Civilians search for their belongings in a damaged building after Israeli strikes in the village of Al Aqbieh near Sidon, south Lebanon. EPA
Civilians search for their belongings in a damaged building after Israeli strikes in the village of Al Aqbieh near Sidon, south Lebanon. EPA
Civilians search for their belongings in a damaged building after Israeli strikes in the village of Al Aqbieh near Sidon, south Lebanon. EPA
Civilians search for their belongings in a damaged building after Israeli strikes in the village of Al Aqbieh near Sidon, south Lebanon. EPA

Israeli strikes on Lebanon are fiercest yet but Hezbollah is armed for a long war


Robert Tollast
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Israel's intensive round of air strikes against Hezbollah on Monday was the heaviest attack on Lebanon since the devastating month-long war between the two sides in 2006, but the impact on the paramilitary group's capabilities remains to be seen.

The Israeli air force claimed to have struck 1,600 targets, with Lebanese health authorities saying at least 558 people were killed, including 50 children and 49 women, and 1,835 injured. By comparison, the so-called shock and awe air strikes conducted by the US and allies during the 2003 Iraq invasion comprising 3,000 bombs were delivered across a much larger area over 48 hours. In Gaza, Israel said it bombed about 7,000 targets in the first 20 days of the war there.

Israel says it is targeting Hezbollah weapons and infrastructure in attacks that continued on Tuesday. Hezbollah responded with rockets and missiles that struck deep within Israel, sending tens of thousands of residents to bomb shelters, where they spent much of Monday and Tuesday morning, with a number of civilians injured by shrapnel.

Nearly 600 people in Lebanon had been killed in nearly a year of cross-border attacks before Monday’s escalation - nearly 500 of whom were Hezbollah members. The spike in deaths is set to raise the overall death toll beyond the 1,200 Lebanese – mostly civilians – killed in the 2006 war. About 44 Israeli civilians and 121 soldiers were killed in that conflict.

About 100,000 Lebanese and 70,000 Israelis have been displaced from their homes in border areas since Hezbollah initiated the cross-border exchanges on October 8 to open a new front against Israel in support of its ally Hamas, the Palestinian militant group that killed about 1,200 people and took another 250 hostage in raids on southern Israel a day earlier, triggering Israel's war on Gaza.

Experts note that Israel and Hezbollah have long had an understanding not to escalate beyond a certain point. That collapsed last week after thousands of pagers and hand-held radios used by Hezbollah were rigged with explosives and detonated, killing 34 people and injuring thousands. The blasts, blamed on Israel, came after the Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government declared the return of people displaced by Hezbollah's attacks as one of its war goals.

Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah has said the group will not stop firing on Israel until there is a ceasefire in Gaza, where more than 41,400 people have died since October, while Israel’s chief of staff Herzi Halevi insists air strikes on Hezbollah will persist until the group withdraws from the border to north of the Litani river, placing Israeli communities out of range.

“Israel supported the efforts of the Americans and the French to reach a diplomatic agreement that will take us back to UN Security Council resolution 1701, which was never realised,” said Kobi Michael, an analyst at Israel’s Institute for National Security Studies. "According to this resolution, Hezbollah was not supposed to be in the area between Litani river and the border of Israel but unfortunately they're there and very fortified and they're threatening the security of people in Israel in the north."

Mr Michael, a former Israeli government official, says Hezbollah could conduct an October 7-style raid from its border stronghold.

Worse than the 2006 war?

The 2006 Lebanon-Israel war lasted 34 days and involved a ground invasion of southern Lebanon by up to 30,000 Israeli soldiers. Israel claimed to have struck about 7,000 targets during the conflict, devastating parts of Beirut and wrecking energy infrastructure and roads across the country.

Analysts say the Israeli air force's ability to inflict destruction has surged since, highlighting an exercise conducted in 2021. In the three-day drill, the air force simulated an attack on Hezbollah using its entire fleet of nearly 300 fighter-bombers to hit 3,000 virtual targets in 24 hours.

Hezbollah, too, is far better armed today. In 2006, the group was thought to have had about 15,000 rockets and missiles, firing most of them in the conflict or losing them to Israeli air strikes, along with several thousand core fighters, as well as networks of bunkers and hidden firing positions. Its drone capabilities were basic and few in number, while it had few precision-guided missiles.

Today, it has up to 50,000 fighters and somewhere between 80,000 and 150,000 rockets and missiles. It has “squadrons” of Iran-supplied drones that can strike deep into Israel, some capable of firing missiles, in addition to more common variants that fly directly into a target and explode. In 2006, its infantry forces had powerful Russian-made Kornet anti-tank guided missiles and damaged or destroyed about 20 Israeli Merkava tanks. Today, that capability has advanced.

The group now uses so-called non-line-of-sight missiles such as the Almas, which can be guided by camera directly into a target up to 10km away. The group also makes extensive use of explosive quadcopter drones, as well as drones that can drop grenades – ubiquitous and deadly weapons in the Ukraine war that are extremely hard to defend against.

