The following are summaries of today's major stories published in the
Arabic press. LBCI does not edit press digest articles for content, giving
English-language readers insight into the various views expressed in newspapers
across the Arab world.
Al Joumhouria Daily published on Thursday that a member in the Baalbeck Municipality appeared to be an agent who works for Israel.
The newspaper added that the member is a top official in Hezbollah and has received intensive espionage courses, describing him as “one of the most dangerous agents to ever breach Hezbollah’s confidentiality.”
The Daily referred to Hezbollah sources who reported that “the alleged spy has received $ 600,000 in exchange for his services.”
Al Akhbar Daily published on Thursday that according to security sources, the tensions in Tripoli are related to military preparations prior to large-scale operations expected to be conducted soon between Bab el-Tebbaneh and Jabal Mohsen.
In this context, officials told the newspaper that the crisis in Tripoli was not solved since a truce between Bab el-Tebbaneh and Jabal Mohsen was not declared, stressing that the politicians cannot control the militants.
In an interview with
Al Akhbar Newspaper, Energy Minister Gebran Bassil said that any delay to vote on a new electoral is refused, stressing that the electoral draft law proposed by the Orthodox Gathering ensures adequate representation.
When asked about the Lebanese Forces party’s position concerning the Orthodox Gathering proposal, Bassil gave credit to the LF and stated that the party defended the law and stood against those who are opposing it.
Bassil then praised LF chief Samir Geagea’s position in which he considered that adequate representation is a sovereign matter, emphasizing that Geagea's statements are "greatly appreciated."
Al Akhbar Daily said on Thursday that according to Syrian diplomatic sources, the kidnapper of the Lebanese pilgrims in Syria’s Aazaz Ammar al-Dadaikhi, known as “Abou Brahim” is dead.
Meanwhile, Syrian opposition sources denied the news but admitted that Abou Brahim is in a critical condition and is currently receiving treatment in a hospital in Turkey.
In this context, Interior Minister Marwan Charbel told the newspaper that he wasn’t able to contact Abou Brahim, emphasizing that he doesn’t know whether Abou Brahim is dead or alive.
Al Akhbar Newspaper published an article on Thursday stating that French journalist George Malbrunot mentioned in his blog on
Le Figaro’s website that a US Special Forces unit is monitoring the situation in Syria from Lebanon.
According to the Daily, Malbrunot who defines himself as a Middle East expert and is known for his connections with French Intelligence members, said that according to French military sources, a US Special Forces unit is based in the town of Harissa eastern Beirut, stressing that this site is ideal to monitor the situation in Syria.
In this context, Lebanese military sources denied these reports, revealing that a small Special Forces Unit is in Lebanon strictly to train the LAF’s Special Forces.