Source: Kataeb.org
Security & Justice
Judge Faces Legal Resistance as Defendants Plan to Block Summonses in Beirut Port Explosion Probe
The Lebanese judiciary is grappling with a profound structural crisis, impeding justice for the Beirut Port explosion—the largest non-nuclear blast in history. Political interference, stalled judicial appointments, the exploitation of legal loopholes by implicated individuals, and the Public Prosecution’s opposition to the lead investigator have created an ongoing deadlock.
Tuesday, January 21, 2025
Lebanese Army Deploys in Bint Jbeil, Expanding Control in Southern Lebanon
The Lebanese Army has initiated a strategic deployment in the southern city of Bint Jbeil as part of its broader plan to restore control in the border region following the recent ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel.
Sunday, January 19, 2025
Opinion
Lebanon Can Escape Iran's Orbit and Return to the Arab Fold
Lebanon is going through a historic transformation – one marked by a shift in its domestic and regional status quo. The election of former army general Joseph Aoun as President and the appointment of jurist Nawaf Salam as Prime Minister usher in some long-awaited positive change to the country’s domestic balance of power and in its international relations.
Sunday, January 19, 2025
With Its New Prime Minister, Lebanon’s Revolution Comes Full Circle
Lebanon has just gone through a revolution – one that started more than five years ago with street protests demanding an end to corrupt political rule. It took all that time and a whole myriad of developments to get to a point where a president and prime minister have been elected outside the grip of the usual political parties that have dominated the country for decades.
Saturday, January 18, 2025
Sports
Fury Announces Retirement from Boxing Again
Former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has announced his retirement from boxing.
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
World Number 219 Habib Puts Lebanon on the Map at Australian Open
Lebanese qualifier Hady Habib broke new ground for the strife-torn nation on Sunday as he beat China's Bu Yunchaokete 7-6(4) 6-4 7-6(6) to reach the second round of the Australian Open.
Sunday, January 12, 2025
Tuesday 21 January 2025 14:31:08
EU Pledges €60 Million to Bolster LAF Role in Southern Lebanon Stability
The European Council announced on Tuesday a €60 million commitment from the European Peace Facility to support the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), aiming to enhance their capacity to maintain stability in southern Lebanon in line with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701.
“This assistance measure will contribute to strengthening the capacities of the LAF to enable them – in line with UN Security Council Resolution 1701 – to redeploy, secure, and maintain stability in the South of Litani Sector of the country,” the European Council stated.
The funding is intended to bolster the LAF's operational capabilities, ensuring their effectiveness in contributing to national and regional security.
The Council emphasized that the measure would “contribute to the protection of the civilian population in the region” and facilitate conditions for displaced civilians on both sides of the border to return to their homes. It described the LAF’s redeployment south of the Litani River as “crucial” for maintaining peace between Israel and Hezbollah, who are obligated to leave the area under the terms of the ceasefire.
The decision reflects the EU’s broader commitment to supporting Lebanon's efforts to stabilize its southern region, especially following the 60-day ceasefire agreement reached on November 27, 2024. The LAF’s redeployment in the South of Litani Sector is viewed as pivotal to advancing international efforts for a durable ceasefire and fully implementing UNSCR 1701.
“The LAF are the main guarantor, along with UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon), for establishing the necessary security conditions to restore stability and security for populations on both sides of the border,” the Council added.
Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, underscored the importance of the LAF’s role at this juncture.
“This new assistance marks a significant uptake in the EU’s support to the Lebanese Armed Forces under the European Peace Facility, at a critical juncture for the implementation of the ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel. The LAF are essential to regional and domestic stability and deserve all our support in performing their critical mission,” Kallas said.
She also reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to strengthening Lebanese state institutions and renewing its partnership with Lebanon.
