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Limo Service in Lebanon, IN

When you're navigating the congested streets of Indianapolis, finding efficient and reliable transportation is easier said than done. With its maze of tiny roads, limited parking, and awful traffic, getting around the city is more time-consuming and stressful than it is relaxing. That's where a limo service in Lebanon, IN, can rescue you quickly by providing a hassle-free, superior way to travel in comfort and style. Whether you're a local resident or a visitor, hiring a knowledgeable chauffeur for your transportation needs in Indianapolis isn't just fun - it's smart and savvy. And when you need the very best car service in The Crossroads of America, look no further than LSG International.

Service Areas

Limo Service Lebanon, IN

LSG International takes great pride in our team of highly skilled and professional chauffeurs. We are confident in their abilities to provide exceptional customer service, as they are not only experienced motorists but also friendly and attentive hosts. With their extensive knowledge of Indianapolis' roads and traffic patterns, you can rest assured that you will arrive at your destination safely, comfortably, and on time. Our chauffeurs prioritize your satisfaction, and we are confident that you will enjoy a seamless travel experience from start to finish with LSG International.

Wedding Limo Service Lebanon, IN

At LSG International, we understand that traveling with a group is about more than just getting from point A to point B - it's about fun experiences and making memories that will last a lifetime. Our fleet of impeccably maintained vehicles offers a wide selection of luxury options to suit any occasion or group size. From sleek sedans and spacious SUVs to stylish stretch limousines, we have the perfect vehicle to ensure your group travels in absolute comfort and style.

Birthday Party Limo Service Lebanon, IN

At LSG International, we understand that no two group travel experiences are the same. That's why we provide customized chauffeur services that can be tailored to your needs. Whether it's transportation for a corporate event, a corporate event near Indianapolis, a wedding party, or just a ride to the airport, our team will work hard to exceed your needs. We take care of everything from coordinating multiple pickups and drop-offs to accommodating special requests. Our goal is to ensure a hassle-free and memorable experience for your group by going the extra mile to ensure your comfort and convenience.

Bachelor Party Limo Service Lebanon, IN

Have you ever used a popular rideshare app with high hopes, only to find that your driver was late and didn't care about missing your pickup time? Unfortunately, this happens all too often. You won't ever have to worry about unprofessional experiences when you book with LSG International. Our drivers understand that you have places to be and that you've got to be there on time. With our advanced dispatch and tracking resources, we monitor traffic conditions and adjust our routes on the fly to ensure you reach your destination on time and without stress.

Bachelorette Party Limo Service Lebanon, IN

In the past, most limo driving services required you to book over the phone. In fact, most drivers will tell you that 90% of limousine reservations are still made over the phone. However, many limo services, like LSG International, now take reservations online. The process is pretty simple.

Simply head over to our website and check out our fleet online. Put in your preferred date range so you can see our schedule and fleet availability. Be sure to let us know how many people will be in your party, how long you'll need your limo service, and what type of event we'll be driving you to. Once you settle on a vehicle, date range, pick-up location, and drop-off location, you're ready for a free quote. Provide all the details necessary, and before you know it, one of our experienced drivers will be picking you and your group up on time.

Airport Limo Service Lebanon, IN

1. Vehicle Quality

Have you ever booked a car on a rideshare app thinking you'd be riding in style, only to find out you're riding in a tin can with wheels? When using a ridesharing service, there's always some uncertainty regarding the type of car you'll get. It could be a small, dirty vehicle that doesn't fit your needs. Some ridesharing companies offer luxury options, but there's no guarantee that the car provided will actually be luxurious. However, if you're looking for a stylish ride, a limo service may be the way to go. With a limo service, you have the freedom to choose your own vehicle, and you can rest assured that it will be clean and meet your expectations.

2. Fluctuating Price

One of the most frustrating aspects of using ridesharing apps is that their pricing is unreliable. The cost of a ride usually depends on the availability of drivers and the demand for rides at a certain time. If there are fewer drivers available than there are people who need rides, the prices may increase. However, this is not the case with limousine services from LSG International. When you book a limo service online, the price you are quoted is the price you will pay. No sneaky upcharges. No fluctuating rates. That means that you will always know the exact cost of your ride ahead of time and can plan accordingly.

3. Boring Experiences

Let's face it - the random Honda Civic that picks you up on the ridesharing app can't compare to a quality stretch limousine, luxury SUV, or party bus provided by LSG International. Booking a limo or luxury car driving service can add a touch of class that you won't get with a stranger's car, even if you're just hitting the town with your spouse. If you're looking to make the event extra special, then opting for a limo service is the way to go.

