The White House said Sunday that a deal between Lebanon and Israel had been extended until February 18, as Israel missed a previous deadline to pull troops. Watch this report for more details!

Israel, Lebanon extend deal to withdraw Israeli troops

Lebanon PM says 'will respect deal extension'

White House says Lebanon-Israel deal extended to February 18

The Israeli soldiers have killed at least 15 people and wounded more than 80 were wounded in southern Lebanon as hundreds of Lebanese tried to reach southern villages near the border with Israel by force. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Lebanon conflict: Lebanese protesters defy IDF as deadline ends

Israel-Lebanon conflict: IDF opened fire on civilians in two border towns, says Lebanese govt

The Israeli soldiers have killed at least 15 people and wounded more than 80 in southern Lebanon as hundreds of Lebanese tried to reach southern villages near the border with Israel by force.&nbsp;
Earlier, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) warned them not to enter the villages as the ceasefire's 60-day deadline for Israel to withdraw its forces passed with troops remaining in parts of the country&rsquo;s south.
Israel said the 60-day <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/lebanon-ceasefire" rel="dofollow">Lebanon ceasefire </a>agreement had not been fully implemented, and it was unclear how many of its soldiers remained in Lebanon or how long they would stay.
The IDF attacked these Lebanese people as they attempted to enter locations that were still under occupation, the Lebanese Health Ministry said.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-troops-might-not-withdraw-from-lebanon-by-sunday-as-per-deadline-report-8650291" rel="dofollow">Israel won't completely withdraw from Lebanon by Sunday deadline, says PM Netanyahu</a>
It added that one of its soldiers had been killed and another wounded by Israeli fire.&nbsp;
However, the Israeli military said they fired "warning shots in multiple areas" of southern Lebanon without specifying if people had been hit, adding that they have apprehended several people who, according to them, posed an "imminent threat".
The IDF added that the suspects are currently being interrogated in the area.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israels-withdrawal-delay-sparks-tension-lebanon-army-accuses-of-procrastination-8652930" rel="dofollow">Israel's withdrawal delay sparks tension, Lebanon army accuses of &lsquo;procrastination&rsquo;</a>
&ldquo;The IDF remains deployed in southern Lebanon, continues to operate in accordance with the ceasefire understandings between Israel and Lebanon, and is monitoring Hezbollah&rsquo;s attempts to return to southern Lebanon. The IDF will operate against any threat posed to IDF troops and the State of Israel,&rdquo; the military said.
<h2>Israel accuses Hezbollah</h2>
The Israeli army has accused Hezbollah for its deadly attacks in southern Lebanon, saying that the group sent "rioters" into the area to cause trouble.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Hezbollah does not care about Lebanon&rsquo;s interests. The images coming from certain areas in southern Lebanon are evidence of this,&rdquo; a statement said.&nbsp;
Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/icj-judge-nawaf-salam-appointed-as-lebanon-prime-minister-by-president-joseph-aoun-8619298" rel="dofollow"> ICJ judge Nawaf Salam appointed as Lebanon Prime Minister by President Joseph Aoun</a>
Troops fired warning shots to &ldquo;remove threats in a number of areas where suspects were identified approaching&rdquo;.&nbsp;
&ldquo;The one who sent the rioters is Hezbollah, which is trying to heat up the situation in order to strengthen its status and position," it added.&nbsp;
On Saturday, the Lebanese army said it was ready to deploy its forces in the country's south, accusing Israel of "procrastination" in its withdrawal under a ceasefire.&nbsp;
It said it was "ready to continue its deployment as soon as the Israeli enemy withdraws".
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Friday that Israel will not complete its full withdrawal from southern Lebanon by Sunday, which marks the 60-day deadline set under the ceasefire deal in November.&nbsp;
Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: The IDF attacked these Lebanese people as they attempted to enter locations that were still under occupation, the Lebanese Health Ministry said. 

