The United States is focusing on Lebanon to diminish Iranian funding to Hezbollah and encourage the group’s disarmament. Despite Western sanctions, Iran has funneled approximately $1 billion to Hezbollah this year, according to the US Treasury Department’s top sanctions official, John Hurley. The US aims to eliminate Iranian influence through financial pressure, as evidenced by sanctions on individuals involved in funding Hezbollah. This strategy is part of a broader “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran’s regional influence.
Read More
According to AP News, conflicting reports have emerged regarding an incident involving an Israeli drone in southern Lebanon. The Israeli army stated the drone, conducting routine reconnaissance, was downed near UNIFIL peacekeepers, adding that a hand grenade was thrown by Israeli forces after the drone was shot down. Conversely, UNIFIL reported the drone flew over a patrol “in an aggressive manner”, prompting defensive measures, followed by a dropped grenade and tank fire from Israel. This event occurred as tensions escalate amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
Read More
During an interview with TIME magazine, former President Trump claimed involvement in the 2024 pager attacks in Lebanon, which were orchestrated by Israeli operatives and resulted in numerous casualties. While initially attributing his comments to a misunderstanding, the White House later confirmed Trump’s support for the attacks, which targeted Hezbollah and caused widespread devastation. This admission, however, was quickly followed by criticism from the White House regarding the attack on Qatar last month. The former president’s statement has raised questions about his cognitive abilities, especially following other recent instances of confusion in his public appearances.
Read More
Last year, Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah was enraged by Israel’s detonation of pagers used by the group, which foreshadowed a major Israeli assault. This assault ultimately killed Nasrallah and decimated much of Hezbollah’s leadership and arsenal. The conflict began after the Hamas attack on Israel, escalating into a full-blown war before a US-brokered ceasefire. Despite being weakened, Hezbollah, led by Nasrallah’s son, remains steadfast in its refusal to disarm.
Read More
An Israeli drone strike in southern Lebanon resulted in the deaths of five people, including three children and their father, who were US citizens. The Israeli military claimed the target was a Hezbollah terrorist operating among civilians, acknowledging civilian casualties and stating a review of the incident would be conducted. Lebanese officials, including President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, condemned the attack, with Aoun calling on international pressure to halt Israeli actions, and Salam stating the attack was meant to intimidate people returning to their villages. This incident comes amidst a complex situation where the US-brokered ceasefire has not been fully effective, with Israel still occupying some Lebanese territory, and Hezbollah claiming that ongoing strikes justify their refusal to disarm.
Read More
Hezbollah’s leader issued a stark warning to Lebanon, stating there would be “no life” if the government confronted the group. This follows President Joseph Aoun’s statement to an Iranian official that no Lebanese group is allowed to possess weapons or depend on foreign support. The warning suggests a firm stance against any attempts to disarm or limit Hezbollah’s influence in the country. The group’s leader’s remarks highlight the ongoing tension regarding Hezbollah’s role in Lebanon.
Read More
Hezbollah has strongly criticized the Lebanese government’s decision to task the army with establishing a state monopoly on arms, viewing it as a “grave sin” and a move that serves Israel’s interests. The group, backed by Iran, claims the decision is the result of US pressure and undermines Lebanon’s sovereignty. Hezbollah has declared it will treat the decision as if it doesn’t exist, with Shiite ministers reportedly walking out of the cabinet session in protest. Despite the conflict, the group says it remains open to discussing a broader national security strategy.
Read More
Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem stated that the group will not disarm, arguing that calls for disarmament serve only Israel. The U.S. is reportedly pressuring Lebanon to formally commit to disarming Hezbollah before talks can resume regarding a halt to Israeli military operations, which are ongoing despite a ceasefire agreement. Qassem accused the U.S. of demanding the removal of Hezbollah’s missiles and drones, insisting that Israel must cease its strikes and withdraw from occupied positions before discussing the group’s weapons. A Lebanese cabinet meeting is scheduled to discuss extending state sovereignty and ceasefire arrangements, potentially including proposals from the U.S. envoy regarding Hezbollah’s disarmament.
Read More
Following recent strikes by the IDF and the U.S., Iran appears to be rapidly rearming its terror proxies in the Middle East. Despite Tehran’s denials, a growing body of evidence suggests that Iran is actively supplying these groups with military aid. This activity underscores Iran’s dedication to maintaining its influence over its militia allies. Protests in support of Palestinian and Hezbollah groups have also occurred as a result.
Read More
Following a devastating war with Israel, Hezbollah is undergoing a strategic review, considering scaling back its role as an armed movement while avoiding complete disarmament. The group faces internal pressures, including financial strain, US demands for disarmament, and diminished political influence, compounded by shifts in regional power dynamics. Internal discussions suggest Hezbollah views its current arsenal as a liability and may be open to relinquishing certain weapons, particularly missiles and drones, in exchange for Israel’s withdrawal and halt to attacks. However, Hezbollah intends to retain some weaponry for self-defense and to maintain a level of deterrence.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker