Naval forces from Lebanon, the United States and Regional Partners have now completed a nine-day maritime exercise ashore near the coast of Lebanon on Tuesday. US naval forces Central Command and the Lebanese Armed Forces concluded the exercise Resolute Union 2023 with counterparts from Egypt, France, Iraq, Jordan, and the United Kingdom.

The Lebanese army, US 5th fleet and partners conduct naval exercise

A performance that brings intense mystical moments to life. The Baalbeck festival is back. This year it is celebrating 40 years of Arab music and returning to the state are Syrian artists. A sight to behold as the Damascus whirling dervishes perform in front of the roman ruins.

Damascus whirling dervishes return to historic Lebanese fest

Israeli military carried out cross-border strikes after two rockets were fired from southern Lebanon on Thursday (July 6), reported Reuters quoting sources on both sides. This incident has come just when tensions are high between Israel and the Arabs. This week, Israel conducted one the largest military incursions in decades in the occupied West Bank targetting the Jenin camp, a Palestinian military stronghold.

Two rockets were fired from Lebanon towards Israel, one of them landed in Lebanese territory and the second near a disputed area at the border.

The Israeli military initially said that there were no indications that any unusual incidents had taken place on its side of the border. But later it said that a projectile had exploded there. There wasn't any immediate report of damage.

"In response, the IDF (Israel Defence Forces) is currently striking the area in Lebanese territory from where the launch was carried out," a military statement said.

The Israeli military has not issued any special instructions to Israeli communities near the border. Israel usually orders civilians within range to take cover.

Reuters reported plumes of white smoke rising from the hilly south. A resident of Wazzani, the southern Lebanese village where one of the rockets fell, said artillery fire had hit there from the direction of Israel.

Lebanon's National News Agency reported some 15 shells fired from Israel had landed in Lebanon.

There was no claim of responsibility for the original reported rocket fire from Lebanon. Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati said he was following up on the issue with the commander of Lebanon's army.

The second rocket has reportedly landed near the disputed village of Ghajar. The village straddles the Israel-Lebanon border. The residents of this village profess allegiance to Syria.

<h2>No comments from Hezbollah</h2>

Hezbollah has expressed support for the Palestinian cause during this week's Israeli operation in Jenin. Hezbollah, the Iran-backed Lebanese group that controls southern Lebanon has fought several wars with Isreal.

There was no immediate comment incoming from Hezbollah.

In a separate statement, the armed group condemned what it called "dangerous measures" taken by Israeli forces in the northern part of Ghajar, which Lebanon considers to be its territory.

Hezbollah accused Israel of erecting a wire fence and building a cement wall. Lebanon's foreign ministry on Tuesday said it was concerned by the moves, saying they were creating a "new reality on the ground". There was no immediate response from Israel's military to the Hezbollah accusation.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Israeli military carried out cross-border strikes after two rockets were fired from southern Lebanon on Thursday (July 6), reported Reuters quoting sources on both sides.

Israeli military carried out cross-border strikes after two rockets were fired from southern Lebanon on Thursday (July 6), reported Reuters quoting sources on both sides. This incident has come just when tensions are high between Israel and the Arabs. This week, Israel conducted one the largest military incursions in decades in the occupied West Bank targetting the Jenin camp, a Palestinian military stronghold. Two rockets were fired from Lebanon towards Israel, one of them landed in Lebanese territory and the second near a disputed area at the border. The Israeli military initially said that there were no indications that any unusual incidents had taken place on its side of the border. But later it said that a projectile had exploded there. There wasn't any immediate report of damage. "In response, the IDF (Israel Defence Forces) is currently striking the area in Lebanese territory from where the launch was carried out," a military statement said. The Israeli military has not issued any special instructions to Israeli communities near the border. Israel usually orders civilians within range to take cover. Reuters reported plumes of white smoke rising from the hilly south. A resident of Wazzani, the southern Lebanese village where one of the rockets fell, said artillery fire had hit there from the direction of Israel. Lebanon's National News Agency reported some 15 shells fired from Israel had landed in Lebanon. There was no claim of responsibility for the original reported rocket fire from Lebanon. Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati said he was following up on the issue with the commander of Lebanon's army. The second rocket has reportedly landed near the disputed village of Ghajar. The village straddles the Israel-Lebanon border. The residents of this village profess allegiance to Syria. No comments from Hezbollah Hezbollah has expressed support for the Palestinian cause during this week's Israeli operation in Jenin. Hezbollah, the Iran-backed Lebanese group that controls southern Lebanon has fought several wars with Isreal. There was no immediate comment incoming from Hezbollah. In a separate statement, the armed group condemned what it called "dangerous measures" taken by Israeli forces in the northern part of Ghajar, which Lebanon considers to be its territory. Hezbollah accused Israel of erecting a wire fence and building a cement wall. Lebanon's foreign ministry on Tuesday said it was concerned by the moves, saying they were creating a "new reality on the ground". There was no immediate response from Israel's military to the Hezbollah accusation. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Rockets fired at Israel from Lebanon, IDF retaliates with counter strikes

Rockets were fired from Southern Lebanon towards Israel on Thursday. The firing prompted cross-border strikes by the Israeli military as well. Three security sources in Lebanon said that at least two rockets were fired towards Israel one of them landing in the Lebanese territory and the second near a disputed area at the border.

Israel strikes Lebanese targets

A soaring anti-Syrian sentiment in Lebanon means a troubled existence for Syrian refugees living in the country. Conditions for them worsen by the day. The government in Beirut has begun a crackdown asking Syrian nationals to leave. Many have been deported and the future looks bleak.

Lebanon crackdowns on Syrian refugees | The West Asia Post

French President Emmanuel Macron hosted Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for talks on Friday in Paris, where the two leaders called for a "rapid end to the institutional political vacuum in Lebanon", stated the Elysee. 
 
In the meeting, it was expected that the French president will seek support from MBS, as he is known widely, in finding a solution to the leadership crisis in Lebanon. 
 
On Wednesday, Lebanese lawmakers failed to elect a new president for the 12th time, as the country faced the risk of a prolonged power vacuum due to bitter divisions between Iran-backed Hezbollah and its opponents.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/earthquake-of-magnitude-48-hits-france-605344">Earthquake of magnitude 4.8 hits France</a> 
 
A president's prolonged absence "remains the major obstacle to resolving the country's severe socio-economic crisis", stated the French presidency. 
 
The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine was also discussed by the two leaders. Macron expressed his "profound concern in the face of Russia's war of aggression... its disastrous impact on the civilian populations and its repercussions on food security", his office stated. 
 
The president and Saudi&nbsp;crown prince "also reiterated their shared commitment to security and stability in the Near and Middle East and expressed their desire to pursue their joint efforts to bring about a lasting easing of tensions", it added. 
 
They intended to "develop and deepen the partnership between the two countries", stated Elysee. Paris was also ready "to support Saudi Arabia in strengthening its defence capabilities", the statement read.

