Source: Kataeb.org
Security & Justice
Israel Races to Dismantle Hezbollah Infrastructure in Southern Lebanon Ahead of Possible Withdrawal
The Israeli military is accelerating efforts to eliminate Hezbollah’s remaining military infrastructure across 52 villages in southern Lebanon before the United States pushes Israel toward a broader withdrawal, Israeli military sources said Wednesday.
Thursday, July 16, 2026
U.S., Lebanon Prepare Pilot Zones Plan for Israeli Withdrawal and Army Deployment in South
Lebanese and U.S. officials have begun preparing security arrangements for the establishment of two pilot zones in southern Lebanon, as part of efforts to implement an Israeli withdrawal and expand the deployment of the Lebanese Army under a framework agreement between Beirut and Tel Aviv.
Thursday, July 16, 2026
Opinion
Trump Suggestion of a Syrian Crackdown on Hezbollah Confounds Many in Mideast
When the Israel-Hezbollah conflict in Lebanon was threatening to unravel the U.S.-Iran peace deal, President Trump repeatedly floated an idea that took many in the region by surprise.
Thursday, July 9, 2026
Israel and Lebanon Cannot Afford Another False Dawn
The history of attempts to resolve the conflict between Israel and Lebanon has been marked by repeated false dawns. Each round of fighting has typically been followed by some form of agreement, often even a UN Security Council resolution to give it an international stamp of approval, only for hostilities to resume at some point. The common denominator has been the failure to implement what had been agreed. What has always complicated matters is that Israel’s conflict has not been with the Lebanese government but with non-state actors: until 1982, the Palestine Liberation Organization, and since then, Hezbollah. In both cases, their hostility has been directed not only against Israel but also against the Lebanese state.
Sunday, July 5, 2026
Sports
Portugal beats Spain to win Nations League
Portugal defeated Spain in penalty kicks 5- 3 to win the UEFA Nations League final late on Sunday after both sides failed to score in extra time following a showdown that ended 2-2.
Monday, June 9, 2025
Alcaraz Wins Roland Garros, Completing Historic Comeback from Two Sets Down
Carlos Alcaraz mounted an extraordinary comeback to win the men’s final at Roland Garros on Sunday, defeating world No. 1 Jannik Sinner 4-6, 6-7 (4), 6-4, 7-6 (3), 7-6 (2).
Monday, June 9, 2025
Sunday 19 July 2026 20:50:20
Rubio Praises Lebanon's Push to Disarm Hezbollah as Aoun Seeks US Backing Ahead of Trump Meeting
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in Washington on Sunday to discuss the implementation of a U.S.-brokered framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon, with both sides emphasizing the need to maintain close coordination as Beirut pushes to reassert state authority and advance economic recovery.
The meeting comes ahead of Aoun's scheduled talks with President Donald Trump on Tuesday during the Lebanese leader's first official visit to Washington since taking office.
According to the U.S. State Department, Rubio and Aoun discussed the implementation of the trilateral framework agreement brokered by Washington and signed by Israel and Lebanon on June 26, which is intended to end hostilities between the two countries.
In a statement, State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said Rubio praised the Lebanese government under Aoun's leadership for what he described as its determination to restore state authority.
"The Secretary commended the courage of the Government of Lebanon, under President Aoun's leadership, for their determined effort to reclaim Lebanon's sovereignty, disarm Hezbollah and dismantle its terrorist infrastructure, and move towards peace," Pigott said.
Rubio also reaffirmed Washington's commitment to supporting the successful implementation of the framework agreement and backing the Lebanese government's efforts to achieve peace, economic recovery and "a better future for the Lebanese people," according to the statement.
For his part, Aoun stressed the importance of maintaining close coordination between Beirut and Washington over the implementation of the trilateral framework, beginning with what he described as Israel's first withdrawal from the initial pilot zone in southern Lebanon.
The Lebanese president also called for expanded U.S. support for the Lebanese Armed Forces and the country's military institutions, emphasizing that strengthening the army remains essential to implementing the agreement and reinforcing state authority.
In addition to security issues, Aoun urged greater American economic engagement with Lebanon, calling for increased investment in strategic sectors including energy, telecommunications and transportation.
The discussions took place at the State Department and marked the first visit to the U.S. capital by a Lebanese head of state since former President Michel Sleiman met then-President Barack Obama in 2009.