Limo Service Pricing

When it comes to choosing a chauffeured service, price is always an important factor to consider. It's a good idea to compare prices and get an idea of what is a reasonable price to pay. However, keep in mind that the cheapest price may not always be the best value. In fact, it's possible that the cheapest service may end up being disappointing. Always remember the saying, "Price is what you should pay; value is what you should get. "So, don't compromise on quality for the sake of a lower price.

Whether you're renting a limo or a party bus for a wedding or a major event, it's important to find a reliable and trustworthy service provider that can offer you the best value for your money. At LSG International, we take the guesswork out of pricing by offering online quotes, which you can get in just a couple of minutes.

10 Passenger Limo Rental Lebanon, IN
10 Person Limo Rental Lebanon, IN

Personal Referrals and Online Reviews

As you probably know, the internet is the go-to source for information - not just on people, but businesses, too. If you've ever used Yelp or Google to see online reviews, you know what we're talking about. Around 90%of people check out online reviews before making a purchase or visiting a business, and you should, too. A reputable limo service company with loyal customers usually has great reviews. However, you may also come across reviews that mention issues. This is an excellent way to gain a variety of perspectives. Don't forget to check out how the company responds to their reviewers.

In addition to online reviews, you can also ask friends and family members for limo rental referrals. If a relative or close friend has used a specific company for many years, chances are they're a good choice.

Car Service Rental Fleet

A reliable car service company should have a diverse and extensive fleet with different amenities and features to offer. It is important to note that their fleet should have options for accommodating different size groups of passengers.

As everyone's needs and preferences vary when it comes to using a limo rental service, it is essential to communicate the number of passengers you will have to the company. This will enable them to provide you with the most suitable options for your situation. They have cars that can accommodate two to three passengers and larger coach buses that can accommodate dozens.

12 Passenger Limo Rental Lebanon, IN
12 Person Limo Rental Lebanon, IN

Insurance Coverage

This might sound like a no-brainer, but any limo service company worth your money should have the appropriate car insurance and licensing. Don't ever book a party bus or a trip to the airport with a company that doesn't have the right insurance. Personal auto policies Personal auto policies won't cut it - you don't want to be held responsible if there's any sort of mishap on the road. At LSG International, all of our drivers are licensed, and our company maintains the proper car insurance to cover every vehicle in our fleet.

Latest News in Lebanon, IN

Thunderstorms with pea-sized hail in Lebanon and Lancaster counties Sunday

The National Weather Service issued a report at 1:57 p.m. on Sunday for strong thunderstorms until 2:15 p.m. for Lebanon and Lancaster counties.The storms are packing pea-sized hail (0.25 inches) and wind gusts of up to 50 mph."At 1:57 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm over Myerstown, moving east at 10 mph," states the weather service. "Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible."Locations impacted by the alert...

The National Weather Service issued a report at 1:57 p.m. on Sunday for strong thunderstorms until 2:15 p.m. for Lebanon and Lancaster counties.

The storms are packing pea-sized hail (0.25 inches) and wind gusts of up to 50 mph.

"At 1:57 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm over Myerstown, moving east at 10 mph," states the weather service. "Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible."

Locations impacted by the alert include Myerstown, Denver, Reamstown, Newmanstown, Adamstown, Richland, Schaefferstown, Kleinfeltersville, Reinholds and Schoeneck.

The weather service states, "If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Very heavy rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways. This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service."

Each year, lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times, with the majority of these electrifying events occurring during the summer months. Unfortunately, lightning is responsible for claiming the lives of approximately 20 people annually, as reported by the weather service. The threat of lightning becomes more pronounced as thunderstorms draw nearer, peaking when the storm is directly overhead and gradually waning as it moves away.

To guarantee your safety in the midst of a thunderstorm, take into account the following recommendations:

Lightning safety plan:

Indoors safety measures:

Wait for the all-clear:

When indoor shelter isn't available:

If you find yourself outdoors without access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety:

In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, vigilance and preparedness are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the chances of lightning-related accidents and prioritize your safety.

When heavy rain pours, the risk of flooding and treacherous roads rises. Here's your guide from the weather service to staying safe during downpours:

Beware of swollen waterways:

In heavy rain, refrain from parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a grave danger.

Maintain safe driving distances:

Adhere to the two-second rule for maintaining a safe following distance behind the vehicle in front of you. In heavy rain, allow an additional two seconds of distance to compensate for reduced traction and braking effectiveness.

Slow down and stay cautious:

If it is raining and the roads are wet, slow down. Take your foot off the accelerator and let your speed drop gradually. Never use the brakes suddenly because this may cause the car to skid.

Choose your lane wisely:

Stick to the middle lanes on multi-lane roads to minimize the risk of hydroplaning, as water tends to accumulate in outer lanes.

Visibility matters:

Turn on your headlights and be careful of other vehicles to the rear and in blind spot areas as they are especially difficult to see through rain-spattered windows.

