Tensions have escalated at borders at the border between Israel and Lebanon. The Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu accused Hezbollah of sending its fighters into Israeli territory.

Israel-Lebanon border tensions: Israel claimed to have rebelled fighters

A pair of rockets hit an Iraqi base hosting US-led coalition and NATO troops, Iraq's military said Tuesday, the third attack on installations hosting foreign forces inside a week.&nbsp;

The rockets slammed into the Besmaya base south of Baghdad late Monday night, a statement by the military said, making no mention of casualties.&nbsp;

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Spanish forces linked to the US-led coalition fighting the Islamic State group, as well as NATO training forces, are present in Besmaya.&nbsp;

The last week has seen a renewed spike in rockets hitting Iraqi bases hosting foreign forces, with three coalition troops killed on March 11 in a similar attack on the Taji air base, which was hit again on March 14.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-warns-donald-trump-after-us-carried-air-strikes-in-iraq-286169">Iran warns Donald Trump after US carried air strikes in Iraq</a>

Since late October, there have been 24 rocket attacks on the US embassy in Baghdad or bases where foreign troops are deployed, killing a total of three American military personnel, one British soldier and one Iraqi soldier.

No attacks have been claimed but Washington has blamed Kataeb Hezbollah, a hardline faction in the Hashed al-Shaabi -- a military network incorporated into the Iraqi state.&nbsp;

The US has long insisted Baghdad should do more to reign in such factions and prevent them from targeting American troops and diplomats.

But Washington took a much tougher line in December after a US contractor was killed in a rocket attack, launching retaliatory airstrikes against Kataeb Hezbollah.

The faction's supporters then surrounded and briefly stormed the US embassy. Days later, Washington killed top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani and Hashed deputy chief Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis in a drone strike on Baghdad.

Outraged,&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;launched cruise missiles at the largest Iraqi base hosting US troops and the Iraqi parliament voted to oust all foreign forces from the country.&nbsp;

The parliamentary vote has yet to be implemented by a government.&nbsp;

A pair of rockets hit an Iraqi base hosting US-led coalition and NATO troops, Iraq's military said Tuesday, the third attack on installations hosting foreign forces inside a week.

A pair of rockets hit an Iraqi base hosting US-led coalition and NATO troops, Iraq's military said Tuesday, the third attack on installations hosting foreign forces inside a week. The rockets slammed into the Besmaya base south of Baghdad late Monday night, a statement by the military said, making no mention of casualties. Also read: At least 33 rockets target US, UK troops in Iraq Spanish forces linked to the US-led coalition fighting the Islamic State group, as well as NATO training forces, are present in Besmaya. The last week has seen a renewed spike in rockets hitting Iraqi bases hosting foreign forces, with three coalition troops killed on March 11 in a similar attack on the Taji air base, which was hit again on March 14. Also read: Iran warns Donald Trump after US carried air strikes in Iraq Since late October, there have been 24 rocket attacks on the US embassy in Baghdad or bases where foreign troops are deployed, killing a total of three American military personnel, one British soldier and one Iraqi soldier. No attacks have been claimed but Washington has blamed Kataeb Hezbollah, a hardline faction in the Hashed al-Shaabi -- a military network incorporated into the Iraqi state. The US has long insisted Baghdad should do more to reign in such factions and prevent them from targeting American troops and diplomats. But Washington took a much tougher line in December after a US contractor was killed in a rocket attack, launching retaliatory airstrikes against Kataeb Hezbollah. The faction's supporters then surrounded and briefly stormed the US embassy. Days later, Washington killed top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani and Hashed deputy chief Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis in a drone strike on Baghdad. Outraged, Iran launched cruise missiles at the largest Iraqi base hosting US troops and the Iraqi parliament voted to oust all foreign forces from the country. The parliamentary vote has yet to be implemented by a government.

Rockets hit Iraq base hosting US-led coalition: Military

Syrian air defence responded to Israeli missiles targeting the south and centre of the country, state media said early Thursday.

"Our air defence confronted an Israeli missile attack in the southwest of Quneitra province" in the south and also in a central region, SANA news agency said.

The short statement released after midnight did not provide details on the targets. Quneitra province is near the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-erdogan-seek-to-ease-syria-tensions-at-high-stakes-talks-284398">Putin, Erdogan seek to ease Syria tensions at high-stakes talks</a>

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the strikes targeted two military airports in central Homs province and two areas in Quneitra province where pro-Damascus allies of Lebanese group Hezbollah are present.

But the Britain-based war monitor said there were no immediate reports of a death or any material damage.

Since the start of the Syrian conflict in 2011, Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes in Syria, mainly targeting government troops as well as allied Iranian forces and fighters from Hezbollah.

It is rare for the Jewish state to claim such strikes directly.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-can-play-active-role-in-israel-palestine-peace-process-says-un-committee-on-palestine-284245">India can play active role in Israel-Palestine peace process, says UN Committee on Pales</a>tine&nbsp;

SANA quoted a military source saying that at 12.30 am on Thursday (2230 GMT Wednesday) "our air defence observed Israeli warplane movement... Several missiles were fired towards the central region.

"The hostile missiles were immediately dealt with, and were successfully confronted, none was able to reach its target."

In mid-February, Israeli strikes on Damascus airport killed seven Syrian and Iranian fighters, according to the Observatory.

Syrian air defence responded to Israeli missiles targeting the south and centre of the country, state media said early Thursday. "Our air defence confronted an Israeli missile attack in the southwest of Quneitra province" in the south and also in a central region, SANA news agency said.

Syrian air defence responded to Israeli missiles targeting the south and centre of the country, state media said early Thursday. "Our air defence confronted an Israeli missile attack in the southwest of Quneitra province" in the south and also in a central region, SANA news agency said. The short statement released after midnight did not provide details on the targets. Quneitra province is near the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights. Also read: Putin, Erdogan seek to ease Syria tensions at high-stakes talks The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the strikes targeted two military airports in central Homs province and two areas in Quneitra province where pro-Damascus allies of Lebanese group Hezbollah are present. But the Britain-based war monitor said there were no immediate reports of a death or any material damage. Since the start of the Syrian conflict in 2011, Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes in Syria, mainly targeting government troops as well as allied Iranian forces and fighters from Hezbollah. It is rare for the Jewish state to claim such strikes directly. Also see: India can play active role in Israel-Palestine peace process, says UN Committee on Palestine SANA quoted a military source saying that at 12.30 am on Thursday (2230 GMT Wednesday) "our air defence observed Israeli warplane movement... Several missiles were fired towards the central region. "The hostile missiles were immediately dealt with, and were successfully confronted, none was able to reach its target." In mid-February, Israeli strikes on Damascus airport killed seven Syrian and Iranian fighters, according to the Observatory.

Syrian air defence responds to 'Israeli missiles': Report

Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi on Monday condemned US&nbsp;airstrikes on Iranian-backed Iraqi militia bases, a move that could plunge Iraq further into the heart of a proxy conflict between Washington and Tehran.

The United States military carried out airstrikes on Sunday against the Kataib Hezbollah militia in response to the killing of a US civilian contractor in a rocket attack on an Iraqi military base, officials said.

Iraqi sources said at least 25 militia fighters were killed and 55 wounded.

"The prime minister described the American attack on the Iraqi armed forces as an unacceptable vicious assault that will have dangerous consequences," his office said.

Tensions have risen between Tehran and Washington - Iraq's two main allies - since last year when President Donald Trump pulled out of a 2015 nuclear deal and reimposed sanctions.

Earlier this month, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo blamed Iranian-backed forces for attacks on bases in Iraq and said any attacks by Tehran or proxies harming Americans or allies would be "answered with a decisive US response."

Iran denies involvement in attacks on US forces. It condemned the raids as "terrorism".

"This claim without any evidence cannot justify bombing and killing people in violation of international law," said Iranian government spokesman Ali Rabiei.

The strikes come at a time of protests in Iraq with thousands taking to the streets to condemn, among other things, militias such as Kataib Hezbollah and their Iranian backers.

They also demand an overhaul of a political system they see as corrupt and keeping most Iraqis in poverty.

About 400 people in Basra protested against the strikes, demonstrating in support of the militias.

'Natural right'

The airstrikes brought threats of reprisal. A leading militia leader vowed revenge against US forces in Iraq.

"Our response will be very tough on the American forces in Iraq," senior commander Jamal Jaafar Ibrahimi, also known as Abu Mahdi al-Mohandes, said on Sunday.

Mohandes is a senior commander of Iraq's Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), an umbrella grouping of paramilitary organisations mostly consisting of Iranian-backed Shi'ite militias that was integrated into Iraq's armed forces.

He is also one of Iran's most powerful allies in Iraq and formerly headed Kataib Hezbollah, which he founded.

His threat was met positively by his Iranian backers.

"Taking revenge and responding to this crime are the natural right of Iraqi nation and those groups that defend Iraq," the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which trains some Iraqi militias including Kataib Hezbollah, said.

Iraqi security sources said US forces in northern Iraq were ramping up security.

Iraq's government will announce its official position later on Monday, Abdul Mahdi said.

'Insolent attack'

The PMF bolstered Iraq's security forces during their battle to retake a third of the country from Islamic State.

They were later formally integrated into Iraq's official security structure and wield massive political influence.

Iraq's Fatih alliance, a political bloc representing the militias which holds the second-largest number of seats in parliament, condemned the airstrikes.

Iraq's influential top Shi'ite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani condemned the strikes but his office also denounced the alleged attacks by Iranian-backed militias on US personnel.

He urged Iraqi authorities to prevent such attacks and "ensure Iraq does not become a field for settling regional and international scores and that others do not interfere in its internal affairs."

Proxy war

Abdul Mahdi said his government's policy was to keep Iraq out of regional alliances and away from war.

Any escalation risks Iraq becoming the battlefield for a proxy war between the United States and Iran, which would also ensnare regional allies of both sides.

Lebanon's powerful Shi'ite group Hezbollah, backed by Iran, also condemned the airstrikes.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said he congratulated Pompeo "on the important operation by the United States against Iran and its proxies in the region".

Russia, which like Iran and Hezbollah backs President Bashar al-Assad's government in Syria's civil war, said the strikes were unacceptable and counterproductive. The Syrian government also condemned the strikes.

Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi on Monday condemned US airstrikes on Iranian-backed Iraqi militia bases, a move that could plunge Iraq further into the heart of a proxy conflict between Washington and Tehran.

Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi on Monday condemned US airstrikes on Iranian-backed Iraqi militia bases, a move that could plunge Iraq further into the heart of a proxy conflict between Washington and Tehran. The United States military carried out airstrikes on Sunday against the Kataib Hezbollah militia in response to the killing of a US civilian contractor in a rocket attack on an Iraqi military base, officials said. Iraqi sources said at least 25 militia fighters were killed and 55 wounded. "The prime minister described the American attack on the Iraqi armed forces as an unacceptable vicious assault that will have dangerous consequences," his office said. Tensions have risen between Tehran and Washington - Iraq's two main allies - since last year when President Donald Trump pulled out of a 2015 nuclear deal and reimposed sanctions. Earlier this month, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo blamed Iranian-backed forces for attacks on bases in Iraq and said any attacks by Tehran or proxies harming Americans or allies would be "answered with a decisive US response." Iran denies involvement in attacks on US forces. It condemned the raids as "terrorism". "This claim without any evidence cannot justify bombing and killing people in violation of international law," said Iranian government spokesman Ali Rabiei. The strikes come at a time of protests in Iraq with thousands taking to the streets to condemn, among other things, militias such as Kataib Hezbollah and their Iranian backers. They also demand an overhaul of a political system they see as corrupt and keeping most Iraqis in poverty. About 400 people in Basra protested against the strikes, demonstrating in support of the militias. 'Natural right' The airstrikes brought threats of reprisal. A leading militia leader vowed revenge against US forces in Iraq. "Our response will be very tough on the American forces in Iraq," senior commander Jamal Jaafar Ibrahimi, also known as Abu Mahdi al-Mohandes, said on Sunday. Mohandes is a senior commander of Iraq's Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), an umbrella grouping of paramilitary organisations mostly consisting of Iranian-backed Shi'ite militias that was integrated into Iraq's armed forces. He is also one of Iran's most powerful allies in Iraq and formerly headed Kataib Hezbollah, which he founded. His threat was met positively by his Iranian backers. "Taking revenge and responding to this crime are the natural right of Iraqi nation and those groups that defend Iraq," the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which trains some Iraqi militias including Kataib Hezbollah, said. Iraqi security sources said US forces in northern Iraq were ramping up security. Iraq's government will announce its official position later on Monday, Abdul Mahdi said. 'Insolent attack' The PMF bolstered Iraq's security forces during their battle to retake a third of the country from Islamic State. They were later formally integrated into Iraq's official security structure and wield massive political influence. Iraq's Fatih alliance, a political bloc representing the militias which holds the second-largest number of seats in parliament, condemned the airstrikes. Iraq's influential top Shi'ite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani condemned the strikes but his office also denounced the alleged attacks by Iranian-backed militias on US personnel. He urged Iraqi authorities to prevent such attacks and "ensure Iraq does not become a field for settling regional and international scores and that others do not interfere in its internal affairs." Proxy war Abdul Mahdi said his government's policy was to keep Iraq out of regional alliances and away from war. Any escalation risks Iraq becoming the battlefield for a proxy war between the United States and Iran, which would also ensnare regional allies of both sides. Lebanon's powerful Shi'ite group Hezbollah, backed by Iran, also condemned the airstrikes. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said he congratulated Pompeo "on the important operation by the United States against Iran and its proxies in the region". Russia, which like Iran and Hezbollah backs President Bashar al-Assad's government in Syria's civil war, said the strikes were unacceptable and counterproductive. The Syrian government also condemned the strikes.

