Lebanon

Hezbollah Report on the IDF Presence on the Lebanese Border; The Hezbollah-Iran Relationship

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) maintains a large presence on the Lebanese border. This includes watch posts, fences, radar stations (both land and air) and the use of numerous unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Unfortunately for Israel, Hezbollah has a very good idea of the extent and capabilities of the IDF. Ronen Bergman in today’s Yedioth Ahronoth has an important article detailing Hezbollah penetration and observation of IDF activities and presence along the border. Bergman notes:

Lebanese Government Formed; Hezbollah has a Seat at the Table

Earlier today, Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri formed a unity government. Importantly, this government includes two ministers affiliated with Hezbollah. Since June, Hariri has been trying to assemble a government among the various Lebanese factions and interests.

Ghajar: Problem and Solution

INSS Insight No. 123, August 9, 2009

During his recent visit to Ghajar, Foreign Minister Lieberman said that a wall should be built between the two sections of the village, located respectively in Israeli and Lebanese territory. He added that concern for security is the leading consideration in such a move. Before examining the advantages of such a measure, it would be wise to understand how Israel arrived at a situation in which people who consider themselves Syrian, yet carry Israeli identification cards, may be forced to live in Lebanon.

Lebanon in the aftermath of the June 2009 elections: Facing the National-Unity Government Challenge

The victory of the "pro-Western" March 14 coalition in the June 2009 Lebanese elections constituted a significant political development that was welcomed by the international community as a step towards Lebanon's further democratization and consolidation of the "Cedar Revolution." However, several weeks have passed since the Saad Hariri-led coalition won at the electoral ballots, and still the newly elected majority is struggling to translate this political mandate into concrete political power.

UN Security Council Condemns Explosion in Southern Lebanon

Today, The United Nations Security Council issued a statement in response to the explosion in southern Lebanon that occurred this past week.

Shlomo Shamir in Haaretz:

Lebanon: Pol. Tensions Heighten as the Parl. Elections Approach

The tension between the two major Lebanese political blocks has been on the rise during the few weeks preceding the Parliamentary elections-scheduled to take place on June 7th. Similarly, the tone of the political debate has become progressively more confrontational, as the main political coalitions-the March 14 forces and the Hezbollah-led March 8 opposition-find themselves in sharp disagreement over key foreign policy and domestic issues.

Lebanon in Advance of Elections

INSS Insight No. 104, May 6, 2009 

From its inception, Lebanon has been a mosaic of diverse communities: Sunnis, Shiites, Christians (with all their sects), Druze, and Alawites. The ability of these groups to exist as a state in the area between Jebel Amal in the south and Tripoli in the north is based on an accepted division of power in the political system according to community. The president is a Maronite Christian, the prime minister a Sunni Muslim, and the speaker of the parliament a Shiite Muslim. A set division also exists in the parliament, in which a fixed number of representatives is allocated to each ethnic group. The parliament has 64 Christian representatives (34 Maronites, 14 Greek Orthodox, 8 Greek Catholics, 5 Armenian Orthodox, 1 Armenian Catholic, 1 Anglican, and 1 Protestant) and 64 Muslim representatives (27 Sunnis, 27 Shiites, 8 Druze, and 2 Alawites). The elections are by district, with a fixed number of representatives allocated to each community in each district. The representatives are chosen by all the voters in the election district. The forthcoming elections are the fifth since the Lebanese civil war ended in 1989.

Hezbollah Terror Cell Arrested in Egypt

Last week, Egyptian authorities arrested a Hezbollah cell in Egypt that it they say had been plotting a terrorist attack. 

Smadar Peri reported in Yediot Acharonoth:

A Surfer's Code: Israeli and Lebanese Surfers Unite

Israel Radio reports that:

A group of Israeli windsurfers that led the battle against building a marina on the Haifa beach is offering help to Lebanese surfers who are trying to prevent a new plan to build a huge artificial island.

Doron Hacham, a Tel Aviv windsurfer told Israel Radio that he approached the Lebanese surfers on the internet and offered help in leading the battle and was answered warmly. Let's hope that peace will come soon, so that we can surf together, the Lebanese surfers replied.