The Israeli soldiers have killed at least 15 people and wounded more than 80 in southern Lebanon as hundreds of Lebanese tried to reach southern villages near the border with Israel by force. Earlier, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) warned them not to enter the villages as the ceasefire's 60-day deadline for Israel to withdraw its forces passed with troops remaining in parts of the country’s south. Israel said the 60-day Lebanon ceasefire agreement had not been fully implemented, and it was unclear how many of its soldiers remained in Lebanon or how long they would stay. The IDF attacked these Lebanese people as they attempted to enter locations that were still under occupation, the Lebanese Health Ministry said. Also read: Israel won't completely withdraw from Lebanon by Sunday deadline, says PM Netanyahu It added that one of its soldiers had been killed and another wounded by Israeli fire. However, the Israeli military said they fired "warning shots in multiple areas" of southern Lebanon without specifying if people had been hit, adding that they have apprehended several people who, according to them, posed an "imminent threat". The IDF added that the suspects are currently being interrogated in the area. Also read: Israel's withdrawal delay sparks tension, Lebanon army accuses of ‘procrastination’ “The IDF remains deployed in southern Lebanon, continues to operate in accordance with the ceasefire understandings between Israel and Lebanon, and is monitoring Hezbollah’s attempts to return to southern Lebanon. The IDF will operate against any threat posed to IDF troops and the State of Israel,” the military said. Israel accuses Hezbollah The Israeli army has accused Hezbollah for its deadly attacks in southern Lebanon, saying that the group sent "rioters" into the area to cause trouble. “Hezbollah does not care about Lebanon’s interests. The images coming from certain areas in southern Lebanon are evidence of this,” a statement said. Also read: ICJ judge Nawaf Salam appointed as Lebanon Prime Minister by President Joseph Aoun Troops fired warning shots to “remove threats in a number of areas where suspects were identified approaching”. “The one who sent the rioters is Hezbollah, which is trying to heat up the situation in order to strengthen its status and position," it added. On Saturday, the Lebanese army said it was ready to deploy its forces in the country's south, accusing Israel of "procrastination" in its withdrawal under a ceasefire. It said it was "ready to continue its deployment as soon as the Israeli enemy withdraws". Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Friday that Israel will not complete its full withdrawal from southern Lebanon by Sunday, which marks the 60-day deadline set under the ceasefire deal in November. Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Lebanon ceasefire: 15 people killed by Israeli forces as troops stay beyond withdrawal deadline

The Lebanese army on Saturday (Jan 25) said it was ready to deploy its forces in the country's south, accusing Israel of "procrastination" in its withdrawal in time for a deadline the following day.
Under the terms of the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire that came into effect on November 27, the Lebanese army is to deploy alongside United Nations peacekeepers in the south as the Israeli army withdraws over a 60-day period that ends Sunday.
Hezbollah is to pull back its forces north of the Litani River -- about 30 kilometres (20 miles) from the border -- and dismantle any remaining military infrastructure in the south.
"There has been a delay at a number of stages as a result of the procrastination in the withdrawal from the Israeli enemy's side," the army said in a statement, confirming it was "ready to continue its deployment as soon as the Israeli enemy withdraws".
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office on Friday said the military's withdrawal would continue beyond the Sunday deadline stipulated by the deal.
"The withdrawal process is conditional upon the Lebanese army deploying in southern Lebanon and fully and effectively enforcing the agreement, with Hezbollah withdrawing beyond the Litani River," a statement from Netanyahu's office said.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-ceasefire-four-female-israeli-soldiers-released-in-second-hostage-exchange-between-israel-and-hamas-8652476">Gaza ceasefire: Four female Israeli soldiers released in second hostage exchange between Israel and Hamas</a>
"Since the ceasefire agreement has not yet been fully enforced by the Lebanese state, the gradual withdrawal process will continue in full coordination with the United States."
The Lebanese army accusation came after UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on January 17 called for Israel to end its military operations and "occupation" in the south.
Lebanon's new President Joseph Aoun said one week ago that Israel must "withdraw from occupied territories in the south within the deadline set by the agreement reached on November 27".
<h2 dir="ltr">'Be cautious'</h2>
Lebanon's army urged people to "be cautious in heading back to the southern border areas, due to the presence of mines and suspicious objects left behind" by Israeli forces.
The fragile truce took effect after two months of full-blown war between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah and has been marked by accusations of violations from both sides.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-releases-names-of-four-hostages-to-be-released-on-jan-25-8651144">Hamas releases names of 4 hostages to be released tomorrow, Israel accuses group of violating truce deal terms</a>
Hezbollah began a low-intensity exchange of fire in the wake of the October 7, 2023 attack by its Palestinian ally Hamas on Israel that triggered the war in Gaza.
Israel escalated its campaign against Hezbollah in September, launching a series of devastating blows against the group's leadership structure that saw its longtime chief Hassan Nasrallah killed in an air strike on Beirut that month.
Hezbollah on Thursday said that "any violation of the 60-day deadline will be considered a flagrant violation of (ceasefire) agreement, an infringement on Lebanese sovereignty and the occupation entering a new chapter".
This would require the Lebanese state to act using "all means necessary... to restore the land and wrest it from the clutches of the occupation", Hezbollah said in a statement.
A committee composed of Israeli, Lebanese, French and US delegates and a representative of UN peacekeeping force UNIFIL is tasked with ensuring any ceasefire violations are identified and dealt with.
The UN peacekeeping force has reported Israeli violations of the ceasefire terms.
Guterres also said peacekeepers had found more than 100 weapons caches belonging "to Hezbollah or other armed groups".
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.
&nbsp;