Watch out for slippery roads:

Be extra careful during the first half hour after rain begins. Grime and oil on the road surface mix with water to make the road slippery.

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

Large trucks and buses can reduce your visibility with tire spray. Avoid tailgating and pass them swiftly and safely.

Mind your windshield wipers:

Heavy rain can overload the wiper blades. When visibility is so limited that the edges of the road or other vehicles cannot be seen at a safe distance, it is time to pull over and wait for the rain to ease up. It is best to stop at rest areas or other protected areas.

If the roadside is your only option, pull off as far as possible, preferably past the end of a guard rail, and wait until the storm passes. Keep your headlights on and turn on emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.

In the face of heavy rain, these precautions can make a significant difference in ensuring your safety on the road. Remember to stay informed about weather conditions and heed guidance from local authorities for a secure journey.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.

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Mt. Lebanon market is filling, and refilling, needs to reduce waste

/Georgeblock Rick Shrum/For the Observer-ReporterAt times, when she reflects upon opening an environmentally friendly market, Holly Rudoy wonders a bit.“If you told me a year ago that I’d be doing this, I wouldn’t have believed you,” she said, smiling. There was a lot of research ahead, tons of preparation and a formidable amount of uncertainty.But she persevered and launched Wonderfil...

/Georgeblock

Rick Shrum/For the Observer-Reporter

At times, when she reflects upon opening an environmentally friendly market, Holly Rudoy wonders a bit.

“If you told me a year ago that I’d be doing this, I wouldn’t have believed you,” she said, smiling. There was a lot of research ahead, tons of preparation and a formidable amount of uncertainty.

But she persevered and launched Wonderfill Low Waste Market last winter, in the Sunset Hills section of Mt. Lebanon. And she wonders about that decision rarely and only momentarily.

Wonderfill, at 370 Broadmoor Ave., is a “refillery,” a shopping option that is gaining popularity across the continent. Instead of purchasing products at a conventional grocery, Wonderfill customers can buy refills of laundry detergent, dish soap and other products in the amounts they need – reducing potential waste. Payment is based on the weight of the product acquired. Many of the products are locally sourced.

The store operates out of a modest two-story building that appears to be a cottage, but is not. The area, Rudoy said, has been zoned commercial since the 1970s. Signage is not ostentatious.

Patrons can fill containers they own, purchase from the store or select from free containers that are available. “The point is to eliminate single-use plastic,” Rudoy said. “This keeps people from buying a full bottle of a product. Buying things here kind of eliminates packaging.

“Everything we have is compostable, biodegradable or recyclable. There are no harsh chemicals with our products, no artificial colors. I don’t think we have any plastic. We also have some concentrated products, which also cuts down on waste.”

She pointed toward a laundry detergent that “is very concentrated. It is 37 cents an ounce and you need only two tablespoons per load.” Rudoy said another item, which she referred to as “unbleach,” has about 30 uses, including laundry, carpets, mattresses, sponges, and deck scrubbing.

Her neatly appointed shop has a formidable number of products and items, including locally sourced beeswax candles in the image of puppies. There also are tote bags made from recycled cotton, reusable dish cloths and other goods.

Rudoy, who grew up in Mt. Lebanon as well as her husband, Bruce, had to work hard at opening the store. She initially needed a site, of course, and received a fortuitous boost from Eric Milliron, manager of economic development in the municipality, “who suggested this place.”

Rudoy said her permit was approved in December, “so we really did not gear up until January.” She did participate in Mt. Lebanon’s Uptown Winter Market before the holidays, “which was a success for us. We thought, ‘Hey, this might work.'”

It has, according to the owner. “Every month, things have gotten better and better. About 50% of our customers are regulars and we are getting new customers. People living nearby walk in. It’s really word of mouth.”

Clare Moore, a teacher from neighboring Dormont, is among the regulars. She appeared with her daughter on a recent Wednesday, filling at least one bottle.

Rudoy, and her wares, also are appearing at two South Hills farmers markets: in Uptown Mt. Lebanon the second Saturday of the month through October, and in Bethel Park the first Tuesday through September. Wonderfill, she added, also does special events for nonprofits.

About 500 refilleries, registered with the Refillery Collective, exist across North America, according to Rudoy. There are few in Southwestern Pennsylvania, the largest being in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood in Pittsburgh.

Although Holly is the owner, this is a family endeavor for all. Husband Bruce, an attorney in Pittsburgh, “helps me with everything.” Daughter Maddy, 27, a nurse, helps test products, and son Zach, 25, a tech consultant, assists with the website and logo.

They are filling, and refilling, needs.

