Around 337 ancient artifacts have been handed over to Iraq by Lebanon's Culture Ministry. &nbsp;

These artifacts were on display in a private Lebanese museum for years, the National News Agency (NNA) said in a report. &nbsp;

On Sunday, Culture Minister Mohammad Mortada returned the items to Iraqi Ambassador to Lebanon, Haider Shyaa Al-Barrak, during a ceremony held at the National Museum of Beirut, NNA said. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/athens-hundreds-of-people-protest-against-migrant-pushbacks-and-border-violence-451074" hreflang="en">Athens: Hundreds of people protest against migrant pushbacks and border violence</a>

At the ceremony, Al-Barrak said, "We are celebrating the handing over of 337 artifacts that are of different eras of civilisations in Mesopotamia." &nbsp;&nbsp;

During decades of war in the country, several antiquities of Iraq were smuggled abroad, Xinhua news agency reported.

Some of these antiquities have also found their way home recently.

In September 2021,&nbsp;3,500-year-old Gilgamesh Dream Tablet was handed over to the Iraqi embassy by US authorities. It was also put up on display. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vienna-talks-far-from-balance-in-commitments-says-irans-top-security-official-451065" hreflang="en">Vienna talks 'far from balance in commitments,' says Iran's top security official</a>

At a ceremony in Baghdad, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, said, "This day, represent a victory in the face of the desperate attempts of those why try to steal our great history and our ancient civilisation." &nbsp; &nbsp;

As per Hussein, it was one of 17,926 artefacts, which had been recovered by Iraq from the UK, Japan, Italy, the US and the Netherlands. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Around 337 ancient artifacts have been handed over to Iraq by Lebanon's Culture Ministry. These artifacts were on display in a private Lebanese museum for years, the National News Agency (NNA) said in a report.

Around 337 ancient artifacts have been handed over to Iraq by Lebanon's Culture Ministry. These artifacts were on display in a private Lebanese museum for years, the National News Agency (NNA) said in a report. On Sunday, Culture Minister Mohammad Mortada returned the items to Iraqi Ambassador to Lebanon, Haider Shyaa Al-Barrak, during a ceremony held at the National Museum of Beirut, NNA said. Also Read | Athens: Hundreds of people protest against migrant pushbacks and border violence At the ceremony, Al-Barrak said, "We are celebrating the handing over of 337 artifacts that are of different eras of civilisations in Mesopotamia." During decades of war in the country, several antiquities of Iraq were smuggled abroad, Xinhua news agency reported. Some of these antiquities have also found their way home recently. In September 2021, 3,500-year-old Gilgamesh Dream Tablet was handed over to the Iraqi embassy by US authorities. It was also put up on display. Also Read: Vienna talks 'far from balance in commitments,' says Iran's top security official At a ceremony in Baghdad, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, said, "This day, represent a victory in the face of the desperate attempts of those why try to steal our great history and our ancient civilisation." As per Hussein, it was one of 17,926 artefacts, which had been recovered by Iraq from the UK, Japan, Italy, the US and the Netherlands. (With inputs from agencies)

Lebanon hands over 337 ancient artifacts to Iraq

Power-starved Lebanon signed an agreement to import electricity from Jordan via Syria to reduce chronic outages and heed international calls for reform. Ghadi Francis brings you this ground report from Beirut on The West Asia Post.

The West Asia Post: Lebanon to get electricity from Jordan

There's no end to Lebanon's economic crisis in sight. In a bid to support the country, the United States has planned additional military aid.

Lebanon's economic crisis: US plans additional military aid of $67 million

The Indian embassy in Beirut and UNIFIL peacekeepers in Lebanon took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at a cemetery to honour the sacrifices of all the Indian soldiers who died during the two World Wars. Ghadi Francis brings you this report from Beirut.

The West Asia Post: Indian embassy and UNIFIL pay tribute to India's World War soldiers

Former Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri said that he was suspending his role in political life. Announcing that he would not run in the upcoming parliamentary elections this comes as a shock for the West Asia nation that is dealing with its worst financial collapse in decades.

Former Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri suspends political career

Lebanon's financial collapse since 2019 is a story of how a vision for rebuilding a nation once known that Switzerland of middle east was derailed by mismanagement. Lebanon is grappling with a deep economic crisis after successive governments they piled up debt following 1975 to 1990's civil war with little to show for their spending binge.

Lebanon's middle class squeezed by economic crisis

A shooting took place in Lebanon at a Palestine refugee camp where a funeral procession of a Hamas member was taking place. Three people were reported dead, along with several injured.

3 people killed at the funeral procession of a Hamas member in Lebanon's Palestine refugee camp

Three members of Hamas have died when shooting erupted at the funeral procession for a member of the Islamist movement in a south Lebanon Palestinian refugee camp.

3 killed in shooting during funeral of Hamas member at Lebanon's Palestine refugee camp

A shooting incident at a Palestine refugee camp in Lebanon during a funeral procession of a Hamas member resulted in the death of 3 people while several others were injured.

Shooting at a funeral procession of a Hamas member results in 3 dead & several injured in Lebanon

A large explosion has rocked a Palestinian camp in the southern Lebanese port city of Tyre, causing a number of casualties.

Explosion rocks Palestinian camp in Lebanese port city of Tyre

Australia on Wednesday classified all of Hezbollah— a Lebanese Shia Islamist political party, which also has a militia&nbsp;wing—as a terrorist group.

Apart from that, the government also placed a neo-Nazi group known as The Base in the new terrorist group list.

Home affairs minister Karen Andrews said the Iran-backed Shiite group “continues to threaten terrorist attacks and provide support to terrorist organisations” and poses a “real and credible” threat to Australia.

“There is no&nbsp;place in Australia for their hateful&nbsp;ideologies,” Andrews told reporters.&nbsp;

“We know that there are individuals actively watching what is happening in Australia. There are people here who have the intent and the capability to do us harm,” she added.