World: The Lebanese army announced its readiness to deploy in the south, criticizing Israel for delaying its withdrawal before the looming deadline the next day.

The Lebanese army on Saturday (Jan 25) said it was ready to deploy its forces in the country's south, accusing Israel of "procrastination" in its withdrawal in time for a deadline the following day. Under the terms of the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire that came into effect on November 27, the Lebanese army is to deploy alongside United Nations peacekeepers in the south as the Israeli army withdraws over a 60-day period that ends Sunday. Hezbollah is to pull back its forces north of the Litani River -- about 30 kilometres (20 miles) from the border -- and dismantle any remaining military infrastructure in the south. "There has been a delay at a number of stages as a result of the procrastination in the withdrawal from the Israeli enemy's side," the army said in a statement, confirming it was "ready to continue its deployment as soon as the Israeli enemy withdraws". Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office on Friday said the military's withdrawal would continue beyond the Sunday deadline stipulated by the deal. "The withdrawal process is conditional upon the Lebanese army deploying in southern Lebanon and fully and effectively enforcing the agreement, with Hezbollah withdrawing beyond the Litani River," a statement from Netanyahu's office said. Also read | Gaza ceasefire: Four female Israeli soldiers released in second hostage exchange between Israel and Hamas "Since the ceasefire agreement has not yet been fully enforced by the Lebanese state, the gradual withdrawal process will continue in full coordination with the United States." The Lebanese army accusation came after UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on January 17 called for Israel to end its military operations and "occupation" in the south. Lebanon's new President Joseph Aoun said one week ago that Israel must "withdraw from occupied territories in the south within the deadline set by the agreement reached on November 27". 'Be cautious' Lebanon's army urged people to "be cautious in heading back to the southern border areas, due to the presence of mines and suspicious objects left behind" by Israeli forces. The fragile truce took effect after two months of full-blown war between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah and has been marked by accusations of violations from both sides. Also read | Hamas releases names of 4 hostages to be released tomorrow, Israel accuses group of violating truce deal terms Hezbollah began a low-intensity exchange of fire in the wake of the October 7, 2023 attack by its Palestinian ally Hamas on Israel that triggered the war in Gaza. Israel escalated its campaign against Hezbollah in September, launching a series of devastating blows against the group's leadership structure that saw its longtime chief Hassan Nasrallah killed in an air strike on Beirut that month. Hezbollah on Thursday said that "any violation of the 60-day deadline will be considered a flagrant violation of (ceasefire) agreement, an infringement on Lebanese sovereignty and the occupation entering a new chapter". This would require the Lebanese state to act using "all means necessary... to restore the land and wrest it from the clutches of the occupation", Hezbollah said in a statement. A committee composed of Israeli, Lebanese, French and US delegates and a representative of UN peacekeeping force UNIFIL is tasked with ensuring any ceasefire violations are identified and dealt with. The UN peacekeeping force has reported Israeli violations of the ceasefire terms. Guterres also said peacekeepers had found more than 100 weapons caches belonging "to Hezbollah or other armed groups". Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Israel's withdrawal delay sparks tension, Lebanon army accuses of ‘procrastination’