Hezbollah firepower

Experts say the group could fire at least 1,000 rockets and missiles a day, overwhelming Israel's Iron Dome missile defence system and devastating its power grid. Some estimates put that figure as high as 4,000 – entirely plausible considering that Hamas, with a much smaller arsenal, was able to launch a barrage of about 5,000 rockets and missiles on October 7 alone.

From October until the latest escalation, Hezbollah has fired 8,000 rockets, according to the Israeli government. Its recent barrages have been far smaller than analysts expected, numbering in the hundreds, raising the question of what has happened. On Monday, the group fired about 250 rockets and missiles into Israel.

“One hopes the Israeli defence forces truly damaged the rocket arsenal in the past few days,” said Samit Zehavi, founder of Alma, an Israeli defence think tank. "This could be one reason for the lower number of rockets and missiles fired; and a second reason is that it damaged the capability to launch by military operatives who are trained at using longer-range or more sophisticated weapons."

However, there is a strong chance that even Israel’s considerable air power has not been able to strike most of Hezbollah’s arsenal, Ms Zehavi says.

“With regard to the Grads, which are simple rockets, I think that maybe Hezbollah is saving them for the next part of the conflict. There are different reports here in Israel about the scale of damage that was caused to Hezbollah. It's too soon to evaluate.

"But in any case, Hezbollah is a pragmatic organisation. It was prepared for a long war. And I think that the strategy of their Iranian boss is a strategy of a war of attrition rather than quick war. And that's why Hezbollah is not rushing to spend all its cards, and the majority of it rockets, very quickly.”

How to apply for a drone permit
  • Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
  • Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
  • Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
  • Submit their request
What are the regulations?
  • Fly it within visual line of sight
  • Never over populated areas
  • Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
  • Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
  • Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
  • Should have a live feed of the drone flight
  • Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
While you're here
Results

6.30pm Al Maktoum Challenge Round-3 Group 1 (PA) US$100,000 (Dirt) 2,000m, Winner Bandar, Fernando Jara (jockey), Majed Al Jahouri (trainer).

7.05pm Meydan Classic Listed (TB) $175,000 (Turf) 1,600m, ​​​​​​​Winner Well Of Wisdom, William Buick, Charlie Appleby.

7.40pm Handicap (TB) $135,000 (T) 2,000m, ​​​​​​​Winner Star Safari, Mickael Barzalona, Charlie Appleby.

8.15pm Handicap (TB) $135,000 (D) 1,600m, Winner Moqarrar, Fabrice Veron, Erwan Charpy.

8.50pm Nad Al Sheba Trophy Group 2 (TB) $300,000 (T) 2,810m, Winner Secret Advisor, William Buick, Charlie Appleby.

9.25pm Curlin Stakes Listed (TB) $175,000 (D) 2,000m, ​​​​​​​Winner Parsimony, William Buick, Doug O’Neill.

10pm Handicap (TB) $135,000 (T) 2,000m, Winner Simsir, Ronan Whelan, Michael Halford.

10.35pm Handicap (TB) $175,000 (T) 1,400m, ​​​​​​​Winner Velorum, Mickael Barzalona, Charlie Appleby.

Avatar: Fire and Ash

Director: James Cameron

Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana

Rating: 4.5/5

Fixtures and results:

Wed, Aug 29:

  • Malaysia bt Hong Kong by 3 wickets
  • Oman bt Nepal by 7 wickets
  • UAE bt Singapore by 215 runs

Thu, Aug 30: 

  • UAE bt Nepal by 78 runs
  • Hong Kong bt Singapore by 5 wickets
  • Oman bt Malaysia by 2 wickets

Sat, Sep 1: UAE v Hong Kong; Oman v Singapore; Malaysia v Nepal

Sun, Sep 2: Hong Kong v Oman; Malaysia v UAE; Nepal v Singapore

Tue, Sep 4: Malaysia v Singapore; UAE v Oman; Nepal v Hong Kong

Thu, Sep 6: Final

Combating coronavirus

The Vines - In Miracle Land
Two stars

Naga
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Recycle Reuse Repurpose

New central waste facility on site at expo Dubai South area to  handle estimated 173 tonne of waste generated daily by millions of visitors

Recyclables such as plastic, paper, glass will be collected from bins on the expo site and taken to the new expo Central Waste Facility on site

Organic waste will be processed at the new onsite Central Waste Facility, treated and converted into compost to be re-used to green the expo area

Of 173 tonnes of waste daily, an estimated 39 per cent will be recyclables, 48 per cent  organic waste  and 13 per cent  general waste.