Hezbollah, which plays a key role in Lebanese politics, has been accused of fuelling Syria's civil war by sending thousands of fighters across the border to prop up President Bashar al-Assad's regime.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-expects-hezbollah-to-fire-2000-rockets-a-day-in-wartime-idf-421642">&nbsp;Israel expects Hezbollah to fire 2,000 rockets a day in wartime: IDF</a>

In 2006, it fought a short yet devastating war against Israel.

Critics have accused the movement of killing former prime minister Rafik Hariri in 2005, and more recently of blocking investigations into the cataclysmic 2020 Beirut port explosion.

It has also claimed responsibility for multiple rocket attacks on Israel and is the only side that has to date refused to disarm since the country's devastating civil war ended in 1990.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mahathir-hezbollah-secy-general-listed-as-worlds-most-dangerous-extremists-by-us-based-group-355283">Mahathir, Hezbollah secy general listed as world’s ‘most dangerous extremists’ by US-based group</a>

Some countries have sought to distinguish between Hezbollah's political and militant factions, fearing a blanket ban could destabilise Lebanon and hamper contacts with authorities.

The decision by the Australian government comes as Lebanon reels from spiralling political and economic crises.

Nearly 80 per cent of the population is estimated to be living below the poverty line.

Elections are expected in March 2022 and there is growing public anger about nepotism and corruption among Lebanon's ruling class.

(With inputs from agencies)

Australia on Wednesday classified all of Hezbollah— a Lebanese Shia Islamist political party, which also has a militia wing—as a terrorist group. Apart from that, the government also placed a neo-Nazi group known as The Base in the new terrorist group list.

Australia on Wednesday classified all of Hezbollah— a Lebanese Shia Islamist political party, which also has a militia wing—as a terrorist group. Apart from that, the government also placed a neo-Nazi group known as The Base in the new terrorist group list. Home affairs minister Karen Andrews said the Iran-backed Shiite group “continues to threaten terrorist attacks and provide support to terrorist organisations” and poses a “real and credible” threat to Australia. “There is no place in Australia for their hateful ideologies,” Andrews told reporters. “We know that there are individuals actively watching what is happening in Australia. There are people here who have the intent and the capability to do us harm,” she added. Hezbollah, which plays a key role in Lebanese politics, has been accused of fuelling Syria's civil war by sending thousands of fighters across the border to prop up President Bashar al-Assad's regime. Also read | Israel expects Hezbollah to fire 2,000 rockets a day in wartime: IDF In 2006, it fought a short yet devastating war against Israel. Critics have accused the movement of killing former prime minister Rafik Hariri in 2005, and more recently of blocking investigations into the cataclysmic 2020 Beirut port explosion. It has also claimed responsibility for multiple rocket attacks on Israel and is the only side that has to date refused to disarm since the country's devastating civil war ended in 1990. Also read | Mahathir, Hezbollah secy general listed as world’s ‘most dangerous extremists’ by US-based group Some countries have sought to distinguish between Hezbollah's political and militant factions, fearing a blanket ban could destabilise Lebanon and hamper contacts with authorities. The decision by the Australian government comes as Lebanon reels from spiralling political and economic crises. Nearly 80 per cent of the population is estimated to be living below the poverty line. Elections are expected in March 2022 and there is growing public anger about nepotism and corruption among Lebanon's ruling class. (With inputs from agencies)

Australia names all of Hezbollah, neo-Nazi group as terrorist organisation

Tanks, snipers and stray bullets. Beirut turned into a war zone after unknown gunmen targeted Hezbollah supporters at a mass protest. Divisions over the port blast inquiry have plunged Lebanon into chaos. Palki Sharma gets you more details.

Gravitas: Beirut clashes: Snipers gun down protesters

Not every house built on a cliff has stayed on a cliff. So how do homeowners and architects take on this challenge — one that is rewarded with glorious, unobstructed ocean vistas, but also full of potential problems — and still sleep well?

Building a home attached to a sheer wall of rock means balancing aesthetic temptations with the realities of exposure, accessibility, zoning issues and design. Jaime Bartolomé Yllera, co-founder of GilBartolome Architects, says that the danger is part of the draw.

“It’s in some sense dangerous, but you can safely experience it,” he said. “Engineering goes a long way.”

His firm won the bid to build the House on the Cliff in Salobreña, on Spain’s Costa Tropical, with a design that Bartolomé calls a “cave model,” cut like a triangular bite into the side of an incline, in this case at a 42-degree grade.

Bartolomé fabricated micropiles that dig 60 feet deep into the ground and drilled anchors horizontally 60 feet into the rock.

“For that house to fall into the sea, the whole mountain would have to go into the sea,” he said.

The construction crew started by excavating earth to make a vertical retaining wall. Whereas houses on level land are built from the foundation up, houses in the cave model are built from the retaining wall downward: Other floors are added below it, like building a set of stairs from the second floor down.

Though houses built this way can incur additional construction costs, Bartolomé said they were able to build the 2,400-square-foot House on the Cliff for about $200 per square foot, including the retaining wall and the bespoke furniture, for a total construction cost around $480,000.

To take on this challenge as a homeowner, Bartolomé said, “you have to have energy. You get all sorts of challenges, so to be worth it for the client, someone really has to have the vision.”

The owners of the home, Sandra and Jaime Vecino, had a vision from the first time they saw the property, riding past it on his father’s boat. They were living in Madrid, but Vecino had always summered with his family in the area, hoping he’d find a place there to build a house of his own.

While her husband pointed toward the property, Sandra Vecino asked, “How would you build a house there?” — a question that was echoed by the rest of the family. They found out the answer after they purchased the land, considered four designs and chose the most unusual one, from GilBartolome Architects.

“I wasn’t sure, of course. When we saw that house I said, ‘My God, this is not going to fall, really?’ ” she said. “I was scared.”

They began to build in 2012, before they had children, and for four years spent summers and offseason weekends there. Their full-time house is just five minutes from the beach, but she says it’s not the same as life on the cliff.