WATCH |&nbsp;France shocked by a gruesome knife attack on toddlers

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<h2>MBS to attend Paris summit</h2>

The trip of the 37-year-old crown prince has been organised less than a year after he had last visited the Elysee Palace and highlights the warm relationship between Riyadh and Paris that has irked rights activists in the wake of Saudi critic Jamal Khashoggi's killing that took place in 2018. 
 
The crown prince is likely to stay in France for a long duration as he is also scheduled to attend a Paris summit on a New Global Financing Pact which has been hosted by Macron on June 22-23. 
 
MBS is also set to attend on Monday an official Saudi reception for the candidacy of Riyadh to host Expo 2030, a bid for which France's strong support is being sought by Saudi Arabia. 
 
The entourage of Macron had made it clear he will try to persuade his guest to take a stand on Ukraine. However, Saudi Arabia continues to maintain a cautious stance, as it avoids condemning the assault but emphasises the importance of the territorial integrity of Kyiv.&nbsp;

<main>
<section>
(With inputs from agencies) 
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French President Emmanuel Macron hosted Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for talks on Friday in Paris, where the two leaders called for a "rapid end to the institutional political vacuum in Lebanon", stated the Elysee.

French President Emmanuel Macron hosted Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for talks on Friday in Paris, where the two leaders called for a "rapid end to the institutional political vacuum in Lebanon", stated the Elysee. In the meeting, it was expected that the French president will seek support from MBS, as he is known widely, in finding a solution to the leadership crisis in Lebanon. On Wednesday, Lebanese lawmakers failed to elect a new president for the 12th time, as the country faced the risk of a prolonged power vacuum due to bitter divisions between Iran-backed Hezbollah and its opponents. ALSO READ | Earthquake of magnitude 4.8 hits France A president's prolonged absence "remains the major obstacle to resolving the country's severe socio-economic crisis", stated the French presidency. The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine was also discussed by the two leaders. Macron expressed his "profound concern in the face of Russia's war of aggression... its disastrous impact on the civilian populations and its repercussions on food security", his office stated. The president and Saudi crown prince "also reiterated their shared commitment to security and stability in the Near and Middle East and expressed their desire to pursue their joint efforts to bring about a lasting easing of tensions", it added. They intended to "develop and deepen the partnership between the two countries", stated Elysee. Paris was also ready "to support Saudi Arabia in strengthening its defence capabilities", the statement read. WATCH | France shocked by a gruesome knife attack on toddlers MBS to attend Paris summit The trip of the 37-year-old crown prince has been organised less than a year after he had last visited the Elysee Palace and highlights the warm relationship between Riyadh and Paris that has irked rights activists in the wake of Saudi critic Jamal Khashoggi's killing that took place in 2018. The crown prince is likely to stay in France for a long duration as he is also scheduled to attend a Paris summit on a New Global Financing Pact which has been hosted by Macron on June 22-23. MBS is also set to attend on Monday an official Saudi reception for the candidacy of Riyadh to host Expo 2030, a bid for which France's strong support is being sought by Saudi Arabia. The entourage of Macron had made it clear he will try to persuade his guest to take a stand on Ukraine. However, Saudi Arabia continues to maintain a cautious stance, as it avoids condemning the assault but emphasises the importance of the territorial integrity of Kyiv. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Macron, Saudi crown prince call for ‘rapid end to political vacuum in Lebanon’

This is the story of a young Lebanese swimmer. The 29-year-old, for whom disability is no hurdle. Elissa Harik is representing Lebanon on the world stage, as she readies for the Berlin Special Olympics. Ghadi Francis gets you her story.

Inspirational story of a Lebanese swimmer | The West Asia Post

Lebanese lawmakers fail to elect a president for the 12th consecutive time. The political deadlock is worsening the country's economic troubles. Can Lebanon's political elite unite and deliver soon or will there be another foreign intervention to bring a sense of stability? Ghadi Francis breaks down the situation.

Lebanon remains without a president | The West Asia Post

Protesters in Lebanon have attacked several bank buildings, set tyres alight and smashed windows to demand their money back.

Protesters in Lebanon vandalise banks, demand their money back

Lawmakers in Lebanon on Wednesday (June 14) were unable to elect a new president even after the 12th attempt. A bitter political tussle between Iran-backed Hezbollah and its opponents is extending the protracted power vacuum in the country. The crisis-hit country has already been without a president for more than seven months. A previous attempt to elect a president was held on January 19.

The vote for the presidency, reserved for a Maronite Christian under Lebanon's delicate sectarian power-sharing system, pitted the Hezbollah-backed Sleiman Frangieh against financial official Jihad Azour, who has mainly been endorsed by Christian and independent legislators.

However, neither of the two has enough support to push them across the line to become president. Azour has garnered 59 votes and Frangieh has 51 per cent votes in the 128-seat parliament.

All lawmakers were present for the election. However, many left the chamber after they cast their ballots. The quorum was lost before a second round of voting.&nbsp;

"Enough passing the buck... for prolonging the vacuum," parliament speaker Nabih Berri said in a statement after the session.

"Only consensus and dialogue" will speed up the election of a president, he added, without immediately scheduling a new ballot.

Analysts said the vote risked further entrenching a political stalemate, dimming hopes of saving the economy after three years of meltdown.

"At this stage, the most likely scenario is a prolonged vacuum," analyst Karim Bitar said.

<h2>Much needed reforms</h2>

Global voices have urged Lebanese politicians to elect a presidential candidate who has support from across the political spectrum and one who can help the country carry out reforms post which billions of dollars in loans from abroad will be available.

On top of lacking a president, Lebanon has been governed by a caretaker cabinet with limited powers for more than a year. 
By convention, the premiership is reserved for a Sunni Muslim and the post of parliament speaker goes to a Shiite Muslim.

Hezbollah and its allies in the past have repeatedly posted spoilt ballots to disrupt the vote. They then left so quorum was lost and a second round could not take place.

A similar tactic was adopted in the last presidential election. This move left Lebanon without a president for more than two years until Michel Aoun won in 2016.

Samy Gemayel, head of the Christian Kataeb party, called Wednesday's support for Azour an "uprising" against "diktats and threats", in reference to accusations Hezbollah is seeking to impose its preferred candidate.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Lawmakers in Lebanon on Wednesday (June 14) were unable to elect a new president even after the 12th attempt. A bitter political tussle between Iran-backed Hezbollah and its opponents is extending the protracted power vacuum in the country.

