Issa: 'We remain committed to supporting Lebanon’s sovereignty'
U.S. Ambassador to Beirut Michel Issa took part in a meeting in Paris held in preparation for the international conference aimed at supporting the Lebanese Army and Internal Security Forces (ISF).
According to remarks reported by the U.S. Embassy in Beirut, Issa said the meeting was “an important opportunity to bring partners together, exchange ideas and coordinate support for the Lebanese Armed Forces and Internal Security Forces.”
“We remain committed to supporting Lebanon’s sovereignty and working with our partners to advance implementation of the trilateral framework,” he added.
Trump again threatens Iran: 'Anything can happen with me'
U.S. President Donald Trump told Axios on Thursday that he faced a “big decision” over the next steps in the war against Iran, raising the possibility of resuming large-scale military operations.
“Do I want to go in and annihilate them [the Iranian regime], or do I not want to? That’s a big decision. Anything can happen with me,” he said.
His remarks came ahead of a meeting scheduled for Tuesday in New York with the leaders of six Gulf countries, whom Trump plans to consult, among other things, on the next steps in the conflict.
Israeli artillery fire targets Ali Taher, stun grenade dropped on Yater
Israeli artillery fire targeted the outskirts of Ali Taher, where five shells have been fired so far. An Israeli drone also dropped a stun grenade over the village of Yater, in the Bint Jbeil district.
'A sovereign and stable Lebanon is a decisive step toward peace and stability across the region,' Macron says
“A sovereign and stable Lebanon is a decisive step toward peace and stability across the region,” French President Emmanuel Macron said in a post on X, as Paris hosted a preparatory meeting for the international conference in support of the Lebanese army and Internal Security Forces (ISF). “A Lebanon at peace is a renewed hope for the entire Middle East,” he added, stressing that the meeting aimed to “strengthen Lebanon’s sovereignty and enable it to fully ensure its security.”
Alongside Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Jordan’s King Abdullah II, the French president also reaffirmed support for the Lebanese armed forces, which he described as “indispensable to asserting the authority of the Lebanese state over its entire territory.”
Aoun expresses 'deep satisfaction with progress of discussions' at Paris preparatory conference
Before leaving the French capital to return to Beirut, President Joseph Aoun expressed his "deep satisfaction with the progress of discussions" at the preparatory conference to support the Lebanese Army and the ISF held in Paris, according to the Lebanese Presidency.
Aoun also expressed hope that the "needs of the Lebanese Army and the ISF, as outlined in reports presented by the Lebanese delegation at the meeting, would receive the necessary response from brotherly and friendly countries and organizations." He noted that this would enable the two institutions to strengthen their capabilities and carry out their national duties.
The president finally reiterated "Lebanon’s shared national principles, foremost among them preserving national sovereignty and dignity, and ensuring that weapons are held exclusively by the Lebanese state." In this context, he stressed the "central role of the Lebanese Army in extending state authority across all Lebanese territory, particularly in the South following its liberation, thereby reinforcing the country’s stability and safeguarding its unity."
Katz proposes that Turkey take in Hamas members from Gaza
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has proposed that Turkey take in members of the Palestinian Hamas movement from Gaza, amid growing tensions between Turkey and Israel.
“Israel will continue to act to fully achieve its security objectives and ensure that the threat of Oct. 7 cannot return,” Katz wrote on X, referring to the attack carried out by Hamas against Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, which killed more than 1,200 people.
Katz added that if Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan “wants to help his brothers in Gaza (...) he should invite them to settle in Antalya,” a resort city in southern Turkey. “A lot of space has opened up there in the absence of Israeli tourists,” he added in a characteristically ironic post.
Netanyahu: Iran and Hezbollah 'will fall,' Israel determined to to 'eliminate Hamas'
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s determination to "eliminate Hamas terrorists in the Gaza Strip, as well as to defeat the regime in Iran and its proxy Hezbollah," during a speech at a ceremony honoring Shin Bet employees at the President’s Residence, according to The Times of Israel.
“We will eliminate Hamas, and first and foremost we will defeat the regime in Iran. We will bring it down, it will fall. We will also deal with Hezbollah, and it too will fall,” Netanyahu added.