“It’s as if you’re far away from everything, in a bubble, in your own world,” she said. “It’s magic. It’s like the sea is just for you because it’s not just a bit of it, it’s an immensity. The sky as well. It’s everything.”

They enjoyed the isolation when they wanted to have loud parties. After having three young children, though, the family decided to use the very non-childproof house just for weekends and rent it as a vacation home for about $600 a night in the summer and about $350 in winter, so others can experience it.

The House on the Cliff is striking, but it has competition. Laertis-Antonios Ando Vassiliou, principal architect and director of LAAV Architects, who grew up with a view of the sea in Greece, creates designs for even more daring projects to fit the kind of clientele who might like to live on the edge.

“I think you need to be a little bit of a daredevil,” he said.

Potential buyers have tracked him down for his designs, such as the Casa Brutale concept, renderings of which went viral in 2015 — and for good reason: it’s a home that doesn’t sit on a cliff but&nbsp;in it, like a drawer in a dresser, with a pool for a ceiling and glass windows flush with the rock face.

Alex Demirdjian, CEO of Demco Properties in Lebanon, wanted to make the house a reality in Beirut. When Vassiliou partnered with Arup Group to lead the engineering, he found himself in a meeting with structural and mechanical engineers, where he asked, “Is this possible? Is it feasible?”

“Well, what’s the budget?” asked one of the engineers. “If there is a budget, everything is possible.”

The budget in 2016 was equivalent to about $3.25 million today. Cliff homes present obvious challenges that can be costly to overcome. “They have erosion, they have landslides, so they are tricky,” said Vassiliou. “But of course, from the standpoint of science and engineering, there are many solutions.”

Even someone with the budget for it has to find the perfect location, a quest that has taken Vassiliou around the world. Geotechnical tests, which extract a core sample from the rock, have shown several spots to be untenable.

“The best rocks are the ones that are pure stone,” said Vassiliou, adding that the most stable is igneous rock, such as granite or basalt.

And it matters just as much what’s above the location as it does what’s below it. In Lebanon, Vassiliou initially found what seemed like a great cliff, but more cliffs rose above it, presenting the risk of tumbling stones.

Because of these difficulties, broader sociopolitical issues and the pandemic, the project remains to be realized.

Cliff houses don’t always have to be such grand affairs. Marialena Hatzigeorgiou and her husband, Daniel Braig, who live in Virginia, just finished their first summer in their new cliff house, one of two simple houses they planned for the future of their two sons, each about 800 square feet and costing about $200 to $300 per square foot to build. They built on the Greek island of Skopelos, on property that had been in her family for decades, but used to be home only to grapes, olive trees and hens.

“They’re not really big houses, but they’re just perfect,” Hatzigeorgiou said. “The view is just breathtaking. It would make you stop doing whatever you’re doing to just sit there and look at the water.”

They still met challenges. To get permission to pave an access road, they had to go to court and show World War II-era photos of a mule path that proved the area had been used for entrance even back then. When they built the house in 2018, they chose to forgo testing the cliff, because the family had owned the property for so long and not seen any shifting, even after pouring a foundation and basement back in 2012.

“There is a house just a couple of corners around us, and we feel that if it’s doing well, we are doing OK,” Hatzigeorgiou said, adding that they routed rainwater with erosion in mind, would insure the house soon and will get it tested if they see any changes.

“For the time being, I’m not really worried about it.”

Not every house built on a cliff has stayed on a cliff. So how do homeowners and architects take on this challenge — one that is rewarded with glorious, unobstructed ocean vistas, but also full of potential problems — and still sleep well?