Iraq condemns US air strikes as unacceptable and dangerous

U.S. officials said on Sunday that airstrikes in Iraq and Syria against an Iran-backed militia group were successful, but warned that "additional actions" may still be taken in the region to defend U.S. interests. #US #Iran #Iraq #Hezbollah

U.S. strikes on Iraq and Syria, 5 Hezbollah command centres targeted

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanese-police-clash-with-anti-government-protesters-268354">Lebanese</a>&nbsp;troops lobbed tear gas on Tuesday to disperse&nbsp;supporters&nbsp;of Shi'ite groups&nbsp;Hezbollah&nbsp;and&nbsp;Amal&nbsp;who tried to storm a square in&nbsp;Beirut&nbsp;in response to a video that purportedly offended Shi'ite figures, witnesses and media reports said.

Hundreds of youths on motorcycles waving their party and religious flags gathered in downtown&nbsp;Beirut&nbsp;chanting "Shi'ites, Shi'ites" and setting fire to tires. They hurled stones and fireworks at security forces standing nearby, witnesses said.

Ignoring calls for restraint by politicians, the youths tried to break a security cordon to storm the square where demonstrators have set up tents as part of an anti-government protest that has been going on for weeks.

In the vicinity of the area close to the main road that links the capital's eastern and western sections, scores of youths had burnt tires, smashed office buildings and torched several cars, live coverage by local television stations showed.

The protesters camped in the square have been targeted by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanese-protesters-clash-with-supporters-of-hezbollah-amal-in-beirut-264299">Shi'ite groups</a> in the past angered by chants against their political leaders, although Tuesday's violence was of an overtly sectarian nature.

The video, which inflamed passions in a country where sectarian divisions run deep, was purportedly made by an expatriate&nbsp;Lebanese&nbsp;Sunni from the northern city of Tripoli and released on social media.

In the predominately Sunni populated city of Saida in southern Lebanon, groups of masked youths stormed into the main square where they set ablaze several tents set up by demonstrators who have camped for weeks, local television stations said.

Lebanon has been gripped by a historic wave of protests since October&nbsp;17 leading to the resignation of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanese-pm-saad-al-hariri-resigns-as-crisis-turns-violent-258682">Saad al-Hariri</a> as prime minister, amid anger at the government's failure to address the country's worst economic crisis since the 1975-1990 civil war.

More than seven weeks since Hariri quit, politicians have been unable to agree on a new administration despite the deepening financial crisis.

The impasse took a violent turn at the weekend when&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/clashes-rock-beirut-as-security-forces-fire-tear-gas-at-protest-268499">Beirut</a>&nbsp;was clouded in tear gas as security forces clashed with protesters who blame the ruling elite for corruption and bad governance. Dozens were wounded.

Lebanese troops lobbed tear gas on Tuesday to disperse supporters of Shi'ite groups Hezbollah and Amal who tried to storm a square in Beirut in response to a video that purportedly offended Shi'ite figures, witnesses and media reports said.

Lebanese troops lobbed tear gas on Tuesday to disperse supporters of Shi'ite groups Hezbollah and Amal who tried to storm a square in Beirut in response to a video that purportedly offended Shi'ite figures, witnesses and media reports said. Hundreds of youths on motorcycles waving their party and religious flags gathered in downtown Beirut chanting "Shi'ites, Shi'ites" and setting fire to tires. They hurled stones and fireworks at security forces standing nearby, witnesses said. Ignoring calls for restraint by politicians, the youths tried to break a security cordon to storm the square where demonstrators have set up tents as part of an anti-government protest that has been going on for weeks. In the vicinity of the area close to the main road that links the capital's eastern and western sections, scores of youths had burnt tires, smashed office buildings and torched several cars, live coverage by local television stations showed. The protesters camped in the square have been targeted by Shi'ite groups in the past angered by chants against their political leaders, although Tuesday's violence was of an overtly sectarian nature. The video, which inflamed passions in a country where sectarian divisions run deep, was purportedly made by an expatriate Lebanese Sunni from the northern city of Tripoli and released on social media. In the predominately Sunni populated city of Saida in southern Lebanon, groups of masked youths stormed into the main square where they set ablaze several tents set up by demonstrators who have camped for weeks, local television stations said. Lebanon has been gripped by a historic wave of protests since October 17 leading to the resignation of Saad al-Hariri as prime minister, amid anger at the government's failure to address the country's worst economic crisis since the 1975-1990 civil war. More than seven weeks since Hariri quit, politicians have been unable to agree on a new administration despite the deepening financial crisis. The impasse took a violent turn at the weekend when Beirut was clouded in tear gas as security forces clashed with protesters who blame the ruling elite for corruption and bad governance. Dozens were wounded.

Lebanese army clashes with supporters of Hezbollah, Amal in Beirut

Protesters&nbsp;remained&nbsp;defiant&nbsp;Monday after supporters of main Shiite groups&nbsp;Hezbollah&nbsp;and Amal attacked demonstrators overnight, sparking a UN call to keep protests peaceful.

Demonstrators demanding a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protesters-see-real-independence-coming-as-lebanon-turns-76-263919">complete government overhaul</a> have stayed mobilised since protests began on October 17, but a bitterly divided political class has yet to find a way forward.

Frustrated by the stalemate,&nbsp;protesters&nbsp;had called for roadblocks and a general strike on Monday, but an&nbsp;attack&nbsp;by supporters of allied parties&nbsp;Hezbollah&nbsp;and Amal on Sunday night weakened the turnout.

Political parties "are trying to instil fear in us as a people, so we don't progress and stay at home," said Dany Ayyash,&nbsp;21, who was blocking a key road in Beirut's Hamra district.

But "the&nbsp;attack&nbsp;gave us all,&nbsp;at least the ones here right now,&nbsp;a sense of determination," Ayyash said.

At around midnight on Sunday, backers of&nbsp;Hezbollah&nbsp;and Amal attacked demonstrators at a flyover near the capital's main protest camp.&nbsp;

Brandishing party flags, they hurled stones at demonstrators and taunted them as riot police deployed to contain the violence.

The attackers also ravaged a nearby encampment, tearing down tents and damaging storefronts in their most serious assault on&nbsp;protesters&nbsp;so far.

At least 10 demonstrators were injured, civil defence said.

On Monday evening, supporters of the two Shiite parties drove by Beirut's Martyrs' Square, where the main protest camp is located, pelting tents with stones before speeding away on motorcycles, an AFP correspondent said.

The UN Security Council called for all actors to maintain "the peaceful character of the protests by avoiding violence and respecting the right to peaceful assembly in protest".

Watch: Hezbollah accuses US of interference in Lebanon

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Tense aftermath

UN Special Coordinator for&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;Jan Kubis earlier called for restraint.

"I urge all Lebanese political forces to control their supporters, to avoid using the national protests for pursuing their political agenda," he tweeted.

The state-run National News Agency said authorities have begun an investigation into Sunday's night incident.

Parliament speaker Nabih Berri, who heads Amal, called on security forces to keep roads open to avoid "civil strife".&nbsp;

On Monday morning, scattered stones, shattered glass and mangled tents littered the camp at Martyrs' Square. Nearby car windows had been smashed with rocks.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanon-deploys-security-forces-in-beirut-before-parliamentary-session-263099">Security forces tried to disperse&nbsp;protesters</a>&nbsp;in a neighbouring Beirut district and removed other demonstrator barricades deployed in the north and east of the country.

The army detained nine people north of Beirut at dawn after they tried to block roads, but freed them later, the military and NNA said.

They also arrested four other "rioters", releasing three shortly afterwards.

The security forces have come under fresh criticism following Sunday's&nbsp;attack, with&nbsp;protesters&nbsp;accusing them of being lax with&nbsp;Hezbollah&nbsp;and Amal supporters, most of whom were allowed to walk away.

"The thugs throw stones and insult security forces but they don't confront them," said Elie, 24, who was among the&nbsp;protesters&nbsp;attacked.

"They don't arrest them the way they arrest us."

Such criticism prompted Interior Minister Raya al-Hasan to say the army and police remain the only "guarantors of the country's stability".

Political paralysis

Late Monday, hundreds of&nbsp;Hezbollah&nbsp;and Amal supporters rallied in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanon-is-a-sinking-ship-parliament-speaker-warns-262944">capital's Shiite southern suburbs</a> after a man and woman were killed in a car accident earlier the same day.

A video of the incident showed a car-ramming at high speed into a metal barrier before catching on fire, in an incident, both Shiite parties have blamed on a protester roadblock.

The demonstrators, however, denied any responsibility, publishing a map of their roadblocks on social media.

Political leaders have failed to elect a new government nearly a month since Prime Minister Saad Hariri's cabinet resigned under popular pressure.

President Michel Aoun, whose powers include initiating parliamentary consultations to appoint new premier, said he was open to a government that would include technocrats and representatives of the popular movement,&nbsp;both key demands of the&nbsp;protesters.

But demonstrators say they reject any government that would also include representatives of established political parties.&nbsp;

The United States, France, the World Bank, and credit rating agencies have all urged officials to accelerate cabinet formation, warning of a deteriorating economic and political crisis.&nbsp;

In the latest diplomatic push, senior British Foreign Office official Richard Moore was in&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;on Monday to meet top officials and "underline&nbsp;the urgent need to form a government", the British embassy said.&nbsp;

"The people of&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;have been clear in their demand for improved governance, and they should be heard," Moore was quoted as saying.&nbsp;

Protesters remained defiant Monday after supporters of main Shiite groups Hezbollah and Amal attacked demonstrators overnight, sparking a UN call to keep protests peaceful.

Protesters remained defiant Monday after supporters of main Shiite groups Hezbollah and Amal attacked demonstrators overnight, sparking a UN call to keep protests peaceful. Demonstrators demanding a complete government overhaul have stayed mobilised since protests began on October 17, but a bitterly divided political class has yet to find a way forward. Frustrated by the stalemate, protesters had called for roadblocks and a general strike on Monday, but an attack by supporters of allied parties Hezbollah and Amal on Sunday night weakened the turnout. Political parties "are trying to instil fear in us as a people, so we don't progress and stay at home," said Dany Ayyash, 21, who was blocking a key road in Beirut's Hamra district. But "the attack gave us all, at least the ones here right now, a sense of determination," Ayyash said. At around midnight on Sunday, backers of Hezbollah and Amal attacked demonstrators at a flyover near the capital's main protest camp. Brandishing party flags, they hurled stones at demonstrators and taunted them as riot police deployed to contain the violence. The attackers also ravaged a nearby encampment, tearing down tents and damaging storefronts in their most serious assault on protesters so far. At least 10 demonstrators were injured, civil defence said. On Monday evening, supporters of the two Shiite parties drove by Beirut's Martyrs' Square, where the main protest camp is located, pelting tents with stones before speeding away on motorcycles, an AFP correspondent said. The UN Security Council called for all actors to maintain "the peaceful character of the protests by avoiding violence and respecting the right to peaceful assembly in protest". Watch: Hezbollah accuses US of interference in Lebanon Tense aftermath UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jan Kubis earlier called for restraint. "I urge all Lebanese political forces to control their supporters, to avoid using the national protests for pursuing their political agenda," he tweeted. The state-run National News Agency said authorities have begun an investigation into Sunday's night incident. Parliament speaker Nabih Berri, who heads Amal, called on security forces to keep roads open to avoid "civil strife". On Monday morning, scattered stones, shattered glass and mangled tents littered the camp at Martyrs' Square. Nearby car windows had been smashed with rocks. Security forces tried to disperse protesters in a neighbouring Beirut district and removed other demonstrator barricades deployed in the north and east of the country. The army detained nine people north of Beirut at dawn after they tried to block roads, but freed them later, the military and NNA said. They also arrested four other "rioters", releasing three shortly afterwards. The security forces have come under fresh criticism following Sunday's attack, with protesters accusing them of being lax with Hezbollah and Amal supporters, most of whom were allowed to walk away. "The thugs throw stones and insult security forces but they don't confront them," said Elie, 24, who was among the protesters attacked. "They don't arrest them the way they arrest us." Such criticism prompted Interior Minister Raya al-Hasan to say the army and police remain the only "guarantors of the country's stability". Political paralysis Late Monday, hundreds of Hezbollah and Amal supporters rallied in the capital's Shiite southern suburbs after a man and woman were killed in a car accident earlier the same day. A video of the incident showed a car-ramming at high speed into a metal barrier before catching on fire, in an incident, both Shiite parties have blamed on a protester roadblock. The demonstrators, however, denied any responsibility, publishing a map of their roadblocks on social media. Political leaders have failed to elect a new government nearly a month since Prime Minister Saad Hariri's cabinet resigned under popular pressure. President Michel Aoun, whose powers include initiating parliamentary consultations to appoint new premier, said he was open to a government that would include technocrats and representatives of the popular movement, both key demands of the protesters. But demonstrators say they reject any government that would also include representatives of established political parties. The United States, France, the World Bank, and credit rating agencies have all urged officials to accelerate cabinet formation, warning of a deteriorating economic and political crisis. In the latest diplomatic push, senior British Foreign Office official Richard Moore was in Lebanon on Monday to meet top officials and "underline the urgent need to form a government", the British embassy said. "The people of Lebanon have been clear in their demand for improved governance, and they should be heard," Moore was quoted as saying.

