Arab World Supports King Abdullah’s Efforts to Preserve Jordan’s Security

In this photo released by the Royal Hashemite Court, Jordan's King Abdullah II gives a speech during the inauguration of the 19th Parliament’s non-ordinary session, Amman, Jordan, Dec. 10, 2020. (AP)
In this photo released by the Royal Hashemite Court, Jordan's King Abdullah II gives a speech during the inauguration of the 19th Parliament’s non-ordinary session, Amman, Jordan, Dec. 10, 2020. (AP)
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Arab World Supports King Abdullah’s Efforts to Preserve Jordan’s Security

In this photo released by the Royal Hashemite Court, Jordan's King Abdullah II gives a speech during the inauguration of the 19th Parliament’s non-ordinary session, Amman, Jordan, Dec. 10, 2020. (AP)
In this photo released by the Royal Hashemite Court, Jordan's King Abdullah II gives a speech during the inauguration of the 19th Parliament’s non-ordinary session, Amman, Jordan, Dec. 10, 2020. (AP)

The Arab world threw its support behind King Abdullah II and the measures taken to preserve Jordan’s security and stability.

King Abdullah’s half-brother and former Crown Prince Hamza bin Hussein was told to halt actions used to target the country’s “security and stability”, the military said on Saturday.

In a statement published by the state news agency, it said the action was part of a broader security investigation in which a former minister, a member of the royal family and some other unidentified individuals were detained.

Egypt voiced support for King Abdullah and his efforts “to maintain the security and stability of the kingdom against any attempts to undermine it,” its presidency spokesman wrote on Facebook.

Oman completely stands by Jordan under the leadership of King Abdullah and firmly supports anything that preserves Jordan's security, sovereignty and stability, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

“His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa affirmed full support to the decisions and measures taken by HM King Abdulla II Ibn Al Hussein of Jordan to maintain his country’s security and stability and defuse all disruptive attempts,” state news agency BNA said.

In a statement on the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) website, Secretary-General Dr. Nayef al-Hajraf said the grouping “affirmed the full support of the Cooperation Council for all decisions and measures taken by His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein, to preserve the security and stability of brotherly Jordan, wishing brotherly Jordan continued security and stability under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II and His Highness, the faithful Crown Prince.”

“Jordan’s security and safety is a fundamental basis for the security and safety of the Arab world,” Lebanese Prime Minister designate Saad al-Hariri said on Twitter.

“All the solidarity with the Jordanian leadership and King Abdullah in defending the gains of the Jordanian people, protecting their stability, and refusing interference in their affairs.”

Kuwait’s foreign ministry expressed its “support to all the measures taken by Jordan’s King Abdullah and his Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II, to maintain the security and stability of the kingdom”, adding “The security and stability of the kingdom are that of Kuwait”.

“The Iraqi government affirms that it stands with the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II, in any steps taken to preserve the security and stability of the country and take care of the interests of the brotherly people of Jordan, in a way that boosts their presence, by relying on measures that aim to extend the respect of the state,” the foreign ministry said in a statement.

“Qatar expressed its full solidarity with the sisterly Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and its full support to the decisions and measures issued by His Majesty King Abdullah to preserve the security, stability, and boost the process of progress and prosperity in the country,” state news agency QNA said.

“Qatar affirmed that the security and stability of Jordan is an integral part of its security and stability, and stressed that the developed strategic relations between the two brotherly countries will remain an honest and strong guard against any attempts to undermine the security and stability in the two countries and the region.”

Yemen’s legitimate government “affirms its absolute support and its complete stand with all measures aimed at preserving Jordan’s security”, state news agency Saba said.

“Yemen affirms its absolute support and totally stands with all decisions and measures taken by His Majesty King Abdullah aimed at maintaining security and ending any attempts to destabilize the sisterly Kingdom of Jordan.”

“Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said that we stand by the sisterly Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the king, the government, and the people,” official Palestinian news agency WAFA said in a statement.

“We support the decisions taken by King Abdullah II to preserve Jordan’s security and ensure its stability and unity.

“We support the steps taken by King Abdullah to maintain Jordanian national security, stressing that Jordan’s security and stability is a supreme Palestinian interest.”

Morocco's King Mohammed VI held a phone call with King Abdullah on Sunday to express solidarity and support for security measures taken by Jordanian's authorities, Morocco's royal palace said on Sunday.

“The secretary-general of the Arab League expressed full solidarity with the measures taken by the Jordanian leadership to maintain the security of the kingdom and maintain the stability,” the Arab League said in a statement on its Facebook page, citing Ahmed Aboul Gheit.

“He also stressed his confidence in the leadership’s wisdom and its keenness to secure the country’s stability in parallel with the respect for the constitution and the law.

“Ahmed Aboul Gheit added that King Abdullah II has a high and appreciated position, whether among the Jordanian people or on the Arab level in general, and that everyone knows his sincerity and his great role in serving Arab causes.”



