent military campaign in southern Lebanon has involved targeting Hezbollah positions, but also resulted in the endangerment of peacekeepers. The UN post in Naqoura, just 50 meters from a perceived threat identified by Israeli forces, was one of the incidents that led to the US appeal. While Israel argues that UNIFIL has not succeeded in stabilizing the region and has asked peacekeepers to relocate, the US has expressed concern about the broader implications o...

 The Lebanese government has swiftly filed a complaint at the United Nations following the abduction of Lebanese civilian Imad Amhaz by Israeli forces. Prime Minister Najib Mikati, citing national security concerns, directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to file an urgent complaint to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). This move highlights the broader international implications of Israel’s operation deep within Lebanon’s borders, marking a significant moment in Lebanese-Israeli relations. Israeli officials claim that the abducted man is a high-ranking operative of Hezbollah, a stance that has not been confirmed by Hezbollah or the Lebanese government. Lebanon, on the other hand, identifies him as a civilian naval officer, with Minister of Public Works Ali Hamieh publicly contesting Israel’s claims. The abduction, carried out in the town of Batroun, has sparked national outrage and raised questions about the potential repercussions on regional stability and international ...

  As Kamala Harris contends for the U.S. presidency, her foreign policy stance in the Middle East could bring sweeping changes. Her approach to Israel contrasts sharply with Donald Trump’s, who favored policies that Israeli leaders openly appreciated, such as recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Harris, by comparison, has taken a humanitarian stance, evident in her calls for a ceasefire in Gaza, signaling a shift from Trump’s hardline tactics. Harris's views have raised concerns among Israelis who feel her administration may pressure Israel on contentious issues. Trump, who unilaterally supported Israel’s annexation of the Golan Heights, was lauded in Israel for recognizing their control. Residents in the Trump Heights settlement view Trump as a stalwart ally, fearing that Harris could adopt a more traditional approach, emphasizing diplomacy and humanitarian concerns. The Palestinian perspective on the election highlights their struggle under U.S. policies. Many Palestinians ...

 The airstrike that resulted in the deaths of three journalists in southern Lebanon underscores the increasingly dangerous landscape for media professionals covering conflicts in the region. On a fateful morning, an Israeli raid specifically targeted a compound housing journalists in Hasbaiyya, leading to the tragic loss of life and raising questions about the safety of those dedicated to reporting the truth. Eyewitness accounts reveal that the bungalow where the journalists were sleeping was a direct target of the airstrike, which contradicts claims of an indiscriminate military campaign. Imran Khan, reporting from the site for Al Jazeera, pointed out the lack of evacuation orders for Hasbaiyya, suggesting that the area was not a legitimate target within the context of ongoing hostilities. The attack has been denounced by various media organizations and governments, with Lebanese Information Minister Ziad Makary labeling it as a “war crime.” He articulated that this was not merely...

  For decades, Hezbollah has positioned itself as a defender of Lebanon, particularly among the Shia community. In Beirut, this influence is palpable. From neighborhoods like Mar Elias, where Shia support is strong, to mixed communities, Hezbollah’s presence is seen as a bulwark against Israeli aggression and foreign domination. Netanyahu’s recent plea to the Lebanese people to turn against Hezbollah was largely ignored or dismissed in these areas. Hezbollah’s stronghold is not just military; it is deeply ingrained in Lebanon’s political, social, and economic landscape. Shia residents like Fany Sharara see Hezbollah as the only entity standing between Lebanon and complete destruction, in contrast to Netanyahu, who they perceive as an external aggressor with no stake in the well-being of the Lebanese people. Hezbollah's fighters, whose rockets signal the group’s ongoing resistance against Israel, are viewed as local heroes. The destruction of homes, as voiced by residents like Fadi ...

 As the U.S. gears up for its next presidential election, President Joe Biden’s strong stance on supporting Israel could have significant political implications, not just for his administration but for Vice President Kamala Harris, who is running to succeed him. Biden’s call to Prime Minister Netanyahu, where he reaffirmed his “ironclad” support for Israel, comes at a delicate moment—both domestically and internationally. The escalation of violence in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran’s ballistic missile attacks on Israeli military sites have forced the Biden administration into a high-stakes diplomatic game. While reaffirming U.S. backing for Israel’s security, Biden has also been cautious, warning against striking Iranian oilfields—a move that could drastically raise global oil prices and have direct consequences on the American economy. Such an economic shock could also impact Harris’s campaign, given how economic stability often plays a decisive role in U.S. elections. This situation put...