Lebanon protesters continue defiance despite Hezbollah attack

Clashes broke out between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanon-deploys-security-forces-in-beirut-before-parliamentary-session-263099">anti-government demonstrators</a> and supporters of the Shi'ite groups Hezbollah and Amal in the Lebanese capital, Beirut, early on Monday, as tensions escalated when demonstrators blocked a main bridge.

Lebanon has faced five weeks of anti-government protests, fuelled by anger at corruption among the sectarian politicians who have governed Lebanon for decades. Demonstrators want to see the entire ruling class gone from power.

Hezbollah and Amal were both represented in the coalition government led by Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hariri-ready-to-be-lebanese-prime-minister-again-but-with-conditions-report-258873">Saad al-Hariri</a>, who quit on October&nbsp;29 after the protests began. The heavily armed Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran, had opposed Hariri's resignation.

Army soldiers and riot police formed a barrier separating the protesters from the supporters of the Shi'ite groups on a main road known as the Ring Bridge as rocks were thrown by both sides, television footage broadcast by Lebanese media showed.

Also watch:&nbsp;Lebanon Protest -&nbsp;Hezbollah accuses the US of Interference in Lebanon

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Security forces fired tear gas to disperse the crowds, three local television stations reported.

Supporters of Hezbollah and Amal waved the groups' flags. Earlier, they had chanted: "Shia, Shia" and slogans in support of Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah. On the other side, demonstrators chanted: "Revolution, revolution".

Lebanese broadcaster al-Jadeed reported that fighting apparently broke out when Hezbollah and Amal supporters blamed other demonstrators for making offensive comments about Nasrallah. Reuters could not independently verify the report.

The ground was strewn with rocks. A motorcycle was set on fire.

The Lebanese civil defense said on its Twitter account that it was administering first aid to five people suffering from "various injuries."

It was the worst tension in Beirut since a mob loyal to Hezbollah and Amal attacked and destroyed the main protest camp in central Beirut last month. The protests have been overwhelmingly peaceful.

&nbsp;

Clashes broke out between anti-government demonstrators and supporters of the Shi'ite groups Hezbollah and Amal in the Lebanese capital, Beirut, early on Monday, as tensions escalated when demonstrators blocked a main bridge.

Clashes broke out between anti-government demonstrators and supporters of the Shi'ite groups Hezbollah and Amal in the Lebanese capital, Beirut, early on Monday, as tensions escalated when demonstrators blocked a main bridge. Lebanon has faced five weeks of anti-government protests, fuelled by anger at corruption among the sectarian politicians who have governed Lebanon for decades. Demonstrators want to see the entire ruling class gone from power. Hezbollah and Amal were both represented in the coalition government led by Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri, who quit on October 29 after the protests began. The heavily armed Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran, had opposed Hariri's resignation. Army soldiers and riot police formed a barrier separating the protesters from the supporters of the Shi'ite groups on a main road known as the Ring Bridge as rocks were thrown by both sides, television footage broadcast by Lebanese media showed. Also watch: Lebanon Protest - Hezbollah accuses the US of Interference in Lebanon × Security forces fired tear gas to disperse the crowds, three local television stations reported. Supporters of Hezbollah and Amal waved the groups' flags. Earlier, they had chanted: "Shia, Shia" and slogans in support of Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah. On the other side, demonstrators chanted: "Revolution, revolution". Lebanese broadcaster al-Jadeed reported that fighting apparently broke out when Hezbollah and Amal supporters blamed other demonstrators for making offensive comments about Nasrallah. Reuters could not independently verify the report. The ground was strewn with rocks. A motorcycle was set on fire. The Lebanese civil defense said on its Twitter account that it was administering first aid to five people suffering from "various injuries." It was the worst tension in Beirut since a mob loyal to Hezbollah and Amal attacked and destroyed the main protest camp in central Beirut last month. The protests have been overwhelmingly peaceful.

Lebanese protesters clash with supporters of Hezbollah, Amal in Beirut

Hezbollah accuses the U.S of Interference in Lebanon. To know more watch the video

Lebanon Protest: Hezbollah accuses the U.S of Interference in Lebanon

Lebanon&nbsp;slid deeper into political crisis on Sunday after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/crisis-swept-lebanon-in-gridlock-after-safadi-withdrawal-262758">withdrawal of a top candidate</a> for prime minister narrowed the chances of creating a government needed to enact urgent reforms.

Mohammad Safadi, a former finance minister, withdrew his candidacy late on Saturday, saying it was too hard to form a "harmonious" government with broad support.

Safadi was the first candidate who had appeared to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanons-safadi-emerges-as-prime-minister-of-choice-for-three-parties-262186">win some consensus</a> among&nbsp;Lebanon's fractious sectarian-based parties since Hariri quit as prime minister on October&nbsp;29, pushed out by sweeping protests against the ruling elite.

Faced by the worst financial strains since a 1975-1990 civil war,&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;has pledged urgent reforms it hopes will convince donors to disburse some $11 billion pledged last year.

The unrest has kept banks shut for most of the last month. They have imposed controls on transfers abroad and US&nbsp;dollar withdrawals, and the pegged Lebanese pound is under pressure on an informal market.

Safadi became the presumed front-runner for prime minister after a meeting between Hariri, a Sunni politician, and Shi'ite groups Hezbollah and Amal, according to political sources and Lebanese media, but no political force later endorsed him.

Lebanon's prime minister must be a Sunni Muslim, according to its sectarian power-sharing system.

Protesters who have filled the streets since October&nbsp;17 hit out at the choice of Safadi, a prominent businessman and longtime politician they said was part of the elite they sought to oust.

Later on Sunday large crowds of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanon-slides-deeper-into-chaos-no-sign-of-new-government-261811">anti-government protesters</a> waving Lebanese flags poured back into streets across the country, chanting for revolution in rallies to mark a month since the start of the uprising and keep up pressure.

In comments published on the Lebanese army's website, army chief General Joseph Aoun said the military would not stop people from demonstrating in squares but would intervene to open roads, calling freedom of movement "sacred".

Aoun said recent arrests were directed only at those rioting and confronting the army or who were found to possess drugs.

"We are in a deadlock now. I don't know when it will move again. It is not easy," said a senior political source. "The financial situation doesn't tolerate any delay."

A second political source described efforts to form a new government as "back to square one."

Reflecting the brittle political climate, President Michel Aoun's Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) accused Hariri of failing to rally support for Safadi's bid in order to undermine his candidacy and keep the job for himself.

An FPM statement criticised Hariri for insisting on a policy of "me or no one" to lead the next government, a reference to Hariri's insistence on returning as premier only if he can be the sole politician in a cabinet of specialists.

A statement by Hariri's office rejected FPM's assertion that he undermined Safadi's candidacy as an irresponsible attempt to "score points" despite&nbsp;Lebanon's "major national crisis".

But in a statement Safadi later blamed Hariri for not keeping "promises on the basis of which I accepted to be named prime minister of the next government".

He did not say what the promises were, but added: "There was nothing left for me to do but announce my withdrawal."

Safadi's withdrawal leaves the powerful, Iran-backed Hezbollah and its allies with even fewer options unless they push for a close Sunni ally, a scenario that would likely reduce the chances of&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;winning international support. Hezbollah is classified as a terrorist group by the United States.

Hezbollah and Amal, along with Aoun, a Maronite Christian, have sought for Hariri to return as premier while including both technocrats and politicians in a new cabinet.

But Hariri, aligned with Gulf Arabs and the West, has said he will return as prime minister only if he can form a cabinet composed of specialists who can attract international support.

Global ratings agency S&amp;P flashed the latest warning on&nbsp;Lebanon's debt-saddled economy on Friday, lowering its foreign and local currency sovereign credit ratings deeper into junk territory to 'CCC/C' from 'B-/B'.

S&amp;P cited rising pressure on central bank foreign currency reserves and diminished depositor confidence.

Lebanon's bank staff said they would continue a nationwide strike on Monday that has kept banks shut. The strike is over safety fears as depositors demand access to their money.

Lebanon slid deeper into political crisis on Sunday after the withdrawal of a top candidate for prime minister narrowed the chances of creating a government needed to enact urgent reforms.

Lebanon slid deeper into political crisis on Sunday after the withdrawal of a top candidate for prime minister narrowed the chances of creating a government needed to enact urgent reforms. Mohammad Safadi, a former finance minister, withdrew his candidacy late on Saturday, saying it was too hard to form a "harmonious" government with broad support. Safadi was the first candidate who had appeared to win some consensus among Lebanon's fractious sectarian-based parties since Hariri quit as prime minister on October 29, pushed out by sweeping protests against the ruling elite. Faced by the worst financial strains since a 1975-1990 civil war, Lebanon has pledged urgent reforms it hopes will convince donors to disburse some $11 billion pledged last year. The unrest has kept banks shut for most of the last month. They have imposed controls on transfers abroad and US dollar withdrawals, and the pegged Lebanese pound is under pressure on an informal market. Safadi became the presumed front-runner for prime minister after a meeting between Hariri, a Sunni politician, and Shi'ite groups Hezbollah and Amal, according to political sources and Lebanese media, but no political force later endorsed him. Lebanon's prime minister must be a Sunni Muslim, according to its sectarian power-sharing system. Protesters who have filled the streets since October 17 hit out at the choice of Safadi, a prominent businessman and longtime politician they said was part of the elite they sought to oust. Later on Sunday large crowds of anti-government protesters waving Lebanese flags poured back into streets across the country, chanting for revolution in rallies to mark a month since the start of the uprising and keep up pressure. In comments published on the Lebanese army's website, army chief General Joseph Aoun said the military would not stop people from demonstrating in squares but would intervene to open roads, calling freedom of movement "sacred". Aoun said recent arrests were directed only at those rioting and confronting the army or who were found to possess drugs. "We are in a deadlock now. I don't know when it will move again. It is not easy," said a senior political source. "The financial situation doesn't tolerate any delay." A second political source described efforts to form a new government as "back to square one." Reflecting the brittle political climate, President Michel Aoun's Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) accused Hariri of failing to rally support for Safadi's bid in order to undermine his candidacy and keep the job for himself. An FPM statement criticised Hariri for insisting on a policy of "me or no one" to lead the next government, a reference to Hariri's insistence on returning as premier only if he can be the sole politician in a cabinet of specialists. A statement by Hariri's office rejected FPM's assertion that he undermined Safadi's candidacy as an irresponsible attempt to "score points" despite Lebanon's "major national crisis". But in a statement Safadi later blamed Hariri for not keeping "promises on the basis of which I accepted to be named prime minister of the next government". He did not say what the promises were, but added: "There was nothing left for me to do but announce my withdrawal." Safadi's withdrawal leaves the powerful, Iran-backed Hezbollah and its allies with even fewer options unless they push for a close Sunni ally, a scenario that would likely reduce the chances of Lebanon winning international support. Hezbollah is classified as a terrorist group by the United States. Hezbollah and Amal, along with Aoun, a Maronite Christian, have sought for Hariri to return as premier while including both technocrats and politicians in a new cabinet. But Hariri, aligned with Gulf Arabs and the West, has said he will return as prime minister only if he can form a cabinet composed of specialists who can attract international support. Global ratings agency S&P flashed the latest warning on Lebanon's debt-saddled economy on Friday, lowering its foreign and local currency sovereign credit ratings deeper into junk territory to 'CCC/C' from 'B-/B'. S&P cited rising pressure on central bank foreign currency reserves and diminished depositor confidence. Lebanon's bank staff said they would continue a nationwide strike on Monday that has kept banks shut. The strike is over safety fears as depositors demand access to their money.

Lebanon is a sinking ship, parliament speaker warns

Lebanon slipped deeper into political crisis on Sunday after the withdrawal of a top candidate for prime minister narrowed the chances of creating a government needed to enact urgent reforms.

Mohammad Safadi, a former finance minister, withdrew his candidacy late on Saturday, saying it was too difficult to form a "harmonious" government with broad political support.

Safadi was the first candidate who had appeared to win some consensus among Lebanon's fractious sectarian-based parties since Hariri quit as prime minister on Oct. 29, pushed out by sweeping protests against the ruling elite.

Faced by the worst financial strains since its 1975-1990 civil war, Lebanon has pledged to carry out urgent reforms it hopes will convince donors to disburse some $11 billion pledged at a conference last year.

The unrest has kept banks shut for most of the last month. They have imposed controls on transfers abroad and US dollar withdrawals, and the pegged Lebanese pound is under pressure on an informal market.

Safadi became the presumed front-runner for prime minister after a meeting between Hariri, a Sunni politician, and Shi'ite groups Hezbollah and Amal, according to political sources and Lebanese media, but no political force later endorsed him.

Lebanon's prime minister must be a Sunni Muslim, according to its sectarian power-sharing system.

Protesters who have filled Lebanon's streets since October 17 denounced the choice of Safadi, a prominent businessman and longtime politician they said was part of the elite they sought to oust.

"We are in a deadlock now. I don't know when it will move again. It is not easy," said a senior political source. "The financial situation doesn't tolerate any delay."

A second political source described efforts to form a new government as "back to square one."

Safadi's withdrawal leaves the powerful, Iran-backed Hezbollah and its allies with even fewer options unless they push for a close Sunni ally, a scenario that would likely reduce the chances of Lebanon winning international support.

Hezbollah is classified as a terrorist group by the United States.

Hezbollah and Amal, along with President Michel Aoun, a Maronite Christian, have sought for Hariri to return as premier but have demanded the inclusion of both technocrats and politicians in the new cabinet.

But Hariri, who is aligned with Gulf Arab states and the West, has said he will only return as prime minister if he is able to form a cabinet composed entirely of specialists capable of attracting the international support.