Lawmakers in Lebanon on Wednesday (June 14) were unable to elect a new president even after the 12th attempt. A bitter political tussle between Iran-backed Hezbollah and its opponents is extending the protracted power vacuum in the country. The crisis-hit country has already been without a president for more than seven months. A previous attempt to elect a president was held on January 19. The vote for the presidency, reserved for a Maronite Christian under Lebanon's delicate sectarian power-sharing system, pitted the Hezbollah-backed Sleiman Frangieh against financial official Jihad Azour, who has mainly been endorsed by Christian and independent legislators. However, neither of the two has enough support to push them across the line to become president. Azour has garnered 59 votes and Frangieh has 51 per cent votes in the 128-seat parliament. All lawmakers were present for the election. However, many left the chamber after they cast their ballots. The quorum was lost before a second round of voting. "Enough passing the buck... for prolonging the vacuum," parliament speaker Nabih Berri said in a statement after the session. "Only consensus and dialogue" will speed up the election of a president, he added, without immediately scheduling a new ballot. Analysts said the vote risked further entrenching a political stalemate, dimming hopes of saving the economy after three years of meltdown. "At this stage, the most likely scenario is a prolonged vacuum," analyst Karim Bitar said. Much needed reforms Global voices have urged Lebanese politicians to elect a presidential candidate who has support from across the political spectrum and one who can help the country carry out reforms post which billions of dollars in loans from abroad will be available. On top of lacking a president, Lebanon has been governed by a caretaker cabinet with limited powers for more than a year. By convention, the premiership is reserved for a Sunni Muslim and the post of parliament speaker goes to a Shiite Muslim. Hezbollah and its allies in the past have repeatedly posted spoilt ballots to disrupt the vote. They then left so quorum was lost and a second round could not take place. A similar tactic was adopted in the last presidential election. This move left Lebanon without a president for more than two years until Michel Aoun won in 2016. Samy Gemayel, head of the Christian Kataeb party, called Wednesday's support for Azour an "uprising" against "diktats and threats", in reference to accusations Hezbollah is seeking to impose its preferred candidate. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Twelfth attempt to elect Lebanon's president fails

Son of late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, who has been imprisoned in Lebanon for more than seven years, went on a hunger strike on Saturday in protest of his detention without charge, according to his attorney.

Since 2015, Hannibal Gaddafi has been in detention&nbsp;in Lebanon after being abducted from the adjacent country of Syria, where he was residing as a political refugee. He was kidnapped by Lebanese terrorists who wanted to know what happened to a Shiite cleric who vanished in Libya 45 years ago, as reported by the Associated Press.

Later, Gaddafi was captured by Lebanese authorities, who have been holding him without charge in a prison in Beirut.

The Associated Press was informed by attorney Paul Romanos that his client began his hunger strike on Saturday morning and that "he is serious and will continue with it until the end". Due to his lack of authorisation to speak to the media about the matter, Romanos avoided getting into specifics.

A statement from Gaddafi outlined his circumstances.

“How can a political prisoner be held without a fair trial all these years?” Gaddafi, who is married to a Lebanese woman, wrote in his statement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/israeli-settler-killed-by-palestinian-gunmen-in-west-bank-day-after-clashes-in-jenin-598400">Israeli settler killed by Palestinian gunmen in West Bank, a day after clashes in Jenin</a>

<h2>Lebanon's problem point</h2>

The Libyan national stated that "those who are treating me unjustly" would bear responsibility for the outcomes now that he is on a hunger strike. The "time has come to liberate the law from the hands of politicians," he continued.

Romanos claimed that his client had back discomfort as a result of spending years imprisoned in a confined cell with no access to movement or exercise.

Tensions have been brewing between Lebanon and Libya ever since famous Shiite preacher Moussa Al Sadr vanished in 1978. Although the majority of Lebanese believe Al Sadr is dead, the cleric's family thinks he may still be alive in a jail in Libya. That makes him 94 years old.

In the protracted Lebanese civil war, which broke out in 1975 and mostly pitted Muslims against Christians, Al Sadr was the founder of a Shiite political and military organisation.

In order to fight for the rights of Shiites in the southern port city of Tyre, Al Sadr, who was born in the Iranian holy city of Qom, moved to Lebanon in 1959. Al Sadr established the Movement of the Deprived in 1974, one year before Lebanon's 15-year civil war began and attracted thousands of adherents.

The Lebanese Resistance Brigades, the militia's Arabic name, and the word "hope" are both used in the acronym Amal, which stands for the military wing he founded the year after. Amal later participated in the civil war in Lebanon.

Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament Nabih Berri is in charge of the organisation.

Also watch |&nbsp;Amid Lebanon crisis, humour offers glimmer of light

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Since Al Sadr vanished, Libya has insisted that the imam and his two travelling companions departed Tripoli in 1978 on a flight bound for Rome and has asserted that he was a victim of a power struggle among Shiites.

The majority of Al Sadr's supporters are certain that Muammar Gaddafi gave the order for Al Sadr to be executed due to a disagreement over Libyan payments to Lebanese militants.

The Libyan leader's four-decade hegemony over the nation of North Africa came to an end in 2011 when opposition militants assassinated him. Meanwhile, Al Sadr's destiny remains&nbsp;a mystery.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Son of late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, who has been imprisoned in Lebanon for more than seven years, went on a hunger strike on Saturday in protest of his detention without charge, according to his attorney.

Son of late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, who has been imprisoned in Lebanon for more than seven years, went on a hunger strike on Saturday in protest of his detention without charge, according to his attorney. Since 2015, Hannibal Gaddafi has been in detention in Lebanon after being abducted from the adjacent country of Syria, where he was residing as a political refugee. He was kidnapped by Lebanese terrorists who wanted to know what happened to a Shiite cleric who vanished in Libya 45 years ago, as reported by the Associated Press. Later, Gaddafi was captured by Lebanese authorities, who have been holding him without charge in a prison in Beirut. The Associated Press was informed by attorney Paul Romanos that his client began his hunger strike on Saturday morning and that "he is serious and will continue with it until the end". Due to his lack of authorisation to speak to the media about the matter, Romanos avoided getting into specifics. A statement from Gaddafi outlined his circumstances. “How can a political prisoner be held without a fair trial all these years?” Gaddafi, who is married to a Lebanese woman, wrote in his statement. Also read | Israeli settler killed by Palestinian gunmen in West Bank, a day after clashes in Jenin Lebanon's problem point The Libyan national stated that "those who are treating me unjustly" would bear responsibility for the outcomes now that he is on a hunger strike. The "time has come to liberate the law from the hands of politicians," he continued. Romanos claimed that his client had back discomfort as a result of spending years imprisoned in a confined cell with no access to movement or exercise. Tensions have been brewing between Lebanon and Libya ever since famous Shiite preacher Moussa Al Sadr vanished in 1978. Although the majority of Lebanese believe Al Sadr is dead, the cleric's family thinks he may still be alive in a jail in Libya. That makes him 94 years old. In the protracted Lebanese civil war, which broke out in 1975 and mostly pitted Muslims against Christians, Al Sadr was the founder of a Shiite political and military organisation. In order to fight for the rights of Shiites in the southern port city of Tyre, Al Sadr, who was born in the Iranian holy city of Qom, moved to Lebanon in 1959. Al Sadr established the Movement of the Deprived in 1974, one year before Lebanon's 15-year civil war began and attracted thousands of adherents. The Lebanese Resistance Brigades, the militia's Arabic name, and the word "hope" are both used in the acronym Amal, which stands for the military wing he founded the year after. Amal later participated in the civil war in Lebanon. Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament Nabih Berri is in charge of the organisation. Also watch | Amid Lebanon crisis, humour offers glimmer of light Since Al Sadr vanished, Libya has insisted that the imam and his two travelling companions departed Tripoli in 1978 on a flight bound for Rome and has asserted that he was a victim of a power struggle among Shiites. The majority of Al Sadr's supporters are certain that Muammar Gaddafi gave the order for Al Sadr to be executed due to a disagreement over Libyan payments to Lebanese militants. The Libyan leader's four-decade hegemony over the nation of North Africa came to an end in 2011 when opposition militants assassinated him. Meanwhile, Al Sadr's destiny remains a mystery. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Gaddafi's son goes on hunger strike to protest being held without trial by Lebanon

