LCCC ENGLISH DAILY NEWS BULLETIN
February 19/2018
Compiled & Prepared by: Elias Bejjani

 

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Bible Quotations
Hell as Portrayed in The Rich Man and Lazarus Parable
Luke 16/19-31: “There was once a rich man who dressed in the most expensive clothes and lived in great luxury every day. There was also a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who used to be brought to the rich man's door, hoping to eat the bits of food that fell from the rich man's table. Even the dogs would come and lick his sores. The poor man died and was carried by the angels to sit beside Abraham at the feast in heaven. The rich man died and was buried, and in Hades, where he was in great pain, he looked up and saw Abraham, far away, with Lazarus at his side. So he called out, ‘Father Abraham! Take pity on me, and send Lazarus to dip his finger in some water and cool off my tongue, because I am in great pain in this fire!’ But Abraham said, ‘Remember, my son, that in your lifetime you were given all the good things, while Lazarus got all the bad things. But now he is enjoying himself here, while you are in pain. Besides all that, there is a deep pit lying between us, so that those who want to cross over from here to you cannot do so, nor can anyone cross over to us from where you are.’ The rich man said, ‘Then I beg you, father Abraham, send Lazarus to my father's house, where I have five brothers. Let him go and warn them so that they, at least, will not come to this place of pain.’ Abraham said, ‘Your brothers have Moses and the prophets to warn them; your brothers should listen to what they say.’ The rich man answered, ‘That is not enough, father Abraham! But if someone were to rise from death and go to them, then they would turn from their sins.’ But Abraham said, ‘If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone were to rise from death.’”

Titles For Latest LCCC Bulletin analysis & editorials from miscellaneous sources published on February 18-19/18
Netanyahu Threatens to Act Against Iran, 'Not Just Against Its Proxies'/Noa Landau (Munich)/Haaretz/ February 18, 2018
Could Natural Gas In The Mediterranean Spark The Third Lebanese War/Oded Eran/Jerusalem Post/February 18/18
Thank God for the Olympics/Geert Wilders/Gatestone Institute/February 18/2018
'Do Not Test Israel', Netanyahu Tells Iran/AFP./February 18/18

Titles For Latest LCCC Lebanese Related News published on February 18-19/18
Lebanese Defense Minister: We Will Not Start War with Israel, but we Will Defend ourselves
Aoun: Syrian Refugee Burden is Exhausting Lebanon
Satterfield Meets Israeli Minister over Gas Row with Lebanon
Refugees Evacuated, Families Trapped as Heavy Rains Wreak Havoc across Lebanon
Report: Satterfield Admits Block 9 Belongs to Lebanon, Suggests 'Giving Something' to Israel
Hariri: Electricity dossier on Cabinet's table soon to come up with appropriate solution
Machnouk: To participate heavily in Beirut's elections in defense of its fate
Bassil: Many projects for Zahle were sent to Cabinet, but capabilities are few
Hasbani: Deterrent force solely in Lebanese Army's hands, under State's custody
Zeaiter lays cornerstone for border garden with Palestine: We will not accept May 17 water or oil agreement, our rights remain ours
Tueni: Israeli officials are aware of Lebanon's capacity to fight them
Foreign Affairs Ministry: Transfer of both Lebanese victims' bodies awaits police, forensic doctor reports in Turkey
Sami Gemayel Pinpoints Biggest Problem in Lebanon's Political Life


Titles For Latest LCCC Bulletin For Miscellaneous Reports And News published on February 18-19/18
Netanyahu Threatens to Act Against Iran, 'Not Just Against Its Proxies'
Israel Kills 2 Palestinians after Gaza Bombing Injures 4 Soldiers
US Says Will Investigate Syria Attack Involving Russian Citizens
Netanyahu Warns Iran ‘Tyrants’ against ‘Testing Israel’s Resolve’
Syria Says Repelled Infiltration from Lebanon, 1 Dead
UNDP Administrator Meets Officials, Highlights Impact of Syrian Crisis on Lebanon
'Do Not Test Israel', Netanyahu Tells Iran
Saudi Arabia Vows to Continue Pressuring Iran to Change Behavior
Iranian Promises to Lift House Arrest for Green Movement Leaders Mousavi, Karroubi
UN Security Council May Condemn Iran for Supplying Houthis with Missiles
66 Killed in Iran Plane Crash
Abbas to Ask for a Palestinian State During Security Council Meeting on Feb 20

Latest Lebanese Related News published  on February 18-19/18
Lebanese Defense Minister: We Will Not Start War with Israel, but we Will Defend ourselves
Asharq Al-Awsat/February 18/18/Lebanese Defense Minister Yaacoub al-Sarraf declared on Saturday that Lebanon will not wage a war against Israel, “but it will defend its sovereignty.”“We are completely prepared to defend our land,” he stressed during a meeting with Arab League chief Ahmed Abul Gheit on the margins of the Munich Security Conference. Tensions have been high between Lebanon and Israel over the former’s intention to explore its offshore oil and gas wealth in an area that is contested with its southern neighbor. “The whole of Lebanon is united over this cause and it stands behind its army and institutions,” Sarraf continued from Munich. He stated that Lebanon is attached to its oil wealth, adding: “Lebanon stands by Arab countries and it believes that Arab solidarity is a powerful way to protect our nations and resolve our crises.”The minister therefore urged for the greatest Arab solidarity against attempts to undermine Lebanon’s rights, saying Israel should be pressured to respect international laws. For his part, Abul Gheit rejected “any attempts by Israel to create problems and violate Lebanese rights, whether in the offshore exploration file or its intention to construct a wall along its border with Lebanon.”
The latter, he said, is a blatant violation of United Nations Security Council resolution 1701 and threatens security and stability in the border region.

Aoun: Syrian Refugee Burden is Exhausting Lebanon
Asharq Al-Awsat/February 18/18/Lebanese President Michel Aoun announced on Saturday that there was a “pressing” need to resolve the burden Syrian refugees are posing on his country. “The numbers of refugees have reached nearly half of Lebanon’s population,” he told the Rotary Presidential Peacebuilding Conference 2018. This has led to massive pressure on the country’s economy despite the “massive efforts exerted by public and civil institutions in Lebanon to help the refugees and meet their needs,” he continued. “The burden of the refugees has become exhausting on Lebanon and the refugees themselves,” he stressed. Lebanon is a country of limited resources and its small geographic size cannot tolerate such a long-term increase in its population, Aoun said. The president had earlier held talks with visiting Administrator of the United Nations Development Program Achim Steiner, who was also present at the Rotary conference. Addressing the UN official, Aoun said: “We hope that you will hear our voice and relay our struggles, as well as the voice of the refugees and their suffering.” “They definitely want to return to their homeland and live in dignity, and not continue on living in camps,” he remarked. Steiner had met during his Lebanon visit Prime Minister Saad Hariri, Speaker Nabih Berri and Interior Minister Nouhad al-Mashnouq. A UN statement said that he discussed the challenges Lebanon has been facing since the eruption of the Syrian crisis.

