Lebanon: Pressure Mounts on Mikati’s Government for Failing to Confront ‘Hezbollah’

Politicians stressed pressure on President Najib Mikati in light of the faltering efforts to settle the crisis caused by the Minister of Information George Kordahi (AFP)
Politicians stressed pressure on President Najib Mikati in light of the faltering efforts to settle the crisis caused by the Minister of Information George Kordahi (AFP)
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Lebanon: Pressure Mounts on Mikati’s Government for Failing to Confront ‘Hezbollah’

Politicians stressed pressure on President Najib Mikati in light of the faltering efforts to settle the crisis caused by the Minister of Information George Kordahi (AFP)
Politicians stressed pressure on President Najib Mikati in light of the faltering efforts to settle the crisis caused by the Minister of Information George Kordahi (AFP)

The crisis with Gulf states and its repercussions have become the focus of political stances in Lebanon, with many calling for expediting solutions and the resignation of Information Minister George Kordahi.

Some even called for Prime Minister Najib Mikati to step down alongside other ministers because of Hezbollah’s hegemony over the work of a rather “helpless” government.

“The Arab option must not fall at all, and all Lebanese parties must listen to the voice of reason,” urged Democratic Gathering Secretary, MP Hadi Abou al-Hassan, adding that Lebanon cannot withstand a row with fellow Arab countries.

“Kordahi’s resignation is the key to correcting the course of the relationship with the Kingdom (Saudi Arabia) and the Arab Brotherhood, and this requires dialogue and discussion and a return to diplomatic principles,” added al-Hassan.

For his part, Free Patriotic Movement lawmaker Mario Aoun also called for Kordahi’s resignation.

“It became clear that Mikati is desperately asking for the resignation of Kordahi,” said Aoun in a radio interview.

As for the cabinet convening over Kordahi’s dismissal, Aoun said “the subject is yet to be discussed.”

MP Nicolas Nahas, a member of Mikati’s parliamentary bloc, described the current political complications as “major,” noting that efforts are ongoing to curb the escalation with the Gulf states.

He added: “The issue requires a clear and integrated roadmap to rebuild confidence, and the first step begins with Kordahi following his conscience.

“If he does not resign, the president, the prime minister, and the parliament speaker would need to decide what measures to take.”

Nahas stressed: “Serious work is required, and it is not permissible in any way for the people to pay the price for political disputes.”

Former Lebanese Forces lawmaker Fadi Karam, for his part, warned that the government stepping down is “dangerous” and threatens upcoming elections.



US Navy Destroys Houthi Missiles and Drones Targeting American Ships in Gulf of Aden

This is a locator map of Yemen with its capital, Sanaa. (AP Photo)
This is a locator map of Yemen with its capital, Sanaa. (AP Photo)
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US Navy Destroys Houthi Missiles and Drones Targeting American Ships in Gulf of Aden

This is a locator map of Yemen with its capital, Sanaa. (AP Photo)
This is a locator map of Yemen with its capital, Sanaa. (AP Photo)

US Navy destroyers shot down seven missiles and drones fired by Yemen’s Houthi group at the warships and three American merchant vessels they were escorting through the Gulf of Aden. No damage or injuries were reported.
US Central Command said late Sunday that the destroyers USS Stockdale and USS O’Kane shot down and destroyed three anti-ship ballistic missiles, three drones and one anti-ship cruise missile. The merchant ships were not identified, reported The Associated Press.
The Houthis claimed the attack in a statement and said they had targeted the US destroyers and "three supply ships belonging to the American army in the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Aden.”
Houthi attacks for months have targeted shipping through a waterway where $1 trillion in goods pass annually over the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza and Israel’s ground offensive in Lebanon. A ceasefire was announced last week.
The USS Stockdale was involved in a similar attack on Nov. 12.