Lebanon's&nbsp;Hezbollah&nbsp;on Friday denied that five men&nbsp;accused&nbsp;by a military tribunal of&nbsp;killing&nbsp;an Irish UN&nbsp;peacekeeper&nbsp;in 2022 were&nbsp;linked&nbsp;to the armed Shi'ite group.

A court document filed on Thursday had identified some of the five as members of&nbsp;Hezbollah&nbsp;and allied movement Amal, according to a senior Lebanese judicial source.

Hezbollah&nbsp;media official Mohammad Afif said the five&nbsp;accused&nbsp;were&nbsp;not&nbsp;members of the group, which controls the part of southern Lebanon where last year's attack took place, and also denied that the indictment had described them as&nbsp;Hezbollah&nbsp;members.

Private Sean Rooney, 23, was killed on Dec&nbsp;15 in the first fatal attack on UN&nbsp;peacekeepers in Lebanon since 2015.

Afif said&nbsp;Hezbollah&nbsp;had played a big role after the&nbsp;killing&nbsp;in reducing tensions and in local people's cooperation with the army and judicial investigation.

His comments are the first by a&nbsp;Hezbollah&nbsp;official since Thursday's reported indictment. The Amal Movement, which is headed by&nbsp;Lebanon's&nbsp;parliament speaker, Nabih Berri, has so far declined to comment.

The judicial source had said evidence was drawn from camera recordings in which the&nbsp;accused&nbsp;refer to themselves as members of&nbsp;Hezbollah. A second judicial source confirmed that camera evidence was mentioned in the 30-page court document.

Hezbollah&nbsp;has previously denied involvement in the&nbsp;killing, calling it an "unintentional incident" that took place solely between the town's residents and the UNIFIL peacekeeping force.

Lebanon's Hezbollah on Friday denied that five men accused by a military tribunal of killing an Irish UN peacekeeper in 2022 were linked to the armed Shi'ite group.

Lebanon's Hezbollah on Friday denied that five men accused by a military tribunal of killing an Irish UN peacekeeper in 2022 were linked to the armed Shi'ite group. A court document filed on Thursday had identified some of the five as members of Hezbollah and allied movement Amal, according to a senior Lebanese judicial source. Hezbollah media official Mohammad Afif said the five accused were not members of the group, which controls the part of southern Lebanon where last year's attack took place, and also denied that the indictment had described them as Hezbollah members. Private Sean Rooney, 23, was killed on Dec 15 in the first fatal attack on UN peacekeepers in Lebanon since 2015. Afif said Hezbollah had played a big role after the killing in reducing tensions and in local people's cooperation with the army and judicial investigation. His comments are the first by a Hezbollah official since Thursday's reported indictment. The Amal Movement, which is headed by Lebanon's parliament speaker, Nabih Berri, has so far declined to comment. The judicial source had said evidence was drawn from camera recordings in which the accused refer to themselves as members of Hezbollah. A second judicial source confirmed that camera evidence was mentioned in the 30-page court document. Hezbollah has previously denied involvement in the killing, calling it an "unintentional incident" that took place solely between the town's residents and the UNIFIL peacekeeping force.

Lebanon's Hezbollah says not linked to accused in peacekeeper killing

At a time when Lebanon's economy is in shambles and the country is hit with economic collapse along with a rising humanitarian crisis, a lavish US embassy complex that is under construction is piquing the interest of commoners in the Middle Eastern nation.&nbsp;

The compound is located about 13 kilometres (about 8 miles) from the centre of Beirut. Stretching across a 43-acre site, the massive US embassy compound in Lebanon can be taken as a city of its own, as per CNN.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/exclusive-jaishankar-flags-need-for-adherence-respect-for-constitution-of-the-oceans-unclos-591885">EXCLUSIVE: Jaishankar flags need for adherence, respect for 'constitution of the oceans' UNCLOS</a>

The size of the complex is mammoth and it can be better understood when seen in comparison to some of the well-known structures of our times such as the White House itself. The compound which lies in the Beirut suburb of Awkar is almost two-and-a-half times the size of the White House land.&nbsp;The huge building is over 21 soccer fields in size.&nbsp;

<h2>Backlash over enormous US embassy building&nbsp;</h2>

Twitter is flooded with condemnation of the monumental building. Lebanese are raising questions over the need for this expansive complex. On February 1, a US travel advisory cautioned its citizens to reconsider travel to Lebanon due to crime, terrorism, armed conflict, civil unrest, kidnapping , and the Beirut embassy’s limited capacity to provide support to US citizens. It said that some areas have increased risk.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/portuguese-parliament-legalises-euthanasia-for-people-over-18-591849">Portuguese parliament legalises euthanasia for people over 18</a>

In view of the risks, not many Americans travel to the Middle East nation. However, there is a substantial population of Lebanese American residents in the country. Lebanon is home to about only 6 million people.&nbsp;

Areawise also, the country is small. As per reports, the country is stretched in an area of only 10,452 square kilometres (4,036 sq mi). It is even smaller than the US state of Connecticut which has an area of 13,023 square kilometres.

A social media activist Sandy said, “Did the US move to Lebanon??”&nbsp;

“Maybe you’ll have enough room to work on all those pending visa applications,” tweeted Abed A. Ayoub, national executive director of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee.&nbsp; 
 
“Let them eat concrete,” another user tweeted.

<h2>What does Beirut's new US embassy campus have?</h2>

The buildings are clustered on the eastern half of the site to promote walkability, with recreational open space and flexibility for future expansion to the west, as per the <a href="https://lb.usembassy.gov/our-relationship/policy-history/new-embassy-beirut-compound/beirut-new-embassy-campus-project-summary/">US embassy's website</a>.&nbsp;

Watch | Exclusive: Talking Tennis with Stefanos Tsitsipas | Sports News

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The complex includes "comfortable waiting areas, shaded gardens, and an art programme featuring site-specific commissions from international and Lebanese artists."&nbsp;Extending from the chancery, ribbon-like residential buildings frame the campus’ central service and circulation corridor, a community “main street” with outdoor plazas and dining facilities for embassy staff.