About 147 tonnes will be recycled and converted to new products at another existing facility in Ras Al Khor

Recycling at Ras Al Khor unit:

Plastic items to be converted to plastic bags and recycled

Paper pulp moulded products such as cup carriers, egg trays, seed pots, and food packaging trays

Glass waste into bowls, lights, candle holders, serving trays and coasters

Aim is for 85 per cent of waste from the site to be diverted from landfill 

If you go

The flights

The closest international airport for those travelling from the UAE is Denver, Colorado. British Airways (www.ba.com) flies from the UAE via London from Dh3,700 return, including taxes. From there, transfers can be arranged to the ranch or it’s a seven-hour drive. Alternatively, take an internal flight to the counties of Cody, Casper, or Billings

The stay

Red Reflet offers a series of packages, with prices varying depending on season. All meals and activities are included, with prices starting from US$2,218 (Dh7,150) per person for a minimum stay of three nights, including taxes. For more information, visit red-reflet-ranch.net.

 

Stuck in a job without a pay rise? Here's what to do

Chris Greaves, the managing director of Hays Gulf Region, says those without a pay rise for an extended period must start asking questions – both of themselves and their employer.

“First, are they happy with that or do they want more?” he says. “Job-seeking is a time-consuming, frustrating and long-winded affair so are they prepared to put themselves through that rigmarole? Before they consider that, they must ask their employer what is happening.”

Most employees bring up pay rise queries at their annual performance appraisal and find out what the company has in store for them from a career perspective.

Those with no formal appraisal system, Mr Greaves says, should ask HR or their line manager for an assessment.

“You want to find out how they value your contribution and where your job could go,” he says. “You’ve got to be brave enough to ask some questions and if you don’t like the answers then you have to develop a strategy or change jobs if you are prepared to go through the job-seeking process.”

For those that do reach the salary negotiation with their current employer, Mr Greaves says there is no point in asking for less than 5 per cent.

“However, this can only really have any chance of success if you can identify where you add value to the business (preferably you can put a monetary value on it), or you can point to a sustained contribution above the call of duty or to other achievements you think your employer will value.”

 

Classification of skills

A worker is categorised as skilled by the MOHRE based on nine levels given in the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) issued by the International Labour Organisation. 

A skilled worker would be someone at a professional level (levels 1 – 5) which includes managers, professionals, technicians and associate professionals, clerical support workers, and service and sales workers.

The worker must also have an attested educational certificate higher than secondary or an equivalent certification, and earn a monthly salary of at least Dh4,000. 

Dubai Bling season three

Cast: Loujain Adada, Zeina Khoury, Farhana Bodi, Ebraheem Al Samadi, Mona Kattan, and couples Safa & Fahad Siddiqui and DJ Bliss & Danya Mohammed 

Rating: 1/5

German intelligence warnings
  • 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
  • 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
  • 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250 

Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution

Dhadak 2

Director: Shazia Iqbal

Starring: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri 

Rating: 1/5

Milestones on the road to union

1970

October 26: Bahrain withdraws from a proposal to create a federation of nine with the seven Trucial States and Qatar. 

December: Ahmed Al Suwaidi visits New York to discuss potential UN membership.

1971

March 1:  Alex Douglas Hume, Conservative foreign secretary confirms that Britain will leave the Gulf and “strongly supports” the creation of a Union of Arab Emirates.

July 12: Historic meeting at which Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid make a binding agreement to create what will become the UAE.

July 18: It is announced that the UAE will be formed from six emirates, with a proposed constitution signed. RAK is not yet part of the agreement.

August 6:  The fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed becoming Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with official celebrations deferred until later in the year.

August 15: Bahrain becomes independent.

September 3: Qatar becomes independent.

November 23-25: Meeting with Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and senior British officials to fix December 2 as date of creation of the UAE.

November 29:  At 5.30pm Iranian forces seize the Greater and Lesser Tunbs by force.

November 30: Despite  a power sharing agreement, Tehran takes full control of Abu Musa. 

November 31: UK officials visit all six participating Emirates to formally end the Trucial States treaties

December 2: 11am, Dubai. New Supreme Council formally elects Sheikh Zayed as President. Treaty of Friendship signed with the UK. 11.30am. Flag raising ceremony at Union House and Al Manhal Palace in Abu Dhabi witnessed by Sheikh Khalifa, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.

December 6: Arab League formally admits the UAE. The first British Ambassador presents his credentials to Sheikh Zayed.

December 9: UAE joins the United Nations.

The specs

Engine: 1.5-litre turbo

Power: 181hp

Torque: 230Nm

Transmission: 6-speed automatic

Starting price: Dh79,000

On sale: Now

box

COMPANY PROFILE

Company name: Letstango.com

Started: June 2013

Founder: Alex Tchablakian

Based: Dubai

Industry: e-commerce

Initial investment: Dh10 million

Investors: Self-funded

Total customers: 300,000 unique customers every month

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SmackDown Tag Team Championship The Bludgeon Brothers (champions) v The Usos

Raw Tag Team Championship (currently vacant) Cesaro and Sheamus v Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt

Casket match The Undertaker v Rusev

Singles match John Cena v Triple H

Cruiserweight Championship Cedric Alexander v Kalisto

Scores

Day 2

New Zealand 153 & 56-1
Pakistan 227

New Zealand trail by 18 runs with nine wickets remaining

Groom and Two Brides

Director: Elie Semaan

Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla

Rating: 3/5

Updated: October 08, 2024, 3:41 AM