One of the largest American embassies in the world is in West Asia, and in particular, it is in Lebanon. This has been reported in Lebanese media previously, but when British former diplomat Craig Murray reported about this, it took on another level of attention. Watch in for more details!

Mystery surrounding U.S. embassy in Lebanon deepens

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday (Jan 24) said that Israel will not complete its full withdrawal from southern Lebanon by Sunday, which marks the 60-day deadline set under the ceasefire deal in November.&nbsp;
This comes after the Israeli security cabinet held a meeting last night and got an overview of the situation.
&ldquo;The IDF&rsquo;s withdrawal process is conditional on the Lebanese Army deploying in southern Lebanon and fully and effectively enforcing the agreement, while Hezbollah withdraws beyond the Litani," Netanyahu office said in a statement.&nbsp;
Originally, the 60-day deadline was set to get expired on January 26.&nbsp;
It added that since Lebanon has not yet fully enforced its obligations under the ceasefire, "the phased withdrawal process will continue, in full coordination with the United States.&rdquo;
Netanyahu said that the terms of the deal were worded &ldquo;with the understanding that the withdrawal process may continue beyond 60 days.&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanon-elects-army-chief-joseph-aoun-as-president-amid-west-asia-unrest-8605349" rel="dofollow">Who is Joseph Aoun? Lebanon&rsquo;s new US-backed President</a>
Earlier in the day, an unnamed senior Israeli official said that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/israel-0" rel="dofollow">Israel </a>is likely to keep troops stationed in parts of southern Lebanon beyond the given deadline. However, the security cabinet has yet to make a decision, Hebrew media outlet Ynet reported.&nbsp;
As per the ceasefire's terms, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) had to cede all positions in southern Lebanon to the Lebanese Armed Forces by January 26.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/icj-judge-nawaf-salam-appointed-as-lebanon-prime-minister-by-president-joseph-aoun-8619298" rel="dofollow">ICJ judge Nawaf Salam appointed as Lebanon Prime Minister by President Joseph Aoun</a>
However, Israel earlier asked for a 30-day extension, saying that the Lebanese army has deployed too slowly across the region, allowing Hezbollah time to regroup.
The Israeli official, before the cabinet meeting, said that the withdrawal would not be fully carried out by Sunday, adding that the IDF would instead keep its troops stationed in certain areas for some time.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hope-new-lebanon-president-will-help-achieve-stability-says-israel-8605572" rel="dofollow">West Asia crisis: Hope new Lebanon president will help achieve 'stability,' says Israel</a>
The official further stressed that if it were to do so, it would be in coordination with US President Donald Trump's administration.&nbsp;
This comes after Army Radio reported on Thursday that Trump was less inclined to grant a 30-day reprieve than was his predecessor Joe Biden and wants Israeli troops to withdraw completely by Sunday.&nbsp;
Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Israeli PM Netanyahu said that the terms of the deal were worded “with the understanding that the withdrawal process may continue beyond 60 days.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday (Jan 24) said that Israel will not complete its full withdrawal from southern Lebanon by Sunday, which marks the 60-day deadline set under the ceasefire deal in November. This comes after the Israeli security cabinet held a meeting last night and got an overview of the situation. “The IDF’s withdrawal process is conditional on the Lebanese Army deploying in southern Lebanon and fully and effectively enforcing the agreement, while Hezbollah withdraws beyond the Litani," Netanyahu office said in a statement. Originally, the 60-day deadline was set to get expired on January 26. It added that since Lebanon has not yet fully enforced its obligations under the ceasefire, "the phased withdrawal process will continue, in full coordination with the United States.” Netanyahu said that the terms of the deal were worded “with the understanding that the withdrawal process may continue beyond 60 days.” Also read: Who is Joseph Aoun? Lebanon’s new US-backed President Earlier in the day, an unnamed senior Israeli official said that Israel is likely to keep troops stationed in parts of southern Lebanon beyond the given deadline. However, the security cabinet has yet to make a decision, Hebrew media outlet Ynet reported. As per the ceasefire's terms, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) had to cede all positions in southern Lebanon to the Lebanese Armed Forces by January 26. Also read: ICJ judge Nawaf Salam appointed as Lebanon Prime Minister by President Joseph Aoun However, Israel earlier asked for a 30-day extension, saying that the Lebanese army has deployed too slowly across the region, allowing Hezbollah time to regroup. The Israeli official, before the cabinet meeting, said that the withdrawal would not be fully carried out by Sunday, adding that the IDF would instead keep its troops stationed in certain areas for some time. Also read: West Asia crisis: Hope new Lebanon president will help achieve 'stability,' says Israel The official further stressed that if it were to do so, it would be in coordination with US President Donald Trump's administration. This comes after Army Radio reported on Thursday that Trump was less inclined to grant a 30-day reprieve than was his predecessor Joe Biden and wants Israeli troops to withdraw completely by Sunday. Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel won't completely withdraw from Lebanon by Sunday deadline, says PM Netanyahu