Global ratings agency S&amp;P flashed the latest warning on Lebanon's debt-saddled economy on Friday, lowering its foreign and local currency sovereign credit ratings deeper into junk territory to 'CCC/C' from 'B-/B'.

S&amp;P cited rising pressure on central bank foreign currency reserves and diminished depositor confidence brought on by the bank closures and reported restrictions on hard currency movement.

Lebanon's bank staff union said it would meet on Sunday or Monday to decide whether to call off a strike after receiving a security plan to keep branches safe and potentially re-open banks as early as Monday.

Lebanon slipped deeper into political crisis on Sunday after the withdrawal of a top candidate for prime minister narrowed the chances of creating a government needed to enact urgent reforms.

Lebanon slipped deeper into political crisis on Sunday after the withdrawal of a top candidate for prime minister narrowed the chances of creating a government needed to enact urgent reforms. Mohammad Safadi, a former finance minister, withdrew his candidacy late on Saturday, saying it was too difficult to form a "harmonious" government with broad political support. Safadi was the first candidate who had appeared to win some consensus among Lebanon's fractious sectarian-based parties since Hariri quit as prime minister on Oct. 29, pushed out by sweeping protests against the ruling elite. Faced by the worst financial strains since its 1975-1990 civil war, Lebanon has pledged to carry out urgent reforms it hopes will convince donors to disburse some $11 billion pledged at a conference last year. The unrest has kept banks shut for most of the last month. They have imposed controls on transfers abroad and US dollar withdrawals, and the pegged Lebanese pound is under pressure on an informal market. Safadi became the presumed front-runner for prime minister after a meeting between Hariri, a Sunni politician, and Shi'ite groups Hezbollah and Amal, according to political sources and Lebanese media, but no political force later endorsed him. Lebanon's prime minister must be a Sunni Muslim, according to its sectarian power-sharing system. Protesters who have filled Lebanon's streets since October 17 denounced the choice of Safadi, a prominent businessman and longtime politician they said was part of the elite they sought to oust. "We are in a deadlock now. I don't know when it will move again. It is not easy," said a senior political source. "The financial situation doesn't tolerate any delay." A second political source described efforts to form a new government as "back to square one." Safadi's withdrawal leaves the powerful, Iran-backed Hezbollah and its allies with even fewer options unless they push for a close Sunni ally, a scenario that would likely reduce the chances of Lebanon winning international support. Hezbollah is classified as a terrorist group by the United States. Hezbollah and Amal, along with President Michel Aoun, a Maronite Christian, have sought for Hariri to return as premier but have demanded the inclusion of both technocrats and politicians in the new cabinet. But Hariri, who is aligned with Gulf Arab states and the West, has said he will only return as prime minister if he is able to form a cabinet composed entirely of specialists capable of attracting the international support. Global ratings agency S&P flashed the latest warning on Lebanon's debt-saddled economy on Friday, lowering its foreign and local currency sovereign credit ratings deeper into junk territory to 'CCC/C' from 'B-/B'. S&P cited rising pressure on central bank foreign currency reserves and diminished depositor confidence brought on by the bank closures and reported restrictions on hard currency movement. Lebanon's bank staff union said it would meet on Sunday or Monday to decide whether to call off a strike after receiving a security plan to keep branches safe and potentially re-open banks as early as Monday.

Crisis-swept Lebanon in gridlock after Safadi withdrawal

Mohammad Safadi, a former finance minister, has agreed to be <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanons-safadi-emerges-as-prime-minister-of-choice-for-three-parties-262186">Lebanon's prime minister</a> if he wins the support of leading parties, Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil said on Friday.

The consensus on the wealthy 75-year-old, who has had extensive business ties to Saudi Arabia, suggests progress towards forming a new government at a time of acute economic crisis and street protests that brought down his predecessor.

Bassil told broadcaster MTV the process to name Safadi as prime minister should begin on Monday and a new government was likely to be formed quickly as all the main parties agreed on the need to move swiftly.

"I confirm that we have been in contact with minister Safadi and he has agreed to take on the position of prime minister if his name gets an agreement with the main political forces in government," said Bassil.

Saad al-Hariri quit as prime minister on October&nbsp;29 in the face of the protests against ruling politicians who are blamed for rampant state corruption and steering Lebanon into its worst economic crisis since the 1975-90 civil war.

Banks have been closed this week because of a strike by staff over security concerns, banks have imposed controls on transfers abroad and US dollar withdrawals, and the pegged Lebanese pound is under pressure on an informal market. Some shops have increased prices of imported goods in pounds.

Political sources said the consensus on Safadi emerged in a meeting late on Thursday between Hariri, a Sunni politician aligned with Western and Gulf states, and representatives of the Iran-backed Shi'ite group Hezbollah and its Shi'ite ally Amal.

A source familiar with details of the meeting said Hariri had expressed no objections to Safadi's nomination.

A second source, a senior figure close to Amal and Hezbollah, said agreement in principle on Safadi's nomination had emerged at the meeting.

Huge challenges

Safadi, is a prominent businessman and former member of parliament from the predominantly Sunni city of Tripoli. He was finance minister from 2011 to 2014 under Prime Minister Najib Mikati, and was also previously minister of economy and trade.

Lebanon's prime minister must be a Sunni Muslim, according to its sectarian power-sharing system.

The next government will face huge challenges.

It must win international financial support seen as critical to alleviating the economic crisis, while addressing the challenge posed by the nationwide protest movement that wants to see the old elite gone from power.

Lebanon's long-brewing economic crisis, rooted in years of state waste, corruption and mismanagement, has deepened since the protests began.

Dollars were being offered at 1,820 pounds on Friday, an exchange dealer said, weaker than the official rate of 1,507.5 pounds but slightly firmer than a day earlier.

Hariri had said he would return only as prime minister of a cabinet of specialist ministers that he believed would be best placed to win aid and save Lebanon from crisis. To that end, he has been holding many closed-door meetings with other parties.

Hezbollah and Amal wanted Hariri to return as premier, but the Shi'ite groups and President Michel Aoun, a Hezbollah ally, have demanded the inclusion of both technocrats and politicians in the cabinet.

Listed as a terrorist group by the United States, the heavily armed Hezbollah and groups politically aligned with it hold a majority of seats in parliament.

The process requires Aoun, a Maronite Christian, to formally consult members of parliament on their choice for prime minister. He must designate whoever gets the most votes.

Hariri remains caretaker prime minister for now. 
&nbsp;

Mohammad Safadi, a former finance minister, has agreed to be Lebanon's prime minister if he wins the support of leading parties, Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil said on Friday.

Mohammad Safadi, a former finance minister, has agreed to be Lebanon's prime minister if he wins the support of leading parties, Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil said on Friday. The consensus on the wealthy 75-year-old, who has had extensive business ties to Saudi Arabia, suggests progress towards forming a new government at a time of acute economic crisis and street protests that brought down his predecessor. Bassil told broadcaster MTV the process to name Safadi as prime minister should begin on Monday and a new government was likely to be formed quickly as all the main parties agreed on the need to move swiftly. "I confirm that we have been in contact with minister Safadi and he has agreed to take on the position of prime minister if his name gets an agreement with the main political forces in government," said Bassil. Saad al-Hariri quit as prime minister on October 29 in the face of the protests against ruling politicians who are blamed for rampant state corruption and steering Lebanon into its worst economic crisis since the 1975-90 civil war. Banks have been closed this week because of a strike by staff over security concerns, banks have imposed controls on transfers abroad and US dollar withdrawals, and the pegged Lebanese pound is under pressure on an informal market. Some shops have increased prices of imported goods in pounds. Political sources said the consensus on Safadi emerged in a meeting late on Thursday between Hariri, a Sunni politician aligned with Western and Gulf states, and representatives of the Iran-backed Shi'ite group Hezbollah and its Shi'ite ally Amal. A source familiar with details of the meeting said Hariri had expressed no objections to Safadi's nomination. A second source, a senior figure close to Amal and Hezbollah, said agreement in principle on Safadi's nomination had emerged at the meeting. Huge challenges Safadi, is a prominent businessman and former member of parliament from the predominantly Sunni city of Tripoli. He was finance minister from 2011 to 2014 under Prime Minister Najib Mikati, and was also previously minister of economy and trade. Lebanon's prime minister must be a Sunni Muslim, according to its sectarian power-sharing system. The next government will face huge challenges. It must win international financial support seen as critical to alleviating the economic crisis, while addressing the challenge posed by the nationwide protest movement that wants to see the old elite gone from power. Lebanon's long-brewing economic crisis, rooted in years of state waste, corruption and mismanagement, has deepened since the protests began. Dollars were being offered at 1,820 pounds on Friday, an exchange dealer said, weaker than the official rate of 1,507.5 pounds but slightly firmer than a day earlier. Hariri had said he would return only as prime minister of a cabinet of specialist ministers that he believed would be best placed to win aid and save Lebanon from crisis. To that end, he has been holding many closed-door meetings with other parties. Hezbollah and Amal wanted Hariri to return as premier, but the Shi'ite groups and President Michel Aoun, a Hezbollah ally, have demanded the inclusion of both technocrats and politicians in the cabinet. Listed as a terrorist group by the United States, the heavily armed Hezbollah and groups politically aligned with it hold a majority of seats in parliament. The process requires Aoun, a Maronite Christian, to formally consult members of parliament on their choice for prime minister. He must designate whoever gets the most votes. Hariri remains caretaker prime minister for now.

Ex-finance chief Safadi agrees to be put forward as Lebanon's PM

President Michel Aoun said on Tuesday <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanese-banks-schools-shut-as-protesters-push-on-261582">Lebanon faced a catastrophe</a> if protesters did not go home, igniting a new wave of demonstrations during which a protester was shot and killed after an altercation with Lebanese soldiers near Beirut.

The shooting in Khaldeh south of Beirut was the first of its kind in nearly four weeks of nationwide protests against Lebanon's ruling elite, escalating tensions in a country mired in deep political and economic crisis.

The man who was killed was a member of the political party led by Druze leader Walid Jumblatt, a civil war adversary of Aoun. Jumblatt urged his supporters to remain calm during a visit to the hospital where the man had been taken.

In a statement, the army said a soldier had opened fire to disperse protesters who were blocking a road in Khaldeh, wounding one person. The soldier was detained and the incident was under investigation.

Tensions flared in Beirut late into the night. In the Cola district near Beirut, dozens of men pelted stones at soldiers and a tank.

Already grappling with the worst economic crisis since the 1975-90 civil war, Lebanon has been plunged deeper into turmoil since the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanese-protest-again-as-army-works-to-open-blocked-roads-260212">protests erupted </a>on October&nbsp;17.

In a prime time televised interview, Aoun indicated there was no breakthrough in talks over forming a new government to replace Saad al-Hariri's coalition cabinet. Hariri, who quit on October&nbsp;29, was hesitant about being prime minister again, he said.

Aoun also said a purely technocratic government, as demanded by many protesters, would not be able to govern Lebanon and so it should include politicians.

Addressing protesters in his interview, he said, "If you continue in this way, you will strike Lebanon and your interests."

"We are working day and night to get the situation in order. If they keep going, there is a catastrophe. If they stop, there is still room for (us) to fix things," he said.

As Aoun's interview was ending, protesters blocked several main roads across Lebanon, some with burning tyres.

Linda Boulos Mikari, protesting on a road north of Beirut, said Aoun's interview had brought her back onto the street.

"We are tired of the authorities always (acting) as if we are doing nothing. The president goes live and talks to us as if we are children, 'go home'. Respect us a little," she said.

Commercial banks, seeking to avoid capital flight, have been imposing tight restrictions on financial transfers out of Lebanon and US&nbsp;dollar withdrawals.

Banks, which were closed for half of October during the protests, shut their doors again on Tuesday in strike action by bank employees who are concerned about security risks posed by depositors demanding their money and protesters.

The strike will continue on Wednesday.

Aoun called on the Lebanese not to rush to the banks, saying their money was safe.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-nations-urges-lebanon-to-form-government-of-competence-banks-close-261669">United Nations urged Lebanon</a> to form a competent new government better able to seek international aid and warned the country was in a critical financial and economic situation.

Hariri, who is aligned with Western and Gulf Arab states, wants to be prime minister of a technocratic cabinet that he believes would be better placed to secure urgently needed international financial support, political sources have said.

But the heavily armed group Hezbollah and its ally Amal believe Hariri aims mainly to keep Hezbollah out of government, a senior source familiar with the two Shi'ite groups' view said on Sunday.

The Iran-backed Hezbollah is classified as a terrorist group by the United States. On Monday, its leader said talks were continuing over the new government and Hezbollah wanted to leave open the way for an agreement.

Aoun, a political ally of Hezbollah, said he was awaiting answers before calling formal consultations with MPs to designate the next prime minister.

"A technocrat government cannot define the policy of the country ... and I back forming a government that is half political and half technocrat," Aoun said. "I met Hariri and I found him hesitant between yes and no."

Asked if a cabinet headed by a prime minister other than Hariri and which includes Hezbollah would receive foreign support, Aoun said: "This is an issue that can also be solved."

"I will not give you the solution while I am here on television."

President Michel Aoun said on Tuesday Lebanon faced a catastrophe if protesters did not go home, igniting a new wave of demonstrations during which a protester was shot and killed after an altercation with Lebanese soldiers near Beirut.