Not every house built on a cliff has stayed on a cliff. So how do homeowners and architects take on this challenge — one that is rewarded with glorious, unobstructed ocean vistas, but also full of potential problems — and still sleep well? Building a home attached to a sheer wall of rock means balancing aesthetic temptations with the realities of exposure, accessibility, zoning issues and design. Jaime Bartolomé Yllera, co-founder of GilBartolome Architects, says that the danger is part of the draw. “It’s in some sense dangerous, but you can safely experience it,” he said. “Engineering goes a long way.” His firm won the bid to build the House on the Cliff in Salobreña, on Spain’s Costa Tropical, with a design that Bartolomé calls a “cave model,” cut like a triangular bite into the side of an incline, in this case at a 42-degree grade. Bartolomé fabricated micropiles that dig 60 feet deep into the ground and drilled anchors horizontally 60 feet into the rock. “For that house to fall into the sea, the whole mountain would have to go into the sea,” he said. The construction crew started by excavating earth to make a vertical retaining wall. Whereas houses on level land are built from the foundation up, houses in the cave model are built from the retaining wall downward: Other floors are added below it, like building a set of stairs from the second floor down. Though houses built this way can incur additional construction costs, Bartolomé said they were able to build the 2,400-square-foot House on the Cliff for about $200 per square foot, including the retaining wall and the bespoke furniture, for a total construction cost around $480,000. To take on this challenge as a homeowner, Bartolomé said, “you have to have energy. You get all sorts of challenges, so to be worth it for the client, someone really has to have the vision.” The owners of the home, Sandra and Jaime Vecino, had a vision from the first time they saw the property, riding past it on his father’s boat. They were living in Madrid, but Vecino had always summered with his family in the area, hoping he’d find a place there to build a house of his own. While her husband pointed toward the property, Sandra Vecino asked, “How would you build a house there?” — a question that was echoed by the rest of the family. They found out the answer after they purchased the land, considered four designs and chose the most unusual one, from GilBartolome Architects. “I wasn’t sure, of course. When we saw that house I said, ‘My God, this is not going to fall, really?’ ” she said. “I was scared.” They began to build in 2012, before they had children, and for four years spent summers and offseason weekends there. Their full-time house is just five minutes from the beach, but she says it’s not the same as life on the cliff. “It’s as if you’re far away from everything, in a bubble, in your own world,” she said. “It’s magic. It’s like the sea is just for you because it’s not just a bit of it, it’s an immensity. The sky as well. It’s everything.” They enjoyed the isolation when they wanted to have loud parties. After having three young children, though, the family decided to use the very non-childproof house just for weekends and rent it as a vacation home for about $600 a night in the summer and about $350 in winter, so others can experience it. The House on the Cliff is striking, but it has competition. Laertis-Antonios Ando Vassiliou, principal architect and director of LAAV Architects, who grew up with a view of the sea in Greece, creates designs for even more daring projects to fit the kind of clientele who might like to live on the edge. “I think you need to be a little bit of a daredevil,” he said. Potential buyers have tracked him down for his designs, such as the Casa Brutale concept, renderings of which went viral in 2015 — and for good reason: it’s a home that doesn’t sit on a cliff but in it, like a drawer in a dresser, with a pool for a ceiling and glass windows flush with the rock face. Alex Demirdjian, CEO of Demco Properties in Lebanon, wanted to make the house a reality in Beirut. When Vassiliou partnered with Arup Group to lead the engineering, he found himself in a meeting with structural and mechanical engineers, where he asked, “Is this possible? Is it feasible?” “Well, what’s the budget?” asked one of the engineers. “If there is a budget, everything is possible.” The budget in 2016 was equivalent to about $3.25 million today. Cliff homes present obvious challenges that can be costly to overcome. “They have erosion, they have landslides, so they are tricky,” said Vassiliou. “But of course, from the standpoint of science and engineering, there are many solutions.” Even someone with the budget for it has to find the perfect location, a quest that has taken Vassiliou around the world. Geotechnical tests, which extract a core sample from the rock, have shown several spots to be untenable. “The best rocks are the ones that are pure stone,” said Vassiliou, adding that the most stable is igneous rock, such as granite or basalt. And it matters just as much what’s above the location as it does what’s below it. In Lebanon, Vassiliou initially found what seemed like a great cliff, but more cliffs rose above it, presenting the risk of tumbling stones. Because of these difficulties, broader sociopolitical issues and the pandemic, the project remains to be realized. Cliff houses don’t always have to be such grand affairs. Marialena Hatzigeorgiou and her husband, Daniel Braig, who live in Virginia, just finished their first summer in their new cliff house, one of two simple houses they planned for the future of their two sons, each about 800 square feet and costing about $200 to $300 per square foot to build. They built on the Greek island of Skopelos, on property that had been in her family for decades, but used to be home only to grapes, olive trees and hens. “They’re not really big houses, but they’re just perfect,” Hatzigeorgiou said. “The view is just breathtaking. It would make you stop doing whatever you’re doing to just sit there and look at the water.” They still met challenges. To get permission to pave an access road, they had to go to court and show World War II-era photos of a mule path that proved the area had been used for entrance even back then. When they built the house in 2018, they chose to forgo testing the cliff, because the family had owned the property for so long and not seen any shifting, even after pouring a foundation and basement back in 2012. “There is a house just a couple of corners around us, and we feel that if it’s doing well, we are doing OK,” Hatzigeorgiou said, adding that they routed rainwater with erosion in mind, would insure the house soon and will get it tested if they see any changes. “For the time being, I’m not really worried about it.”

Living on the edge, literally: Homes perched on cliffs

Lebanon is facing a blast of Gulf Arab anger after a minister levelled blunt criticism at Saudi Arabia. On The West Asia Post this week, Ghadi Francis decodes the row that has further strained Beirut's ties with its once generous benefactors.

The West Asia Post | Lebanon is facing a blast of Gulf Arab anger

The crisis-swept Lebanon has decided to bring back tourism and revive the country’s falling economy with a catchy, yet emotional new slogan.<o:p></o:p>

Roughly translating to "I love you in your madness", Lebanon's tourism ministry has vowed to make sure that tourists are brought back to the beautiful country so that they get to visit the picturesque location.<o:p></o:p>

"This will be our touristic identity that the world will see,"&nbsp;tourism minister Walid Nassar said in a news conference on Thursday with other senior ministers in Beirut.<o:p></o:p>

The aim of this is to help the economy recover which has been a difficult task for the government for the past year. Lebanon has been facing one of the worst depressions of modern history which is a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Already hit by pandemic, Beirut was then rocked by a massive explosion at the port which took more than 200 lives and destroyed several parts of the city.<o:p></o:p>

This phrase has been picked up from a Lebanese song of Fairuz which was released before the outbreak of Lebanon’s 1975-90 civil war. The slogan has been developed free of cost for Lebanon by a Dubai-based advertising company TBWA. The advertising agency’s chief also admitted that it is “near-impossible” to advertise and bring a greater tourism market for a country that is in political and economic crisis. He came up with the slogan as an inspiration from the locals of the country itself.<o:p></o:p>

"This is our country, a crazy country, crazy in its nightlife, crazy in its food and generosity. And no matter how crazy the situation in Lebanon is, we can only say, 'we love you in your madness'," Kanaan said, unveiling the slogan.<o:p></o:p>

It will now be painted on the sides of Middle East Airlines, country’s national carrier, and will also be used in several social media campaigns.<o:p></o:p>

The crisis-swept Lebanon has decided to bring back tourism and revive the country’s falling economy with a catchy, yet emotional new slogan. Roughly translating to "I love you in your madness", Lebanon's tourism ministry has vowed to make sure that tourists are brought back to the beautiful country so that they get to visit the picturesque location.

The crisis-swept Lebanon has decided to bring back tourism and revive the country’s falling economy with a catchy, yet emotional new slogan. Roughly translating to "I love you in your madness", Lebanon's tourism ministry has vowed to make sure that tourists are brought back to the beautiful country so that they get to visit the picturesque location. "This will be our touristic identity that the world will see," tourism minister Walid Nassar said in a news conference on Thursday with other senior ministers in Beirut. The aim of this is to help the economy recover which has been a difficult task for the government for the past year. Lebanon has been facing one of the worst depressions of modern history which is a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Already hit by pandemic, Beirut was then rocked by a massive explosion at the port which took more than 200 lives and destroyed several parts of the city. This phrase has been picked up from a Lebanese song of Fairuz which was released before the outbreak of Lebanon’s 1975-90 civil war. The slogan has been developed free of cost for Lebanon by a Dubai-based advertising company TBWA. The advertising agency’s chief also admitted that it is “near-impossible” to advertise and bring a greater tourism market for a country that is in political and economic crisis. He came up with the slogan as an inspiration from the locals of the country itself. "This is our country, a crazy country, crazy in its nightlife, crazy in its food and generosity. And no matter how crazy the situation in Lebanon is, we can only say, 'we love you in your madness'," Kanaan said, unveiling the slogan. It will now be painted on the sides of Middle East Airlines, country’s national carrier, and will also be used in several social media campaigns.