The United States is building a $1 billion embassy in Beirut, Lebanon, which will be the second largest in the world, after Iraq’s. Questions are already being raised about the embassy. Why spend $1 billion of taxpayer money on an embassy in a country with only around 86,000 American citizens? Is this truly just an embassy, or is it a fortress for secret operations in West Asia?

US builds mega diplomatic fortress in Lebanon with CIA cells, detention centres

Lebanon’s new president Joseph Aoun said that Israel must withdraw from occupied territories in his country’s south by the January 26 deadline set in the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire agreement.

Lebanon's President demands withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern territories

Lebanon's newly elected president, Joseph Aoun, has summoned prominent diplomat and jurist Nawaf Salam to designate him as the country's Prime Minister. Watch this report for more details!

Who is Nawaf Salam, Lebanon's new prime minister?

Lebanon: Jurist Nawaf Salam named Lebanon Prime Minister

After consulting with lawmakers, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Monday appointed Nawaf Salam prime minister of the crisis-hit country. Watch this report for more details!

Lebanon President Aoun appoints new Prime Minister Nawaf Salam

Lebanese President-elect Joseph Aoun appointed veteran diplomat Nawaf Salam as the new prime minister of Lebanon on Monday (Jan 13) amid the ongoing economic crisis in the war-torn country.&nbsp;
Salam was picked after a majority of Lebanese lawmakers endorsed him and he received the necessary votes in parliament.&nbsp;
Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/icj-judge-nawaf-salam-appointed-as-lebanon-prime-minister-by-president-joseph-aoun-8619298" rel="dofollow"> ICJ judge Nawaf Salam appointed as Lebanon Prime Minister by President Joseph Aoun</a>
He will be tasked with forming a new government, which will potentially face significant challenges amid the ongoing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/west-asia-crisis" rel="dofollow">West Asia crisis</a>.&nbsp;
<h2>Who is Nawaf Salam?</h2>
Nawaf Salam, a 53-year-old veteran diplomat, was born in Beirut. He is currently serving as President of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the UN's top court that recently ruled that Israel was plausibly committing genocide in Gaza.&nbsp;
After being appointed as the ICJ president, Salam was called "anti-Israel" due to his previous criticisms of Israel's illegal and brutal occupation of the Palestinian territories.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanon-elects-army-chief-joseph-aoun-as-president-amid-west-asia-unrest-8605349" rel="dofollow">Who is Joseph Aoun? Lebanon&rsquo;s new US-backed President</a>
He earned his degree in Social Sciences from the School of Graduate Studies in Paris in 1974, followed by a doctorate in history from the Sorbonne University in Paris in 1979.
Later, he did his Masters in Law from Harvard Law School in 1991. He is married to Sahar Baassiri, who is a journalist and Lebanon's ambassador to UNESCO.&nbsp;
Salam's father, Abdullah Salam was one of the founders of the Lebanese national airline, Middle East Airlines.
Moreover, his uncle Saeb Salam was the prime minister of Lebanon four times between 1952 and 1973.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-divert-95-million-military-aid-to-lebanon-from-egypt-8600781" rel="dofollow">US to divert $95 million military aid to Lebanon from Egypt</a>
Salam was also the Representative of Lebanon to the UN Economic and Social Council in 2016 and 2018.
In the country, he is popular for his opposition to Hezbollah as an independent, reformist, who insists on restricting the right to use weapons to the national military and security agencies solely responsible for protecting Lebanese territory.
(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