  Netanyahu’s warning to Lebanon, referencing the destruction in Gaza, puts a spotlight on the humanitarian costs of war in the region. Gaza’s ongoing bombardment by Israeli forces has devastated its infrastructure and displaced nearly its entire population. The implications for Lebanon, a country still recovering from multiple crises, are dire. The humanitarian toll in Gaza offers a grim preview of what could happen in Lebanon. With over 41,965 people killed in Gaza, according to Palestinian health authorities, Netanyahu’s warning brings into focus the scale of destruction that Lebanon might face if it becomes a full-scale battleground once again. Israel’s military deployment and evacuation orders further raise concerns about the potential for large-scale civilian casualties in Lebanon. Lebanon’s healthcare system, already under strain due to political instability and economic collapse, would likely be overwhelmed by the consequences of an Israeli incursion. The situation in Gaza,...

 The renewed violence between Israel and Hezbollah has had devastating consequences for civilians on both sides of the border. Israel’s intensified bombing of southern Lebanon and Hezbollah’s missile attacks on northern Israel have resulted in significant civilian casualties and widespread displacement. Over one million people in Lebanon have been forced to flee their homes, according to local authorities, as Israeli airstrikes continue to target key infrastructure in the region. In the latest wave of airstrikes, Israel carried out more than 30 strikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs, marking the heaviest bombardment since late September. These attacks have damaged or destroyed essential infrastructure, including petrol stations and medical warehouses, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon. The destruction of these vital facilities has made it even more difficult for displaced civilians to access basic necessities like fuel and medical care. The United Nations has ex...

  The ongoing conflict between Israel and Lebanon has profound implications for regional stability, as emphasized by Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati in his address to the UN Security Council. The escalation of violence and Israel's aggressive military strategy pose significant threats not only to Lebanon but to the broader Middle Eastern landscape. Mikati's assertion that Israel is "spreading terror" highlights the broader geopolitical dynamics at play. The Israeli military's actions are often viewed through the lens of its conflict with Hezbollah, a group that has gained strength in Lebanon with backing from Iran. This nexus of relationships complicates any potential resolution and necessitates a nuanced understanding of regional politics. The historical context of the Israel-Hezbollah conflict, marked by wars and intermittent hostilities, further complicates the current situation. As Israel intensifies its military campaign in response to perceived threats,...

  The recent attacks on Lebanon have sent shockwaves throughout the nation, leaving its citizens grappling with fear, exhaustion, and uncertainty. The tragic incident, which has been linked to Israeli military actions, resulted in the deaths of 42 individuals and left nearly 3,500 injured, according to Lebanon’s Ministry of Health. The devastation began on Tuesday and Wednesday when explosions targeted pagers and walkie-talkies across Beirut and southern Lebanon. These blasts disrupted funerals and daily life, leaving behind physical destruction and deep psychological scars. One funeral in southern Beirut was cut short, an unusual departure from the customary 90-minute ceremonies that honor Hezbollah’s fallen. Women marched directly alongside pallbearers to bury their loved ones, but as the overzealous Hezbollah staff began packing up, the scene dissolved into a somber quiet. Ten minutes later, mourners filtered past ad hoc army checkpoints, unsure of what to expect next. Saeed, a ...

 Lebanon has been thrown into chaos again as a second wave of explosions rocked several parts of the country, adding fuel to the already escalating conflict with Israel. On Wednesday, walkie-talkies exploded across Beirut and other areas, leaving devastation in their wake. This comes just a day after pagers used by Hezbollah members were also targeted, resulting in deadly blasts. The Lebanese Health Ministry confirmed the grim toll from these fresh attacks: 20 people dead and over 450 wounded. Mounting Casualties and Growing Fear These attacks, widely believed to be orchestrated by Israel, have heightened concerns of the conflict spilling over into an all-out war between Hezbollah and Israel. While the strikes appear aimed at Hezbollah targets, civilians have also become collateral damage, further amplifying the anxiety gripping Lebanon. The second wave of attacks targeted not only militants but ordinary people, igniting explosions in homes, cars, grocery stores, and cafes—places w...