‘I love you in your madness’: Lebanon changes slogan to attract tourists

Lebanon called for talks with Saudi Arabia to ease a spiralling diplomatic row sparked by remarks made by a Lebanese minister on the Yemen war.

Lebanon invites Saudi Arabia's foreign minister for talks to ease diplomatic row

With a grave financial crisis inside, Lebanon has found itself in the middle of a diplomatic row. It all began on Friday when Saudi Arabia gave the ambassador of Lebanon 48 hours to leave the country. It also recalled its envoy from Beirut and suspended all imports from Lebanon. WION tells you more.

Saudi Arabia recalls envoy from Beirut as Kordahi's interview sparks row

Middle East seems to have got embroiled into a tug-of-war between regional kingpins, Saudi Arabia and Iran, said analysts. This time the victim is financially-crippled Lebanon as Riyadh and other Gulf states expelled the envoy of the country. &nbsp; &nbsp;

On Friday, the crisis erupted when Saudi Arabia gave ambassador of Lebanon 48 hours to leave the country. It also recalled its envoy from Beirut and suspended all imports from Lebanon. The United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Kuwait also followed suit. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/car-explodes-at-the-entrance-of-yemens-aden-airport-casualties-reported-425389" hreflang="en">Car explodes at the entrance of Yemen's Aden airport; Casualties reported</a>

As per the Saudi foreign ministry, the measures were taken after a Lebanese minister made "insulting" remarks on the Yemen war. The root cause seems to be the influence of Lebanon's Iran-backed Shiite movement Hezbollah. &nbsp;&nbsp;

It said, the group controls Lebanese ports and "hijacks" the government's decision-making in Beirut. &nbsp;&nbsp;

This is a fresh blow to Lebanon, which has been suffering financial and political turmoil at this time. The fragile government of the county is also struggling to secure international aid. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g20-summit-biden-macron-merkel-johnson-discuss-iran-deal-on-sidelines-425373" hreflang="en">G20 Summit: Biden, Macron, Merkel, Johnson discuss Iran deal on sidelines</a>

In an interview recorded in August but aired on Monday, Information Minister Georges Kordahi slammed the Saudi-led military intervention against Iran-backed Huthi rebels in Yemen. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Kordahi said the Huthis were "defending themselves... against an external aggression". The remarks sparked anger in Saudi Arabia and its allies, and calls for his resignation begun in Lebanon. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Middle East seems to have got embroiled into a tug-of-war between regional kingpins, Saudi Arabia and Iran, said analysts. This time the victim is financially-crippled Lebanon as Riyadh and other Gulf states expelled the envoy of the country.

Middle East seems to have got embroiled into a tug-of-war between regional kingpins, Saudi Arabia and Iran, said analysts. This time the victim is financially-crippled Lebanon as Riyadh and other Gulf states expelled the envoy of the country. On Friday, the crisis erupted when Saudi Arabia gave ambassador of Lebanon 48 hours to leave the country. It also recalled its envoy from Beirut and suspended all imports from Lebanon. The United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Kuwait also followed suit. Also Read: Car explodes at the entrance of Yemen's Aden airport; Casualties reported As per the Saudi foreign ministry, the measures were taken after a Lebanese minister made "insulting" remarks on the Yemen war. The root cause seems to be the influence of Lebanon's Iran-backed Shiite movement Hezbollah. It said, the group controls Lebanese ports and "hijacks" the government's decision-making in Beirut. This is a fresh blow to Lebanon, which has been suffering financial and political turmoil at this time. The fragile government of the county is also struggling to secure international aid. Also Read | G20 Summit: Biden, Macron, Merkel, Johnson discuss Iran deal on sidelines In an interview recorded in August but aired on Monday, Information Minister Georges Kordahi slammed the Saudi-led military intervention against Iran-backed Huthi rebels in Yemen. Kordahi said the Huthis were "defending themselves... against an external aggression". The remarks sparked anger in Saudi Arabia and its allies, and calls for his resignation begun in Lebanon. (With inputs from agencies)

Financially-crippled Lebanon gets entangled in Saudi-Iran tug-of-war

Lebanon's government cannot afford to resign over a growing diplomatic crisis with Saudi Arabia and some Gulf states, a member of a Lebanese crisis group of ministers said on Saturday following a near three-hour meeting over the widening rift.

"The country cannot be left without a government," due to other pressing matters, and would continue to work to resolve the rift, Education Minister Abbas Halabi said after the meeting.

The row over critical comments made by Lebanese Information Minister George Kordahi about the Saudi-led military intervention in Yemen had spurred calls by some top politicians for Kordahi's resignation, while others opposed the move.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-crown-prince-mohammed-bin-salman-a-psychopath-and-killer-ex-spy-423910">Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman a 'psychopath' and 'killer': Ex-spy</a>

Saudi Arabia expelled Lebanon's envoy and banned all Lebanese imports on Friday, and Bahrain and Kuwait followed suit, giving the top Lebanese diplomats 48 hours to exit.

Kordahi's resignation would have knock-on effects that could threaten Prime Minister Najib Mikati`s coalition government.

But Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib said Mikati's contacts with officials from a number of states showed opposition to the resignation of the government, formed only last month after a 13-month stalemate.

"They told Mikati, 'if you are thinking about resignation, take that out of your head'," he said.