Rejecting the notion that “Hamas is protected” within the area it controls in Gaza, Netanyahu said: "We are settling accounts with these murderers who murdered our people ... There are not many left because we are dealing with them.”
South Lebanon: Several airstrikes on Mansouri, artillery fire targets Ali Taher
Artillery fire targeted the Ali Taher hill in the Nabatieh district in recent hours, according to our correspondent in South Lebanon, Mountasser Abdallah, while Israeli forces carried out demolitions with bulldozers near Bani Hayyan (Marjayoun).
In Mansouri, a village in the Sour district that Israeli forces have been targeting for weeks, the Israeli air force carried out several strikes, while homes were blown up at least three times.
Saudi Arabia: One killed after debris falls during interception of Houthi drone
Falling debris after the interception of a drone launched by Iran-aligned Houthi fighters from Yemen killed at least one person and injured two others in Saudi Arabia, according to the Saudi Civil Defense.
“Emergency services in Taif province responded after debris from a drone launched by the Houthi militia fell,” the Civil Defense said, adding that the incident killed a Yemeni national and injured a Saudi woman and a Pakistani man. Several buildings and vehicles were also damaged, it said.
Paris preparatory conference: Aoun calls for agreement on roadmap for main conference to support Lebanese Army, as well as a clear timetable for convening it
In a speech delivered at the preparatory conference in support of the Lebanese Army in Paris, President Joseph Aoun called for agreeing on a roadmap for the main conference to support the Army and ISF, as well as a clear timetable for convening it," noting that this "roadmap should lay the foundation for a long-term approach to supporting the army."
"Lebanon is not seeking temporary, scattered assistance or short-term solutions, but rather a long-term partnership, with clear and sustained commitments, enabling our military and security institutions to plan and build their capabilities instead of managing their needs from one crisis to the next," he added. The President also noted that Lebanon "wants every partner to know what they are funding, why they are funding it, and what has been achieved as a result of that support."
The President added that the army can accomplish many times more what it is achieving today "if it is provided with the necessary capabilities." "This is a moment for decision, not a moment for waiting!" he stressed.
He noted that Lebanon has honored its commitments in the framework agreement with Israel, adding that "completing the implementation of these commitments cannot be achieved as long as Israeli attacks and ... and parts of Lebanese territory remain occupied."
Regarding UNIFIL, whose mandate ends at the end of this year, Aoun said: "With the expected changes in UNIFIL’s presence and role in the South, the responsibilities of the Army are becoming greater and more complex. This transition must be organized and carefully planned and must not result in any security vacuum."
South Lebanon: Homes and orchards demolished by bulldozers in Mansouri
This morning, artillery fire targeted the area between al-Louloua restaurant and the Tabaja station, behind Ali Taher hill, in the Nabatieh district, according to our correspondent in the South, Mountasser Abdallah. In the same area, artillery fire targeted Dimachkiyeh, east of Kfar Tibnit.
In the early afternoon, Israeli bulldozers began razing homes and orchard trees in Mansouri, in the Sour district. Artillery fire also targeted Nabatieh Fawqa and the outskirts of Zawtar Sharqiyeh, in the Nabatieh district.
Tripartite Aoun-Macron-Abdullah II meeting at Les Invalides ahead of meeting on Lebanese army
Ahead of the opening of the preparatory meeting for the international conference to support the Lebanese army, Joseph Aoun met with French President Emmanuel Macron and Jordan’s King Abdullah II at Les Invalides, according to the Lebanese presidency.
The tripartite meeting focused on “mechanisms to strengthen cooperation and coordination in areas of common interest,” as well as France hosting a new session of the “Aqaba meetings,” aimed at “examining ways to support the Lebanese army so that it can carry out its missions of maintaining security and protecting the Lebanese, in cooperation with the Internal Security Forces.”
The meeting also addressed the escalation in the region and the importance of “intensifying international efforts to achieve a comprehensive and lasting de-escalation,” particularly amid the resumption of the war in Yemen.
During the meeting, Aoun called for the development of a “joint national security strategy based on joint energy projects, as well as economic, security and political cooperation.” He also stressed the “interconnectedness” of the security situation among the various countries of the Middle East.