The campus employs resources that are sustainable in nature. It also includes lighting controls, solar adaptive shades, sound masking systems, flexible furniture.&nbsp;

<h2>Aftermath of Beirut blast and COVID pandemic&nbsp;</h2>

The 2020 Beirut blast and the COVID pandemic struck a dual blow at the Lebanon economy. As per reports, the embassy complex has cost a whopping $1 billion. Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO) oversaw the building construction.&nbsp;

The 1983 bombing of the American embassy in Beirut resulted in the deaths of 63 individuals, including 52 Lebanese and diplomatic staff. This year April marked the 40th anniversary of the tragic event.&nbsp; 
 
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At a time when Lebanon's economy is in shambles and the country is hit with economic collapse along with a rising humanitarian crisis, a lavish US embassy complex that is under construction is piquing the interest of commoners in the Middle Eastern nation.

At a time when Lebanon's economy is in shambles and the country is hit with economic collapse along with a rising humanitarian crisis, a lavish US embassy complex that is under construction is piquing the interest of commoners in the Middle Eastern nation. The compound is located about 13 kilometres (about 8 miles) from the centre of Beirut. Stretching across a 43-acre site, the massive US embassy compound in Lebanon can be taken as a city of its own, as per CNN. Also Read | EXCLUSIVE: Jaishankar flags need for adherence, respect for 'constitution of the oceans' UNCLOS The size of the complex is mammoth and it can be better understood when seen in comparison to some of the well-known structures of our times such as the White House itself. The compound which lies in the Beirut suburb of Awkar is almost two-and-a-half times the size of the White House land. The huge building is over 21 soccer fields in size. Backlash over enormous US embassy building Twitter is flooded with condemnation of the monumental building. Lebanese are raising questions over the need for this expansive complex. On February 1, a US travel advisory cautioned its citizens to reconsider travel to Lebanon due to crime, terrorism, armed conflict, civil unrest, kidnapping , and the Beirut embassy’s limited capacity to provide support to US citizens. It said that some areas have increased risk. Also Read | Portuguese parliament legalises euthanasia for people over 18 In view of the risks, not many Americans travel to the Middle East nation. However, there is a substantial population of Lebanese American residents in the country. Lebanon is home to about only 6 million people. Areawise also, the country is small. As per reports, the country is stretched in an area of only 10,452 square kilometres (4,036 sq mi). It is even smaller than the US state of Connecticut which has an area of 13,023 square kilometres. A social media activist Sandy said, “Did the US move to Lebanon??” “Maybe you’ll have enough room to work on all those pending visa applications,” tweeted Abed A. Ayoub, national executive director of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee. “Let them eat concrete,” another user tweeted. What does Beirut's new US embassy campus have? The buildings are clustered on the eastern half of the site to promote walkability, with recreational open space and flexibility for future expansion to the west, as per the US embassy's website. Watch | Exclusive: Talking Tennis with Stefanos Tsitsipas | Sports News × The complex includes "comfortable waiting areas, shaded gardens, and an art programme featuring site-specific commissions from international and Lebanese artists." Extending from the chancery, ribbon-like residential buildings frame the campus’ central service and circulation corridor, a community “main street” with outdoor plazas and dining facilities for embassy staff. The campus employs resources that are sustainable in nature. It also includes lighting controls, solar adaptive shades, sound masking systems, flexible furniture. Aftermath of Beirut blast and COVID pandemic The 2020 Beirut blast and the COVID pandemic struck a dual blow at the Lebanon economy. As per reports, the embassy complex has cost a whopping $1 billion. Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO) oversaw the building construction. The 1983 bombing of the American embassy in Beirut resulted in the deaths of 63 individuals, including 52 Lebanese and diplomatic staff. This year April marked the 40th anniversary of the tragic event. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

‘Let them eat concrete’: Massive new US embassy complex in Lebanon draws ire of netizens

Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, who is on an official visit to Lebanon, visited the Lenanon-Iran border. During his visit, he met with the leadership of the Lebanese group Hezbollah and slammed Israel for its continued attacks in the region.

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian expresses support for Hezbollah | World News | WION

An Indian citizen has been arrested in Britain by Scotland Yard for allegedly funding the banned terrorist outfit Hezbollah. The nabbed individual has been identified as 66-year-old&nbsp;Sundar Nagarajan and hailed from Madurai, a district in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

According to a statement released by the Metropolitan Police, Nagarajan, also known as&nbsp;&nbsp;Kasiviswanathan Naga and Nagarajan Sundar Poongulam was presented before the court where he was denied bail.

"Sundar Nagarajan, (27.08.57) of Hayes UB3, was taken into police custody before appearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court this afternoon for commencement of extradition proceedings," read the statement, adding that he is scheduled to appear for the next court hearing on April 25.&nbsp;

Nagarajan was arrested in West London by the officers from the National Extradition Unit,&nbsp;following an international arrest warrant. He could be extradited to the US where he faces charges of laundering money and supplying it to&nbsp;Hezbollah.&nbsp;

His arrest came hot on the heels of&nbsp;Met’s Counter Terrorism Command arresting&nbsp;one Nazem Ahmad - a wealthy art collector, accused of terrorist financing and money laundering. According to reports,&nbsp;Nagarajan was Ahmad's international accountant and used numerous companies as a front to launder money for the terror organisation.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/war-games-netanyahu-warns-iran-hezbollah-of-red-lines-on-lebanon-border-551434">ALSO READ |&nbsp;War games: Netanyahu warns Iran, Hezbollah of ‘red lines’ on Lebanon border</a>

"Today's arrests are the result of ongoing work and cooperation with our American colleagues, and are a key milestone in what is a complex investigation into terrorist financing," said Detective Chief Superintendent Gareth Rees, of the Met's Counter Terrorism Command.&nbsp;

"With our international partners, we will never give up on our mission to disrupt terrorist activity, both in the UK and abroad, in order to keep the public safe," he added.&nbsp;

<h2>What is Hezbollah?</h2>

Notably,&nbsp;Hezbollah is a Shia terror outfit, majorly operating in Lebanon, backed by Iran which the Conservative government in the UK&nbsp;classified as a terrorist organisation in 2019.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hezbollah-fires-over-36-rockets-after-israel-storms-al-aqsa-mosque-world-at-war-581461">WATCH |&nbsp;Hezbollah fires over 36 rockets after Israel storms Al-Aqsa mosque | World at War</a>

The group came into existence during the 15-year Lebanese Civil War and has been waging a war against Israel. Meanwhile, the Western nations do not have any particular affinity towards Hezbollah either.&nbsp;

Apart from the UK, Hezbollah has been proscribed in&nbsp;Canada, Germany, Britain, Argentina, Honduras, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Kuwait.