Satterfield Meets Israeli Minister over Gas Row with Lebanon
Agence France Presse/Naharnet/February 18/18/Israeli Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz met Sunday with a senior United States official seeking to defuse an escalating oil and gas dispute with Lebanon, his office said. A statement from his spokesman said Steinitz held talks with Acting Assistant Secretary of State David Satterfield about conflicting claims to energy reserves off the coasts of Lebanon and Israel. Hizbullah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah said on Friday that Lebanon was strong enough to withstand U.S. and Israeli pressure and to put Israeli gas rigs out of action. Last week Lebanon signed its first contract to drill for oil and gas in a pair of offshore zones, including one that Israel says belongs to it. Lebanese officials have said the whole zone belongs to Lebanom while Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman has insisted it is solidly in Israeli territory. Sunday's Israeli statement quoted Steinitz as telling Satterfield that "a diplomatic solution is preferable for both sides."It added that the two agreed to meet again during the coming week. Satterfield also held talks on the issue with top officials in Lebanon. In 2006, Israel fought a 34-day war against Iranian-backed Hizbullah in which more than 1,200 Lebanese, mostly civilians, and 120 Israelis, the majority soldiers, died. Israeli authorities said that in the course of the fighting Hizbullah fired 3,970 rockets into Israel . Meanwhile work began on February 7 in Germany on four advanced corvettes for the Israeli navy "that will protect gas rigs and economic enterprises in Israeli waters," the Israeli military said. It said that the "Saar 6" warships, to enter service between 2020 and 2022, would be equipped with helipads and advanced missiles. "Protecting strategic economic assets in Israeli waters is a priority for the state of Israel," the Israeli navy's website announced last week. In November, Israel installed a battery of its Iron Dome anti-missile system on a warship for the first time, calling it a valuable asset in protecting its offshore natural gas fields. Israel has major gas fields off its northern coast and is building valuable infrastructure to get the fuel out of the ground and onto land, all within range of Hizbullah rockets. Tamar, which began production in 2013, has estimated reserves of up to 238 billion cubic meters. Leviathan, discovered in 2010 and set to begin production in 2019, is estimated to hold 18.9 trillion cubic feet (535 billion cubic meters) of natural gas, along with 34.1 million barrels of condensate.

Refugees Evacuated, Families Trapped as Heavy Rains Wreak Havoc across Lebanon

Naharnet/February 18/18/Flooding caused by heavy rains has caused damages across Lebanon, trapping Lebanese families and destroying Syrian refugee encampments. "Since 2 am, Lebanese Red Cross crews have been evacuating and assisting dozens of Syrian families in the Akkar plain region who have been hit by flash floods from the waters of the al-Ostwan and al-Kabir rivers," the National News Agency said. In the northern region of Minieh, more than 50 families were trapped by flood waters that filled the underground floors of some buildings and covered areas around them, amid water levels of 1.5 meter. Flood waters meanwhile invaded agricultural fields and homes in the Akkar region, especially in the outskirts of Quleiat, trapping some families and destroying crops. In Chekka, waters from the al-Osfour river drowned nearby fields and stormed into the Palmera resort. "Security agencies and Civil Defense crews are pumping water out of rooms and challets and pulling out submerged cars," NNA said. Restaurants on the two banks of the river were also invaded by flooding water. In the South, the heavy rains raised the water levels of the Hasbani river, which overflowed and submerged nearby groves and parks. High Relief Commission chief Maj. Gen. Mohammed Kheir meanwhile inspected the bridge of the al-Shalfeh river that connects the Zgharta district to Tripoli's Abi Samra, which is facing the threat of collapse. The bridge has incurred major cracks after being sumberged by flooding waters overnight. Engineering crews from the Tripoli Municipality examined the bridge and decided to close it pending maintenance.

Report: Satterfield Admits Block 9 Belongs to Lebanon, Suggests 'Giving Something' to Israel
Assistant U.S. Secretary of State David Satterfield admitted during negotiations with Lebanese leaders that the offshore gas Block 9 belongs to Lebanon as he urged them to "give something" of it to Israel, al-Hayat newspaper reported. Official sources informed on the negotiations also told the daily in remarks published Sunday that "Lebanon has a study and maps for the disputed maritime area that allow it to say that it owns an area exceeding the declared 860 square kilometers." "Some aspects of the maps were discussed during the meeting of the Public Works Parliamentary Committee on Thursday," the sources added. Lebanon this month signed its first contract to drill for oil and gas in a pair of offshore zones, including one that Israel says belongs to it. The United States has sought to mediate the disagreement, with Satterfield meeting with top officials in Lebanon since February 6.
A consortium comprising energy giants Total, ENI, and Novatek has pledged to begin drilling off of Lebanon's coast by 2019. Total has said that the dispute between Lebanon and Israel over Block 9 only covers eight percent of its surface area. But Lebanese officials have said the whole zone belongs to Lebanon, and Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman has insisted it is solidly in Israeli territory.

Hariri: Electricity dossier on Cabinet's table soon to come up with appropriate solution
Sun 18 Feb 2018/NNA - Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri asserted Saturday that his sole concern is "to continue the policy of protecting Lebanon and the Lebanese from the ramifications, fires and wars of the region, and to do everything possible to revive the economy, provide job opportunities for the youth and work to solve the electricity, water and waste problems." In this context, Hariri disclosed that the electricity dossier would be on the Council of Ministers' work agenda soon, in order to decide on a suitable solution "since it is not permissible for the electricity problem to continue as is, draining both the citizen and the State's treasury for the interest of a few benefiting sides," he noted. Addressing a delegation of Beiruti families who visited him at the "House of Center" yesterday, Hariri vowed to continue the march of his late father, Martyr PM Rafic Hariri, with their help and support, a march "aimed at improving the country and the living standards of its citizens," he said. "Martyr Rafic Hariri always took the path of dialogue to solve problems and was able to reach outstanding achievements in the process of reconstruction, overcoming the repercussions of the civil war and activating the economic cycle...and we are continuing with this policy that is ultimately aimed at solving the problems and facing the many challenges that await us," Hariri underscored. "We are going to hold the parliamentary elections early next May, which are important because they will determine the shape of the new parliament and the future political course of Lebanon. Your intense participation is a national responsibility at this stage. It is the duty of every Beruti to protect the decision of the capital, refusing to hand over this decision to any other options, which only aim at weakening Beirut and crossing out its role from the Lebanese political map," Hariri concluded.

Machnouk: To participate heavily in Beirut's elections in defense of its fate
Sun 18 Feb 2018/NNA - Interior and Municipalities Minister, Nuhad al-Machnouk, called upon the people of Beirut and all of Lebanon to "participate heavily in election day on May 6," stressing that "every vote makes a difference in this new law.""Voting for the Future Movement's electoral list will protect the capital from the lists of opponents who wish to break the city and its decision," said Machnouk during a brunch organized by the "Salaheddine Grand Association" at the "Lamb House" Restaurant in Beirut on Sunday. "It is the first time we say that voting is in defense of the city, something which was never mentioned in any previous elections," he added, asserting that "each of us must partake in the elections." Machnouk renewed his rejection of any talk about injustice to Beirut "for this a great city that has resisted all the calamities of the past and risen time and again." "It is more effective to work relentlessly to achieve change rather than frustrating people with talk about being oppressed," deemed Machnouk.

Bassil: Many projects for Zahle were sent to Cabinet, but capabilities are few
Sun 18 Feb 2018/NNA - Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Minister, Gebran Bassil, said Sunday that "many projects for Zahle were raised by the Change and Reform Parliamentary Bloc to the Council of Ministers, included within its large investment plan, but the capabilities are few and what helps us is to be united and not to obstruct each other's work." Bassil's words came during a luncheon held in his honor at the "Arabi Casino" in Zahle, attended by members of the Union of Municipalities of Zahle, Middle Bekaa and East Zahle. "We are on the verge of parliamentary elections, but I like to discuss development outside the election season so as not to be interpreted as promises," Bassil added. "In brief, it is not about our love for Zahle nor about its geographical position between Lebanon and Syria and the great importance it represents, for it is in need of great care," Bassil went on, outlining some of the projects that have been achieved for Zahle and others that are still underway. "Members of the new parliament and the municipality of Zahle have to agree on Zahle's demands and priority projects," stated Bassil. He concluded by addressing the issue of public waste, saying that "this file is the responsibility of municipalities and municipality unions."