World: Nawaf Salam was picked as Lebanon new prime minister after a majority of Lebanese lawmakers endorsed him and he received the necessary votes in parliament. 

Lebanese President-elect Joseph Aoun appointed veteran diplomat Nawaf Salam as the new prime minister of Lebanon on Monday (Jan 13) amid the ongoing economic crisis in the war-torn country. Salam was picked after a majority of Lebanese lawmakers endorsed him and he received the necessary votes in parliament. Also read: ICJ judge Nawaf Salam appointed as Lebanon Prime Minister by President Joseph Aoun He will be tasked with forming a new government, which will potentially face significant challenges amid the ongoing West Asia crisis. Who is Nawaf Salam? Nawaf Salam, a 53-year-old veteran diplomat, was born in Beirut. He is currently serving as President of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the UN's top court that recently ruled that Israel was plausibly committing genocide in Gaza. After being appointed as the ICJ president, Salam was called "anti-Israel" due to his previous criticisms of Israel's illegal and brutal occupation of the Palestinian territories. Also read: Who is Joseph Aoun? Lebanon’s new US-backed President He earned his degree in Social Sciences from the School of Graduate Studies in Paris in 1974, followed by a doctorate in history from the Sorbonne University in Paris in 1979. Later, he did his Masters in Law from Harvard Law School in 1991. He is married to Sahar Baassiri, who is a journalist and Lebanon's ambassador to UNESCO. Salam's father, Abdullah Salam was one of the founders of the Lebanese national airline, Middle East Airlines. Moreover, his uncle Saeb Salam was the prime minister of Lebanon four times between 1952 and 1973. Also read: US to divert $95 million military aid to Lebanon from Egypt Salam was also the Representative of Lebanon to the UN Economic and Social Council in 2016 and 2018. In the country, he is popular for his opposition to Hezbollah as an independent, reformist, who insists on restricting the right to use weapons to the national military and security agencies solely responsible for protecting Lebanese territory. (With inputs from agencies)

Who is Nawaf Salam? ICJ president turned Lebanon's new prime minister

Nawaf Salam, the current presiding judge at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-slams-developed-countries-at-icj-hearing-781985">International Court of Justice</a> (ICJ) in The Hague, has been appointed Lebanon&rsquo;s new prime minister on Monday (Jan 13).&nbsp;
An official statement read, "The president of the republic called on Judge Nawaf Salam to task him with forming a government, knowing that he is currently abroad. It has been decided he will return tomorrow."
On Monday, President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/joseph-aoun-elected-as-lebanons-new-president-after-army-chief-appointment">Joseph Aoun</a> formally requested Salam to form a new government after the majority of lawmakers backed him during consultations. According to a tally reported by Lebanese media, Salam emerged as the leading candidate, surpassing others, including the caretaker prime minister, Najib Mikati.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-denies-receiving-ceasefire-proposal-despite-qatar-says-it-shared-final-hostage-deal-draft-8618427">'Breakthrough,' Qatar presents Gaza ceasefire and hostage&nbsp;deal&nbsp;draft to Israel, Hamas</a>
By Monday afternoon, 78 members of the 128-seat parliament had endorsed Salam, while only nine supported Mikati. Though Salam had the parliamentary majority, the ultimate decision rested with the president.
Under Lebanon&rsquo;s sectarian power-sharing system, the president must be a Maronite Christian, the prime minister a Sunni Muslim, and the speaker of parliament a Shiite Muslim. As a Sunni Muslim, Salam meets the requirement for the role of prime minister. This is not his first bid for the position, having been a candidate twice before.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanon-elects-army-chief-joseph-aoun-as-president-amid-west-asia-unrest-8605349">Who is Joseph Aoun? Lebanon&rsquo;s new US-backed President</a>
Salam gained international recognition last year when he was elected as head of the ICJ, where he presided over a case involving South Africa&rsquo;s accusations of genocide against Israel.
(With inputs from agencies)