President Michel Aoun said on Tuesday Lebanon faced a catastrophe if protesters did not go home, igniting a new wave of demonstrations during which a protester was shot and killed after an altercation with Lebanese soldiers near Beirut. The shooting in Khaldeh south of Beirut was the first of its kind in nearly four weeks of nationwide protests against Lebanon's ruling elite, escalating tensions in a country mired in deep political and economic crisis. The man who was killed was a member of the political party led by Druze leader Walid Jumblatt, a civil war adversary of Aoun. Jumblatt urged his supporters to remain calm during a visit to the hospital where the man had been taken. In a statement, the army said a soldier had opened fire to disperse protesters who were blocking a road in Khaldeh, wounding one person. The soldier was detained and the incident was under investigation. Tensions flared in Beirut late into the night. In the Cola district near Beirut, dozens of men pelted stones at soldiers and a tank. Already grappling with the worst economic crisis since the 1975-90 civil war, Lebanon has been plunged deeper into turmoil since the protests erupted on October 17. In a prime time televised interview, Aoun indicated there was no breakthrough in talks over forming a new government to replace Saad al-Hariri's coalition cabinet. Hariri, who quit on October 29, was hesitant about being prime minister again, he said. Aoun also said a purely technocratic government, as demanded by many protesters, would not be able to govern Lebanon and so it should include politicians. Addressing protesters in his interview, he said, "If you continue in this way, you will strike Lebanon and your interests." "We are working day and night to get the situation in order. If they keep going, there is a catastrophe. If they stop, there is still room for (us) to fix things," he said. As Aoun's interview was ending, protesters blocked several main roads across Lebanon, some with burning tyres. Linda Boulos Mikari, protesting on a road north of Beirut, said Aoun's interview had brought her back onto the street. "We are tired of the authorities always (acting) as if we are doing nothing. The president goes live and talks to us as if we are children, 'go home'. Respect us a little," she said. Commercial banks, seeking to avoid capital flight, have been imposing tight restrictions on financial transfers out of Lebanon and US dollar withdrawals. Banks, which were closed for half of October during the protests, shut their doors again on Tuesday in strike action by bank employees who are concerned about security risks posed by depositors demanding their money and protesters. The strike will continue on Wednesday. Aoun called on the Lebanese not to rush to the banks, saying their money was safe. The United Nations urged Lebanon to form a competent new government better able to seek international aid and warned the country was in a critical financial and economic situation. Hariri, who is aligned with Western and Gulf Arab states, wants to be prime minister of a technocratic cabinet that he believes would be better placed to secure urgently needed international financial support, political sources have said. But the heavily armed group Hezbollah and its ally Amal believe Hariri aims mainly to keep Hezbollah out of government, a senior source familiar with the two Shi'ite groups' view said on Sunday. The Iran-backed Hezbollah is classified as a terrorist group by the United States. On Monday, its leader said talks were continuing over the new government and Hezbollah wanted to leave open the way for an agreement. Aoun, a political ally of Hezbollah, said he was awaiting answers before calling formal consultations with MPs to designate the next prime minister. "A technocrat government cannot define the policy of the country ... and I back forming a government that is half political and half technocrat," Aoun said. "I met Hariri and I found him hesitant between yes and no." Asked if a cabinet headed by a prime minister other than Hariri and which includes Hezbollah would receive foreign support, Aoun said: "This is an issue that can also be solved." "I will not give you the solution while I am here on television."

Man killed as protests sweep Lebanon after Aoun interview

Political talks to agree an urgently needed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fuel-shortage-price-hikes-squeeze-protest-hit-lebanon-261109">Lebanese government</a> are still deadlocked, three senior sources said on Sunday, as the powerful Shi'ite group Hezbollah indicated it would not be forced into concessions.

The latest failure to break Lebanon's political impasse will worsen pressures on an economy gripped by its deepest crisis since the 1975-90 civil war, amid protests against a political establishment widely regarded as corrupt and inept.

Since reopening a week ago, commercial banks have been seeking to stave off capital flight by blocking most transfers abroad and imposing curbs on hard-currency withdrawals, though the central bank has announced no formal capital controls.

A big part of Lebanon's economic crisis stems from a slowdown of capital inflows which has led to a scarcity of US&nbsp;dollars and spawned a black market where the Lebanese pound has weakened below its official pegged rate.

A meeting on Saturday evening between caretaker Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri and senior officials from Hezbollah and its Shi'ite ally Amal failed to yield any breakthrough towards forming the new cabinet, the sources said.

"The crisis is deepening," one source familiar with Hariri's position said. A senior source familiar with the view of Hezbollah and Amal said: "Nothing has changed. So far the road is completely blocked." A third senior source said the situation was still deadlocked.

Hariri quit on October&nbsp;29 in the face of unprecedented protests fuelled by poverty, joblessness and lack of basic services like electricity.

Hariri wants to lead a technocratic government devoid of other politicians, while Amal, Hezbollah and its Christian ally the Free Patriotic Movement want a government mixing technocrats and politicians.

"Nothing has changed"

The source familiar with Hariri's views has said he believes a cabinet composed of both technocrats and politicians would not be able to secure Western assistance and would also anger protesters who want to see a change of leadership.

Hariri reiterated his position in the meeting with caretaker Finance Minister Ali Hassan Khalil of Amal and top Hezbollah official Hussein Khalil, the senior source familiar with Hezbollah and Amal's view said.

Both Hezbollah and Amal communicated their view, that Hariri should return as premier of a new 'technopolitical' cabinet, at the meeting. Hariri said he would only agree to head a technocratic cabinet.

"Practically, what he wants is a government devoid of Hezbollah," the senior source said. "After 10 days have passed, matters must be decided."

The source familiar with Hariri's position said he believed Hezbollah, Amal and the FPM were seeking the inclusion in the cabinet of politicians rejected by the protesters.

These include FPM leader Gebran Bassil, foreign minister in the outgoing cabinet and a son-in-law of President Michel Aoun.

"If these faces return to government we will have pushed the street to return to protest in a greater way," the source familiar with Hariri's position said.

One dollar was buying 1,800 pounds or more on Friday compared to 1,740 on Thursday, two market sources said. The pegged rate is 1,507.5 pounds.

In a statement apparently referring to the deadlock and to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/petrol-pumps-shut-down-in-protest-hit-lebanon-over-dollar-shortage-261057">Hezbollah's loss of fighters</a> in various conflicts, Hezbollah lawmaker Mohammad Raad said: "Our arms will not be twisted nor can we be neutralised from achieving the goals of the martyrs."

Lebanon's highest Christian authority urged the president to hasten the appointment of a prime minister and the formation of a government that meets protesters' demands.

"The country's situation cannot withstand another day of delays," Maronite Patriarch Bechara Boutros Al-Rai said.

Political talks to agree an urgently needed Lebanese government are still deadlocked, three senior sources said on Sunday, as the powerful Shi'ite group Hezbollah indicated it would not be forced into concessions.

Political talks to agree an urgently needed Lebanese government are still deadlocked, three senior sources said on Sunday, as the powerful Shi'ite group Hezbollah indicated it would not be forced into concessions. The latest failure to break Lebanon's political impasse will worsen pressures on an economy gripped by its deepest crisis since the 1975-90 civil war, amid protests against a political establishment widely regarded as corrupt and inept. Since reopening a week ago, commercial banks have been seeking to stave off capital flight by blocking most transfers abroad and imposing curbs on hard-currency withdrawals, though the central bank has announced no formal capital controls. A big part of Lebanon's economic crisis stems from a slowdown of capital inflows which has led to a scarcity of US dollars and spawned a black market where the Lebanese pound has weakened below its official pegged rate. A meeting on Saturday evening between caretaker Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri and senior officials from Hezbollah and its Shi'ite ally Amal failed to yield any breakthrough towards forming the new cabinet, the sources said. "The crisis is deepening," one source familiar with Hariri's position said. A senior source familiar with the view of Hezbollah and Amal said: "Nothing has changed. So far the road is completely blocked." A third senior source said the situation was still deadlocked. Hariri quit on October 29 in the face of unprecedented protests fuelled by poverty, joblessness and lack of basic services like electricity. Hariri wants to lead a technocratic government devoid of other politicians, while Amal, Hezbollah and its Christian ally the Free Patriotic Movement want a government mixing technocrats and politicians. "Nothing has changed" The source familiar with Hariri's views has said he believes a cabinet composed of both technocrats and politicians would not be able to secure Western assistance and would also anger protesters who want to see a change of leadership. Hariri reiterated his position in the meeting with caretaker Finance Minister Ali Hassan Khalil of Amal and top Hezbollah official Hussein Khalil, the senior source familiar with Hezbollah and Amal's view said. Both Hezbollah and Amal communicated their view, that Hariri should return as premier of a new 'technopolitical' cabinet, at the meeting. Hariri said he would only agree to head a technocratic cabinet. "Practically, what he wants is a government devoid of Hezbollah," the senior source said. "After 10 days have passed, matters must be decided." The source familiar with Hariri's position said he believed Hezbollah, Amal and the FPM were seeking the inclusion in the cabinet of politicians rejected by the protesters. These include FPM leader Gebran Bassil, foreign minister in the outgoing cabinet and a son-in-law of President Michel Aoun. "If these faces return to government we will have pushed the street to return to protest in a greater way," the source familiar with Hariri's position said. One dollar was buying 1,800 pounds or more on Friday compared to 1,740 on Thursday, two market sources said. The pegged rate is 1,507.5 pounds. In a statement apparently referring to the deadlock and to Hezbollah's loss of fighters in various conflicts, Hezbollah lawmaker Mohammad Raad said: "Our arms will not be twisted nor can we be neutralised from achieving the goals of the martyrs." Lebanon's highest Christian authority urged the president to hasten the appointment of a prime minister and the formation of a government that meets protesters' demands. "The country's situation cannot withstand another day of delays," Maronite Patriarch Bechara Boutros Al-Rai said.

Hezbollah says its 'arms won't be twisted' as Lebanon crisis deepens

Hezbollah said Monday it had shot down an "Israeli drone" as it crossed the border into Lebanon, a week after a flash confrontation between the arch-foes. Fighters from the Lebanese Shiite movement "confronted with the appropriate weapons an Israeli drone" heading towards the border village of Ramyeh, a statement said.

Hezbollah said Monday it had shot down an "Israeli drone" as it crossed the border into Lebanon, a week after a flash confrontation between the arch-foes. Fighters from the Lebanese Shiite movement "confronted with the appropriate weapons an Israeli drone" heading towards the border village of Ramyeh, a statement said. The drone is now in the hands of Hezbollah, it added. Israel did not immediately comment. The incident follows an escalation in tensions between the two, which included an exchange of fire on Sunday, September 1. The Iran-backed Shiite movement said it had fired anti-tank missiles into Israel, destroying a military vehicle and killing or wounding those inside. Israel's army said it had responded with around 100 artillery shells after Hezbollah targeted a battalion headquarters and military ambulance, hitting both. Israeli officials denied claims of casualties. Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah later said his organisation would respond to any further Israeli attacks with strikes "deep inside Israel" and not just along the border. Iran-backed Hezbollah, considered a terrorist organisation by Israel and the United States, is a major political actor in Lebanon and a key government backer in war-torn Syria. The flare-up was sparked by an Israeli strike in Syria which killed two Hezbollah fighters on August 24 and was followed by what the movement described as an Israeli drone strike on its Beirut stronghold. Israel has not acknowledged that attack, but accused Hezbollah and Tehran of colluding to produce precision-guided missiles on Lebanese soil. Israel has staged hundreds of strikes against what it says are Iranian and Hezbollah targets in Syria since the civil war began there in 2011, vowing to prevent its arch-foe Iran from entrenching itself militarily in the neighbouring country. But a drone attack by Israel inside Lebanon would mark a departure -- what Nasrallah labelled the first such "hostile action" since a 2006 war between them. The 33-day war killed 1,200 Lebanese -- mostly civilians -- and 160 Israelis, mostly soldiers. The flaring tensions come just a week ahead of Israel's September 17 election, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seen as wanting to avoid a major conflict ahead of the vote.

Hezbollah says shot down 'Israeli drone' at Lebanese border

Hezbollah claimed to down Israeli drone, Israeli drone downed inside Lebanon. WION speaks to Daniele Pagani, West Asia bureau chief to get more on this news.

Hezbollah claimed to down Israeli drone, Israeli drone downed inside Lebanon

Tensions flare at Israel-Lebanon border, Hezbollah to target Israeli drones. Watch this video to know more.

Tensions flare at Israel-Lebanon border, Hezbollah to target Israeli drones

Jammal Trust Bank SAL on Friday rejected allegations that it helps to fund <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-says-iran-boosting-bid-to-set-up-hezbollah-precision-missile-plants-in-lebanon-246489">Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah</a> and said it plans to appeal against US sanctions.

Washington hit the bank and its subsidiaries with sanctions on Thursday for allegedly facilitating the financial activities of the Shi'ite Hezbollah movement in Lebanon.&nbsp;

The US Treasury Department accused the bank of funnelling money to the families of suicide bombers.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the United States is determined to cut off support in Lebanon for heavily armed Hezbollah, which Washington classifies as a terrorist group.

Jammal Trust, a 50-year-old commercial bank with branches throughout Lebanon, said it "unequivocally denies all the allegations" that prompted what it described as "surprising" sanctions.

The bank's statement said it has an "unwavering commitment to ... international regulations on countering money laundering and terrorist financing" and that it would work with Lebanon's central bank to protect depositors.

Lebanon's central bank Governor Riad Salameh Salameh on Friday told the Arab Economic News website that it would closely follow Jammal Trust's case and that it will guarantee "all legal deposits".

Washington has sought to choke off Hezbollah funding, with sanctions among a slew of fresh measures against Tehran since US President Donald Trump withdrew last year from a 2015 international nuclear deal with Iran.

