Yemeni Missiles and Drones Target U.S. Aircraft Carriers and Warships / Occupation Escalates Violations as Settlers Enter Maroun and International Committee Stalls
Democratic Gathering Nominates Army Commander Amid Bassil’s Objection, While Frangieh Remains a Candidate
December 19, 2024
The political editor wrote
The occupying entity’s media announced heightened aerial alertness in the east and south in anticipation of Yemeni drones and missiles. Meanwhile, Yemeni sources stated that joint operations between Yemen and the Iraqi resistance are progressing toward targeting the depth of the occupying entity and the Port of Eilat. This follows reports in Yemeni and international media of Yemeni missile and drone strikes on U.S. aircraft carriers and warships in the Red Sea.
In southern Lebanon, the scale and nature of Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement have intensified. Explosions were reported in several border villages, targeting homes and mosques. Additionally, occupation forces expanded into Bani Hayyan, a village they had not entered even during the war. The peak of these transgressions against Lebanese sovereignty occurred when extremist settlers, for the first time, ventured into southern Lebanon, setting up tents in the town of Maroun al-Ras. All this unfolded as the committee overseeing the ceasefire convened in Naqoura, yet failed to produce any response, leaving Lebanon looking stripped of sovereignty and entirely powerless in the absence of resistance retaliation. This raises pressing questions for those who continue to advocate for reliance on international mechanisms to safeguard Lebanon.
On the presidential front, the Democratic Gathering, led by MP Taymour Jumblatt, announced its support for the candidacy of Army Commander General Joseph Aoun for the presidency. The first objection came from Free Patriotic Movement leader Gebran Bassil, criticising non-Christians for nominating a Christian president. Meanwhile, former minister Sleiman Frangieh affirmed that he remains a candidate for the presidency and expressed openness to discussing a nominee who meets the required qualifications for the position.
