Lebanon: Amal, Hezbollah Opinions on Street Protests Diverge

 Fireworks are set off in front of police officers during anti-government protests that have been ignited by a massive explosion in Beirut, Lebanon August 10, 2020. REUTERS/Thaier Al-Sudani
Fireworks are set off in front of police officers during anti-government protests that have been ignited by a massive explosion in Beirut, Lebanon August 10, 2020. REUTERS/Thaier Al-Sudani
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Lebanon: Amal, Hezbollah Opinions on Street Protests Diverge

 Fireworks are set off in front of police officers during anti-government protests that have been ignited by a massive explosion in Beirut, Lebanon August 10, 2020. REUTERS/Thaier Al-Sudani
Fireworks are set off in front of police officers during anti-government protests that have been ignited by a massive explosion in Beirut, Lebanon August 10, 2020. REUTERS/Thaier Al-Sudani

As Lebanon’s street protests expanded to areas in South Lebanon - the stronghold of the Shiite duo (Amal Movement and Hezbollah) – political reactions by the two parties reflected a divergence in views.

The protests extended to the South and the southern suburbs of Beirut, where several roads were blocked with burning tires.

Amal, headed by Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, was accused on social media of inciting its supporters to participate in the protests as a means to pressure President Michel Aoun to conclude a settlement with President-designate Saad Hariri that would produce a new government.

While Amal sources stressed that the party had nothing to do with these moves, they noted in a statement to Asharq al-Awsat that addressing the financial and living crisis and economic deterioration “can only be done with the presence of an effective government.”

Hezbollah and Amal Movement have conflicting stances over many files, including the relationship with the Free Patriotic Movement, Hezbollah’s ally. Disagreements between their supporters are also increasing, especially on social media, regarding political approaches to internal and regional policies.

However, sources close to the Shiite duo said that the disagreements were only “about the details”, stressing that the two parties met on strategic files and major issues, including “the need to form a government that would address the living and economic crises,” as well as “major strategic headlines linked to the conflict with Israel and the need to resist it.”



Houthi Attack Sees Explosions Near Ship in Red Sea

Houthi soldiers march during a military course, in Sanaa, Yemen, 08 November 2024. EPA/YAHYA ARHAB
Houthi soldiers march during a military course, in Sanaa, Yemen, 08 November 2024. EPA/YAHYA ARHAB
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Houthi Attack Sees Explosions Near Ship in Red Sea

Houthi soldiers march during a military course, in Sanaa, Yemen, 08 November 2024. EPA/YAHYA ARHAB
Houthi soldiers march during a military course, in Sanaa, Yemen, 08 November 2024. EPA/YAHYA ARHAB

A suspected attack by Yemen's Houthi militias saw multiple explosions strike near a vessel traveling through the Red Sea on Tuesday, though no damage was immediately reported by the ship.

A vessel in the southern reaches of the Red Sea, about 130 kilometers southwest of Hodeida, reported the attack, the British military's United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center said.

No one was wounded on board in the blasts, and the ship was continuing on its journey, the UKMTO added.

The Houthis have targeted more than 90 merchant vessels with missiles and drones since the war in Gaza started in October 2023. They seized one vessel and sank two in the campaign, which also killed four sailors.

Other missiles and drones have either been intercepted by a US-led coalition in the Red Sea or failed to reach their targets, which have included Western military vessels as well.