Hasbani: Deterrent force solely in Lebanese Army's hands, under State's custody
Sun 18 Feb 2018/NNA - Deputy Prime Minister, Public Health Minister Ghassan Hasbani said Sunday that the country's deterrent and defense force was solely in the hands of the Lebanese Army and under the aegis of the Lebanese State. "For this reason, weapons outside the State are unjustifiable," he added. "We cannot doubt for a moment the ability of the Lebanese Army, which proved to be highly capable and the best evidence was its combat of terrorism," stressed Hasbani. Speaking in an interview to Radio "Voice of Lebanon" - Dbayeh, Hasbani deemed that "the reluctance of the international community to equip the Lebanese Army is due to the presence of illegal weapons." "Our principle is that the Lebanese Army is the first defense authority, behind which we will all stand in wake of any aggression. Any other words are used to justify the illegality of weapons outside the State," he added. We all have to defend Lebanon's wealth, resources and borders, and to confront any aggression against it...and we must all defend it under the umbrella of the Lebanese State and legitimacy," underlined Hasbani in response to a recent speech by Hezbollah's Secretary-General. On the "Hoff" line and the Israeli threats, the Deputy Prime Minister said: "We asked the Council of Ministers to seek the help of experts to provide a technical explanation of the solutions on which the Lebanese position was based, especially with regards to determining the maritime borders. It is has to be clear to us what are the rights of Lebanon, and will not give up any inch of its territory or water." Regarding the discussion of the annual budget, Hasbani noted that this required a strategic vision, before going into details. Over the electricity dossier, the Minister said that the Lebanese Forces had a global vision in this regards, unlike some other parties. He added that the LF Party was in favor of any diligent solution in accordance with the applicable laws, noting that they called for speeding-up the plan for permanent power plants.

Zeaiter lays cornerstone for border garden with Palestine: We will not accept May 17 water or oil agreement, our rights remain ours
Sat 17 Feb 2018/ NNA -"We will never accept any May 17 water or oil agreement, and our rights will remain ours no matter the sacrifices," stressed Agriculture Minister Ghazi Zeaiter on Saturday, as he laid the cornerstone of the border garden with occupied Palestine in the South, which extends from the Gate of Fatima to the outskirts of the Southern town of Oddeisseh. In his word on the occasion, Zeaiter recalled the "sacrifices of resistance fighters for the liberation of the land and human dignity." "Agriculture is the link that strengthens the citizen's connection to his land, and steadfastness in his home and town," Zeaiter underscored. In turn, Finance Minister Ali Hassan Khalil, who also took part in the event, reiterated Lebanon's rejection of any Israeli attempt to encroach on its legal rights. In this context, Khalil stressed on the Lebanese people's unanimous support to their army in confronting any breach of Lebanon's borders, and the resistance's readiness for any legitimate confrontation with the Israeli enemy. "Lebanon rejects any violation of its rights, and adheres only to the mechanisms employed by the United Nations to determine the right of each party," Khalil underlined.

Tueni: Israeli officials are aware of Lebanon's capacity to fight them

Sun 18 Feb 2018/NNA - Minister of State for the Fight against Corruption, Nicolas Tueni, said Sunday that Israel was convinced that Lebanon was capable of confronting any possible aggression against Lebanon. "Israeli officials are convinced of Lebanon's ability to lead the fight against them and know the price they will pay for any adventure they would consider, but they will not dare," Tueni said in a statement. The statement added that "any Israeli threats against Lebanon, its territorial waters and its oil resources, will bounce back in the first place on Israel and its officials." Tueni deemed that the hostile positions toward Lebanon were counterproductive and unwise to what the Zionist rulers wanted. "The hostile positions against Lebanon were counterproductive for the reason that the companies operating in Israel will not continue their work, in the climate of terrorism provoked by the Israeli officials," the statement added. Tueni concluded by saying that the "Lebanon's unified position" against Israel's attempts to encroach on the land and sea borders stressed "the determination of the Lebanese people to fight any aggression led by Israeli officials."

Foreign Affairs Ministry: Transfer of both Lebanese victims' bodies awaits police, forensic doctor reports in Turkey
Sat 17 Feb 2018/NNA - In a statement by the Lebanese Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Ministry on Saturday, it indicated that it had received information from Lebanon's General Consul in Istanbul, Mounir Anouti, that "the Turkish police have found the bodies of Lebanese citizen Mohammed Mahmoud Bashir, born 1978 in Sidon, and his wife Nisrine Kreidi, a Syrian born in 1978, who were killed in Arnavutkoy in Istanbul." Upon receiving the regretful news, the Lebanese Consulate immediately contacted the brother of the deceased, Bassel Bashir, who identified the two bodies at the police station. The latter disclosed that two Syrian nationals suspected of involvement in the killing were arrested. The statement denied circulated news of the deceased's missing ten-year-old son, asserting that "the deceased had only one daughter who was not present at the time of the incident." The Foreign Ministry concluded its statement by indicating that "the transfer of the bodies to Beirut is pending the Turkish police and forensic doctor's reports on the cause of the death."

Sami Gemayel Pinpoints Biggest Problem in Lebanon's Political Life
Kataeb.org/Sunday 18th February 2018/Kataeb leader Samy Gemayel said that the biggest challenge for anyone in Lebanon is to stay honest amid the degrading level of ethics that the country is witnessing. "The biggest problem plaguing Lebanon's political life nowadays is the absence of morality, values and constants as financial and personal interests are being favored over those of the nation and its people," Gemayel said during a meeting with residents of the Metn towns of Ain Al-Safsaf, Ain Al-Zaytoune, Mar Mkhayil Bnabil, Mazraat Bnabil and Al-Khalle.

Latest LCCC Bulletin For Miscellaneous Reports And News published
on February 18-19/18
Netanyahu Threatens to Act Against Iran, 'Not Just Against Its Proxies'
نتنياهو يهدد إيران وليس فقط أذرعتها

Noa Landau (Munich)/Haaretz/ February 18, 2018
http://eliasbejjaninews.com/archives/62687
In remarks at Munich Security Conference, PM holds up wreckage of Iranian drone intercepted over Israel, warns Iranian FM: 'Don't test us'
MUNICH - Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday warned Israel would act against Iran, and not only against its proxies, if needed. "We will act if necessary not just against Iran's proxies but against Iran itself," he said," Netanyahu told the Munich Security Conference. Iran's Foreign Minister Javad Zarif, who spoke after Netanyahu, ridiculed the Israeli premier's remarks and called them 'a cartoonish circus.' During his speech, Netanyahu said that Iran was not Nazi Germany, but stated that the two regimes share many similarities. "Israel will not allow the Iranian regime to put a noose of terror around our neck," Netanyahu said. Netanyahu held up a piece of an Iranian drone Israel shot down last week after it infiltrated its territory. Holding the wreckage, Netanyahu asked Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, who was sitting in the crowd: "Do you recognize it? You should, it’s yours. Don’t test us."An Iranian drone that crossed into Israeli airspace was intercepted by the Israel Air Force on February 10, sparking a flare-up between Israel and Syria, with an Israeli F-16 shot down and an extensive Israeli strike against Iranian and Syrian targets in Syria.
In a briefing two days later, the Israel Air Force’s second-in-command, Brig. Gen. Tomer Bar, admitted that he still had no idea what mission the Shahed-141 drone was on. Asked during a questions and answers session about the feasibility of a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians, the prime minister reiterated he does not support a full Palestinian state, but a "state minus." Netanyahu said the Palestinians should have self-rule, but not the "freedom to threaten our security."