Jammal Trust Bank SAL on Friday rejected allegations that it helps to fund Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah and said it plans to appeal against US sanctions. Washington hit the bank and its subsidiaries with sanctions on Thursday for allegedly facilitating the financial activities of the Shi'ite Hezbollah movement in Lebanon.

Jammal Trust Bank SAL on Friday rejected allegations that it helps to fund Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah and said it plans to appeal against US sanctions. Washington hit the bank and its subsidiaries with sanctions on Thursday for allegedly facilitating the financial activities of the Shi'ite Hezbollah movement in Lebanon. The US Treasury Department accused the bank of funnelling money to the families of suicide bombers. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the United States is determined to cut off support in Lebanon for heavily armed Hezbollah, which Washington classifies as a terrorist group. Jammal Trust, a 50-year-old commercial bank with branches throughout Lebanon, said it "unequivocally denies all the allegations" that prompted what it described as "surprising" sanctions. The bank's statement said it has an "unwavering commitment to ... international regulations on countering money laundering and terrorist financing" and that it would work with Lebanon's central bank to protect depositors. Lebanon's central bank Governor Riad Salameh Salameh on Friday told the Arab Economic News website that it would closely follow Jammal Trust's case and that it will guarantee "all legal deposits". Washington has sought to choke off Hezbollah funding, with sanctions among a slew of fresh measures against Tehran since US President Donald Trump withdrew last year from a 2015 international nuclear deal with Iran.

Sanctions-hit Lebanese bank denies Hezbollah ties

Israel accused Iran on Thursday of stepping up efforts to provide the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-warns-hezbollah-lebanon-to-be-careful-246001">Hezbollah militia</a> with precision-guided missile production facilities, a warning to Beirut that Israeli counter-strikes could escalate.

"Dir balak," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in public remarks directed at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-strikes-hit-pro-syria-palestinian-group-in-lebanon-245680">Lebanon</a>, using the Arabic for "watch out".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-says-air-strike-in-syria-sent-no-immunity-message-to-iran-245618">Israel and Lebanon</a>'s Hezbollah, which last fought a war in 2006, are on high alert after drones were used at the weekend to attack what a security official in the region described as a target linked to precision-guided missile projects.

Hezbollah has blamed Israel for the rare strike in Beirut, and said it will retaliate. The heavily armed Shi'ite movement has denied harbouring such missile facilities. Lebanon has accused Israel of seeking pretexts for aggression.

Without claiming responsibility for the drone attack, the Israeli military published what it said were details about an extensive Iranian-sponsored campaign to provide Hezbollah with the means to produce precision-guided missiles.

Such missiles - which Hezbollah acknowledges possessing - could potentially pose a counter-balance to Israel's overwhelming military force in any future war, with the capacity to home in on and knock out core infrastructure sites.

Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus, an Israeli military spokesman, said that in recent months Iran had increased the pace of the project such that it was "faster in terms of buildings, facilities, locations, conversion and manufacturing facilities, and it means more people, operatives involved in doing so".

"It is time for them (the Lebanese government) to understand their responsibility and understand the fact that what they are letting Hezbollah and Iran do on Lebanese soil is their responsibility," Conricus said.

"They are the ones who are complicit in endangering Lebanon and Lebanese civilians which Hezbollah and Iran are using as human shields."

There was no immediate response from Tehran, Israel's arch-foe, whose nuclear programme and regional activities have been a focus of redoubled US&nbsp;pressure under President Donald Trump - with knock-on tensions in the Gulf.

After Hezbollah said it would respond to the Beirut strike by downing Israeli drones that enter Lebanon's skies, the Lebanese army on Wednesday shot at drones that it said had crossed the border. Israel said there was no damage to them.

In the past Israel has argued that the Lebanese army is too close to Hezbollah to warrant the more than $1.5 billion in US&nbsp;military assistance it has received since the 2006 war. Washington regards the army as a counter-weight to Hezbollah.

Conricus said there was no change to Israel's position on the Lebanese army. But he appeared to play down the threat.

"We continue to classify Hezbollah as our main enemy and the Lebanese Armed Forces as a potential enemy," he said. "If they fire at Israel, tactically speaking, ... then that specific force on the ground will be considered an active enemy, but strategically speaking Hezbollah is the enemy."

Israel accused Iran on Thursday of stepping up efforts to provide the Hezbollah militia with precision-guided missile production facilities, a warning to Beirut that Israeli counter-strikes could escalate.

Israel accused Iran on Thursday of stepping up efforts to provide the Hezbollah militia with precision-guided missile production facilities, a warning to Beirut that Israeli counter-strikes could escalate. "Dir balak," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in public remarks directed at Lebanon, using the Arabic for "watch out". Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah, which last fought a war in 2006, are on high alert after drones were used at the weekend to attack what a security official in the region described as a target linked to precision-guided missile projects. Hezbollah has blamed Israel for the rare strike in Beirut, and said it will retaliate. The heavily armed Shi'ite movement has denied harbouring such missile facilities. Lebanon has accused Israel of seeking pretexts for aggression. Without claiming responsibility for the drone attack, the Israeli military published what it said were details about an extensive Iranian-sponsored campaign to provide Hezbollah with the means to produce precision-guided missiles. Such missiles - which Hezbollah acknowledges possessing - could potentially pose a counter-balance to Israel's overwhelming military force in any future war, with the capacity to home in on and knock out core infrastructure sites. Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus, an Israeli military spokesman, said that in recent months Iran had increased the pace of the project such that it was "faster in terms of buildings, facilities, locations, conversion and manufacturing facilities, and it means more people, operatives involved in doing so". "It is time for them (the Lebanese government) to understand their responsibility and understand the fact that what they are letting Hezbollah and Iran do on Lebanese soil is their responsibility," Conricus said. "They are the ones who are complicit in endangering Lebanon and Lebanese civilians which Hezbollah and Iran are using as human shields." There was no immediate response from Tehran, Israel's arch-foe, whose nuclear programme and regional activities have been a focus of redoubled US pressure under President Donald Trump - with knock-on tensions in the Gulf. After Hezbollah said it would respond to the Beirut strike by downing Israeli drones that enter Lebanon's skies, the Lebanese army on Wednesday shot at drones that it said had crossed the border. Israel said there was no damage to them. In the past Israel has argued that the Lebanese army is too close to Hezbollah to warrant the more than $1.5 billion in US military assistance it has received since the 2006 war. Washington regards the army as a counter-weight to Hezbollah. Conricus said there was no change to Israel's position on the Lebanese army. But he appeared to play down the threat. "We continue to classify Hezbollah as our main enemy and the Lebanese Armed Forces as a potential enemy," he said. "If they fire at Israel, tactically speaking, ... then that specific force on the ground will be considered an active enemy, but strategically speaking Hezbollah is the enemy."

Israel says Iran boosting bid to set up Hezbollah precision-missile plants in Lebanon

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah to "calm down" after he said his movement was preparing a response to the crash of two Israeli drones in a Beirut suburb.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah to "calm down" after he said his movement was preparing a response to the crash of two Israeli drones in a Beirut suburb. "I heard what Nasrallah said. I suggest to Nasrallah to calm down. He knows well that Israel knows how to defend itself and to pay back its enemies," Netanyahu said in a speech. In a speech on Sunday, Nasrallah, whose Iran-backed movement fought a month-long war with Israel in 2006, accused Israel of carrying out a suicide drone attack earlier that day. "I say to the Israeli army on the border from tonight, stand guard (on high alert). Wait for us one, two, three, four days," Nasrallah said. One drone fell and a second exploded near the ground and caused some damage to Hezbollah's media centre in the southern suburbs of the capital which it dominates. Israel has not claimed responsibility for the incident.

Netanyahu tells Hezbollah's Nasrallah to 'calm down' after drone incident

Wion Dispatch: Hezbollah warns Israel against attacks. 2 Hezbollah members killed by Israel.

Wion Dispatch: Hezbollah warns Israel against attacks

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rocket-from-gaza-draws-israeli-air-strikes-one-person-wounded-12126/amp">Israeli airstrikes</a> targeted a Palestinian faction loyal to the Syrian government in eastern Lebanon before dawn on Monday, Lebanese state media and the group said.

The strikes came just hours after the head of Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah threatened Israel after two drones fell on its Beirut stronghold in what he described as a targeted "drone attack".

The National News Agency said "three hostile strikes" after midnight hit Lebanon's eastern mountains near Qusaya town "where the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine - General Command has military posts".

"They responded well a barrage of anti-aircraft fire," it said.

PFLP-GC spokesman Anwar Raja told the Al-Mayadeen television channel that it was an Israeli strike.

The PFLP-GC has close ties to Hezbollah and Syria's government.&nbsp;

It has positions in the eastern region of Bekaa, as well as in Al-Naaemeh just south of Beirut.

Qusaya is only about five kilometres (three miles) from the Syrian border.

In July 2015, a security official said a blast at a PFLP-GC base there wounded seven people, while the Palestinian group blamed it on an Israeli strike.

On Sunday, Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah threatened Israel after what he described as a targeted "drone attack" in a stronghold of his group in the south of Beirut.

"The time when Israeli aircraft come and bombard parts of Lebanon is over," he said.

"I say to the Israeli army along the border, from tonight be ready and wait for us," he said. "What happened yesterday will not pass."

Hezbollah, considered a terrorist organisation by Israel and the United States, is a major political actor in Lebanon and also a key government backer in war-torn Syria.

The latest incident also came after Israel on Saturday launched strikes in neighbouring Syria to prevent what it said was an Iranian attack on the Jewish state.

Israeli airstrikes targeted a Palestinian faction loyal to the Syrian government in eastern Lebanon before dawn on Monday, Lebanese state media and the group said.

Israeli airstrikes targeted a Palestinian faction loyal to the Syrian government in eastern Lebanon before dawn on Monday, Lebanese state media and the group said. The strikes came just hours after the head of Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah threatened Israel after two drones fell on its Beirut stronghold in what he described as a targeted "drone attack". The National News Agency said "three hostile strikes" after midnight hit Lebanon's eastern mountains near Qusaya town "where the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine - General Command has military posts". "They responded well a barrage of anti-aircraft fire," it said. PFLP-GC spokesman Anwar Raja told the Al-Mayadeen television channel that it was an Israeli strike. The PFLP-GC has close ties to Hezbollah and Syria's government. It has positions in the eastern region of Bekaa, as well as in Al-Naaemeh just south of Beirut. Qusaya is only about five kilometres (three miles) from the Syrian border. In July 2015, a security official said a blast at a PFLP-GC base there wounded seven people, while the Palestinian group blamed it on an Israeli strike. On Sunday, Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah threatened Israel after what he described as a targeted "drone attack" in a stronghold of his group in the south of Beirut. "The time when Israeli aircraft come and bombard parts of Lebanon is over," he said. "I say to the Israeli army along the border, from tonight be ready and wait for us," he said. "What happened yesterday will not pass." Hezbollah, considered a terrorist organisation by Israel and the United States, is a major political actor in Lebanon and also a key government backer in war-torn Syria. The latest incident also came after Israel on Saturday launched strikes in neighbouring Syria to prevent what it said was an Iranian attack on the Jewish state.

Israeli strikes hit pro-Syria Palestinian group in Lebanon

The Israeli air force struck in Syria to prevent an Iranian force from launching an attack on the Jewish state with drones armed with explosives, the army said Sunday.

The Israeli air force struck in Syria to prevent an Iranian force from launching an attack on the Jewish state with drones armed with explosives, the army said Sunday. While Israel operates regularly in Syria, it rarely acknowledges its actions so swiftly, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warning arch-foe Iran it had no immunity from his state's military. In a briefing to reporters, military spokesman Jonathan Conricus said that late Saturday the Israeli air force "was able to thwart an Iranian attempt led by the Quds force from Syria to conduct an attack on Israeli targets in northern Israel using killer drones." According to Conricus, the Israeli attack took place in Aqraba, southeast of Damascus, and targeted "several terror targets and military facilities belonging to the Quds force as well as Shiite militias." The army had on Thursday prevented an earlier attempt to launch the drone attack, Conricus said, without providing further details. "The threat was significant and these killer drones were capable of striking targets with significant capacity," he said. A Syrian military source quoted by official Sana news agency said that "At 2330 (2030 GMT) anti-aircraft defences detected enemy targets from Golan heading towards the area around Damascus". "The aggression was immediately confronted and so far the majority of the enemy Israeli missiles have been destroyed before reaching their targets," the source added. 'Iran has no immunity anywhere' A correspondent in Damascus heard several large explosions before Sana announced the defensive action. "The aggression is still going on and the air defence can counter the targets, dropping most of them" in the south of the country, the Sana agency said early Sunday. Since the beginning of the war in Syria in 2011, Israel has conducted hundreds of strikes in Syria, most of them against what it says are Iranian and Hezbollah targets. Hezbollah is a Lebanese Shiite group that supports Syria's President Bashar al-Assad, who is also backed by Tehran. Hours after the strike in Syria, a Hezbollah official said one drone had come down and another had exploded in one of the group's strongholds in the Lebanese capital Beirut. The official could not confirm if the drones were Israeli or if they had been shot down by Hezbollah. Israel says it is determined to prevent its arch-foe Iran from entrenching itself militarily in Syria, where Tehran backs Assad's regime. In a statement issued just minutes after the Israeli army announced its attack, Netanyahu hailed the military's "major operational effort" in thwarting the attack planned by "the Iranian Quds force and Shiite militias." "Iran has no immunity anywhere," Netanyahu said. "Our forces operate in every sector against Iranian aggression." Military spokesman Conricus said Israel held both Iran and the Syrian regime responsible for the planned drone attack, noting that forces in northern Israel were on "elevated readiness to respond to any development". He also noted that while Iranian forces had launched rockets and missiles at Israel from Syria three times during 2018, the use of "kamikaze" drones set to explode on their targets was a new and "different tactic". The Jewish state insists that it has the right to continue to target positions held by Iran and its ally Hezbollah out of self-defence.

