Hezbollah refuses to disarm, calling the plan beneficial for Israel

The Lebanese Shiite group Hezbollah reacted sharply to proposals for the disarmament of Lebanese armed groups, saying that such a plan meets the interests of Israel and is directed against Lebanese sovereignty. In an official statement, the organization's leader called on the country's government not to succumb to external pressure and "not to hand over the fate of the nation to an insatiable Israeli aggressor or an American tyrant."

Hezbollah representatives stressed that their armed forces are part of the national resistance and a key element of the country's defense, especially against the backdrop of ongoing tensions with Israel. The group insists that its weapons will be retained as a means of deterrence and protection of Lebanese interests.

"We will not surrender our weapons as long as there is a threat from Israel," the organization's leader said. "Disarming Hezbollah will weaken Lebanon and make it more vulnerable to external threats."

These statements were made against the background of international discussions on the stabilization of the situation in Lebanon and efforts to strengthen the State's monopoly on the use of force. However, Hezbollah continues to insist that its military structure is not a threat, but a guarantee of security in a region where, in its opinion, traditional defense mechanisms are insufficient.

Rafael announced the first successful combat use of the Iron Ray laser system

 

 Iron Ray

The Israeli defense company Rafael has announced the world's first successful combat use of a high-energy laser. Presumably, we are talking about the Iron Ray missile defense system, designed to intercept and destroy ultra-short-range missiles. Directed energy weapons were first used in real conditions during the Middle East conflict in 2024.

The history of the use of lasers in military operations began in the 1960s - during the Vietnam War, lasers were used as target designators and rangefinders. In the Falklands War of 1982, they were used to temporarily disorient the enemy. However, laser weapons were not used to disable objects in real combat. So far, the case has been limited to field trials.

However, this was bound to happen sooner or later, and the current military conflicts provide defense companies with an excellent opportunity to show the effectiveness of their developments in practice. Yesterday, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems announced on the X network that the company's laser system has been tested by combat, demonstrating high accuracy and effectiveness of intercepting targets at various distances: "For the first time in history, high-energy laser systems have been used to intercept aerial targets in combat. This unprecedented breakthrough occurred during 'The Iron Sword Wars.'"

The company does not say where or when this happened. However, according to the Israeli Ministry of Defense, the incident occurred in 2024. Then the laser systems managed to intercept dozens of UAVs and missiles launched by members of the Shiite organization Hezbollah. The development of these systems was carried out under the leadership of the Ministry of Defense with the involvement of specialists from the Rafael concern.

We are talking about prototypes of the Rafael laser system, on the basis of which a more powerful "Iron Beam" was created, a missile defense system that should strengthen the "Iron Dome" over Israel. Its power is 100 kW and its range is 10 km. It is capable of operating in all weather conditions and integrates with existing air defense systems. This makes it a universal tool for protecting both military installations and civilian infrastructure.

Rafael plans to further improve the Iron Ray, increasing its power and expanding the range of intercepted targets. In parallel, negotiations are underway to supply the complex to other states.

India has recently become one of the countries with laser weapons. In April, energy weapons developed by Indian engineers at domestic enterprises were tested.

Israeli planes hit Beirut

 Israeli planes struck the southern suburbs of Beirut on Sunday after a warning issued about an hour earlier. This is the third Israeli strike on the area since the ceasefire came into effect at the end of November.

In a statement after the strike, the Israeli military said the target was a depot of precision-guided missiles for the militant group Hezbollah. They added that storing such equipment is a violation of the agreement reached to end the war between Israel and Hezbollah.

Escalation on the Lebanese-Syrian Border: Night Skirmishes and Possible Scenarios

 

On the night of March 17, 2025, the Lebanese-Syrian border became the scene of fierce firefights that lasted until the morning. The situation in the region remains tense, and the warring parties are exchanging mutual accusations and threats.

According to Damascus, militants controlled by the Syrian government were attacked by Hezbollah on Syrian territory. According to the Syrian authorities, three people were killed in the clashes. In response, according to unconfirmed reports, an ammunition depot belonging to the Shiite movement was hit in Lebanon.

However, in the morning, Hezbollah's resources began to spread a completely different version of events. According to their statements, the Syrian militants were not killed in battle, but were captured and executed. This information caused additional tension and distrust between the parties.

Damascus continues to explore possible scenarios for further escalation in the Lebanese direction. The Syrian authorities fear that the conflict could escalate into a full-scale confrontation, which would lead to the destabilization of the entire region. In this regard, the Syrian military took off two reconnaissance aircraft that had survived previous Israeli strikes on airfields of the former government army.

Israel Seeks New Deadline Extension for Troop Withdrawal from Southern Lebanon, Raising Local Tensions

 

According to a Western diplomatic source, Israel is seeking another extension of the deadline for the withdrawal of its troops from southern Lebanon. 

This request is likely to raise new concerns in a country that has a history of Israeli occupation.