Israel Kills 2 Palestinians after Gaza Bombing Injures 4 Soldiers
Asharq Al-Awsat/February 18/18/The Israeli military killed two Palestinians in the Gaza Strip on Sunday in an apparent retaliation for a bombing on the border with the Palestinian enclave on Saturday that left four soldiers injured. The two Palestinian fatalities were identified by the Gaza health ministry as Salam Sabah and Abdullah Abu Sheikha, both 17, who were killed during a strike east of Rafah in southern Gaza. The Saturday explosion and ensuing Israeli air strikes marked one of the most serious escalations in the Hamas-ruled enclave since Hamas and Israel fought a war in 2014. Israel's army said it attacked "18 terror targets belonging to the Hamas terror organization" in two waves of air strikes following the blast. "Eight targets were attacked in a military compound near Deir el Balah, which belongs to the Hamas terror organization, including weapon-manufacturing and training infrastructures," it said in a statement early Sunday. It earlier said fighter jets had targeted "six military targets in Gaza belonging to Hamas, including: a terror tunnel in the Zaytun area and military compounds near Deir el-Balah and Khan Yunis". The army also reported that a "launch was identified from the Gaza Strip at Israeli territory", with a projectile hitting near a home in a southern Israeli community. An Israeli police spokesman said the projectile had damaged a building but caused no injuries. According to Palestinian eyewitnesses, they were shot by Israeli forces near the border on Saturday. The Israeli army said that its forces had fired "warning shots" at a number of Palestinians approaching the border fence "in a suspicious manner". Speaking at a security conference in Munich late Saturday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had called the Gaza border incident "very serious" and pledged to "respond appropriately". A Palestinian security source said the Israeli air strikes hit three bases belonging to Hamas in the east of the blockaded Gaza enclave. Two Palestinians were injured in the raids, Palestinian medical sources said. Earlier in the day the army said "two soldiers were severely wounded, one moderately and one slightly" when an improvised explosive device blew up along the border fence with Gaza. None of the soldiers' lives were in danger, a spokesman said. Palestinian security sources said the explosion took place east of the city of Khan Yunis. In response Israeli forces said a tank promptly opened fire at an "observation post" in southern Gaza, causing no injuries on the Palestinian side. Israeli army spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus said a "rogue group" had claimed responsibility for the bomb blast, likely indicating one of the more radical extremist groups who are present in Gaza.
But he insisted that "from our point of view Hamas is responsible" and said the explosive had been planted during a protest arranged by the group on Friday.

US Says Will Investigate Syria Attack Involving Russian Citizens
Asharq Al-Awsat/February 18/18/The United States pledged on Saturday to investigate a February 7 attack involving Russian citizens against American-allied forces in Syria. US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said: “I understand that the Russian government now is saying that some of their not-military forces, contractors, were involved in that still unexplained attack.”He added that Russian officers the US coordinated with were "apparently" unaware of the attack. "But they took directions from someone. Was it local directions? Was it from external sources? Don't ask me, I don't know. But I doubt that 250 to 300 people, all just excited on their individual self, suddenly crossed the river in enemy territory, started shelling a location and maneuvering tanks against it. "So, whatever happened, we'll try to figure it out. We'll work with obviously anyone who can answer that question." Russia has acknowledged that five of its citizens were killed in a US-led coalition bombing in the eastern Deir al-Zour province after they were part of a group of pro-regime combatants which led an attack on positions held by the Syrian Democratic Forces. At the time of the attack on February 7, the Russian defense ministry insisted it had no servicemen in the eastern province of Syria. The US has estimated about 100 pro-Syrian regime forces were killed by US strikes to repel the attack. Many Russian citizens are fighting in Syria as mercenaries working for a private military company called Wagner according to numerous reports. Reuters has reported that about 300 men working for a Kremlin-linked Russian private military firm were either killed or injured in Syria. Mercenaries not directly affiliated with the Russian military may be convenient for Moscow's interests in Syria while assuring deniability of government involvement. Russian officials deny they deploy private military contractors in Syria, saying Moscow’s only military presence is a campaign of air strikes, a naval base, military instructors training Syrian forces, and limited numbers of special forces troops. But according to people familiar with the deployment, Russia is using large numbers of the contractors in Syria because that allows Moscow to put more boots on the ground without risking regular soldiers whose deaths have to be accounted for. The contractors, mostly ex-military, carry out missions assigned to them by the Russian military, the people familiar with the deployment said. Most are Russian citizens, though some have Ukrainian and Serbian passports.

Netanyahu Warns Iran ‘Tyrants’ against ‘Testing Israel’s Resolve’
Asharq Al-Awsat/February 18/18/Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated on Sunday that Iran was the most dangerous threat in the world, saying that Israel was ready to act against Tehran and not just its “proxies” in Syria. Saying he had "a message to the tyrants of Tehran" during a speech at the Munich Security Conference, he warned: "Do not test Israel's resolve." “Israel will not allow the regime to put a noose of terror around our neck.”He brandished a rectangular piece of dark green metal which he called "a piece of that Iranian drone, or what's left of it, after we shot it down." Calling Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif the "smooth-talking mouthpiece of Iran's regime," Netanyahu said: "Mr. Zarif, do you recognize this? You should, it's yours." Israel has said it shot down the drone on February 10 after it entered the country from Syria, and responded with a raid on what it said was the Iranian control systems for the craft in Syria. During the strikes, one of Israel's F-16 fighter jets was shot down, believed to be the first loss of an Israeli plane in combat since 1982. Israel's response marked the first time it publicly acknowledged hitting Iranian targets in Syria since the 2011 start of the war there. Again referring to Zarif, who is expected to speak later in Munich, Netanyahu said: "No doubt Mr. Zarif will brazenly deny Iran's involvement in Syria.""He lies with eloquence."The Israeli military has claimed the drone was a copy of a US model captured by Iran in 2011, based on an analysis of the drone's debris. Addressing the Munich event for the first time, Netanyahu urged gathered US and European officials and diplomats to counter Iran immediately, displaying a map showing what he said was Iran’s growing presence in the Middle East. He said Iran was increasing its power as the US-led coalition against ISIS in Iraq and Syria regains territory from the terrorists. “The unfortunate thing is that as ISIS compresses and Iran moves in, it is trying to establish this continuous empire surrounding the Middle East from the south in Yemen but also trying to create a land bridge from Iran to Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Gaza,” Netanyahu said. “This is a very dangerous development for our region.”

Syria Says Repelled Infiltration from Lebanon, 1 Dead
Agence France Presse/Naharnet/February 18/18/Syrian border guards have clashed with a group of people attempting to sneak into the country from neighboring Lebanon, Syrian state media reported , saying one "terrorist" was killed. News agency SANA said Syrian army guards clashed at noon Saturday "with a terrorist group" as they tried to enter central Homs province via an unofficial border crossing from northern Lebanon. "The clashes ended with the killing of a member of the terrorist group, and the rest fleeing towards Lebanese territory," SANA reported. A Lebanese military source told AFP that a Syrian was killed in an "armed skirmish" as people were being smuggled into Lebanon. "One Syrian was killed and a second person was wounded and is being treated at a hospital in northern Lebanon," the source said. And Lebanon's National News Agency also said a Syrian national was killed on Friday night on the Syrian side of the al-Kabir River, which serves as the northern border between the two countries. "Another Syrian living in (the Lebanese village) of al-Abboudiyeh was wounded, but he managed to cross the river into Lebanon," the NNA reported. It was not possible to confirm if the Lebanese and Syrian sources were talking about the same incident. Syria's nearly seven-year war has regularly spilled over into Lebanon, with several suicide blasts rocking the country in recent years and armed groups entrenching themselves along the border.

UNDP Administrator Meets Officials, Highlights Impact of Syrian Crisis on Lebanon

Agence France Presse/Naharnet/February 18/18/Administrator of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Achim Steiner, visited Lebanon on February 15 and met with Prime Minister Saad Hariri, Speaker Nabih Berri and Interior Minister Nouhad al-Mashnouq, the UNDP said in a statement Saturday. Steiner discussed some of the challenges facing Lebanon since the outbreak of the Syrian crisis, revealing that Lebanon should be assisted in managing the public service it provides to the entire world, the statement said. Steiner visited the neighborhood of Bourj Hammoud northeast of Beirut, which hosts around 19,000 Syrian refugees, to learn more about the impact of the crisis at the local level and the ways in which Lebanese communities and refugees deal with everyday life issues. During his visit, Steiner also participated in a roundtable on Lebanon's efforts to achieving the objectives of sustainable development, with the participation of lawmakers, ministers, representatives of civil society and the private sector.