(With inputs from agencies)

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An Indian citizen has been arrested in Britain by Scotland Yard for allegedly funding the banned terrorist outfit Hezbollah. The nabbed individual has been identified as 66-year-old Sundar Nagarajan and hailed from Madurai, a district in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

An Indian citizen has been arrested in Britain by Scotland Yard for allegedly funding the banned terrorist outfit Hezbollah. The nabbed individual has been identified as 66-year-old Sundar Nagarajan and hailed from Madurai, a district in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. According to a statement released by the Metropolitan Police, Nagarajan, also known as Kasiviswanathan Naga and Nagarajan Sundar Poongulam was presented before the court where he was denied bail. "Sundar Nagarajan, (27.08.57) of Hayes UB3, was taken into police custody before appearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court this afternoon for commencement of extradition proceedings," read the statement, adding that he is scheduled to appear for the next court hearing on April 25. Nagarajan was arrested in West London by the officers from the National Extradition Unit, following an international arrest warrant. He could be extradited to the US where he faces charges of laundering money and supplying it to Hezbollah. His arrest came hot on the heels of Met’s Counter Terrorism Command arresting one Nazem Ahmad - a wealthy art collector, accused of terrorist financing and money laundering. According to reports, Nagarajan was Ahmad's international accountant and used numerous companies as a front to launder money for the terror organisation. ALSO READ | War games: Netanyahu warns Iran, Hezbollah of ‘red lines’ on Lebanon border "Today's arrests are the result of ongoing work and cooperation with our American colleagues, and are a key milestone in what is a complex investigation into terrorist financing," said Detective Chief Superintendent Gareth Rees, of the Met's Counter Terrorism Command. "With our international partners, we will never give up on our mission to disrupt terrorist activity, both in the UK and abroad, in order to keep the public safe," he added. What is Hezbollah? Notably, Hezbollah is a Shia terror outfit, majorly operating in Lebanon, backed by Iran which the Conservative government in the UK classified as a terrorist organisation in 2019. WATCH | Hezbollah fires over 36 rockets after Israel storms Al-Aqsa mosque | World at War The group came into existence during the 15-year Lebanese Civil War and has been waging a war against Israel. Meanwhile, the Western nations do not have any particular affinity towards Hezbollah either. Apart from the UK, Hezbollah has been proscribed in Canada, Germany, Britain, Argentina, Honduras, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Kuwait. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Indian citizen arrested in London for funding Hezbollah, faces extradition

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Foreign Minister Eli Cohen, and senior defense and military officials to hold a meeting ahead of a security cabinet meeting tonight to discuss a response to rocket fire from Lebanon.

Ministers, defense officials to hold talks on Lebanon rocket fire ahead of security cabinet meeting

Late Thursday, Israel launched air strikes against Hamas in the Gaza strip. The airstrikes came after Tel Aviv vowed retaliation for a barrage of cross-border rockets fired from Lebanon, which it blamed on Palestinian groups. Tensions have soared between Israel and Palestinians during the Jewish passover, and the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Israeli military strikes, violent explosions heard in South Lebanon

Israel launches airstrikes against Hamas in the Gaza strip

Tensions have been flaring up between Israel and Palestine. The conflict has now spread to Lebanon, as it fired 34 missiles at Israel on Thursday. Molly Gambhir tells you.

Gravitas: Israel-Palestine conflict spreads to Lebanon

Israel military airstrikes in Gaza and Lebanon | Flare-up in violence after Al-Aqsa clashes

The Israeli Army said on Friday (April 7) that it was carrying out strikes in Lebanon from where 34 rockets were fired at Israel on Thursday. In a statement issued at 4.07 am (01.07 GMT), the army said it was striking in Lebanon without providing any further details, the news agency AFP reported. At least three explosions were heard in Lebanon's Tyre region. Speaking to AFP, a resident from a Palestinian refugee camp near Tyre said at least two shells fell near the camp, adding, he heard explosions.&nbsp;

Earlier, the Israeli army launched air strikes on the Gaza Strip as Jerusalem vowed to retaliate over the cross-border rockets fired from Lebanon. The army said it had hit two tunnels and "two weapon manufacturing sites" belonging to Hamas "as a response to the security violations of Hamas during the last few days."

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explosions-heard-in-gaza-palestine-says-strikes-hit-hamas-training-sites-579951">Israel launches air strikes on the Gaza Strip after vowing to retaliate over Lebanon rocket salvo</a>

Tensions have soared between Israelis and Palestinians prompting condemnations and calls for restraint from abroad. Thirty-four rockets were fired at Israel on the Jewish holiday of Passover- the largest escalation since Israel and Hezbollah fought a war in 2006. The army blamed the Palestinian groups for the attacks.&nbsp;

This latest flare-up of violence comes after Israeli police clashed with Palestinians inside Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa mosque. The raids were followed by several missiles fired from Gaza towards Israel.

Hamas said that Israel was "responsible for this aggression and its consequences" and called for all Palestinian groups to unite against "the occupation."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanon-refuses-any-escalation-from-its-territory-pm-condemns-barrage-of-rockets-fired-towards-israel-579950">Lebanon refuses any escalation from its territory: PM condemns barrage of rockets fired towards Israel</a>

The United Nations (UN) condemned the rocket attacks in Israel and urged all actors to exercise maximum restraint.&nbsp;

"The UN interim force in Lebanon remains in contact with authorities on both sides of the blue line and we urge the parties to liaise with our peacekeepers and avoid any unilateral action that could further escalate the situation," UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Israeli Army said on Friday (April 7) that it was carrying out strikes in Lebanon from where 34 rockets were fired at Israel on Thursday. In a statement issued at 4.

The Israeli Army said on Friday (April 7) that it was carrying out strikes in Lebanon from where 34 rockets were fired at Israel on Thursday. In a statement issued at 4.07 am (01.07 GMT), the army said it was striking in Lebanon without providing any further details, the news agency AFP reported. At least three explosions were heard in Lebanon's Tyre region. Speaking to AFP, a resident from a Palestinian refugee camp near Tyre said at least two shells fell near the camp, adding, he heard explosions. Earlier, the Israeli army launched air strikes on the Gaza Strip as Jerusalem vowed to retaliate over the cross-border rockets fired from Lebanon. The army said it had hit two tunnels and "two weapon manufacturing sites" belonging to Hamas "as a response to the security violations of Hamas during the last few days." ALSO READ | Israel launches air strikes on the Gaza Strip after vowing to retaliate over Lebanon rocket salvo Tensions have soared between Israelis and Palestinians prompting condemnations and calls for restraint from abroad. Thirty-four rockets were fired at Israel on the Jewish holiday of Passover- the largest escalation since Israel and Hezbollah fought a war in 2006. The army blamed the Palestinian groups for the attacks. This latest flare-up of violence comes after Israeli police clashed with Palestinians inside Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa mosque. The raids were followed by several missiles fired from Gaza towards Israel. Hamas said that Israel was "responsible for this aggression and its consequences" and called for all Palestinian groups to unite against "the occupation." ALSO READ | Lebanon refuses any escalation from its territory: PM condemns barrage of rockets fired towards Israel The United Nations (UN) condemned the rocket attacks in Israel and urged all actors to exercise maximum restraint. "The UN interim force in Lebanon remains in contact with authorities on both sides of the blue line and we urge the parties to liaise with our peacekeepers and avoid any unilateral action that could further escalate the situation," UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israeli army strikes Lebanon as promised retaliatory measure

