⋯ In an interview with the online newspaper Al-Sharq on 24 September, former US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, David Schenker, revealed that Lebanon has achieved its maximalist goals in the maritime negotiations with Israel.

⋯ Schenker claims that Israel has conceded and will acknowledge Lebanon’s unrestricted access to the Qana prospect gas field, hinting at a deal between Beirut and Tel Aviv very soon.

However, Schenker casts doubt on what Lebanon has gained in the agreement, taunting that blocks 9, 10, and notably the Qana fields, are not proven to contain any resources of use to Lebanon.

⋯ He added that recent speech by Hezbollah’s SG Nasrallah “gave the green light to the Lebanese government to sign the agreement.”

Nonetheless, he reticulated the efforts made by the Lebanese resistance to pressure Israel into a deal that preserves Lebanon’s national wealth.

⋯ Schenker insisted that Israel chose the path of diplomacy in a bid to void the importance of Hezbollah, claiming Tel Aviv avoided all actions that would hinder the progress of the negotiations.

Mufti of the CIA-backed Arab spring, Yousef al-Qaradawi, has died at the age of 96 y/o.

Lebanese Minister of Energy:

The visit of the Lebanese delegation to Iran was positive.

With this Iranian gift and the Iraqi contract we may provide 8-10 hours daily of electricity.

Ak AMBITION ship docked in Tripoli harbor loaded with corn and vegetable oil from Ukraine to Lebanon.

The ship was received by Ukrainian Ambassador Ihor Eustache.

The Lebanese Parliament approves the draft budget for the year 2022 with a majority of 63 votes in favor, 37 against, and 6 abstentions.

Head of the Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas congratulates Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz on the Jewish holidays.

Who is Italy's new Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni?

"Israel represents the only fully-fledged democracy in the broader Middle East, and we defend without any reservations its right to exist and live in security.

"I believe that the existence of the State of Israel is vital, and Fratelli d'Italia will make every effort to invest in greater cooperation between our countries."

– Interview to Israel Hayom, 16 ⁠Sep 2022.

⋯ Giorgia Meloni continues:

"We are extremely concerned about Iran's role in the region, its ongoing rapprochement with Russia and China, its continued support for Hezbollah, which continues to threaten Israel's security, as well as the IAEA's report (...).

"We firmly supported the Abraham Accords as a means of maintaining regional stability and curbing down Iran's aggressive foreign policy; therefore we believe they should be further implemented."

www.israelhayom.com/2022/…

Lebanese Minister of Energy Walid Fayyad announced successful efforts in reaching a deal with Iran regarding an offer of free fuel oil shipments to Lebanon.

Upon concluding his visit to Baabda Palace to meet outgoing President Michel Aoun, Fayyad revealed that the Iranian fuel along with fuel purchases from Iraq would provide Lebanon with around 8-10 hours of daily electricity.

The minister stated that work is still ongoing to resolve technical obstacles regarding the compatibility of Iranian oil with Lebanon’s power plants.

thecradle.co/Article/news…

⋯ In an interview with the online newspaper Al-Sharq on 24 September, former US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, David Schenker, dismissed the possibility of US sanctions on Lebanon if the deal goes through.

⋯ He added that the US will treat this donation similar to the two fuel ships transported by Hezbollah via Syria to Lebanon in September 2021.

However, Schenker described the donation as just another “political stunt” by Nasrallah to showcase himself as the savior of Lebanon.

The Vatican has announced that it is finally defrocking Mansour Labaki after he sexually abused children in Lebanon and France.

By: @‌‌‎nicfrakesjourno

The head of the 'Free Patriotic Movement' Gebran Bassil will hold a press conference at the movement's central headquarters in the Mirna Chalouhi building, at 5:30 pm.

West bank: Israeli occupation soldiers fired rockets against a house in pursuit of resistance fighters.

The house was reported to belong to Raed Hazem's father. Raed was responsible for an operation in Tel Aviv that resulted in the death of 3 Israeli settlers.

A Lebanese mother and her son were arrested by security forces for selling drugs (weed and cocaine).

One was martyred and 9 others were injured, including two critically.

The martyr is a member of the Palestinian security services, Ahmed Alawneh. He was likely operating in Islamic Jihad cells.

⋯ Three new martyrs have been found inside the house targeted by the Israeli occupation forces. The bodies were located in the garden.

They have been identified as Abed Hazem, Muhammad Brahma, Ahmad Alawneh and Tariq Al-Shaqfa.

🚨 Lebanon: Israeli jets are flying at low altitudes over Hasbaya and Arqoub areas towards Jabal al-Sheikh and the occupied Golan Heights.

Jets are also over Marjayoun and Jezzine.