the East

Sunni Allies Distance⁢ Themselves⁣ From Hezbollah,Signaling Potential Shift in Lebanese Political Landscape

Beirut,Lebanon ⁢- A notable recalibration is underway among​ sunni⁤ political figures previously aligned with Hezbollah,signaling a potential fracturing ⁤of the group’s longstanding‌ coalition and a renewed commitment ⁤to the Lebanese state and the Taif ​Agreement. Recent statements from Representatives ‌Nabil Badr and Ashraf​ Rifi ⁤indicate a growing ⁢willingness to publicly distance themselves from the‍ party, reflecting ⁢a belief that Hezbollah’s regional influence has ​waned and its dominance in Lebanon is diminishing.

This shift ⁤carries significant implications for Lebanon’s fragile political ‌balance. For years, Hezbollah has maintained a complex network‍ of alliances, including key support from within the Sunni community,⁣ allowing it to exert considerable influence⁤ over ⁢the government ⁢and security apparatus.‌ A ⁤weakening⁣ of these ties coudl reshape the political landscape, potentially strengthening ‌state institutions and paving the way ‍for a more inclusive and ‌stable Lebanon – a goal enshrined in the 1989 ​Taif⁢ Agreement. The move also comes‌ as ⁣Iran, a key backer of Hezbollah, faces increasing ⁤regional‍ pressure, ‍further contributing⁣ to the evolving dynamic.

Representative Nabil Badr, speaking to Al-Nahar, affirmed⁤ his commitment to coexistence and ⁢all components of Beirut, specifically acknowledging the “generous⁣ Shiite community.” however, he stressed a firm adherence​ to the ‍Taif ⁤Agreement, advocating for “exclusive arms and ‌state building,” stating, “This is our project and our ancient ‍role, we were and we will continue with ‍it.” This positioning‍ explicitly rejects Hezbollah’s continued possession ​of⁣ weapons outside the purview of the Lebanese state.

Representative Ashraf Rifi went further, asserting that Hezbollah’s influence⁣ has⁤ peaked and is‍ in decline. “We confirmed years ago ⁣that ‘Hezbollah’ will‌ end up or⁤ later,and here‍ it is over,and also Iran has ended in the region and Lebanon and⁢ lost all⁣ its arms and papers that⁢ were enlightened and boasting about the occupation​ of four Arab capitals,including Beirut,” Rifi stated. ​He added that⁤ Sunni allies of the party are now “friends” and are communicating, and “stand by the state ⁣and the army clearly thru their ⁣positions.”

The Fatwa House, a ⁣prominent Sunni religious institution, is also signaling a renewed commitment to supporting the Prime Minister and ​the Taif ⁣Agreement, reinforcing the⁤ broader⁣ trend of distancing from Hezbollah’s⁤ agenda. Consecutive honoring and visits to the Fatwa House demonstrate a commitment to ⁢its historical principles and⁤ the guidance of Mufti Sheikh Abdul Latif Drian.

hezbollah’s Alleged Target List of⁢ 120 Israeli Sites Sparks​ International Concern

Beirut, Lebanon – September 3, ⁢2025 – Hezbollah has compiled a⁢ list of approximately 120 ‍strategic sites within Israel, possibly marking targets for future attacks, according to sources familiar with⁤ the matter. This development comes amid ⁢heightened ‌tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border and escalating rhetoric from both sides, prompting international warnings against further escalation.

The alleged ‌target list includes critical infrastructure, military installations, and government facilities across Israel. While the specifics remain closely guarded, the existence​ of ⁢such a detailed plan underscores hezbollah’s preparedness and‍ intent, raising fears of⁣ a wider conflict. International efforts to de-escalate the situation and prevent a full-blown war are⁤ reportedly facing obstruction, with some parties believing that warnings alone are insufficient to deter Hezbollah’s actions.

Recent rejections of mediation attempts ​involving unnamed parties have⁤ not ​altered the trajectory⁢ of political⁣ developments in ⁤Lebanon, including the ongoing processes ‍related to the election ⁣of a President and the appointment of a Prime Minister.This perceived stability⁢ within the ​Lebanese political landscape, despite objections, is viewed by some analysts as enabling Hezbollah’s continued assertiveness.

The situation is further ⁢complicated by a recent attack targeting a UNIFIL patrol in southern Lebanon, prompting France to call for guarantees regarding the security of its ​forces deployed as part of the peacekeeping mission. The incident has increased international pressure on Lebanon to ⁤rein in Hezbollah and prevent further provocations.

Lebanese authorities have refuted reports of Israeli soldiers entering Lebanese territory in ⁢civilian clothing, specifically claims that a group dined at‌ a restaurant near ⁤the border. The reports, circulating on social media and some news outlets, allege multiple instances of Israelis crossing into Lebanese towns.

The Lebanese army told ⁣ Al-nahar newspaper that ​the claims of Israeli soldiers entering a border-area restaurant were false.Concurrently,⁢ the⁣ mayor of Marjayoun, confirmed reports published by ⁣a news site stating four israeli soldiers had coffee at the Express store were also untrue, stating no foreign soldiers entered the village and⁣ the ‍Express store is not near the border.

Earlier reports detailed claims that⁣ four individuals ate lunch at a town restaurant last week, ⁤attempting to pay with Israeli shekels. Another report alleged Israeli soldiers in uniform purchased⁣ coffee from an Express store in the town of‍ Burj‍ al-Moulouk, near the border settlement. The mayor urged news sites to verify information before publication.