Last night it was reported in Israeli media that the US had denied the Israeli government’s request to extend the latest deadline for Israel to withdraw from Lebanon, which is February 18. Less than 24-hours later, those same outlets are quoting Israeli officials who...
Syria Planting Landmines Along Lebanon Border as Tensions Linger
Though cross-border gunfire between Syria and Lebanon seems to have paused for now, the tensions are still rising, with a number of Syrian Shi’ites having fled into Lebanese border towns, and Syrian Army soldiers loyal to the Islamist government raiding Shi’ite towns...
White House Says Israel Pullout From Lebanon ‘On Track,’ But Netanyahu Seeks Extension
On January 12, it was “guaranteed” by a US envoy that Israel would withdraw from Lebanon by the January 26 deadline. Israel reiterated their “commitment” to this deal on January 22, though about 24 hours later, they were said to be seeking an extension, and by January...
Syrian Shi’ites Flee to Lebanon After Border Clashes, Crackdowns
The situation on the Lebanon-Syria border remains tense. Relative calm was reported today, though others reported hearing sporadic gunfire in the area. Overt Syrian Army invasions as were seen Thursday though have not recurred, at least not yet. The situation is far...
Israel Expands Syria Occupation, Bombs Several Military Sites in Southern Syria
Concern among residents of southern Syria continues to grow as the Israeli occupation of the area escalates, and gives the appearance of being long-term, if not permanent. More Israeli ground troops have entered Syria in recent days, and expanded control over villages...
Six Killed in East Lebanon as Israel Escalates Airstrikes
Israel commits multiple violations of the ongoing Lebanon ceasefire daily, but this weekend those violations seem to be intensifying in scope and casualty figures. The largest incident this weekend was near the town of Janta, along the Syria border. An Israeli drone...
Lebanon Defies Trump: Hezbollah and Allies Join New Government
The Trump Administration’s attempt to dictate terms on the new Lebanese government’s cabinet appears to have failed spectacularly. The new Lebanese cabinet has been announced, and includes multiple members from both Hezbollah and the Shi’ite Amal Movement. The...
Turkish Officials Say Military Bases in Syria Being Considered
With Turkey focused on long-term goals in Syria that involve continuing to oppose Kurdish autonomy in the northeast, there are growing numbers of reports from Turkish officials that plans are being considered to establish new military bases inside Syrian territory....
Syrian Army Invades Lebanese Border Town, Major Clashes Reported
Violence in Syria’s Homs and Hama Governorates have now spread across the border into neighboring Lebanon, and Syria’s new Islamist government has reportedly sent ground troops into the Lebanese border town of Hermel, sparking massive clashes. Both Lebanese clans and...
Israel Bombs Southern Lebanon Town of Yaroun as Demolitions Continue
Israel’s demolition of civilian homes and infrastructure continues in southern Lebanon, despite the ongoing ceasefire. On Wednesday, this centered on the town of Yaroun, in the Bint Jbeil District, where Israeli bombings were reported. The bombings were reported as...