Latest news with #MariellaSuccar
LBCI
2 days ago
- Politics
- LBCI
With US still undecided on direct military intervention, Israel shifts war strategy against Iran
Report by Amal Shehadeh, English adaptation by Mariella Succar With the United States still undecided on whether to enter the war directly against Iran, Israel has made adjustments to its military strategy. Starting Wednesday, the Israeli Air Force has shifted its focus from targeting Iran's nuclear capabilities to prioritizing the destruction of ballistic missile production sites. The move aims to prevent Iran from acquiring large quantities of missiles that could threaten Israel's home front, military installations, and strategic infrastructure—especially as concerns grow over the depletion of Israel's Arrow missile defense interceptors. Following assessments that the war could last two to three weeks, and after Israel acknowledged that one of its drones had been shot down in Iranian airspace—contradicting earlier claims of full control over Iranian skies—some Israeli analysts have warned of the risks of maintaining the objective of destroying Iran's nuclear program, a goal they say Israel cannot achieve alone. Meanwhile, multiple Israeli military and security officials confirmed that Iranian missiles are striking, on a near-daily basis, sensitive and strategic military sites across Israel. These targets remain undisclosed due to military censorship but reportedly include the Bazan oil facility in the Haifa Bay area. The destruction of the Bazan facility, along with the shutdown of the Leviathan and Karish gas fields, has triggered a deepening energy crisis. Officials are now scrambling to contain the fallout. While efforts are underway to restore the Bazan plant within a month, Energy Minister Eli Cohen is expected to declare a national electricity crisis. Sensitive civilian infrastructure is being hit as well. Although Israel has neither confirmed nor denied foreign media reports that the headquarters of Unit 8200—Israel's military intelligence unit—in the Gush Dan area was targeted and destroyed, an intelligence officer noted that the facility had played a key role in planning the first day of the war. Since September 2024, 120 officers had been training there, focusing on disabling Iran's air defense systems. Their operation was divided into specialized teams: one tasked with assassinating nuclear scientists, another targeting command centers, and others focusing on radar and defense installations. As Israel nears the end of its first week of war, Operation 'Rising Lion' appears to be facing major challenges. Despite Israel's declared achievements, significant concerns remain over the country's ability to protect its home front and safeguard critical infrastructure, from water and electricity systems to telecommunications. The war is costing Israel an estimated $428 million per day, equivalent to 1.5 billion shekels.
LBCI
13-06-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
'Rising Lion': A Mossad-led strike to dismantle Iran's missile network
Report by Amal Shehadeh, English adaptation by Mariella Succar The Israeli strike that targeted Iran was not conceived overnight but was the result of a plan years in the making. During that time, Mossad and Israeli intelligence reportedly infiltrated deep into Iran, bringing with them equipment and drones. They surveilled, planned, and executed parts of the operation, which began with the assassination of key military and security leaders, as well as nuclear scientists—part of a broader effort aimed at toppling the regime. This complex operation included the establishment of a base for explosive-laden drones. The components were smuggled into Iran and later used to strike surface-to-surface missile platforms at a base near Tehran. While that unfolded, Mossad commando units reportedly spent months preparing operational systems and combat tools that were deployed against open areas near Iranian surface-to-air missile sites during the strike. Friday's operation—marked by its intensity, speed, and multiple targets—closely resembled the so-called "Pager" operations previously carried out against Hezbollah in Lebanon. Several Israeli security officials have pointed to similarities, explaining how Mossad managed, in a short time, to paralyze Iran's air defense systems. Commandos reportedly deployed offensive systems and advanced technologies, smuggling them into Iran via vehicles, thereby eliminating threats to Israeli fighter jets. One security source revealed that Israel deceived Iran's air force by spreading disinformation, the details of which were not disclosed. This prompted a high-level commanders' meeting, allowing Israel to target them at the same place and time. The source added that this step was preceded by a highly accurate intelligence effort that gathered details on the leadership. Information emerging from within Israel indicates that the intelligence planning began in parallel with the launch of Operation "Rising Lion" and that Mossad operatives were not exposed to any danger during the execution. Israel's strategic plan included a wartime emergency protocol expected to last between 10 days and two weeks. With Mossad reportedly thwarting attempts to launch ballistic missiles from deep inside Iran toward Israel, decision-makers are now reassessing the scope and duration of the domestic state of emergency, depending on the scale and objectives of Iran's response.