World, Middle East: "The president of the republic called on Judge Nawaf Salam to task him with forming a government, knowing that he is currently abroad."

Nawaf Salam, the current presiding judge at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, has been appointed Lebanon’s new prime minister on Monday (Jan 13). An official statement read, "The president of the republic called on Judge Nawaf Salam to task him with forming a government, knowing that he is currently abroad. It has been decided he will return tomorrow." On Monday, President Joseph Aoun formally requested Salam to form a new government after the majority of lawmakers backed him during consultations. According to a tally reported by Lebanese media, Salam emerged as the leading candidate, surpassing others, including the caretaker prime minister, Najib Mikati. Also read: 'Breakthrough,' Qatar presents Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal draft to Israel, Hamas By Monday afternoon, 78 members of the 128-seat parliament had endorsed Salam, while only nine supported Mikati. Though Salam had the parliamentary majority, the ultimate decision rested with the president. Under Lebanon’s sectarian power-sharing system, the president must be a Maronite Christian, the prime minister a Sunni Muslim, and the speaker of parliament a Shiite Muslim. As a Sunni Muslim, Salam meets the requirement for the role of prime minister. This is not his first bid for the position, having been a candidate twice before. Also read: Who is Joseph Aoun? Lebanon’s new US-backed President Salam gained international recognition last year when he was elected as head of the ICJ, where he presided over a case involving South Africa’s accusations of genocide against Israel. (With inputs from agencies)

ICJ judge Nawaf Salam appointed as Lebanon Prime Minister by President Joseph Aoun

Iran conducted air defence exercises on Saturday as the country braces for more friction with Israel and the United States under incoming US president Donald Trump. Watch this report for more details!

Iran's Strategic Air Drills Amid Rising Tensions | World DNA | WION

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati met on Saturday the head of Syria’s administration Ahmad Al-Sharaa at the People's Palace in Damascus. Watch this report for more details!

Lebanese PM meets Syria's new leader Al-Sharaa in Damascus

Joseph Aoun, the Lebanese Army Chief, has been elected as the new president of Lebanon. His election marks a significant political development for the country amid ongoing challenges. Aoun’s leadership is seen as crucial for stabilizing Lebanon's political and economic situation.