Turkey condemns Houthi attack on Saudi Arabia
Turkey's Defence Ministry condemned a Houthi drone attack targeting Saudi Arabia and other actions by the group, calling for an end to such acts that threaten regional stability, according to Reuters.
The ministry said the continued Houthi threat in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab was negatively affecting not only regional security but also international maritime trade and global stability.
Last month, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan signed an agreement, dubbed the "Mecca Joint Defense Agreement." The pact meant an attack on any member would be regarded as an attack on all.
Aoun, Macron discuss 'efforts to put end to Israeli attacks' on Lebanon
Following the end of the meeting between President Joseph Aoun and his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, in Paris, a statement from the Lebanese Presidency noted that the two presidents discussed, among other topics, "efforts to put an end to Israeli attacks, in light of the Lebanese-American-Israeli negotiations and the framework agreement."
"Aoun thanked his French counterpart for France’s support for Lebanon, his personal follow-up on the country’s situation, and his commitment to strengthening state authority and sovereignty and supporting its official security and military institutions," the statement reads.
Aoun also praised the initiative launched by Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for the period following the end of UNIFIL’s mandate. Italy and France agreed in June to launch a multinational "coalition" to support Lebanon after the end of UNIFIL, scheduled for the end of the year.
Aoun and Macron also "agreed to maintain communication and strengthen cooperation across various fields, particularly in the economic and energy sectors, including the resumption of oil and gas exploration in Lebanon’s offshore blocks," the statement added.
The Aoun-Macron meeting was preceded by a call last night between Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Macron, during which they reviewed regional developments and discussed efforts to enhance security and stability in the region, as well as measures to ensure the security and freedom of maritime navigation, according to the Saudi Press Agency. Saudi Arabia is one of the 17 countries participating in the preparatory conference in support of the Lebanese Army in Paris later today.
Meeting on Lebanese Army in Paris: Macron welcomes Aoun at Élysée
President Joseph Aoun arrived at the Élysée Palace this morning, where he was welcomed by his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, according to the Lebanese Presidency's X account.
The two men are due to take part in a “working meeting,” whilst Paris is today hosting representatives from 17 countries to prepare for a conference in support of the Lebanese Army.
Read more about the support conference here.
Man from Ansar still missing since escalation in Nabatiyeh region nearly 2 weeks ago
Mohammad Baker Mohsen Deblawi, from Ansar, has been missing for 12 days, according to an urgent appeal posted on social media on Thursday evening, as reported by our correspondent in the South.
On Sept. 4, the man was at his grandfather’s house in Mayfadoun, in the Nabatieh district, according to the post. On that day, the Israeli air force had bombed several villages in southern Lebanon, including Mayfadoun. The attack on the village injured around ten people — an 18-year-old woman and nine others, including two children — according to a report from the Health Ministry published the following day.
Since then, contact between Mohammad and his family has been lost: his relatives have heard nothing from him and have received no information as to his whereabouts. According to the statement, the relevant authorities, despite the searches carried out, have not obtained any further information regarding his fate.
“We appeal to anyone with any information, however minor, about Mohammad Baker Mohsen Deblawi or the place where he was last seen, to inform the security forces or the relevant authorities immediately,” the statement reads.
South Lebanon: Israel carries out morning explosions in Mansouri
Israel continues to target Mansouri with heavy explosions, with two powerful ones reported at around 7 a.m.
According to our correspondent in the South, the blasts were heard for kilometers around.
Meanwhile, in the Nabatieh district, Israeli artillery fire targeted the Dimashkieh area, located east of Kfar Tibnit.
Israel strikes several valleys in southern Lebanon overnight
Southern Lebanon was hit by further attacks overnight from Wednesday to Thursday, involving explosions in buildings, artillery fire and automatic weapon fire in various areas, according to reports from our correspondent.
Several valleys in the south were notably targeted by strikes.
After 9 p.m., artillery shelling targeted the Zibqine valley (Sour) as well as Haddatha (Bint Jbeil).
In Mansouri (Sour), two explosions were caused by the Israeli army between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. respectively.
In the district of Nabatieh, on the outskirts of Zawtar Sharqieh, three consecutive explosions were reported.