'Do Not Test Israel', Netanyahu Tells Iran

Agence France Presse/Naharnet/February 18/18/Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Tehran on Sunday over aggressions by what he called Iran and its "proxies" in Syria, while showing what he claimed was a piece of an Iranian drone shot down in Israeli airspace. Saying he had "a message to the tyrants of Tehran" during a speech at the Munich Security Conference, he warned: "Do not test Israel's resolve."He brandished a rectangular piece of dark green metal which he called "a piece of that Iranian drone, or what's left of it, after we shot it down." Israel has said it shot down the drone on February 10 after it entered the country from Syria, and responded with a raid on what it said was the Iranian control systems for the craft in Syria. It marked the first time Israel publicly acknowledged hitting Iranian targets in Syria since the 2011 start of the civil war there. During the strikes, one of Israel's F-16 fighter jets was shot down, believed to be the first loss of an Israeli plane in combat since 1982. Calling Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif the "smooth-talking mouthpiece of Iran's regime," Netanyahu said: "Mr Zarif, do you recognise this? You should, it's yours."
Again referring to Zarif, who is scheduled to speak later in Munich, the Israeli leader said: "No doubt Mr Zarif will brazenly deny Iran's involvement in Syria."
"He lies with eloquence."
'Noose of terror'
The Israeli military has claimed the drone was a copy of a U.S. model captured by Iran in 2011, based on an analysis of the drone's debris. Tensions between the two countries have been building in recent months, with Israel fearing that Tehran is trying to establish a permanent presence in Syria as part of an effort to become a greater regional power in the Middle East. At the same time, Syria appears to feel it now has the upper hand in the civil war and is more emboldened to stop Israeli air raids inside the country, analysts say. But Netanyahu said Sunday that Israel would not let Iran obtain a permanent foothold in its northern neighbor. "Through its proxies -- Shiite militias in Iraq, the Huthis in Yemen, Hizbullah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza -- Iran is devouring huge swathes of the Middle East," he said. "Israel will not allow Iran's regime to put a noose of terror around our neck," he added. "We will act without hesitation to defend ourselves. And we will act if necessary not just against Iran's proxies that are attacking us, but against Iran itself." But he stressed that Israel was not the enemy of the Iranian people, and offered his condolences to the families of the 66 people killed in an Iranian plane crash Sunday. "We have no quarrel with the people of Iran, only with the regime that torments them," Netanyahu said. 'Do Not Test Israel's Resolve', Netanyahu Warns Iran. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Tehran on Sunday over "aggressions" by Iran and its "proxies" in Syria, saying he would not allow them to "put a noose around our neck."Calling it "a message to the tyrants of Tehran," he warned in a speech at the Munich Security Conference: "Do not test Israel's resolve."His fiery comments came as tensions between the arch enemies have mounted after clashes involving Syrian forces this month, sparked by Israel's downing of what it called an Iranian drone sent from Syria. With a theatrical flourish, Netanyahu brandished a rectangular piece of dark green metal at the podium. "Here's a piece of that Iranian drone, or what's left of it, after we shot it down," he said. Referring to Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, who spoke later in Munich, he said: "No doubt Mr Zarif will brazenly deny Iran's involvement in Syria.""Mr Zarif, do you recognise this? You should, it's yours," Netanyahu said, adding that the Iranian official "lies with eloquence."Zarif responded by calling Netanyahu's speech a "cartoonish circus" which "does not even deserve the dignity of a response."
'Dangerous tiger'
The clash came as Netanyahu again slammed the 2015 nuclear deal signed by Iran and world powers, which is under threat by opposition from the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump. Netanyahu compared the deal to the "appeasement" of the 1938 Munich Agreement that only emboldened Hitler, and said it allowed Iran to hide its continued efforts to build an atomic bomb. "The sanctions relief that the deal provided has not moderated Iran... In fact it has unleashed a dangerous Iranian tiger in our region and beyond."
"Once armed with nuclear weapons, Iran's aggression will be unchecked, and it will encompass the entire world," Netanyahu claimed. Those accusations were dismissed by Zarif.
"We will not be the first ones to violate an agreement which all of us tried, in spite of Netanyahu's attempts, to achieve," he said. Israel has said it downed the drone on February 10 after it entered the country from Syria, and responded with a raid on what it said was the Iranian control systems for the craft in Syria. It marked the first time Israel publicly acknowledged hitting Iranian targets in Syria since the 2011 start of the civil war there. During the strikes, one of Israel's F-16 fighter jets was shot down, believed to be the first loss of an Israeli plane in combat since 1982. Tensions between the two countries had already been building in recent months, with Israel fearing that Tehran is trying to establish a permanent presence in Syria as part of an effort to become a greater regional power in the Middle East. The clashes this month have stoked fears of an escalated conflict between the two countries, even though both sides appear to want to avoid an open war for now, analysts say. Russian senator Alexei Pushkov, addressing the Munich conference shortly after Netanyahu spoke, said: "OK, you bomb Iran, and then you do what, what happens next?" while saying the Iranian issue requires acting with "responsibility."
'Defend ourselves' -
It was not the first time Netanyahu, who is under pressure at home over a corruption inquiry, has made a dramatic show. In 2012, speaking at the U.N., he notably showed a simplistic drawing of a bomb with a lit fuse, supposedly indicating how close Tehran was to becoming a nuclear threat. The Israeli military has claimed the drone was a copy of a U.S. model captured by Iran in 2011, based on an analysis of the drone's debris. Netanyahu reiterated Sunday that Israel would not let Iran obtain a permanent foothold in its northern neighbor. "Through its proxies -- Shiite militias in Iraq, the Huthis in Yemen, Hizbullah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza -- Iran is devouring huge swathes of the Middle East," he said. "Israel will not allow Iran's regime to put a noose of terror around our neck," he added. "We will act without hesitation to defend ourselves. And we will act if necessary not just against Iran's proxies that are attacking us, but against Iran itself." But he stressed that Israel was not the enemy of the Iranian people, and offered his condolences to the families of the people killed in an Iranian plane crash Sunday. "We have no quarrel with the people of Iran, only with the regime that torments them," Netanyahu said.

Saudi Arabia Vows to Continue Pressuring Iran to Change Behavior
Asharq Al-Awsat/February 18/18/Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir reiterated on Sunday accusations that Iran was destabilizing the Middle East, vowing to continue to pressure Tehran to change its behavior."In order to ensure than Iran comports itself with international law, we must have firmer positions with regards to ballistic missiles and with regards to Iran’s support for terrorism," al-Jubeir said told Reuters in an interview during the annual Munich Security Conference.
"Iran must
Jubeir welcomed a draft United Nations resolution offered by Britain, the United States and France that would condemn Iran for failing to stop its ballistic missiles from falling into the hands of Yemen’s Houthi militias. He told Reuters the measure, if passed, would help hold Iran accountable for what he described as its "exports of ballistic missiles" to the Iran-backed Houthis, and "radical and aggressive" behavior in the region, including support for terrorist groups.He said Iranian missiles were regularly used by Houthis "to target civilians in Yemen as well as inside Saudi Arabia." He blamed the Iranian revolution for spawning “terrorist groups like ‘Hezbollah’” in Lebanon. He also charged Tehran with providing safe haven to slain al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden. “In contrast to Iran’s policy, Saudi Arabia has never carried out an attack” against another country, remarked Jubeir. Jubeir also called for changes to two aspects of the 2015 nuclear accord with Iran - cancellation of a so-called sunset provision, and expanded inspections to include non-declared and military sites. The draft UN resolution, which needs to be adopted by February 26, is likely to face resistance from Russia. A resolution needs nine votes in favor and no vetoes by Russia, China, the United States, France or Britain to pass. Jubeir said he hoped Russia could be persuaded to support the measure. The draft text to renew UN sanctions on Yemen for another year would also allow the 15-member council to impose targeted sanctions for “any activity related to the use of ballistic missiles in Yemen.” Britain drafted the resolution in consultation with the United States and France before giving it to the full council on Friday, diplomats said. On the developments in Yemen, Adel announced that the national army was making military advances on the ground, which coincides with the launch of a comprehensive humanitarian operation there. On the appointment of Martin Griffiths as the United Nations envoy to Yemen, he said: “We look forward to cooperating with him.”Griffiths, currently executive director of the European Institute of Peace, replaces Ould Cheikh Ahmed, who the UN said would step down after three years in the job when his current contract finishes this month.