The United States says that its ally Israel has the right to defend itself after a barrage of rockets from Lebanon following soaring tension over Jerusalem. Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: Rockets fired from Lebanon into Israel

Lebanon's Prime Minister Najib Mikati said on Thursday (April 6) that his country "refuses any escalation from its territory," condemning the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/israel-says-it-intercepted-rocket-fire-from-lebanon-retaliates-with-strikes-579842">barrage of rockets fired towards Israel from</a> its soil. In a statement, Prime Minister Mikati said that Lebanon rejects the use of its territory to carry out operations that destabilise the situation, the news agency AFP reported.&nbsp;

Earlier on Thursday, a barrage of rockets was fired at Israel from Lebanon on the Jewish holiday of Passover. This was the largest escalation along the frontier since Israel and Hezbollah fought a 34-day war in 2006.

The Israeli army blamed Palestinian groups for the attack. In a statement, the army said that 25 rockets were intercepted by Israeli air defences, while "five rockets landed in Israeli territory. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, meanwhile, said that Israel's enemies would "pay a price."&nbsp;

"We will strike our enemies and they will pay the price for any act of aggression," Netanyahu said during a cabinet meeting.&nbsp;

The rocket strikes come following clashes at the Al Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem. Israel has been facing worldwide pressure following police raids on successive nights at the mosque compound during Ramadan.&nbsp;

After Jerusalem blamed Palestinian groups for the rocket strikes, Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh said Palestinians "will not sit with their arms crossed" in face of the Israeli aggression against the mosque.

"Our Palestinian people and the Palestinian resistance groups will not sit idly by" in the face of Israel's "savage aggression," Haniyeh said in a statement and called on "all Palestinian organisations to unify their ranks and intensify their resistance against the Zionist occupation (Israel)."

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Lebanon's Prime Minister Najib Mikati said on Thursday (April 6) that his country "refuses any escalation from its territory," condemning the barrage of rockets fired towards Israel from its soil.

Lebanon's Prime Minister Najib Mikati said on Thursday (April 6) that his country "refuses any escalation from its territory," condemning the barrage of rockets fired towards Israel from its soil. In a statement, Prime Minister Mikati said that Lebanon rejects the use of its territory to carry out operations that destabilise the situation, the news agency AFP reported. Earlier on Thursday, a barrage of rockets was fired at Israel from Lebanon on the Jewish holiday of Passover. This was the largest escalation along the frontier since Israel and Hezbollah fought a 34-day war in 2006. The Israeli army blamed Palestinian groups for the attack. In a statement, the army said that 25 rockets were intercepted by Israeli air defences, while "five rockets landed in Israeli territory. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, meanwhile, said that Israel's enemies would "pay a price." "We will strike our enemies and they will pay the price for any act of aggression," Netanyahu said during a cabinet meeting. The rocket strikes come following clashes at the Al Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem. Israel has been facing worldwide pressure following police raids on successive nights at the mosque compound during Ramadan. After Jerusalem blamed Palestinian groups for the rocket strikes, Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh said Palestinians "will not sit with their arms crossed" in face of the Israeli aggression against the mosque. "Our Palestinian people and the Palestinian resistance groups will not sit idly by" in the face of Israel's "savage aggression," Haniyeh said in a statement and called on "all Palestinian organisations to unify their ranks and intensify their resistance against the Zionist occupation (Israel)." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Lebanon refuses any escalation from its territory: PM condemns barrage of rockets fired towards Israel

The Israeli military on Friday informed that two women were killed while a third was seriously injured in a shooting attack after a gunman opened fire on a vehicle in West Bank.

The Israeli military on Friday informed that two women were killed while a third was seriously injured in a shooting attack after a gunman opened fire on a vehicle in West Bank. The attacker targetted the car near the Hamra junction in the northern part of the Jordan Valley. The Magen David Adom emergency service confirmed the death of the two Israeli women. The army has swung into action by sweeping the area, blocking the roads and launching a manhunt for the assailant. “A shooting attack was carried out on a vehicle at the Hamra Junction. IDF [Israel Defense Force] soldiers are searching the area,” the military said in a statement. Israel attacks Lebanon following provocation Earlier in the day, it was reported that Israel launched missile strikes on Lebanon and Gaza Strip after the Palestine side fired around 34 rockets from the region. According to Israeli media, it was the biggest salvo of fire from Lebanon since Jerusalem fought the 34-day war with the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah in 2006. Moreover, this was the first instance Israel had fired missiles on Lebanon territory since April last year. WATCH | Al-Aqsa mosque: Violence as Israeli police raid Jerusalem holy site × Israeli police raid al-Aqsa The development comes hot on the heels of Israeli police clashing with Palestinians at Jerusalem's al-Aqsa Mosque on Wednesday (April 5). Experts had feared that the violence in the compound could trigger a cross-border exchange of fire in Gaza and lead to instances of increased violence. “Israel’s raid into al-Aqsa mosque, its assault on worshippers, is a slap to recent US efforts which tried to create calm and stability during the month of Ramadan,” a spokesperson for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said. ALSO READ | Clashes erupt again at Jerusalem's al-Aqsa Mosque, six injured This is not the first instance when violence has escalated in the region. In February, Israel carried out a rare daytime arrest operation that triggered fighting in the occupied West Bank, killing at least 11 people and wounding more than 100. Prior to the ground operation, both sides had fired projectiles that caused significant damage. At the time, many dubbed it as one of the deadliest escalations in the occupied West Bank since 2005. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the situation in the Palestinian territory was the 'most combustible in a year', adding that tensions remained 'sky high'. "Our immediate priority must be to prevent further escalation, reduce tensions and restore calm," said Guterres. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Two Israeli women killed, one seriously injured in West Bank shooting: Report

Israeli Military: Hamas tunnels and weapon-making sites targeted

The answer to 'what's the time' is not so simple anymore. Ask the people of Lebanon. Last month they woke up in two different time zones. While for some it was 6 in the morning, for others, their phones displayed 7 am. Fuelling even more confusion, the government has changed the decision yet again! If you're thinking of a technical error, that's not it. Ghadi Francis brings you the full report on this week's The West Asia Post.

Lebanon's dual time zone chaos | The West Asia Post

What time is it in Lebanon? A decision by the country's PM has split Lebanon into 2 time zones. The spat is slowly turning religious. Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: Lebanon split into 2 time zones

The Lebanese people have a new difficulty after waking up in two different timezones after already enduring one of the biggest economic crises in the history of the globe.