Israeli jets hit targets in Syria to prevent Iranian drone attack: army

An <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/four-dead-21-injured-in-israeli-missile-strikes-syria-231935">Israeli missile attack</a> targeted Syrian military positions held by the government and its allies early on Wednesday, Syria's state news agency said.&nbsp;

The missiles were fired into the south of the country close to the Golan Heights, an area occupied and annexed by Israel.

"The Israeli enemy launched aggression after midnight against the Tall al-Hara area," the SANA news agency said Wednesday, adding that there were reports of damage to property.&nbsp;

The attacks were earlier described as "probably Israeli" by the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, who said they targeted Tall al-Hara in Daraa province, south of Damascus, and two areas in the neighbouring province of Quneitrathe.

"The regime's anti-aircraft defence has been activated to counter the attack," director of the Observatory Rami Abdel Rahmane said.

"Some missiles have been shot down, others have hit their target."

The Observatory reported "loss of life" without giving further details.

Israel has carried out hundreds of airstrikes in Syria since the beginning of the conflict in 2011, targeting forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad and the regime's allies Iran and Hezbollah.

The Syrian conflict has killed more than 370,000 people and drawn in world powers since it started with the brutal repression of anti-government protests.

Israeli strikes have previously targeted Tall al-Hara where Hezbollah has installed a radar system and the Syrian regime has erected anti-aircraft batteries, according to the Observatory.&nbsp;

At the end of June, six civilians and nine pro-government fighters were killed in Israeli strikes near Damascus and in the central province of Homs, it added.

Israel says it is determined to prevent its arch-foe Iran from entrenching itself militarily in Syria, where Tehran backs Assad's regime.

The Jewish state insists that it has the right to continue to target positions held by Iran and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah out of self-defence.

The strikes came after Hezbollah's leader said earlier this month that the group's rockets could reach key Israeli sites along the Mediterranean coast, including Tel Aviv.

Hassan Nasrallah also said that Iran was "able to bombard Israel with ferocity and force" but "will not start a war".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-prime-minister-benjamin-netanyahu-warns-of-crushing-retaliation-after-hezbollah-chiefs-remarks-235756">Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu</a> countered that his country would deliver a "crushing military blow" on the both Hezbollah and Lebanon if it were to attack.&nbsp;

An Israeli missile attack targeted Syrian military positions held by the government and its allies early on Wednesday, Syria's state news agency said. The missiles were fired into the south of the country close to the Golan Heights, an area occupied and annexed by Israel.

An Israeli missile attack targeted Syrian military positions held by the government and its allies early on Wednesday, Syria's state news agency said. The missiles were fired into the south of the country close to the Golan Heights, an area occupied and annexed by Israel. "The Israeli enemy launched aggression after midnight against the Tall al-Hara area," the SANA news agency said Wednesday, adding that there were reports of damage to property. The attacks were earlier described as "probably Israeli" by the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, who said they targeted Tall al-Hara in Daraa province, south of Damascus, and two areas in the neighbouring province of Quneitrathe. "The regime's anti-aircraft defence has been activated to counter the attack," director of the Observatory Rami Abdel Rahmane said. "Some missiles have been shot down, others have hit their target." The Observatory reported "loss of life" without giving further details. Israel has carried out hundreds of airstrikes in Syria since the beginning of the conflict in 2011, targeting forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad and the regime's allies Iran and Hezbollah. The Syrian conflict has killed more than 370,000 people and drawn in world powers since it started with the brutal repression of anti-government protests. Israeli strikes have previously targeted Tall al-Hara where Hezbollah has installed a radar system and the Syrian regime has erected anti-aircraft batteries, according to the Observatory. At the end of June, six civilians and nine pro-government fighters were killed in Israeli strikes near Damascus and in the central province of Homs, it added. Israel says it is determined to prevent its arch-foe Iran from entrenching itself militarily in Syria, where Tehran backs Assad's regime. The Jewish state insists that it has the right to continue to target positions held by Iran and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah out of self-defence. The strikes came after Hezbollah's leader said earlier this month that the group's rockets could reach key Israeli sites along the Mediterranean coast, including Tel Aviv. Hassan Nasrallah also said that Iran was "able to bombard Israel with ferocity and force" but "will not start a war". Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu countered that his country would deliver a "crushing military blow" on the both Hezbollah and Lebanon if it were to attack.

Israel fires missiles into south Syria: Report

Argentinian authorities designated Hezbollah, which it blames for two attacks on its soil, a terrorist organisation on Thursday and ordered the freezing of the Lebanese Islamist group's assets in the country.

The announcement coincided with a visit by US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo as&nbsp;Argentina&nbsp;marks the 25th anniversary of the deadly bombing of a Jewish community center in Buenos Aires in which 85 people died.&nbsp;Argentina&nbsp;blames Iran and Hezbollah for the attack. Both deny any responsibility.

Argentina&nbsp;also blames Hezbollah for an attack on the Israeli embassy in Buenos Aires in 1992 that killed 29 people.

The Argentine government's Financial Information Unit, ordered the freezing of assets of members of Hezbollah and the organization a day after the country created a new list for people and entities linked to terrorism. The designation of Hezbollah as a terrorist group was the first by any Latin American country.

"At present, Hezbollah continues to represent a current threat to security and the integrity of the economic and financial order of the Argentine Republic," the unit said in a statement.

There was no immediate comment from Hezbollah on the move.

Last year,&nbsp;Argentina&nbsp;froze the assets of 14 members of the Barakat Clan, an extended family that officials say has close ties to Hezbollah.

U.S. and Argentine officials say Hezbollah operates in what is known as the tri-border area of&nbsp;Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay, where an illicit economy funds its operations elsewhere.

ISRAEL WELCOMES MOVE

Argentina's decision to freeze Hezbollah assets and join the United States in designating it a terrorist group is a significant win for President Donald Trump's administration as it seeks to increase pressure on Tehran and its proxies.

The financial impact on Hezbollah will likely be insignificant because it has other sources of funding, said Seth Jones, director of the Transnational Threats Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington.

"What the administration is hoping is that even taking little bites out of the apple right now may end up being significant in the long run if they can continue to freeze assets of organizations like Hezbollah in a range of different countries," Jones said.

The United States, looking to revive a security relationship that suffered after a souring in diplomatic ties during the previous administration of President Cristina Fernandez, views President Mauricio Macri as a partner, particularly as traditional European allies have been slower to offer support amid U.S. tensions with Iran, said Benjamin Gedan, director of the Wilson Center's&nbsp;Argentina&nbsp;Project in Washington.

"Clearly, they are not a good replacement for European allies, because they don't engage Iran significantly, so they cannot put on the same commercial and economic pressure as the Europeans," Gedan said of Washington's allies in Latin America.

"But at least it gives the impression that the Trump administration is not standing alone," he said.

Other U.S. allies that designate Hezbollah or its military wing a terrorist organization include Canada, Britain, Australia, New Zealand, the European Union and Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Macri for the designation from Jerusalem.

"It is time the entire enlightened world understand the grave danger Iran and Hezbollah pose. It is time the entire world stand up against it," Netanyahu said.

Argentinian authorities designated Hezbollah, which it blames for two attacks on its soil, a terrorist organisation on Thursday and ordered the freezing of the Lebanese Islamist group's assets in the country.

Argentinian authorities designated Hezbollah, which it blames for two attacks on its soil, a terrorist organisation on Thursday and ordered the freezing of the Lebanese Islamist group's assets in the country. The announcement coincided with a visit by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo as Argentina marks the 25th anniversary of the deadly bombing of a Jewish community center in Buenos Aires in which 85 people died. Argentina blames Iran and Hezbollah for the attack. Both deny any responsibility. Argentina also blames Hezbollah for an attack on the Israeli embassy in Buenos Aires in 1992 that killed 29 people. The Argentine government's Financial Information Unit, ordered the freezing of assets of members of Hezbollah and the organization a day after the country created a new list for people and entities linked to terrorism. The designation of Hezbollah as a terrorist group was the first by any Latin American country. "At present, Hezbollah continues to represent a current threat to security and the integrity of the economic and financial order of the Argentine Republic," the unit said in a statement. There was no immediate comment from Hezbollah on the move. Last year, Argentina froze the assets of 14 members of the Barakat Clan, an extended family that officials say has close ties to Hezbollah. U.S. and Argentine officials say Hezbollah operates in what is known as the tri-border area of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay, where an illicit economy funds its operations elsewhere. ISRAEL WELCOMES MOVE Argentina's decision to freeze Hezbollah assets and join the United States in designating it a terrorist group is a significant win for President Donald Trump's administration as it seeks to increase pressure on Tehran and its proxies. The financial impact on Hezbollah will likely be insignificant because it has other sources of funding, said Seth Jones, director of the Transnational Threats Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. "What the administration is hoping is that even taking little bites out of the apple right now may end up being significant in the long run if they can continue to freeze assets of organizations like Hezbollah in a range of different countries," Jones said. The United States, looking to revive a security relationship that suffered after a souring in diplomatic ties during the previous administration of President Cristina Fernandez, views President Mauricio Macri as a partner, particularly as traditional European allies have been slower to offer support amid U.S. tensions with Iran, said Benjamin Gedan, director of the Wilson Center's Argentina Project in Washington. "Clearly, they are not a good replacement for European allies, because they don't engage Iran significantly, so they cannot put on the same commercial and economic pressure as the Europeans," Gedan said of Washington's allies in Latin America. "But at least it gives the impression that the Trump administration is not standing alone," he said. Other U.S. allies that designate Hezbollah or its military wing a terrorist organization include Canada, Britain, Australia, New Zealand, the European Union and Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Macri for the designation from Jerusalem. "It is time the entire enlightened world understand the grave danger Iran and Hezbollah pose. It is time the entire world stand up against it," Netanyahu said.

Argentina brands Hezbollah terrorist organisation, freezes assets

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hezbollah-warns-iran-able-to-bombard-israel-if-war-started-235425">Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu</a> on Sunday warned the head of Lebanon's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-says-hunti-for-hezbollah-cross-border-tunnels-over-190046">Tehran-backed Hezbollah</a> that "crushing" retaliation would follow any attack after its leader said the group's rockets could reach Tel Aviv.

"Over the weekend we heard (Hassan) Nasrallah's boasting about his attack plans," he said at the start of the weekly cabinet meeting.

"Let me be clear if Hezbollah dares to make the mistake of attacking Israel, we will lay upon it and on Lebanon a crushing military blow."

In a Friday interview broadcast on Hezbollah's Al-Manar television, Nasrallah warned that key Israeli sites along the Mediterranean coast, including Tel Aviv, were "within range of our rockets".

The head of the Lebanese Shiite movement also said that Israel's arch-foe Iran was "able to bombard Israel with ferocity and force," but "will not start a war".

Last week, Netanyahu said that "Iran has been threatening the destruction of Israel" and warned that Israel's fighter jets "can reach anywhere in the Middle East, including Iran."

Hezbollah is considered to be a terrorist organisation by the United States and is the only faction not to have disarmed after Lebanon's 1975-1990 civil war.

But it is also a major political player in the small Mediterranean country, taking 13 seats in parliament last year and securing three posts in the current cabinet.

Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes in neighbouring Syria against what it says are Iranian and Hezbollah military targets. It has vowed to keep Iran from entrenching itself militarily there.

The Jewish state recently uncovered and destroyed six tunnels passing under the border from Lebanon into Israel.

It alleges Hezbollah had planned to use the tunnels for attacks in Israel.

Nasrallah's interview was to mark the anniversary of the start of his movement's 2006 war with Israel, which killed more than 1,200 Lebanese, mostly civilians, and more than 160 Israelis, mostly soldiers.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday warned the head of Lebanon's Tehran-backed Hezbollah that "crushing" retaliation would follow any attack after its leader said the group's rockets could reach Tel Aviv.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday warned the head of Lebanon's Tehran-backed Hezbollah that "crushing" retaliation would follow any attack after its leader said the group's rockets could reach Tel Aviv. "Over the weekend we heard (Hassan) Nasrallah's boasting about his attack plans," he said at the start of the weekly cabinet meeting. "Let me be clear if Hezbollah dares to make the mistake of attacking Israel, we will lay upon it and on Lebanon a crushing military blow." In a Friday interview broadcast on Hezbollah's Al-Manar television, Nasrallah warned that key Israeli sites along the Mediterranean coast, including Tel Aviv, were "within range of our rockets". The head of the Lebanese Shiite movement also said that Israel's arch-foe Iran was "able to bombard Israel with ferocity and force," but "will not start a war". Last week, Netanyahu said that "Iran has been threatening the destruction of Israel" and warned that Israel's fighter jets "can reach anywhere in the Middle East, including Iran." Hezbollah is considered to be a terrorist organisation by the United States and is the only faction not to have disarmed after Lebanon's 1975-1990 civil war. But it is also a major political player in the small Mediterranean country, taking 13 seats in parliament last year and securing three posts in the current cabinet. Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes in neighbouring Syria against what it says are Iranian and Hezbollah military targets. It has vowed to keep Iran from entrenching itself militarily there. The Jewish state recently uncovered and destroyed six tunnels passing under the border from Lebanon into Israel. It alleges Hezbollah had planned to use the tunnels for attacks in Israel. Nasrallah's interview was to mark the anniversary of the start of his movement's 2006 war with Israel, which killed more than 1,200 Lebanese, mostly civilians, and more than 160 Israelis, mostly soldiers.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warns of 'crushing' retaliation after Hezbollah chief's remarks

The head of Lebanon's Tehran-backed Hezbollah said Friday that US ally Israel would not be "neutral" if a war broke out between the United States and Iran.