Richard Michaels, deputy head of the US&nbsp;mission in Lebanon, had joined the crisis meeting in Beirut, a US&nbsp;Embassy spokesperson said, declining to comment further.

Mikati had asked Kordahi on Friday to consider Lebanons "national interests" but stopped short of asking for his resignation.

Kordahi has been publicly backed by the Iran-backed Hezbollah armed group and has declined to apologise or resign over the comments, which have dealt the worst blow to Saudi-Lebanese relations since Saad al-Hariri's 2017 detention in Riyadh.

National interests

The minister's political patron, Suleiman Frangieh of the Hezbollah-allied Marada Movement, told a news conference he had refused an offer by Kordahi to resign and would not name a successor to him should he do so.

Yet a group of former Lebanese prime ministers called on Saturday for Kordahi to resign, saying his comments had inflicted a strong blow to relations with Gulf Arab nations.

Fouad Seniora, Hariri and Tammam Sallam, some of the country's top Sunni politicians, said in the statement that Kordahi's remarks "harmed Lebanon's supreme national interest".

If Kordahi resigns, ministers backed by Hezbollah and its Amal ally could follow suit at a time when the government is already paralysed by a dispute over an inquiry into the August 2020 explosion that devastated parts of Beirut.

A senior political source told Reuters that the United States and European nations were in contact with Lebanese officials to prevent the government from falling and there were no immediate indications any ministers would resign.

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The row comes as Lebanon struggles with a financial crisis dubbed by the World Bank as one of the worst in modern history.

Mikati has been hoping to improve ties with Gulf Arab states strained for years because of the influence wielded in Beirut by the Iran-backed Hezbollah.

Saudi Arabia had already in April banned all fruit and vegetable imports from Lebanon, blaming an increase in drug smuggling that it said Lebanon had failed to address, a ban now extended to all goods.

The Arab League said in a statement on Saturday it was concerned about the souring of Lebanese-Gulf relations and appealed to Gulf countries "to reflect on the measures proposed to be taken &nbsp;in order to avoid further negative effects on the collapsing Lebanese economy".

Lebanon's government cannot afford to resign over a growing diplomatic crisis with Saudi Arabia and some Gulf states, a member of a Lebanese crisis group of ministers said on Saturday following a near three-hour meeting over the widening rift.

Lebanon's government cannot afford to resign over a growing diplomatic crisis with Saudi Arabia and some Gulf states, a member of a Lebanese crisis group of ministers said on Saturday following a near three-hour meeting over the widening rift. "The country cannot be left without a government," due to other pressing matters, and would continue to work to resolve the rift, Education Minister Abbas Halabi said after the meeting. The row over critical comments made by Lebanese Information Minister George Kordahi about the Saudi-led military intervention in Yemen had spurred calls by some top politicians for Kordahi's resignation, while others opposed the move. Also Read | Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman a 'psychopath' and 'killer': Ex-spy Saudi Arabia expelled Lebanon's envoy and banned all Lebanese imports on Friday, and Bahrain and Kuwait followed suit, giving the top Lebanese diplomats 48 hours to exit. Kordahi's resignation would have knock-on effects that could threaten Prime Minister Najib Mikati`s coalition government. But Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib said Mikati's contacts with officials from a number of states showed opposition to the resignation of the government, formed only last month after a 13-month stalemate. "They told Mikati, 'if you are thinking about resignation, take that out of your head'," he said. Richard Michaels, deputy head of the US mission in Lebanon, had joined the crisis meeting in Beirut, a US Embassy spokesperson said, declining to comment further. Mikati had asked Kordahi on Friday to consider Lebanons "national interests" but stopped short of asking for his resignation. Kordahi has been publicly backed by the Iran-backed Hezbollah armed group and has declined to apologise or resign over the comments, which have dealt the worst blow to Saudi-Lebanese relations since Saad al-Hariri's 2017 detention in Riyadh. National interests The minister's political patron, Suleiman Frangieh of the Hezbollah-allied Marada Movement, told a news conference he had refused an offer by Kordahi to resign and would not name a successor to him should he do so. Yet a group of former Lebanese prime ministers called on Saturday for Kordahi to resign, saying his comments had inflicted a strong blow to relations with Gulf Arab nations. Fouad Seniora, Hariri and Tammam Sallam, some of the country's top Sunni politicians, said in the statement that Kordahi's remarks "harmed Lebanon's supreme national interest". If Kordahi resigns, ministers backed by Hezbollah and its Amal ally could follow suit at a time when the government is already paralysed by a dispute over an inquiry into the August 2020 explosion that devastated parts of Beirut. A senior political source told Reuters that the United States and European nations were in contact with Lebanese officials to prevent the government from falling and there were no immediate indications any ministers would resign. Also Read | Lebanon families spending five times minimum wage on food alone: Study The row comes as Lebanon struggles with a financial crisis dubbed by the World Bank as one of the worst in modern history. Mikati has been hoping to improve ties with Gulf Arab states strained for years because of the influence wielded in Beirut by the Iran-backed Hezbollah. Saudi Arabia had already in April banned all fruit and vegetable imports from Lebanon, blaming an increase in drug smuggling that it said Lebanon had failed to address, a ban now extended to all goods. The Arab League said in a statement on Saturday it was concerned about the souring of Lebanese-Gulf relations and appealed to Gulf countries "to reflect on the measures proposed to be taken in order to avoid further negative effects on the collapsing Lebanese economy".

Lebanon says government can't afford to resign as Saudi rift widens

Saudi Arabia ordered the Lebanese ambassador to the kingdom to leave within 48 hours on Friday and banned all Lebanese imports in response to critical comments made by a Lebanese minister about the Saudi-led military intervention in Yemen.

The diplomatic rupture throws Lebanon's cabinet into further crisis as it tries to rally Arab support for its ailing economy.

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Saudi Arabia also recalled its ambassador to Lebanon for consultations, the Saudi state news agency SPA reported.

Riyadh's decision comes days after an interview with Information Minister George Kordahi was aired by an online show affiliated with Qatar's al Jazeera network.