Israeli troops were supposed to withdraw next week, but a source told the BBC that Israel wanted its military to remain in five positions for another 10 days, until February 28.The ceasefire agreement, which ended the 14-month conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, was brokered by the United States and France and entered into force on November 27.This requires the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon, as well as the removal of Hezbollah fighters and weapons from there.

The Rebels Encircle Damascus: Geopolitical Shifts and International Reactions

Chaos in Syria

The Syrian conflict has reached a critical juncture as rebel forces encircle Damascus, signaling the imminent collapse of the Syrian Arab Republic. The once-formidable army of President Bashar al-Assad has crumbled, demoralized and virtually ceased to exist, leaving the country fragmented and on the brink of disintegration. The rebels, emboldened by their recent victories, continue their offensive, capturing strategically important cities and further isolating the capital.

Hama, a city of significant historical and strategic importance, was taken without resistance, highlighting the disarray within the Syrian military. Dara, symbolic as the birthplace of the civil war, was captured by the rebels, with the local military garrison surrendering without a fight. Al-Suwayda, a crucial transport hub, was also seized, cutting off vital supply routes to Damascus and further isolating the capital. The state's loss of control over these key regions underscores the rapid disintegration of Assad's regime, with rumors suggesting that the president has either fled the country or remains trapped in the encircled capital.

The international reaction to these developments has been swift and multifaceted. Russia, a longstanding ally of the Assad regime, has begun evacuating its military advisers and equipment from Syria. The Kremlin is also expediting the export of S-300 air defense complexes and other weapons from the Khmeimim airbase through the port of Tartus, signaling a strategic retreat. This move marks a significant loss of ground for Russia in Syria and a diminishing influence in the Middle East, a foothold it had secured in 2015.

Iran, another key supporter of the Assad regime, has withdrawn its troops and advisers from Syria. This retreat severs a strategic corridor for the supply of weapons to Hezbollah through Iraq and Syria, significantly weakening Iran's influence in the region. The loss of this supply route reduces Hezbollah's military capabilities and its ability to project power, further shifting the geopolitical landscape.

Turkey, under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has openly admitted its support for the rebel forces advancing towards Damascus. Erdogan's actions are driven by Turkey's own strategic interests, including the potential seizure of Kurdish territories in northwestern Syria. This move highlights Turkey's complex role in the conflict, balancing its support for the rebels with its own geopolitical ambitions.

Israel, closely monitoring the situation, has carried out airstrikes on chemical weapons depots to prevent them from falling into the hands of jihadist groups. Additionally, Israel has strengthened its northern border with Syria by transferring troops, preparing for potential escalations. While Israel is considering the possibility of an invasion to create a buffer zone, it has so far acted with restraint, weighing the potential consequences of direct military intervention.

The Kurds have emerged as a significant new force in the region, actively advancing in the province of Deir ez-Zor. Seeking to capitalize on the crisis, the Kurds aim to create an independent state, a long-awaited dream of the Kurdish people. This aspiration is bolstered by the support of the United States, which has provided military and political backing. Turkey, despite its opposition to the creation of Kurdistan, has avoided direct aggression against the Kurds, largely due to the protective presence of American forces.

The geopolitical shifts resulting from the collapse of Syria are profound. The country is likely to be divided into several entities, including a jihadist state based on Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, controlled by Sunni forces, and Kurdistan in the east. Additionally, small enclaves under the control of international players or local authorities may emerge, further fragmenting the country.

The capture of Abu Kamal, a key supply route from Iran to Lebanon through Syria, has significantly reduced Iran's influence in the region. This development weakens Hezbollah, Iran's main proxy, and alters the balance of power in the Middle East. Similarly, Russia's loss of military bases in Syria marks the end of its long-term attempt to gain a foothold in the Mediterranean, further diminishing its influence.

For Israel, the situation presents both opportunities and challenges. One possible scenario involves creating a buffer zone by temporarily entering Syria to protect its borders. Another scenario could see Israel negotiating with jihadist forces, who are opponents of Iran. In exchange for cooperation, Israel could provide resources such as water and electricity, fostering a strategic alliance.

In conclusion, the encirclement of Damascus by rebel forces marks a turning point in the geopolitics of the region. The collapse of Syria opens up new opportunities for Kurdistan, changes the balance of power with regard to Iran, and threatens stability on Israel's borders. The United States, Turkey, and Russia are all playing their own games, but it is clear that the old order has been completely destroyed. The future of Syria and the broader region will depend on the ability of all parties to navigate this complex and challenging landscape with wisdom, restraint, and a commitment to peace and stability. The international community must remain engaged in diplomatic efforts to address the complex challenges posed by the conflict, ensuring that the well-being of the people of Syria and the broader region is prioritized.