And "Iran is able to bombard Israel with ferocity and force," Hassan Nasrallah said in an interview broadcast on Hezbollah's Al-Manar television.

His remarks came after weeks of increasing tensions between the United States and Iran, and as US President Donald Trump steps up his war of words with the Islamic Republic.

"When the Americans understand that this war could wipe out Israel, they will reconsider," Nasrallah said.

"Our collective responsibility in the region is to work towards preventing an American war on Iran," he said.

He said neither Saudi Arabia nor the United Arab Emirates had any interest in a conflict erupting.

On Friday, the US House of Representatives voted to restrict Trump's ability to attack Iran, voicing the fear that his hawkish policies are pushing toward a needless war.

Hezbollah is considered to be a terrorist organisation by the United States and is the only faction not to have disarmed after the Lebanese 1975-1990 civil war.

But it is also a major political player in the small Mediterranean country, taking 13 seats in parliament last year and securing three posts in the current cabinet.

Syria presence downgraded

Nasrallah also said he had decreased the number of his movement's fighters supporting the Damascus regime in neighbouring war-torn Syria.

"The Syrian army has greatly recovered and has found that today it does not need us," he said.

"We are present in every area that we used to be. We are still there, but we don't need to be there in large numbers as long as there is no practical need," he said.

The head of the Iran-backed Shiite movement, which has been fighting in Syria since 2013, did not give details on the extent of the reduction.

Backed by Russia and Iran, the Damascus government has taken back large swathes of territory from rebels and jihadists since 2015, and now controls around 60 per cent of the country.

Nasrallah spoke after Washington announced fresh sanctions Tuesday against Hezbollah, targeting elected officials from the movement for the first time.

Nasrallah said none of his fighters was currently involved in fighting in Syria's northwestern region of Idlib, where the regime and Russian forces have increased deadly bombardments on a jihadist-run bastion since late April.

But "if there was a need to return, all those who were there would go back" to Syria, he added.

Tel Aviv 'within range'

Responding to a question about repeated Israeli airstrikes on Syria, he said the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was "deceiving his people".

"He is playing a game of brinkmanship because Iran will not leave Syria," he warned.

Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes in neighbouring Syria against what it says are Iranian and Hezbollah military targets. It has vowed to keep Iran from entrenching itself militarily there.

Nasrallah's interview came to mark the start of his movement's 2006 war with Israel, which killed more than 1,200 Lebanese, mostly civilians, and more than 160 Israelis, mostly soldiers.

Both countries are still technically at war, and a UN peacekeeping force has said three tunnels have been found to have dug under the border from Lebanon into Israel since late last year.

The group's leader warned that key Israeli installations along the Mediterranean coast including Tel Aviv were "within range of our rockets".

The head of Lebanon's Tehran-backed Hezbollah said Friday that US ally Israel would not be "neutral" if a war broke out between the United States and Iran. And "Iran is able to bombard Israel with ferocity and force," Hassan Nasrallah said in an interview broadcast on Hezbollah's Al-Manar television.

The head of Lebanon's Tehran-backed Hezbollah said Friday that US ally Israel would not be "neutral" if a war broke out between the United States and Iran. And "Iran is able to bombard Israel with ferocity and force," Hassan Nasrallah said in an interview broadcast on Hezbollah's Al-Manar television. His remarks came after weeks of increasing tensions between the United States and Iran, and as US President Donald Trump steps up his war of words with the Islamic Republic. "When the Americans understand that this war could wipe out Israel, they will reconsider," Nasrallah said. "Our collective responsibility in the region is to work towards preventing an American war on Iran," he said. He said neither Saudi Arabia nor the United Arab Emirates had any interest in a conflict erupting. On Friday, the US House of Representatives voted to restrict Trump's ability to attack Iran, voicing the fear that his hawkish policies are pushing toward a needless war. Hezbollah is considered to be a terrorist organisation by the United States and is the only faction not to have disarmed after the Lebanese 1975-1990 civil war. But it is also a major political player in the small Mediterranean country, taking 13 seats in parliament last year and securing three posts in the current cabinet. Syria presence downgraded Nasrallah also said he had decreased the number of his movement's fighters supporting the Damascus regime in neighbouring war-torn Syria. "The Syrian army has greatly recovered and has found that today it does not need us," he said. "We are present in every area that we used to be. We are still there, but we don't need to be there in large numbers as long as there is no practical need," he said. The head of the Iran-backed Shiite movement, which has been fighting in Syria since 2013, did not give details on the extent of the reduction. Backed by Russia and Iran, the Damascus government has taken back large swathes of territory from rebels and jihadists since 2015, and now controls around 60 per cent of the country. Nasrallah spoke after Washington announced fresh sanctions Tuesday against Hezbollah, targeting elected officials from the movement for the first time. Nasrallah said none of his fighters was currently involved in fighting in Syria's northwestern region of Idlib, where the regime and Russian forces have increased deadly bombardments on a jihadist-run bastion since late April. But "if there was a need to return, all those who were there would go back" to Syria, he added. Tel Aviv 'within range' Responding to a question about repeated Israeli airstrikes on Syria, he said the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was "deceiving his people". "He is playing a game of brinkmanship because Iran will not leave Syria," he warned. Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes in neighbouring Syria against what it says are Iranian and Hezbollah military targets. It has vowed to keep Iran from entrenching itself militarily there. Nasrallah's interview came to mark the start of his movement's 2006 war with Israel, which killed more than 1,200 Lebanese, mostly civilians, and more than 160 Israelis, mostly soldiers. Both countries are still technically at war, and a UN peacekeeping force has said three tunnels have been found to have dug under the border from Lebanon into Israel since late last year. The group's leader warned that key Israeli installations along the Mediterranean coast including Tel Aviv were "within range of our rockets".

Hezbollah warns Iran able to bombard Israel if war started

U.S. Treasury names two Hezbollah MPs in a blacklist related to terror. Watch this video to know more on the story.

U.S. Treasury names two Hezbollah MPs in blacklist

Trump administration sanctions 3 Hezbollah officials

U.S.Sanctions 3 Hezbollah officials

The US Treasury placed two <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hezbollah-sees-united-states-war-on-iran-as-unlikely-report-230823">Hezbollah members of Lebanon's</a> parliament on its sanctions blacklist on Tuesday - the first time Washington has taken aim at the Iran-allied group's elected politicians.

Stepping up its effort to build global pressure on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-to-ban-hezbollah-under-anti-terror-laws-199666">powerful Lebanese Shiite movement</a>, the Treasury named MPs Amin Sherri and Muhammad Hasan Raad to a terror-related blacklist, saying that Hezbollah uses its parliamentary power to advance violent activities.

Also placed on the blacklist was Wafiq Safa, a top Hezbollah official close to the movement's Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the US targeted three officials "who leverage their positions to facilitate Hezbollah and the Iranian regime's malign efforts to undermine Lebanese sovereignty."

"Any distinction between Hezbollah's political and military wings is artificial," he said.

"We call on our allies and partners to designate Hezbollah in its entirety as a terrorist organization."

Pompeo tied the action to the US "maximum pressure" campaign against Iran and its "proxies" in the Middle East, including Hezbollah, which Washington has officially designated a "terrorist group."

However, Washington stopped short of imposing similar sanctions on &nbsp;Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, which Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said were forthcoming in late June.

A senior administration official who insisted on anonymity Tuesday would not confirm any plan to blacklist Zarif, who was crucial in achieving the landmark 2015 nuclear deal.

"We are obviously exploring... various avenues for additional sanctions on Tehran. Obviously Foreign Minister Zarif is a figure of key interest," she said.

It is the first time the US Treasury has placed Hezbollah lawmakers on its blacklist, which forbids US individuals and businesses with a US branch -- including leading international banks -&nbsp;from doing business with those sanctioned.

With the electoral backing of many Lebanese Shiites, Hezbollah won 13 seats out of 128 in the May 6, 2018 general election.

It joined a coalition government formed on January 31, gaining control of three ministries.

But Washington says it will not regard the group's political and military activities as separate from one another.

"It is time, we believe, for other nations around the world to recognize that there is no distinction between Hezbollah's political and military wing," the senior US administration official said.

"To any member of Hezbollah considering running for office, know that you will not be able to hide beneath the cover of political office," she said.

Raad, 64, is the head of the parliamentary bloc of the party and an MP since 1992.

Sherri, 62, is a 17-year Hezbollah veteran of parliament representing Beirut.

Safa, the Treasury said, maintains the group's ties to financiers and allegedly helps arrange the smuggling of weapons and drugs.

The newest sanctions brought to 50 the number of Hezbollah individuals and entities blacklisted by the Treasury since 2017.

They have included bankers and businessmen that Washington says are deeply involved in Hezbollah business activities around the world, allegedly including narcotics trafficking and gun-running.

The sanctions have aimed particularly at companies and individuals who help the group move money throughout the Middle East.

Hezbollah lawmaker Ali Fayyad told Lebanon's MTV news channel that the new sanctions Tuesday were "a humiliation for the Lebanese people," and called on parliament and the government to issue a formal condemnation.

Lebanese Finance Minister Ali Hasan Khalil meanwhile tweeted that the US sanctions were "unjustified" and "concern all of the Lebanese even if they are directed at Hezbollah."

Pompeo said the US pressure on Iran and Hezbollah was having an effect on the Lebanese group's operations.

"As a result, this designated terrorist organization has been forced to take unprecedented austerity measures. For example, in March 2019, for the first time ever, Hezbollah's leader Hassan Nasrallah made a public appeal for financial support."

The US Treasury placed two Hezbollah members of Lebanon's parliament on its sanctions blacklist on Tuesday - the first time Washington has taken aim at the Iran-allied group's elected politicians.

The US Treasury placed two Hezbollah members of Lebanon's parliament on its sanctions blacklist on Tuesday - the first time Washington has taken aim at the Iran-allied group's elected politicians. Stepping up its effort to build global pressure on the powerful Lebanese Shiite movement, the Treasury named MPs Amin Sherri and Muhammad Hasan Raad to a terror-related blacklist, saying that Hezbollah uses its parliamentary power to advance violent activities. Also placed on the blacklist was Wafiq Safa, a top Hezbollah official close to the movement's Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the US targeted three officials "who leverage their positions to facilitate Hezbollah and the Iranian regime's malign efforts to undermine Lebanese sovereignty." "Any distinction between Hezbollah's political and military wings is artificial," he said. "We call on our allies and partners to designate Hezbollah in its entirety as a terrorist organization." Pompeo tied the action to the US "maximum pressure" campaign against Iran and its "proxies" in the Middle East, including Hezbollah, which Washington has officially designated a "terrorist group." However, Washington stopped short of imposing similar sanctions on Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, which Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said were forthcoming in late June. A senior administration official who insisted on anonymity Tuesday would not confirm any plan to blacklist Zarif, who was crucial in achieving the landmark 2015 nuclear deal. "We are obviously exploring... various avenues for additional sanctions on Tehran. Obviously Foreign Minister Zarif is a figure of key interest," she said. It is the first time the US Treasury has placed Hezbollah lawmakers on its blacklist, which forbids US individuals and businesses with a US branch -- including leading international banks - from doing business with those sanctioned. With the electoral backing of many Lebanese Shiites, Hezbollah won 13 seats out of 128 in the May 6, 2018 general election. It joined a coalition government formed on January 31, gaining control of three ministries. But Washington says it will not regard the group's political and military activities as separate from one another. "It is time, we believe, for other nations around the world to recognize that there is no distinction between Hezbollah's political and military wing," the senior US administration official said. "To any member of Hezbollah considering running for office, know that you will not be able to hide beneath the cover of political office," she said. Raad, 64, is the head of the parliamentary bloc of the party and an MP since 1992. Sherri, 62, is a 17-year Hezbollah veteran of parliament representing Beirut. Safa, the Treasury said, maintains the group's ties to financiers and allegedly helps arrange the smuggling of weapons and drugs. The newest sanctions brought to 50 the number of Hezbollah individuals and entities blacklisted by the Treasury since 2017. They have included bankers and businessmen that Washington says are deeply involved in Hezbollah business activities around the world, allegedly including narcotics trafficking and gun-running. The sanctions have aimed particularly at companies and individuals who help the group move money throughout the Middle East. Hezbollah lawmaker Ali Fayyad told Lebanon's MTV news channel that the new sanctions Tuesday were "a humiliation for the Lebanese people," and called on parliament and the government to issue a formal condemnation. Lebanese Finance Minister Ali Hasan Khalil meanwhile tweeted that the US sanctions were "unjustified" and "concern all of the Lebanese even if they are directed at Hezbollah." Pompeo said the US pressure on Iran and Hezbollah was having an effect on the Lebanese group's operations. "As a result, this designated terrorist organization has been forced to take unprecedented austerity measures. For example, in March 2019, for the first time ever, Hezbollah's leader Hassan Nasrallah made a public appeal for financial support."

In a first, US puts two Hezbollah lawmakers on sanctions blacklist

The U.S. Treasury added three top Hezbollah figures to its list of sanctioned individuals on Tuesday, including two members of the Lebanese Parliament and a security official responsible for coordinating between Hezbollah and Lebanon’s security agencies.

United States sanctions two Hezbollah leaders

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