Kordahi, in comments made on August&nbsp;5, called the war futile, said Yemen was subjected to an aggression and that its Iran-aligned Houthis were defending themselves.

The dispute is the latest challenge to Prime Minister Najib Mikati's cabinet which is already in political paralysis over a row around the Beirut port blast probe.

The rift risks widening to more Gulf states with Bahrain also asking Lebanon's ambassador to leave shortly after the Saudi decision.

Mikati, in a phone call with Kordahi on Friday evening, asked him to put the national interest first and "take the right decision to fix Arab relations with Lebanon," a statement by his office said.

Sources with knowledge of the matter had told Reuters the Saudi escalation was piling pressure on Kordahi to resign in order to avert further consequences.

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Mikati earlier reiterated his government's commitment to good relations with Saudi Arabia and called for Arab partners to put the latest crisis behind them but stopped short of announcing concrete action to remedy the crisis.

"We also appeal brotherly Arab leaders to work and help to overcome this crisis in order to preserve Arab cohesion," the statement said.

Kordahi has said the show was recorded nearly a month before he took office and he would not resign over the incident.

Mikati has been hoping to improve ties with Gulf Arab states which have been strained for years because of the influence wielded in Beirut by the Iran-backed Shi'ite group Hezbollah.

"The control of the terrorist Hezbollah on the decision-making of the Lebanese state made Lebanon an arena for implementing projects for countries that don't wish Lebanon and its people well," the statement carried by SPA said.

Hezbollah issued a statement praising Kordahi`s comments on Thursday.

In April, Saudi Arabia banned all fruit and vegetable imports from Lebanon blaming an increase in drug smuggling.

The ban added to the economic woes of Lebanon, already in the throes of one of the modern times` deepest financial crises.

Saudi Arabia ordered the Lebanese ambassador to the kingdom to leave within 48 hours on Friday and banned all Lebanese imports in response to critical comments made by a Lebanese minister about the Saudi-led military intervention in Yemen.

Saudi Arabia ordered the Lebanese ambassador to the kingdom to leave within 48 hours on Friday and banned all Lebanese imports in response to critical comments made by a Lebanese minister about the Saudi-led military intervention in Yemen. The diplomatic rupture throws Lebanon's cabinet into further crisis as it tries to rally Arab support for its ailing economy. Also Read | Electricity is restored in Lebanon as army supplies emergency fuel Saudi Arabia also recalled its ambassador to Lebanon for consultations, the Saudi state news agency SPA reported. Riyadh's decision comes days after an interview with Information Minister George Kordahi was aired by an online show affiliated with Qatar's al Jazeera network. Kordahi, in comments made on August 5, called the war futile, said Yemen was subjected to an aggression and that its Iran-aligned Houthis were defending themselves. The dispute is the latest challenge to Prime Minister Najib Mikati's cabinet which is already in political paralysis over a row around the Beirut port blast probe. The rift risks widening to more Gulf states with Bahrain also asking Lebanon's ambassador to leave shortly after the Saudi decision. Mikati, in a phone call with Kordahi on Friday evening, asked him to put the national interest first and "take the right decision to fix Arab relations with Lebanon," a statement by his office said. Sources with knowledge of the matter had told Reuters the Saudi escalation was piling pressure on Kordahi to resign in order to avert further consequences. Also Read | Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman a 'psychopath' and 'killer': Ex-spy Mikati earlier reiterated his government's commitment to good relations with Saudi Arabia and called for Arab partners to put the latest crisis behind them but stopped short of announcing concrete action to remedy the crisis. "We also appeal brotherly Arab leaders to work and help to overcome this crisis in order to preserve Arab cohesion," the statement said. Kordahi has said the show was recorded nearly a month before he took office and he would not resign over the incident. Mikati has been hoping to improve ties with Gulf Arab states which have been strained for years because of the influence wielded in Beirut by the Iran-backed Shi'ite group Hezbollah. "The control of the terrorist Hezbollah on the decision-making of the Lebanese state made Lebanon an arena for implementing projects for countries that don't wish Lebanon and its people well," the statement carried by SPA said. Hezbollah issued a statement praising Kordahi`s comments on Thursday. In April, Saudi Arabia banned all fruit and vegetable imports from Lebanon blaming an increase in drug smuggling. The ban added to the economic woes of Lebanon, already in the throes of one of the modern times` deepest financial crises.

Saudi-Lebanon diplomatic crisis worsens as envoy expelled, imports banned

A senior Israeli military source said that Israel does not desire war with Hezbollah, but is prepared to confront 2,000 missiles a day from the terror group if one breaks out.

During the 11-day battle in Gaza between Israel and Hamas in May, Palestinian terror groups launched about 4,400 missiles at Israel.

The Iron Dome air defence system stopped over 90% of the missiles aimed at populous regions, with only a few hundred hitting residential neighbourhoods.

Cities such as Tel Aviv and Ashdod saw the "largest amount of fire directed at them in Israeli history," according to Uri Gordin, commander of the army's Home Front Command.&nbsp; 
 
Watch | Gravitas: US: Hezbollah is storing caches of weapons, ammonium nitrate across Europe

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-us-hezbollah-is-storing-caches-of-weapons-ammonium-nitrate-across-europe-328511/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe> 
&nbsp;
"We saw a pace of more than 400 rockets fired towards Israel on a daily basis."

Gordin said that in the case of a future "conflict or a war with Hezbollah, we expect more than five times the number of rockets fired every day from Lebanon to Israel."

"Basically, we are looking at between 1,500 and 2,500 rockets fired daily towards Israel," he said.

The IDF's Home Front Command is in charge of civil defence, which means it is in charge of preparing the country in the event of a danger, war, or tragedy.

The unit was chastised for their response to the 2006 Hezbollah conflict, which killed over 1,200 Lebanese and 160 Israelis.&nbsp;

That conflict served as a "wake-up call" for the Home Front Command, according to Gordin, who added that it has since bolstered up its liaison teams, which are now operating in 250 Israeli towns to give assistance in the event of an assault.