Daylight Saving: Clocks forwarded by an hour for added sunlight | Lebanon

Lebanon's caretaker prime minister said on Monday (March 27) that the government has reversed the decision to delay daylight savings time and that the clocks will move one hour ahead on Wednesday (March 29) night. The decision to delay daylight savings time had created deep divisions in the country and even threatened to take sectarian turn.

Prime Minister Najib Mikati said that the cabinet had decided to reverse the earlier decision after a "calm discussion" and that the state needed 48 hours to re-adjust their operations.

Mikati angered many Lebanese when he decided last Thursday not to start daylight savings time over the last weekend of March when it usually does but instead to roll clocks forward a month later on April 20.

That decision came after a meeting with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri in which Berri asked him to postpone the time switch, according to footage of the meeting seen by Reuters.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-what-is-going-on-in-lebanon-and-the-hoopla-over-daylight-saving-time-576180">Explained: Daylight Saving Time and the two time zones in Lebanon</a>

The earlier decision was seen as an attempt to score points with Muslims who would have ended their Ramzan fast an hour earlier by delaying daylight savings time.

But the move was defied by Lebanon's top Christian authority as well as some schools, media outlets and businesses, which rolled their clocks forward on Saturday night.

Mikati even faced objections from within cabinet, including the justice minister who said Lebanon had more important challenges to focus on.

The country has been without a president for five months and a protracted financial crisis has brought most public institutions to a standstill.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Lebanon's caretaker prime minister said on Monday (March 27) that the government has reversed the decision to delay daylight savings time and that the clocks will move one hour ahead on Wednesday (March 29) night.

Lebanon's caretaker prime minister said on Monday (March 27) that the government has reversed the decision to delay daylight savings time and that the clocks will move one hour ahead on Wednesday (March 29) night. The decision to delay daylight savings time had created deep divisions in the country and even threatened to take sectarian turn. Prime Minister Najib Mikati said that the cabinet had decided to reverse the earlier decision after a "calm discussion" and that the state needed 48 hours to re-adjust their operations. Mikati angered many Lebanese when he decided last Thursday not to start daylight savings time over the last weekend of March when it usually does but instead to roll clocks forward a month later on April 20. That decision came after a meeting with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri in which Berri asked him to postpone the time switch, according to footage of the meeting seen by Reuters. Also Read | Explained: Daylight Saving Time and the two time zones in Lebanon The earlier decision was seen as an attempt to score points with Muslims who would have ended their Ramzan fast an hour earlier by delaying daylight savings time. But the move was defied by Lebanon's top Christian authority as well as some schools, media outlets and businesses, which rolled their clocks forward on Saturday night. Mikati even faced objections from within cabinet, including the justice minister who said Lebanon had more important challenges to focus on. The country has been without a president for five months and a protracted financial crisis has brought most public institutions to a standstill. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Lebanon takes back decision to delay daylight savings time

Differing opinions on daylight savings time have caused wide divisions in Lebanon and the differences are appearing to take a sectarian turn. People in the country, which has witnessed a 15-year civil war between Christian and Muslim factions, are now mulling whether they should follow 'Muslim time' or 'Christian time'.

Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Makati on Thursday (March 23) decided to roll clocks forward by an hour on April 20, instead of entering daylight savings time on the last weekend of March as is usually the case in Lebanon, Europe and other regions.

Mikati, a Sunni Muslim, announced the decision after a meeting with Shi'ite parliament speaker Nabih Berri, who repeatedly insisted on the change, according to a video of the meeting published by Lebanese outlet Megaphone.

"Instead of it being 7 o'clock, let it stay 6 o'clock from now until the end of Ramadan," Berri said, according to the clip.

Although no reason was given for the decision, it was seen as an attempt to score a religious win by Muslims. The decision would allow those fasting during holy month of Ramadan to break their fasts an hour earlier.

But Lebanon's influential Maronite church, the largest Christian church in the country, on Saturday announced it would not abide by the decision, saying there had been no consultations or considerations of international standards.

The church said that it would turn clocks forward on Saturday night. Other Christian organisations have indicated that they would also follow suit.

Meanwhile, Muslim institutions and parties appeared set to remain in winter time.

Businesses and media organisations, including two of Lebanon's main news channels LBCI and MTV, announced they too would enter daylight savings on Saturday night.

LBCI said in a statement that it would disobey Mikati's decision because it would have harmed its work, adding: "Lebanon is not an island".

Others have tried to adapt.

Lebanon's national carrier Middle East Airlines said its clocks and other devices would stay in winter time but it would adjust its flight times to keep in line with international schedules.

Many said the potential chaos was emblematic of decades of failed governance by leaders that led Lebanon into a 2019 financial crisis the World Bank said was "orchestrated" by elites.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Differing opinions on daylight savings time have caused wide divisions in Lebanon and the differences are appearing to take a sectarian turn. People in the country, which has witnessed a 15-year civil war between Christian and Muslim factions, are now mulling whether they should follow 'Muslim time' or 'Christian time'.

Differing opinions on daylight savings time have caused wide divisions in Lebanon and the differences are appearing to take a sectarian turn. People in the country, which has witnessed a 15-year civil war between Christian and Muslim factions, are now mulling whether they should follow 'Muslim time' or 'Christian time'. Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Makati on Thursday (March 23) decided to roll clocks forward by an hour on April 20, instead of entering daylight savings time on the last weekend of March as is usually the case in Lebanon, Europe and other regions. Mikati, a Sunni Muslim, announced the decision after a meeting with Shi'ite parliament speaker Nabih Berri, who repeatedly insisted on the change, according to a video of the meeting published by Lebanese outlet Megaphone. "Instead of it being 7 o'clock, let it stay 6 o'clock from now until the end of Ramadan," Berri said, according to the clip. Although no reason was given for the decision, it was seen as an attempt to score a religious win by Muslims. The decision would allow those fasting during holy month of Ramadan to break their fasts an hour earlier. But Lebanon's influential Maronite church, the largest Christian church in the country, on Saturday announced it would not abide by the decision, saying there had been no consultations or considerations of international standards. The church said that it would turn clocks forward on Saturday night. Other Christian organisations have indicated that they would also follow suit. Meanwhile, Muslim institutions and parties appeared set to remain in winter time. Businesses and media organisations, including two of Lebanon's main news channels LBCI and MTV, announced they too would enter daylight savings on Saturday night. LBCI said in a statement that it would disobey Mikati's decision because it would have harmed its work, adding: "Lebanon is not an island". Others have tried to adapt. Lebanon's national carrier Middle East Airlines said its clocks and other devices would stay in winter time but it would adjust its flight times to keep in line with international schedules. Many said the potential chaos was emblematic of decades of failed governance by leaders that led Lebanon into a 2019 financial crisis the World Bank said was "orchestrated" by elites. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Confusion in Lebanon as dispute over daylight savings time causes sectarian divisions

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