An artillery shell also struck Wadi Slouki, as well as Adsheet al-Qoussair (Marjayoun). The Israeli army caused an explosion in Wadi Mazlam, between Yater and Beit Lif, in the Bint Jbeil district. The Israeli army also carried out an explosion in Tiri, in the same district.
After 11 p.m., the Israeli air force carried out a series of strikes targeting the outskirts of Qantara, towards Wadi al-Houjeir, in the Marjayoun district. A series of strikes targeted Wadi Slouki and the outskirts of Majdel Selm and Bani Hayyane, in the Marjayoun district.
The Israeli air force also targeted Nabatieh Fawqa.
Three strikes targeted Mansouri, in the district of Sour. After 2 a.m., a major explosion was caused by the Israeli army in the town..
War on Iran: Trump plans meeting with Gulf leaders on sidelines of UN General Assembly, according to Axios
U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to meet with Gulf leaders on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly in New York next Tuesday to discuss the next steps in the war with Iran, three sources with direct knowledge of the matter told Axios.
According to the news outlet, which has close ties to the White House, Tuesday’s meeting is expected to focus on U.S. proposals regarding the country’s "post-war" strategy in the region. Representatives from the member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council — Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman — are expected to attend the meeting, on which the White House has declined to comment. According to one of the sources, the meeting could be expanded to include other Arab and Muslim leaders.
However, no meeting has yet been scheduled between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the sidelines of the General Assembly in New York.
Yemen: Houthis report 1 civilian killed in Saudi air strikes; telecoms masts targeted
Saudi air strikes in Yemen have killed one person and targeted telecoms masts, according to the Al-Massirah television channel, which is affiliated with the Iran-linked Houthis, who are fighting the Riyadh-backed Yemeni government.
“The Saudi enemy air force targeted three telecommunications towers” in the province of Taiz (south-west), whilst “one civilian was killed and another wounded” in other strikes further north, in the town of Abs, the television channel reported.
Aoun in Paris for preparatory meeting ahead of Lebanese Army support conference
The Lebanese Army is back in the spotlight. On Thursday, representatives from 17 countries are set to meet in Paris for a preparatory conference to support the military force, which has been tasked since last year with the historic mission of disarming Hezbollah.
The conference, also aimed at supporting the Internal Security Forces, will bring together Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron, and Jordan's King Abdullah II.
Other countries will be represented by their respective chiefs of staff. According to a military source contacted by our publication, General Joseph Clearfield, head of the Military Coordination Group for Lebanon (MCG4L), will represent the United States at the conference.
Upon arriving in Paris on Wednesday, Aoun stated that "discussions will include the preparatory meeting, the situation in Lebanon in general and in the south in particular in light of the continued Israeli attacks on southern villages and towns, the period following the end of the mandate of the UNIFIL’s mission, the course of Lebanese-American-Israeli negotiations, and the situation in the region." He then affirmed that support for the military and the monopoly on weapons were "a national priority."
Read more here.
Houthis report dozens of Saudi strikes as fighting nears Saudi border
Yemen's Houthis reported fresh Saudi airstrikes on Wednesday. Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said "Saudi warplanes launched 40 airstrikes ... targeting the provinces of Taiz, Marib, and Hodeidah over the past 24 hours."
He had previously put the number of Saudi strikes launched over the past week at more than 450, saying that in response, the group had targeted a Saudi air base and a state oil company facility in the Red Sea port city of Yanbu.
The group also claimed on Wednesday to have shot down a Saudi fighter jet.
The strikes come after Riyadh accused the group of launching a "cowardly" attack targeting Islam's holy city of Mecca.
The Houthis swiftly rejected as a "lie" Riyadh's early morning statement that it had shot down a drone heading towards Mecca.
Renewed fighting between the Houthis and Yemen's Riyadh-backed government has dragged in the kingdom, after the Houthis declared a maritime blockade on Saudi ships in the Red Sea.
Last week, the Houthis seized control of the entirety of Yemen's Red Sea coast and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a vital artery for Saudi oil exports as the wider Middle East war chokes off the Strait of Hormuz shipping route.
Read more here.
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