The Home Front Command predicts a rocket's course after it has been fired using computer predictions, and tells the population to go to bomb shelters if they are within a certain range.&nbsp;

According to an Israeli security source, the IDF is looking for "stability" with its northern neighbour, which is embroiled in a crushing economic crisis and saw fatal sectarian riots in the capital Beirut on Thursday, killing seven people, including Hezbollah members.&nbsp;

Iran-backed Hezbollah was "the source of instability in Lebanon", the security source said, adding that the group "exploits the state's resources for Iranian interests".

Iran is "closer to creating fissile material for nuclear weapons than they ever were in the past" but would still need two years to obtain a bomb, the source said, echoing a timeframe cited by other Israeli officials.

Tehran insists its nuclear programme is for civilian purposes.

"We are preparing for all options and scenarios, including military capabilities," the security source said.

Israel has been staunchly opposed to the revival of a nuclear deal agreed between Tehran and world powers in 2015.

(With inputs from agencies)
</div>

A senior Israeli military source said that Israel does not desire war with Hezbollah, but is prepared to confront 2,000 missiles a day from the terror group if one breaks out.

A senior Israeli military source said that Israel does not desire war with Hezbollah, but is prepared to confront 2,000 missiles a day from the terror group if one breaks out. During the 11-day battle in Gaza between Israel and Hamas in May, Palestinian terror groups launched about 4,400 missiles at Israel. The Iron Dome air defence system stopped over 90% of the missiles aimed at populous regions, with only a few hundred hitting residential neighbourhoods. Cities such as Tel Aviv and Ashdod saw the "largest amount of fire directed at them in Israeli history," according to Uri Gordin, commander of the army's Home Front Command. Watch | Gravitas: US: Hezbollah is storing caches of weapons, ammonium nitrate across Europe "We saw a pace of more than 400 rockets fired towards Israel on a daily basis." Gordin said that in the case of a future "conflict or a war with Hezbollah, we expect more than five times the number of rockets fired every day from Lebanon to Israel." "Basically, we are looking at between 1,500 and 2,500 rockets fired daily towards Israel," he said. The IDF's Home Front Command is in charge of civil defence, which means it is in charge of preparing the country in the event of a danger, war, or tragedy. The unit was chastised for their response to the 2006 Hezbollah conflict, which killed over 1,200 Lebanese and 160 Israelis. That conflict served as a "wake-up call" for the Home Front Command, according to Gordin, who added that it has since bolstered up its liaison teams, which are now operating in 250 Israeli towns to give assistance in the event of an assault. The Home Front Command predicts a rocket's course after it has been fired using computer predictions, and tells the population to go to bomb shelters if they are within a certain range. According to an Israeli security source, the IDF is looking for "stability" with its northern neighbour, which is embroiled in a crushing economic crisis and saw fatal sectarian riots in the capital Beirut on Thursday, killing seven people, including Hezbollah members. Iran-backed Hezbollah was "the source of instability in Lebanon", the security source said, adding that the group "exploits the state's resources for Iranian interests". Iran is "closer to creating fissile material for nuclear weapons than they ever were in the past" but would still need two years to obtain a bomb, the source said, echoing a timeframe cited by other Israeli officials. Tehran insists its nuclear programme is for civilian purposes. "We are preparing for all options and scenarios, including military capabilities," the security source said. Israel has been staunchly opposed to the revival of a nuclear deal agreed between Tehran and world powers in 2015. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel expects Hezbollah to fire 2,000 rockets a day in wartime: IDF

In one of the worst violence seen in decades, the Lebanese capital had turned into a war zone for almost four hours. Nine people have been arrested in the gunfight in Beirut. Army tanks have rolled in. Ambulance sirens were wailing across the city and evacuations were carried out by police and civilians. All this, after gunshots were fired at protesters demonstrating outside the city's palace of justice.

Nine people arrested in Beirut gunfight

Armed clashes have broken out in Beirut during a protest, people were seen protesting against the lead judge who was investigating the last year's massive blast in the city's port. Beirut has turned into a warzone, army tanks have rolled into the city and deadly gunfire was exchanged.

Lebanon: Gunshots were fired at protestors near justice palace

A day after parts of Beirut turned into a war zone due to heavy fighting that claimed six lives and wounded dozens of citizens, the army has now deployed tanks and security personnel. Lebanese president Michel Aoun has pledged to punish those who were involved in the deadly clashes.

Beirut Incident: Worst Civil violence in Lebanese capital since 2008

In one of the worst violence seen in decades, the Lebanese capital had turned into a war zone for almost four hours. Fierce gun battle broke out in port city of Beirut. Army tanks have rolled in. Ambulance sirens were wailing across the city and evacuations were carried out by police and civilians. All this --- after gunshots were fired at protesters demonstrating outside the city's palace of justice.

At least 6 killed, 30 wounded in Beirut after firing of gun shots

A day after parts of Beirut turned into a war zone due to heavy fighting that claimed six lives and wounded dozens of citizens, the army has now deployed tanks and security personnel.

Nine people arrested after Beirut violence, tanks and troops deployed in Lebanon

The IMF has presented its global outlook but has omitted two countries as there is no clarity about road ahead for these two countries. Leaders of the G20 group of nations have agreed to work together to try and head off the humanitarian crisis looming in Afghanistan.

No IMF forecast for Afghanistan and Lebanon

Armed clashes have broken out in Beirut during a protest, people were seen protesting against the lead judge who was investigating the last year's massive blast in the city's port.

Lebanon: Rallies held against lead judge probing Beirut blast

Lebanon: Deadly chaos erupts during Beirut blast probe

After a day of complete blackout, Lebanon's power supply was restored to normal. 2 of the biggest power stations in Lebanon were shut down because of a fuel shortage.

Lebanon: Army provides gas oil to secure power for 3 days

Lebanon’s two main power plants were forced to shut down after running out of fuel, the state electricity company said Saturday, leaving the small country with no government-produced power. Watch this report for more details.

Middle East: Lebanon plunges into darkness after grid failure

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