Joseph Aoun elected as Lebanon’s new President after Army chief appointment

Lebanon's lawmakers voted for a second time in the day on Thursday (Jan 9) to elect Army Chief Joseph Aoun as President of the Middle Eastern nation, breaking a political deadlock that had persisted since October 2022.
Aoun received 99 votes from the 128-seat parliament, surpassing the required majority of 86 votes needed in the second round. Following his election, Aoun officially stepped down from his military position and arrived at parliament to take the presidential oath.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-elect-donald-trump-reposts-video-israeli-pm-netanyahu-of-shaping-us-foreign-policy-8604931">Trump reposts video calling Netanyahu 'deep, dark son of a b***h'</a>
Earlier in the day, Aoun fell short of the two-thirds majority required in the first round of voting, securing support from 71 lawmakers.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-warns-force-if-hezbollah-breaks-ceasefire-mossad-chief-to-visit-qatar-amid-decisive-hostage-talks-8593466">Lebanon</a> had been without a president since the term of Hezbollah-backed Michel Aoun, ended in October 2022. Before Thursday&rsquo;s vote, Lebanon&rsquo;s parliament had failed 12 times to elect a president over the past two years. This came just weeks ahead of a deadline on 26 January for Israeli forces to withdraw from southern Lebanon.
<h2>Who is Joseph Aoun?</h2>
Joseph Aoun, 60, is a career soldier and now the fifth Lebanese army commander in the nation&rsquo;s history to assume the presidency. Born in Sin el-Fil near Beirut, Aoun joined the Lebanese army in 1983 during the country&rsquo;s civil war. Over the next three decades, he rose through the ranks and was appointed head of the military in 2017. He is married with two children.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-divert-95-million-military-aid-to-lebanon-from-egypt-8600781">US to divert $95 million military aid to Lebanon from Egypt</a>
Aoun is widely recognised for maintaining the stability of the Lebanese army during the country&rsquo;s severe financial crisis. He is seen as an ally of both Saudi Arabia and the United States.
Under his leadership, the army avoided direct involvement in the yearlong conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. He also played a key role in upholding a 60-day ceasefire brokered by Washington and Paris in November, which required the Lebanese army to deploy in southern Lebanon as both Israeli and Hezbollah forces began withdrawing.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-official-threatens-to-take-legal-action-against-us-diplomat-blinken-for-partnership-in-israeli-crimes-8599843">Hamas official threatens to take legal action against US diplomat Blinken for 'partnership' in Israeli crimes</a>
In a rare 2017 interview with pro-Hezbollah newspaper Al-Akhbar, Aoun promised to &ldquo;limit political interference&rdquo; in the military. However, he refrained from discussing his presidential ambitions publicly.
(With inputs from agencies)

World, Middle East: Lebanon's lawmakers voted for a second time in the day on Thursday (Jan 9) to elect Army Chief Joseph Aoun as President of the Middle Eastern nation.

Lebanon's lawmakers voted for a second time in the day on Thursday (Jan 9) to elect Army Chief Joseph Aoun as President of the Middle Eastern nation, breaking a political deadlock that had persisted since October 2022. Aoun received 99 votes from the 128-seat parliament, surpassing the required majority of 86 votes needed in the second round. Following his election, Aoun officially stepped down from his military position and arrived at parliament to take the presidential oath. Also read: Trump reposts video calling Netanyahu 'deep, dark son of a b***h' Earlier in the day, Aoun fell short of the two-thirds majority required in the first round of voting, securing support from 71 lawmakers. Lebanon had been without a president since the term of Hezbollah-backed Michel Aoun, ended in October 2022. Before Thursday’s vote, Lebanon’s parliament had failed 12 times to elect a president over the past two years. This came just weeks ahead of a deadline on 26 January for Israeli forces to withdraw from southern Lebanon. Who is Joseph Aoun? Joseph Aoun, 60, is a career soldier and now the fifth Lebanese army commander in the nation’s history to assume the presidency. Born in Sin el-Fil near Beirut, Aoun joined the Lebanese army in 1983 during the country’s civil war. Over the next three decades, he rose through the ranks and was appointed head of the military in 2017. He is married with two children. Also read: US to divert $95 million military aid to Lebanon from Egypt Aoun is widely recognised for maintaining the stability of the Lebanese army during the country’s severe financial crisis. He is seen as an ally of both Saudi Arabia and the United States. Under his leadership, the army avoided direct involvement in the yearlong conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. He also played a key role in upholding a 60-day ceasefire brokered by Washington and Paris in November, which required the Lebanese army to deploy in southern Lebanon as both Israeli and Hezbollah forces began withdrawing. Also read: Hamas official threatens to take legal action against US diplomat Blinken for 'partnership' in Israeli crimes In a rare 2017 interview with pro-Hezbollah newspaper Al-Akhbar, Aoun promised to “limit political interference” in the military. However, he refrained from discussing his presidential ambitions publicly. (With inputs from agencies)

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