Israel Prepares for Ground Operation in Syria as Syrian Army Faces Collapse

The Israeli military is waiting for an order

In a significant development, Israel is reportedly preparing for a ground operation in Syria, as the Syrian army faces the possibility of collapse under the onslaught of rapidly advancing rebel forces. The situation in Syria has reached a critical juncture, with the Syrian army's unexpected weakness surprising Israeli military strategists and policymakers. The rapid loss of territory to jihadist-led militants has raised concerns about the stability of the region and the potential for further escalation of the conflict.

The report indicates that Israel was taken aback by the swift and decisive advances made by rebel forces against the Syrian army. The Syrian military, once considered a formidable force, has shown surprising vulnerability in the face of the rebel offensive. This weakness has led to a rapid loss of ground, with the Syrian army struggling to maintain control over key territories. The situation has prompted Israel to consider the possibility of a ground operation in Syria, aimed at securing its borders and preventing the spread of instability and violence.

In addition to preparing for a ground operation, Israel has sent a strict warning to Iran not to send weapons to Syria that could fall into the hands of the terrorist group Hezbollah in Lebanon. Hezbollah, a powerful Shia militant group, has been a key ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, providing military support and assistance to the Syrian government. The warning from Israel underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the region, with various actors involved in the conflict and pursuing their own interests and those of its allies.

Hezbollah, meanwhile, has reaffirmed its support for the Syrian government in the face of the rebel offensive. Hezbollah Secretary General Naim Qassem promised that the Lebanese group would continue to back the Syrian government against what he described as "terrorist groups" trying to sow chaos in the country. This statement underscores Hezbollah's commitment to supporting Assad and its willingness to engage in the conflict to protect its interests and those of its allies.

The situation in Syria has broader implications for the region, particularly for Lebanon and Israel. The intensifying offensive by opposition forces, coupled with the weakness of the Syrian army, has raised concerns about the potential for further destabilization and the spread of violence. Israel's preparation for a ground operation in Syria reflects its determination to secure its borders and maintain regional stability.

Israel's Strategic Dilemma: The Rebel Offensive in Syria and Its Implications

Militants in Syria captured the Russian the Pantsir anti-aircraft missile and cannon complex

The ongoing conflict in Syria has long been a complex and multifaceted issue, with various regional and international actors involved. Among these actors, Israel has been closely monitoring the situation, particularly the recent rebel offensive in Syria. While Israel considers the rebel offensive to be in its own interests, as it may divert Hezbollah's attention away from Israel and towards Syria, the situation also presents significant concerns and strategic dilemmas for the Israeli government.

Israel's primary interest in the rebel offensive lies in the potential to weaken Hezbollah, a powerful Shia militant group backed by Iran. Hezbollah has been a longstanding adversary of Israel, with a history of military confrontations and cross-border tensions. The rebel offensive in Syria could force Hezbollah to redirect its resources and focus towards defending its interests in Syria, thereby reducing its ability to threaten Israel. This strategic advantage is seen as beneficial for Israel's security, as it could alleviate some of the pressure on its northern border.

However, Israel's strategic calculations are not without significant concerns. One of the primary fears is that the intensified fighting in Syria could lead to the deployment of additional Iranian forces in the country. Iran has been a key ally of the Syrian government and has provided military and financial support to bolster President Bashar al-Assad's regime. The presence of additional Iranian forces in Syria would further entrench Iran's influence in the region, posing a direct threat to Israel's security interests. Iran's expanded military presence in Syria could provide it with a strategic foothold to launch attacks against Israel, increasing the risk of a broader regional conflict.

In addition to the concerns about Iranian involvement, Israel is also wary of the potential strengthening of Russian forces in Syria. Russia has been a crucial player in the Syrian conflict, providing military support to the Assad regime and conducting airstrikes against rebel groups. The presence of Russian forces in Syria has complicated the strategic landscape, as Russia's interests and actions do not always align with those of Israel. The strengthening of Russian forces in Syria could further tilt the balance of power in the region, potentially limiting Israel's ability to act unilaterally in defense of its interests.

The rebel offensive in Syria, while initially seen as advantageous for Israel, has thus presented a complex strategic dilemma. On one hand, the offensive could weaken Hezbollah and divert its attention away from Israel. On the other hand, the intensified fighting could lead to the deployment of additional Iranian and Russian forces in Syria, further complicating the regional security landscape. Israel must carefully navigate this delicate situation, balancing its strategic interests with the need to maintain regional stability and security.

In conclusion, the rebel offensive in Syria presents Israel with a strategic dilemma, as it weighs the potential benefits of weakening Hezbollah against the concerns of increased Iranian and Russian involvement in the country. The situation highlights the complex and multifaceted nature of the Syrian conflict, with various regional and international actors involved. Israel must remain vigilant and engaged in diplomatic efforts to navigate this challenging landscape, ensuring that its strategic interests are protected while promoting regional stability and security. The future of the Syrian conflict and its implications for Israel and the broader region will depend on the ability of all parties to work together towards a peaceful and sustainable resolution.