Iranian Promises to Lift House Arrest for Green Movement Leaders Mousavi, Karroubi
Asharq Al-Awsat/February 18/18/Iranian Parliament Second Deputy Ali Motahari revealed on Saturday that judiciary and security officials have promised to end the house arrest against opposition leaders Mehdi Karroubi, Mir-Hossein Mousavi and Zahra Rahnavard by the end of the current calendar year, which ends on March 20. Speaking to reporters, Motahari said certain measures have been taken in recent months in this regard. “We are waiting to see if they deliver what they promised,” Motahari said, according to ISNA. Karroubi, Mousavi and his wife, Zahra Rahnavard, were placed under house arrest after they insisted on their claims of vote-rigging and called for protests. However, Motahari waved back to political pressure and repeated protests if promises to lift house arrest did not produce concrete results before the end of the current year. It is not yet known the position of influential conservatives on the case. Revolutionary Guards chief Mohammad Ali Jafari and the chairman of the Guardian Council said last month that the Green Movement's protests in 2009 were aimed at ‘toppling’ the regime. Protests began the night of 12 June 2009, following the announcement that former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad won nearly 63% of the vote, despite several reported irregularities. However, all three opposition candidates claimed the votes were manipulated and the election was rigged, with Rezaee and Mousavi lodging official complaints. At the end of last month, Mousavi’s two daughters announced that authorities had allowed them to meet with their parents at any time of the day and without setting a date earlier, eight months after the last time the authorities allowed them to enter the place of the house arrest. Authorities imposed house arrest under a decision issued by the Iranian National Security Council in February 2011. The house arrest against Mousavi and Karroubi entered its seventh year. Mousavi was prime minister between 1980 and 1988 with the support of the former Iranian Supreme Leader Ruhollah Khomeini, and the attempts of current Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei to isolate Mousavi, who was close to Revolutionary Guards chief Mohsen Rezaee, were unsuccessful at the time. Before the imposition of house arrest, Green Movement supporters took to the street in solidarity with the Arab Spring revolutions in Tunisia and Egypt. A team of analysts suggests that the Green Movement protests began under Mousavi and Karroubi but later turned into anti-regime protests. Lifting house arrest was among the most important campaign promises in the 2013 presidential elections.Incumbent President Hassan Rouhani justified the delay in carrying out his internal promises by focusing his government on the nuclear agreement and lifting the sanctions. In the 2016 election, Rouhani returned to the promise of lifting house arrest, but his delay in moving forward caused discontent among his reformist allies, who criticized him during his swearing-in for not explicitly speaking about house arrest against reformist leaders, as he did in the elections.

UN Security Council May Condemn Iran for Supplying Houthis with Missiles
Asharq Al-Awsat/February 18/18/The United Nations Security Council is considering condemning Iran for supplying Yemen’s Houthi militias with missiles, said a draft resolution seen by Reuters on Saturday. Drafted by Britain, the United States and France, the document also calls for committing to take action over the sanctions violations. The draft text to renew UN sanctions on Yemen for another year would also allow the 15-member council to impose targeted sanctions for “any activity related to the use of ballistic missiles in Yemen.” Britain drafted the resolution in consultation with the US and France before giving it to the full council on Friday, diplomats said. US President Donald Trump’s administration has been lobbying for months for Iran to be held accountable at the UN, while at the same time threatening to quit a 2015 deal among world powers to curb Iran’s nuclear program if “disastrous flaws” are not fixed.
“Since the signing of the nuclear agreement, the Iranian regime’s support of dangerous militias and terror groups has markedly increased. Its missiles and advanced weapons are turning up in war zones all across the Middle East,” the US ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, wrote in an essay published in the New York Times on Saturday. The draft UN resolution, which needs to be adopted by February 26, is likely to face resistance from Russia. A resolution needs nine votes in favor and no vetoes by Russia, China, the US, France or Britain to pass. Independent UN experts monitoring the sanctions on Yemen reported to the Security Council in January that it had “identified missile remnants, related military equipment and military unmanned aerial vehicles that are of Iranian origin and were brought into Yemen after the imposition of the targeted arms embargo.” While the experts said they have “no evidence as to the identity of the supplier, or any intermediary third party” of the missiles fired by the Houthis into neighboring Saudi Arabia, they found Iran had violated sanctions by failing to prevent the supply, sale or transfer of the missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles to the Houthis. The UN Security Council has banned the supply of weapons to Houthi leaders and “those acting on their behalf or at their direction.” It can also blacklist individuals and entities for threatening the peace and stability of Yemen or hindering aid access. Earlier this week, Haley said it was "time for the Security Council to act" following the release of the UN report on Iran’s violation of the arms embargo on Yemen. "This report highlights what we've been saying for months: Iran has been illegally transferring weapons in violation of multiple Security Council resolutions," Haley said in a statement on Thursday. The ambassador added that "the world cannot continue to allow these blatant violations to go unanswered" and that Tehran must face "consequences.""It's time for the Security Council to act."

66 Killed in Iran Plane Crash
Asharq Al-Awsat/February 18/18/All passengers on board an Iranian domestic flight were killed on Sunday when their aircraft crashed into the Zagros Mountains, officials said. The plane was carrying 60 passengers, including one child, as well as six crew, said Mohammad Tabatabai, director of public relations for the Aseman Airlines. "After searches in the area, unfortunately we were informed that the plane crashed. Unfortunately, all our dear ones lost their lives in this incident," he added. The Aseman Airlines flight left Tehran's Mehrabad airport around 0800 (0430 GMT) for the city of Yasuj in Isfahan province. Due to foggy condition, rescue helicopters could not reach the crash site in the Zagros Mountains, state TV reported. Tabatabai said the plane crashed into Mount Dena, which is about 440-meters (1,440-feet) tall. A helicopter sent by Iran's national emergency services was unable to land at the site of the accident due to severe weather, its spokesman said. The Relief and Rescue Organization of Iran's Red Crescent said it had dispatched 12 teams to the region. "Given the fact that the area is mountainous, it is not possible to send ambulances," Mojtaba Khaledi, spokesman for the national emergency services, told ISNA news agency. President Hassan Rouhani has since ordered that an investigation be opened in the crash. Decades of international sanctions have left Iran with an aging fleet of passenger planes which it has struggled to maintain and modernize. It has suffered multiple aviation disasters, most recently in 2014 when a Sepahan plane crashed killing 39 people. Tabatabai said the plane that crashed on Sunday was a twin-engine turboprop ATR-72. Aseman currently has a fleet of 36 planes -- half of them 105-seat Dutch Fokker 100s. Its three Boeing 727-200s are almost as old as the Islamic revolution, having made their first flights in 1980.  Lifting sanctions on aviation purchases was a key clause in the nuclear deal Iran signed with world powers in 2015. Following the deal, Aseman Airlines finalized an agreement to buy 30 Boeing 737 MAX jets for $3 billion (2.4 billion euros) last June, with an option to buy 30 more. However, the sale could be scuppered if US President Donald Trump chooses to reimpose sanctions in the coming months, as he has threatened to do. The US has maintained its own sanctions on Iran, which block almost all trade with the country, but plane manufacturers were given a specific exemption under the nuclear deal.
Boeing, which is also building 80 planes for national carrier Iran Air, faces heavy criticism from US lawmakers who say Iranian airlines have been used to ship weapons and troops to Syria and other conflict zones. The US Treasury Department approved the sale of the 80 Boeing jets as well as 100 Airbus planes to Iran Air. The first few Airbus jets have already arrived in Tehran.