  The specter of war hangs heavily over Lebanon, a country already mired in economic crisis and political unrest. For the refugees who have sought shelter within its borders, the potential for conflict adds another layer of fear to their precarious lives. Alaa, a Syrian who escaped to Lebanon in 2014 after a missile destroyed his family’s home in Aleppo, now works as a hairdresser in Beirut. The possibility of another war, this time between Hezbollah and Israel, weighs on his mind. "A war would affect everyone here: Lebanese and Syrian," Alaa told Al Jazeera, reflecting the shared anxiety of refugees who know that in war, no one is safe. Lebanon has become a temporary home for millions of people fleeing violence in their own countries, but it is a fragile sanctuary. The country's economic decline and political instability make life difficult for everyone, but especially for refugees, who often find themselves with fewer resources and options than Lebanese citizens. The lo...

 UN peacekeepers in Lebanon made a quiet request late on Friday after Hezbollah supporters and Israeli border guards got into a fight as Iran and other Arab nations observed Jerusalem Day. The annual commemoration, which supports the Palestinian cause, was held earlier in the day in the refugee camp of Burj al-Barajneh in Lebanon, a bastion of Hezbollah. Later, Hezbollah supporters walked up to the Israeli border fence in south Lebanon and hoisted a flag of the Shiite movement there. Kandice Ardiel, the deputy spokesman for the UN Interim Force in Lebanon, reported that "UNIFIL peacekeepers observed a crowd of 50 to 60 individuals throwing stones and placing a Hezbollah flag in the technical fence." Lebanese troops quickly arrived and collaborated with UNIFIL to defuse the situation, she added, adding that Israeli forces "responded with stun and smoke grenades". We highly ask everyone to refrain from any actions that can be interpreted as provocative and potentiall...

  The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has recently issued a warning that Lebanon is in a very dangerous situation, with reforms stalled and the country's economic crisis worsening. The IMF has been working with the Lebanese government to help them implement a series of economic reforms that are crucial to stabilizing the country's economy. Lebanon has been facing an economic crisis for several years now, with a plummeting currency, high inflation rates, and widespread poverty. The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated these problems, leading to a deepening economic crisis and social unrest. The IMF has been pushing for reforms in Lebanon's economy, including reducing government spending, implementing a fair tax system, and improving the country's infrastructure. However, progress has been slow, and the reforms have been met with resistance from some politicians and factions. The IMF has warned that the lack of progress on these reforms is putting Lebanon in a very d...

 The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ’s King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) continues providing aid to 6 countries, including Yemen, Niger, Sudan, Lebanon, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, and Afghanistan. According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), KSrelief distributed 600 food packages to people affected by the floods in Afghanistan. In cooperation with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Saudi Agency helped 3,600 people in Afghanistan. The relief agency distributed 70 tons and 299 kilograms of food to 1,533 individuals in Yemen’s Taiz governorate. KSrelief’s aid was a continuation of Saudi’s efforts to provide support to Yemenis. Earlier, it also renovated the Ibn Al-Hijlah primary school and Sumaya secondary school in Yemen. The relief center also distributed 500 food parcels to 3,541 underprivileged people in Sudan. Around 400 food packages were also distributed to 2,800 people in Pakistan’s Sindh province. Niamey, the capital and largest city of N...

 A Lebanese judge plans to question judges and security officials into the 2020 Beirut port explosion next month, according to a judicial source on Tuesday. Judge Tarek Bitar resumed his inquiry into the deadly blast on Monday, after a 13-month suspension due to political resistance to his attempts to interrogate top officials, Anadolu News Agency reports. "Prosecutor-General, Ghassan Oueidat, will be among those who will be questioned," the source told Anadolu, on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on speaking to the media. "This will be an unprecedented move in Lebanon's judicial history," the source said. According to local media, three other judges — Ghassan Khoury, Carla Shawwah and Jad Maalouf — will also be summoned for questioning. The list also includes Higher Customs Council chief, Asaad Toufaili, Council member Gracia Al-Qazzi, General Security chief, Maj. Gen. Abbas Ibrahim and State Security chief, Maj.-Gen. Tony Saliba. On 4 August 2020, Be...

 The Gaza-based Anti-Normalisation Campaign yesterday welcomed Lebanese tennis player Mohamed Ataya's decision to withdraw from the Cyprus International Championship so as not to face an Israeli opponent. The organization said the athlete's withdrawal reflects the rejection of the great Lebanese people, and all Arab peoples, to normalize with the Israeli occupation and standing up against the crimes committed by the Israeli occupation against the defenseless Palestinian people. It commended the player, saying he joined a long list of honorable heroes who refuse normalization in response to the call to boycott the Israeli occupation. It called on all Arab and Islamic bodies and institutions to boycott the Israeli occupation in all arenas, with the aim of isolating it, until it respects the rights and demands of the Palestinian people for liberation.