Asharq Al-Awsat Details Israeli Commando Raid in Lebanon’s Nabi Sheet

A huge crater left by an Israeli airstrike in the village of Nabi Sheet, eastern Lebanon late Friday, March 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Ali Salem)
A huge crater left by an Israeli airstrike in the village of Nabi Sheet, eastern Lebanon late Friday, March 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Ali Salem)
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Asharq Al-Awsat Details Israeli Commando Raid in Lebanon’s Nabi Sheet

A huge crater left by an Israeli airstrike in the village of Nabi Sheet, eastern Lebanon late Friday, March 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Ali Salem)
A huge crater left by an Israeli airstrike in the village of Nabi Sheet, eastern Lebanon late Friday, March 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Ali Salem)

The town of Nabi Sheet in Lebanon’s northern Bekaa is in shock after an Israeli military operation that left dozens of residents and people from nearby villages dead and wounded.

The operation involved an Israeli commando raid backed by more than 40 air strikes carried out by fighter jets, attack helicopters and drones, causing widespread destruction across the town and its surroundings.

Attempt to recover Arad’s remains

The Israeli force, made up of about 50 paratroopers, entered the town from three directions, residents said: The Qouz axis toward Serghaya, the Khraibeh axis, and the main western road linking the town entrance to Nabi Sheet square.

Hamm mayor Mohammad Hassan said the infiltration had been preceded by movement through the Eastern Mountain Range from two axes — Abu Fares field and the Shaara area — suggesting multiple routes of advance during the operation.

Residents told Asharq Al-Awsat the force appeared to be attempting to recover the remains of Israeli pilot Ron Arad, missing since 1986 and believed to be buried in the Shokr family cemetery near the mountain road linking Nabi Sheet to the towns of Khraibeh, Janta and Shaara near Serghaya on the Lebanese-Syrian border.

Helicopter landing

During the operation, Israeli troops deployed observation and security positions inside the town, particularly in the Shokr neighborhood near the cemetery entrance and close to the Shokr mosque and husseiniya. Other troops spread along the town’s main street in anticipation of possible clashes.

Information obtained by Asharq Al-Awsat said the force landed by three helicopters in the Qouz area before moving into the town through the surrounding highlands.

Residents also said ambulances and vehicles carrying Lebanese license plates were used, along with personnel wearing the uniforms of Hezbollah’s Islamic Health Authority and Lebanese Army military attire — raising questions about how the force reached the town.

Operation exposed

The operation was uncovered when members of the force opened fire with silenced rifles on a Hezbollah member passing through the area, killing him instantly.

The shooting alerted residents and Hezbollah members, who moved quickly to surround the Israeli force and engage it.

Before being exposed, the force had dug a narrow pit at the cemetery measuring about one-meter-long, 50 centimeters deep and 40 centimeters wide. Heavy gunfire across the town forced the force to withdraw before reaching its objective.

Hamda Assad al-Halbawi woke to the sound of digging near the cemetery. When she stepped outside to see what was happening, commando members fired at her from the direction of the graveyard, hitting her in the head. When her son tried to rescue her, a drone struck their car, killing them both.

Air strikes and ambushes

After the force was exposed, Israeli aircraft launched intense strikes on roads leading to the town to prevent reinforcements from nearby villages.

The strikes targeted the Nabi Sheet–Nasiriyah road, the Nabi Sheet–Sarein secondary road, the plain road, the Nabi Sheet–Khodr road and the Aqabeh–Baalbek road. The mountain road and the main road were left open to facilitate the force’s withdrawal.

Missiles fired during the strikes created a massive crater estimated to be about 10 meters deep and roughly 80 meters wide. The bombardment caused extensive destruction, with cars hurled onto building rooftops, particularly in Nabi Sheet square.

As the force withdrew, it came under ambush along the Khraibeh–Janta–Shaara road, where the fiercest clashes took place.

Heavy toll

The clashes and withdrawal left many dead, including about 35 people from Nabi Sheet, nine from Khraibeh, one from Sarein and another from Ali al-Nahri. Three Lebanese Army soldiers and one member of General Security were also killed.

Residents said Israeli forces used 16 mm rifles fitted with silencers.

Questions remain

Residents remain stunned by the scale of the operation and the destruction it caused, while questioning how the force managed to infiltrate an area they say is under constant surveillance.

They say the Israeli force ultimately failed to achieve its objective and withdrew under heavy fire and pressure from the clashes.

That account does not contradict Israel’s version of events. Israeli army spokesman Avichay Adraee said no evidence linked Arad was found at the search site.