Abbas to Ask for a Palestinian State During Security Council Meeting on Feb 20
Asharq Al-Awsat/February 18/18/Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will request, in a speech to the UN Security Council on Tuesday, the establishment of a Palestinian State and will reiterate the need to implement the UN Security Council resolution that calls for a two-state solution, sources close to the matter told Asharq Al-Awsat. The sources added that the Palestinian president would announce his final rejection of Washington’s monopoly of the peace process and would renew his call for an international conference under the umbrella of the United Nations to form a multilateral mechanism that would foster a new political process, similar to the 5+1 group, which negotiated the nuclear deal with Iran. Meanwhile, Nabil Abu Rudeina, spokesman for the Palestinian presidency, said that the Palestinians have begun a new phase of the struggle that would define the region’s features in the near future. “A new phase of the struggle has begun to preserve the overall goal of our Palestinian people, the Arab nation and the whole world, as well as the issue of Jerusalem in its Islamic and Christian sanctities, its heritage and history, which some are trying to falsify to justify their violation of all international laws,” Abu Rudeina stated.
The Palestinian presidency’s spokesman did not elaborate on Abbas’ speech before the Security Council, stressing that it would focus on Jerusalem and the national constants, and would serve as a “message to the whole world that justice, peace and land are the only way to a secure, stable, and prosperous Middle East, free from all forms of terrorism.”The sources, for their part, told Asharq Al-Awsat that Abbas would emphasize Palestinian’s rejection of President (Donald) Trump’s decision on Jerusalem and any other decision that would undermine the status of the city.

Latest LCCC Bulletin analysis & editorials from miscellaneous sources published on February 18-19/18
Could Natural Gas In The Mediterranean Spark The Third Lebanese War
هل سيشعل الغاز في البحر الأبيض المتوسط الحرب الثالثة بين إسرائيل ولبنان

Oded Eran/Jerusalem Post/February 18/18
http://eliasbejjaninews.com/archives/62675
"Lebanon will not hesitate to avail itself of its inherent right to self-defence if an armed attack occurs against the economic activities carried out in its maritime areas."
Speaking about border issues between Israel and Lebanon at the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) annual conference (January 31, 2018), Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman said that the Lebanese government had issued a tender for natural gas exploration in the Mediterranean, and that by all criteria Block 9, which was awarded to a number of well-known international companies, belonged to Israel.
Liberman called Lebanon's move a provocation and a serious mistake. His words sparked a fiery response from Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, and the media in both Israel and Lebanon reported that the organization was threatening to attack Israel's drilling rigs in the Mediterranean.
Conflicts over maritime borders are not unique to Lebanon and Israel, and as in this case, many of them derive from competition over economic resources – whether fishing zones or oil and natural gas fields.
The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea grants a state exclusive economic rights over an area stretching 200 nautical miles from its coast (Exclusive Economic Zone). Israel began drilling in its economic waters more than twenty years ago, and since 2003 natural gas has flowed from the sea into Israel.
The big breakthrough in this area, and with it the eruption of the conflict, came in December 2010, when a consortium of companies announced the discovery of the gas in the Leviathan field. That same month Israel and Cyprus signed an agreement on delineation of the maritime border between them (since the distance between the two countries is less than 400 nautical miles), although in the summer of 2010 Lebanon had already rushed to register documents with the UN delimiting its maritime border with Israel.
In June 2011 Lebanon again turned to the UN, expressing its opposition to the agreement between Israel and Cyprus "that violates [according to Lebanon] the sovereign and economic rights of Lebanon and could imperil international peace and security, particularly if one of these States [presumably referring to Israel and Cyprus] should decide unilaterally to exercise sovereign authority over the region that Lebanon considers an inalienable part of its exclusive economic zone." Israel replied on July 12, 2011, attaching the coordinates to delineate its maritime border with Lebanon. The gaps between the Lebanese and Israeli claims create a disputed area of 850 sq. km.
In late 2011, Israel, out of a willingness to compromise, began to look for diplomatic ways to resolve the developing dispute. In inter-ministerial consultations, the decision was taken not to grant new licenses for the area under dispute in order to facilitate a compromise solution.
INSS map of gas pipelines and fields in the Middle East (INSS)INSS map of gas pipelines and fields in the Middle East (INSS)
It was decided not to use UNIFIL as a channel for discussion between Israel and Lebanon, since the mandate of the Force does not refer to the maritime border, and Israel prefers to avoid UN mediation. The Israel interest in mediation led to several contacts by third parties, and ultimately American mediation was the preferred option.
In February 2012, State Department Special Envoy for Middle East Peace Frederic Hof, who was heavily involved in developments in Syria in the framework of the Arab Spring, undertook the task of mediation. Israel reiterated to him its willingness to resolve the dispute by reaching a compromise in direct talks with representatives of the Lebanese government.
In April 2012, at separate meetings in London (in view of the Lebanese refusal to participate in a joint meeting), Hof submitted a proposed compromise involving division of the disputed area. On May 2, 2013, then-Minister of Foreign Affairs Avigdor Liberman approved the American proposal, even though it granted Lebanon a larger share of the area.
To this day no official response from Lebanon has been received, although according to reports of US diplomats in contact with the Lebanese government, they discussed inter alia depositing the proposal with the UN. From this it appears that the proposal was acceptable to the Lebanese government.
A year after the submission of the original American proposal, the new American mediator proposed additional ideas. While not clear whether they were his or the Lebanese government’s, they completely distorted the original proposal.
The guiding line for these ideas was the creation of a buffer zone between Israel and Lebanon outside the area claimed by Lebanon. Apart from the fact that this idea was completely unacceptable, it could also cause serious economic damage to both countries by preventing exploration and agreed exploitation of gas in the disputed area (pooling of exploration and development efforts in cross border areas is called “unitization”).
In spite of the failure of US mediation, Israel continued to refrain from issuing tenders for the disputed area. However, in March 2013 the Lebanese Ministry of Energy published a map of the maritime economic zone divided into "blocks," jargon for areas that are the subject of tenders.
The map showed that the Lebanese government completely ignored the Israeli position and the proposed American compromise, and that in three blocks, 8, 9, and 10, and particularly in block 9, there was clear penetration of the area claimed by Israel. After years of delays in approval of the tender process in Lebanon, largely due to the presidential and government crisis in the country, activity was now renewed.
On February 2, 2017, Israel complained to the UN about Lebanon's intention to grant licenses and declared its intention to defend its rights. It also expressed "openness to dialogue and cooperation with neighboring and relevant states regarding the delimitation of the northern limit of its territorial sea and exclusive economic zone."
Following reports by the Lebanese Oil Authority, on December 21, 2017, Israel again complained to the UN Secretary General about the granting of licenses in Block 9 to a consortium comprising the French company Total, the Italian ENI, and the Russian Novatek, without Israel's consent, entirely contrary to Israel’s position and its call for dialogue and cooperation. Israel also announced that it would not permit any non-consensual, unauthorized economic activity, and expressed its regret that the Lebanese government was ignoring its call for dialogue.
Israel reminded all involved third parties, i.e., apart from Lebanon itself, that any activity "that would violate Israel's sovereign rights or otherwise involve them in non-consensual or unauthorized economic activity in this maritime area…would expose them to significant liability." On February 9, 2018, Total announced that it and its partners are aware of the conflict and therefore would not operate within 25 km of the disputed area.
On January 26, 2018, Lebanon replied with its own letter, which completely rejected all Israel's claims and announced: "The Republic of Lebanon will not hesitate to avail itself of its inherent right to self-defence if an armed attack occurs against the economic activities carried out in its maritime areas. It will not hesitate neither to take all appropriate measures against Israel or its private concessionaires, including Energean Oil & Gas, should they decide to take advantage of their activities in the so-called Israeli blocks 13 and Alon D, where the Karish field is located, to exploit the natural resources of the Lebanese seabed by way of directional drilling."
Energean, which is registered in Greece, won the Karish and Tanin drilling rights in late 2016, following a ruling by the Supreme Court regarding dilution of the holdings of Delek and Noble Energy.
In addition to the verbal escalation, the Lebanese turned to various institutions in France, including legal ones, hoping to conduct a public campaign to prove their case in the conflict with Israel.
Lebanon had already contacted a former French president with a proposal for French mediation between Lebanon and Israel, but nothing was done. Acting Assistant of the US Secretary of State for Middle East Affairs David Satterfield recently visited Israel and Lebanon, in preparation for the visit by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, and it was reported that he raised the subject of gas.
The US effort was necessary due to the increasing harshness of the threats, particularly from the Lebanese side, and the danger of descending into armed conflict, where both winner and loser would pay a heavy price.
The charged situation highlights a number of issues. The first is the sense of power felt by Hezbollah, which played an important role in preserving the Assad regime and its recovery after it lost considerable territory to the various opposition forces.
Although Hezbollah's intervention exacted a heavy price in human life, its position in Lebanon has not weakened, and the general elections in Lebanon in May 2018 will likely strengthen its political status.
Iran's growing influence in the region following the nuclear deal (JCPOA) is also perceived as an achievement for Hezbollah, while Iran's gradually increasing foothold in Syria, which has made it a significant player in shaping that country's future, naturally impacts on its junior partner and proxy, Hezbollah.
The strongly worded Lebanese letter of last month is reminiscent of the tone of threats adopted for many years by the Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah on the subject of natural gas in the Mediterranean, but which had so far not accompanied the dialogue – albeit indirect – between Lebanon and Israel.
Israel's decision to reinforce the border fence with Lebanon and in certain sections to build a wall (without changing the course of the Blue Line) was met with threatening language from the Lebanese government.
On the other hand, senior Israeli security personnel who have spoken recently about Syria and Lebanon, including at the INSS annual conference, have clarified that if there is another military campaign, Israel will exact a heavy price for all attempts to attack its civilian population, and it will not permit fighting to continue for several weeks, as happened in summer 2006.
The verbal exchanges, the violent rhetoric of the Lebanese government, and Lebanon’s disregard for Israeli attempts to resolve the matter of the maritime border justify external involvement to prevent further deterioration.
The security events between Israel and Syria of February 10, 2018 do not relate to the issue directly, but they will complicate efforts toward a compromise.
While Israel would welcome American efforts to calm the situation, it is harder to predict the Lebanese reaction. Competition between rival political forces in Lebanon has always taken precedence over the national interest and caused much damage, including economic.
Had the Lebanese government accepted the US compromise proposed in 2012, the Lebanese economy would have received a significant boost, and in turn would have benefited other regional economies. The American administration can minimize the risk of armed conflict by bringing Lebanon back to the idea of talking to Israel – even indirectly – about a fair compromise that would suit Lebanon.
**This article first appeared in INSS Insight No. 1022, February 14, 2018.

