Lebanon Sovereignty
What is Israel's fundamental dilemma regarding its borders?
Israel faces a critical dilemma as it has never clearly defined its borders, which has led to continuous expansion, attacks on neighboring countries, occupation of lands, and settlement creation in territories including the West Bank, Gaza, East Jerusalem, and southern Syria. The key challenge is that Israel must determine how to peacefully coexist with surrounding Arab nations and Palestine within recognized boundaries, likely its 1967 borders with reasonable adjustments. Arab nations and 57 Islamic-majority countries have offered to coexist with Israel, but Israel has primarily relied on military force rather than diplomatic solutions. Until Israel establishes clear boundaries, regional conflict will persist.
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Al Jazeera English
20:27 - 21:32
How is Lebanon responding to Israeli military presence on its territory?
Lebanon has officially declared that any Israeli presence on its soil now constitutes an occupation. This significant statement comes after the deadline for complete Israeli withdrawal has passed without Israel fully complying. The Lebanese government is attempting to assert its sovereignty in response to continued Israeli military presence in southern Lebanon. This declaration represents an escalation in diplomatic tensions, as Lebanon frames the Israeli presence not merely as a border dispute or military operation, but as an illegal occupation of sovereign territory.
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Al Jazeera English
00:01 - 00:38
What is happening in southern Lebanon following Israel's partial withdrawal?
The Lebanese army is clearing unexploded munitions from southern areas while Israeli forces partially withdraw. Some families displaced by 14 months of cross-border fighting between Israel and Hezbollah are returning to their homes, many of which are in ruins. Lebanon's new prime minister has demanded that Israeli troops leave 'every last inch' of Lebanon, but Israel's Defense minister has stated that soldiers will remain in five positions. Israel has pledged to enforce the ceasefire while reserving the right to act against any perceived Hezbollah threat.
Watch clip answer (00:32m)Al Jazeera English
00:38 - 01:11
What diplomatic challenge is Marco Rubio facing in the Middle East?
Marco Rubio, as US Secretary of State, is making his first visit to the Middle East while facing the significant challenge of maintaining two separate ceasefires - one in Gaza and another in Lebanon. This diplomatic mission represents a crucial test for the Trump administration's approach to Middle Eastern diplomacy. The timing is particularly challenging as it coincides with Israeli forces partially withdrawing from southern Lebanon amid regional tensions. Rubio's efforts focus on preserving fragile stability in a region where competing interests and ongoing conflicts make diplomatic solutions exceptionally difficult to achieve and maintain.
Watch clip answer (00:18m)Al Jazeera English
22:12 - 22:30
How has the conflict and destruction affected Hezbollah's popularity in Lebanon?
According to political analyst Ali Rizk, despite the widespread destruction in southern Lebanon, Hezbollah's popularity has not diminished but actually increased. He notes that masses of people have returned to their homes in southern Lebanon despite immense damage to the area. Rizk emphasizes that contrary to what might be expected, the devastation caused by the conflict has not negatively impacted Hezbollah's standing among the Lebanese population. If anything, the group appears to have gained stronger support in the aftermath of the destruction.
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Al Jazeera English
08:49 - 09:30