4 Killed in Beirut Hotel Strike, Israel Says it Targeted Iranian Commanders

Damaged hotel rooms following an Israeli strike at the Raouche district in Beirut, Lebanon, 08 March 2026. EPA/WAEL HAMZEH
Damaged hotel rooms following an Israeli strike at the Raouche district in Beirut, Lebanon, 08 March 2026. EPA/WAEL HAMZEH
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4 Killed in Beirut Hotel Strike, Israel Says it Targeted Iranian Commanders

Damaged hotel rooms following an Israeli strike at the Raouche district in Beirut, Lebanon, 08 March 2026. EPA/WAEL HAMZEH
Damaged hotel rooms following an Israeli strike at the Raouche district in Beirut, Lebanon, 08 March 2026. EPA/WAEL HAMZEH

At least four people were killed when an Israeli strike hit an apartment in the Ramada hotel building in central Beirut early on Sunday, with Israel saying it targeted Iranian commanders operating in the Lebanese capital.

The attack marked the first Israeli strike in the heart of Beirut since Israel-Hezbollah hostilities resumed last week, and prompted fears the scope of Israel's strikes would expand outside areas where Hezbollah has traditionally operated.

Israel said it targeted key commanders of Iran's elite Quds Force of the Revolutionary Guards but did not name them.

"The commanders of the Quds Force's Lebanon Corps operated to advance terror attacks against the state of Israel and its civilians, while operating simultaneously for the IRGC in ⁠Iran," the Israeli military ⁠said in a statement.

Lebanon was pulled into the widening US-Israel war with Iran on Monday after the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah fired rockets and drones into Israel.

Israel responded with heavy strikes across southern and eastern Lebanon and near Beirut.

The Raouche neighborhood on Beirut's seafront is typically a tourist attraction, but in recent days has hosted an influx of displaced people fleeing strikes in southern Lebanon and Beirut's southern suburbs.

Some of those displaced had been staying at the ⁠Ramada hotel. Several were seen leaving the building for fear of further air strikes.

The strike appeared to hit a corner suite on the hotel's fourth floor. A Reuters reporter observed the windows of the suite were shattered and surrounding facade blackened.

Ten people were also injured in the attack on Beirut's Raouche area, the Lebanese health ministry said in a statement.

A damaged parked car next to a hotel targeted by an Israeli strike in the Raouche district in Beirut, Lebanon, 08 March 2026. EPA/WAEL HAMZEH

Khalil Abou Mohammad was staying in a building across the street after being displaced earlier this week from Beirut's southern suburbs.

His three children were wounded by the force of the strike and were receiving treatment at a nearby hospital. He showed Reuters bloodstained bed covers and said his children would need surgery.

After being displaced, “we came to stay here, and as you can see, we were sleeping at ⁠3:30 (a.m.) and the ⁠strike hit," Abou Mohammad told Reuters.

Israel has warned any representatives of Iran in Lebanon to leave immediately or risk being targeted, and struck an area near the Iranian embassy in Lebanon earlier this week.


Israeli Settler Attack in West Bank Kills Three Palestinians

Israeli soldiers stand guard during a weekly settlers' tour in Hebron, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, February 7, 2026. REUTERS/Mussa Qawasma
Israeli soldiers stand guard during a weekly settlers' tour in Hebron, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, February 7, 2026. REUTERS/Mussa Qawasma
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Israeli Settler Attack in West Bank Kills Three Palestinians

Israeli soldiers stand guard during a weekly settlers' tour in Hebron, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, February 7, 2026. REUTERS/Mussa Qawasma
Israeli soldiers stand guard during a weekly settlers' tour in Hebron, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, February 7, 2026. REUTERS/Mussa Qawasma

Palestinian authorities and the Israeli military said on Sunday that three Palestinians were killed during an Israeli settler attack in the occupied West Bank, the second deadly incident reported in as many days.

The Palestinian health ministry said Israeli settlers shot dead Thaer Faruq Hamayel, 24, and Farea Jawdat Hamayel, 57, in the town of Abu Falah, northeast of Ramallah.

It did not say when the incident occurred or provide further details.

In a post on X, Palestinian vice president Hussein al-Sheikh condemned the "brutal attack on innocent citizens", saying three were killed and seven others injured.

The Israeli military said forces were dispatched to the Abu Falah area "following a report of Palestinians being attacked by Israeli civilians near homes".

"Later, it was reported that two Palestinians were killed as a result of gunfire.

Additionally, it was reported that another Palestinian died from suffocation," it said in a statement.

"This is an unacceptable incident," Major General Avi Bluth, head of the Israeli military in the West Bank, was quoted as saying.

"There will be zero tolerance for civilians who take the law into their own hands. These actions are dangerous, they do not represent the Jewish people or the State of Israel," he added.

Violence in the West Bank, which Israel has occupied since 1967, has soared since the Hamas attack on Israel triggered the Gaza war in October 2023. It has continued despite the ceasefire.

On Saturday, the Ramallah-based health ministry and a local mayor said Israeli settlers shot dead a Palestinian man and wounded his brother in an attack on another West Bank village, Wadi al-Rakhim.

Mohammad Rabai, head of the nearby Tuwani village council, told AFP that settlers had entered homes in the area and attacked the family of 27-year-old Amir Mohammad Shnaran, who later died.

The Israeli military said soldiers and police were dispatched to the scene after reports of a "violent confrontation" between Israelis and Palestinians.

It said an investigation was underway.