LBCI
04-06-2025
- General
- LBCI
Arida border reopens, offering Syrian families a way home after months of closure
Report by Edmond Sassine, English adaptation by Mariella Succar The reopening of the Arida border crossing between Lebanon and Syria on Tuesday offered a long-awaited chance for Syrian families to return home, more than six months after Israeli airstrikes forced its closure. In the dusty strip of land separating the two countries, scenes of reunion and anticipation played out as families gathered on their way back to Syria. Arida, the second-largest land crossing between Lebanon and Syria, had been closed since November 26 following Israeli strikes on the area. At 7 a.m. Tuesday, traffic resumed—and quickly picked up speed in both directions. The crossing is a crucial route for Syrians seeking to return home while avoiding lengthy and costly detours. It's also essential for Lebanese travelers heading between northern Lebanon and Syria's coastal towns. The road damaged in the November strikes has been patched with compacted earth, and Syrian authorities have outfitted the crossing with temporary facilities to welcome travelers returning for the Eid holidays. Passenger halls on the Syrian side saw steady movement, with border officials processing entries and exits throughout the day. Though the reopening went smoothly overall, at least one woman was unable to complete her journey due to issues with her paperwork. Reconstruction efforts at the site are ongoing, and the crossing will remain open through the holiday period. Of the three border posts linking northern Lebanon and Syria, Arida is currently the only one in operation.
LBCI
04-06-2025
- Business
- LBCI
IMF challenges Lebanese bank law over unequal payouts and public sector favoritism
Report by Lea Fayad, English adaptation by Mariella Succar If you have three frozen bank accounts in three different Lebanese banks, each holding $100,000 or more, how much can you expect to recover? According to the Lebanese government's proposed bank restructuring plan, a single recovery cap would apply across all your accounts—meaning you would be eligible to reclaim a set amount from only one account. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) takes a different view. It recommends that the compensation cap apply to each account, not a consolidated total. If the government decides to reimburse $100,000, you will receive just that amount under its plan—while the IMF believes you should get $300,000. In its feedback, the IMF criticized the government's approach of aggregating accounts across banks, calling it 'not adequate.' The fund argues this method fails to meet international standards and undermines fairness. The IMF also raised concerns over the government's proposal to repay public sector deposits ahead of those of private depositors. Such preferential treatment, the fund warned, would violate global norms and disproportionately disadvantage individual account holders. Another key recommendation from the IMF is that the bank restructuring law must take precedence over all other legislation in Lebanon. Without that, the fund cautioned, the country risks facing legal and procedural challenges when the law is implemented. These are just a few of the 20 observations submitted by the IMF regarding the draft bank restructuring law, which was approved by the Cabinet and is now under review by Parliament. A subcommittee of the Finance and Budget Committee is currently studying the law in detail. The IMF's comments also addressed the proposed structure of the Higher Banking Commission, the role of Lebanon's Banking Control Commission, and the technical processes for assessing the financial standing of banks. The fund shared its observations directly with the Finance Committee, emphasizing that these changes are essential to restoring confidence in the banking system and ensuring long-term stability in Lebanon's financial sector. It remains to be seen whether lawmakers will incorporate the recommended amendments and whether the IMF will ultimately approve a revised version of the law—or if Lebanon will still face a long road to financial recovery.
LBCI
21-05-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
No exit until 'Hamas falls': Israel escalates war in Gaza
Report by Amal Shehadeh, English adaptation by Mariella Succar Following the failure of the latest round of negotiations for a hostages swap deal, Israel escalated its military campaign in Gaza. The operation, dubbed "Operation Gideon's Chariots" by the Israeli military, has entered a more violent phase marked by intensified bombing, mass displacement, and attempts to seize as much territory in the Gaza Strip as possible. This escalation comes as Washington and other mediators continue efforts to bridge the gap between Hamas and Israel, but Israeli officials see these efforts as futile. The Israeli army, relying on the deployment of five military divisions and tens of thousands of troops, has begun displacing residents from northern Gaza. According to Israeli statements, the goal is to "clear" the area of Hamas fighters. These operations mirror previous campaigns carried out over the past 18 months of war, none of which have achieved their stated objectives. This time, Tel Aviv's stated goal is clear: not to leave Gaza until Hamas is eliminated, the area is disarmed, and a post-war governance plan is in place. In addition to military force, the Israeli army is reportedly using humanitarian aid access as a weapon of war. Under a policy described as "a one-way ticket," civilians who leave their homes in search of aid from designated centers are not allowed to return, enabling the army to ensure that areas it plans to occupy are emptied of residents. Inside Israel, this military strategy is facing growing internal opposition—especially following the announcement that negotiations have failed, a development seen as abandoning the 58 Israeli hostages still held by Hamas. Meanwhile, the army is continuing efforts to recruit more reservists in preparation for a long-term occupation of the Gaza Strip, which military planners estimate will take at least two years to establish a governing structure that excludes Hamas.