Thank God for the Olympics
Geert Wilders/Gatestone Institute/February 18/2018
https://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/11906/olympics-patriotism
Patriotism is one of the biggest strengths of a nation. Waving the national flag is so much more than bringing a tribute to successful athletes. It also links us to a heritage and a tradition. Our national flag symbolizes ancient loyalties embodying the legacy of our fathers, which we want to bestow on our children.
A few weeks ago, I lodged an official complaint against the Prime Minister for discrimination on behalf of thousands of my Dutch compatriots. This week, the Public Prosecutor announced that he will not prosecute Mr Rutte because the government policy is one of "positive discrimination," which the Public Prosecutor considers permissible. I will now take the case directly to the court. A government that is positively discriminating in favor of foreigners is negatively discriminating against its own people.
Just as the millions of Dutch, who are currently watching the Olympics on their television sets, are cheering their own athletes, governments should be the cheerleaders of their own people. We need to bring the spirit of the Olympics to politics, the spirit of patriotism. The nation-state has the duty to positively discriminate in favor of its own people. It has to cheer them on, encourage them, be proud of them, as we now are of our athletes. And always will be.
My country, the Netherlands, is doing extremely well in the 2018 Winter Olympics. It is great to see how the Dutch successes are reinforcing feelings of national pride and patriotism. Thank God for the Olympics! Cheering one's own athletes over foreigners has nothing to do with discrimination, racism or jingoism. Sporting events are one of the few occasions where people can still unabashedly display feelings of national pride without being judged for it by the leftist cosmopolitan elites.
Jorien Ter Mors of the Netherlands celebrates winning the gold medal during the Ladies' 1000m Speed Skating at the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympics, February 14, 2018. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
National pride is fantastic. In his farewell address as president, Ronald Reagan said that one of the achievements he was most proud of was "the resurgence of national pride." Reagan called it "the new patriotism." Patriotism is one of the biggest strengths of a nation. Waving the national flag is so much more than bringing a tribute to successful athletes. It also links us to a heritage and a tradition. Our national flag symbolizes ancient loyalties embodying the legacy of our fathers, which we want to bestow on our children.
The nation-state is one the greatest contributions of Western civilization to the world. It is the home of our democracy as well as the guarantor of our freedom. Adherence to the nation-state is also a moral duty. Our Judeo-Christian civilization is based on the values of Jerusalem, Athens and Rome. Jerusalem, where the love for the state of Israel was taught. Athens, where service to the democratic state was the highest good. And Rome, where honor depended on duty to the Republic.
Islam is totally alien to this central idea of our Western civilization. It does not want us to love our country. It wants to eradicate all nations and replace them by the Ummah, the worldwide Islamic community. Islam is not nation-centered but globalist by nature. That is why our cosmopolitan elites with their globalist dreams of supranational institutions like it so much. Since the 1960s, a loathing of morality and patriotism has become the style for those who consider themselves our elites. Discriminating against their own people has become their fashion. They feel appalled by great Western thinkers, such as the 13th century Italian, Thomas Aquinas, who wrote that "no-one can properly worship God without honoring his country, for the greater virtue – honor to God – includes the lesser – honor to parents and country."
The Olympics, however, reflect the Western ideals. It is no coincidence that they originated in ancient Greece with its many states.
Next week, the Dutch athletes from Pyeongchang will return home. Dozens of supporters will flock to Schiphol airport to prepare a warm welcome. They will wave the national tricolor and the entire nation will share their joy and glory. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte is likely to honor them and receive them. And so he should!
And yet, it is the same Mark Rutte, who, like his colleagues of the political elite in the European Union, is conducting policies which actively discriminate against his own people in favor of foreigners. In sports, he is cheering the Dutch over the foreigners, but in politics he is doing exactly the opposite.
There are dozens of examples of this. While asylum seekers in the Netherlands get health care entirely free, the Dutch have to pay a huge deductible out-of-pocket and have to insure themselves for extras, such as hearing aids, glasses, physiotherapy, dental care, postnatal care, etc, which asylum seekers get for free. The asylum seekers also get free housing and are allowed to jump the queue, while Dutch citizens on average have to wait eight years for social housing. Two thirds of all welfare expenditure is spent on non-Western immigrants, while Dutch citizens have to foot the bill. Non-Westerners often also get preferential treatment when applying for jobs in the civil service, because the authorities want to encourage "diversity," and so on.
For years, my party has been opposing this discrimination against our own people in our parliament. Because the government parties refuse to change their policies, a few weeks ago, I lodged an official complaint against the Prime Minister for discrimination on behalf of thousands of my Dutch compatriots. This week, the Public Prosecutor announced that he will not prosecute Mr Rutte because the government policy is one of "positive discrimination," which the Public Prosecutor considers permissible. I will now take the case directly to the court. A government that is positively discriminating in favor of foreigners is negatively discriminating against its own people.
Just as the millions of Dutch, who are currently watching the Olympics on their television sets, are cheering their own athletes, governments should be the cheerleaders of their own people. We need to bring the spirit of the Olympics to politics, the spirit of patriotism. The nation-state has the duty to positively discriminate in favor of its own people. It has to cheer them on, encourage them, be proud of them, as we now are of our athletes. And always will be.
**Geert Wilders MP is leader of the Party for Freedom (PVV) in The Netherlands.
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