Sayyid. Nasr Allah: If there is ceasefire agreement in Gaza, support front in Lebanon "will stop

BEIRUT July 10. 2024 (Saba) - The Secretary-General of the Lebanese Allah Party, Sayyed Hassan Nasr Allah, confirmed that if a ceasefire agreement takes place in the Gaza Strip, the Support Front in Lebanon "will cease fire without discussion." He reiterated his warning to the Zionist enemy against the decision to continue ...
BEIRUT July 10. 2024 (Saba) - The Secretary-General of the Lebanese Allah Party, Sayyed Hassan Nasr Allah, confirmed that if a ceasefire agreement takes place in the Gaza Strip, the Support Front in Lebanon "will cease fire without discussion." He reiterated his warning to the Zionist enemy against the decision to continue attacking southern Lebanon after that, "otherwise we will defend Lebanon and will not tolerate the occupation." In his speech during the honoring ceremony held by the Allah Party on the occasion of the memorial of the martyr leader Mohamed Nima Nasser "Hajj Abu Nima" and his comrade, on Wednesday evening, Sayyid. Nasr Allah stressed that the goals of the battle of support from Lebanon "are achieved day after day," and the Zionist enemy "acknowledges this by attrition at all levels." In the same context, Mr. Nasr Allah continued: "Through the battle of support, the resistance was able to "distract the Zionist enemy from its aggression on the Gaza Strip, and we understand that if it wants to stop, it must stop its aggression on the Strip." "The parties abroad are now aware that stopping the front in the north is linked to stopping the aggression on the Gaza Strip," he said. Sayyid. Nasr Allah noted that the enemy's "army" is "terrified not only of entering the Galilee, but of the mere idea of infiltration" and that this prompted it to strengthen the human presence with which it compensates "for what it has lost technologically, which has further depleted it." He stressed that the commitment of the resistance in Lebanon to the battle of "Al-Aqsa flood" was "decisive and final from day one, and our battle on the Lebanese front does not have a special name". Sayyid. Nasr Allah said that by refusing to stop operations before the attack on Rafah, "under the pretext that this would force him to defeat, he confirms that he has not achieved any victory." He pointed out that one of the most important Lebanese gains from the steadfastness of the Palestinian resistance is that "if the enemy had achieved a quick victory in the Gaza Strip, Lebanon would have been the first to be threatened." He warned: "Whoever threatens us with an invasion of the southern Litani should look at what is happening in Rafah in its narrow area, where the Zionist army failed to achieve any victory." He stressed that "what happened in Gaza is the literature of the Zionist army, and its steadfastness protected all fronts from any Zionist attack." In his speech, Sayyid. Nasr Allah sent many messages to "the Israel and its army" and its politicians, and then to the Palestinian factions, and the people of the resistance and its people in Lebanon. Sayyid. Nasr Allah said: "We must remain in the resistance and in its environment, prepared for the worst of the case scenario, although we look forward to the opposite." He pointed out that the Zionist no longer threatens to eliminate the resistance in Lebanon and the total war on it, because of "what happened to him in the Gaza Strip," where he failed to eliminate Hamas. Sayyid. Nasr Allah noted that "keeping the Allah party eight or ten kilometers away from the border, as the enemy says, will not solve its problem." He recalled that the Zionist tank in Rafah failed to make progress in a narrow area, and therefore "is it permissible to threaten it to invade southern Lebanon?" Sayyid. Nasr Allah added: "The resistance in Lebanon is ready, ready and strong, and the proof is its reactions to Israeli assassinations." Sayyid. Nasr Allah explained that the Israeli "army" suffers from a shortage of numbers, and they are "forced to try to force the Haredim to recruit." He added that the occupation "army" is forced to extend the compulsory conscription, "and this has a great economic and social impact on Zionist society." He pointed out that the goals of draining the occupation in the economy, many and the social reality "are achieved, and this will force him to stop the aggression on the Gaza Strip." He stressed that "the enemy is living at this stage its worst days in its history," and some investigations on the seventh of October 2023 "revealed weaknesses." He pointed out that the Zionist "army" "killed most of the Zionist civilians, if not all civilians, on the seventh of October." He also stressed that failure is the title of this war for the "Israel", as he did not achieve in the tenth month of it any of its declared goals. Speaking about the ceasefire negotiations in the Gaza Strip, Mr. Nasr Allah said that Hamas "negotiates in its name and in the name of the entire axis of resistance, and what Hamas is satisfied with, we are all satisfied with." Nasr Allah pointed out that the resistance in Lebanon did not ask Hamas to coordinate with it on the negotiations, "but we support it with all its decisions and with it to the end of the line" and instead "inform us of what is happening." He added: "We must record to the leadership of the resistance this determination and consistency in the file of negotiations, and we know the magnitude of the pressure from the enemy and friend." He also stressed that everyone is waiting for the outcome of the negotiations, knowing that "the whole world has recognized that the Israel is incapable of military resolution and a ceasefire must be stopped."Speaking about the martyr commander Mohamed Nima Nasser "Haj Abu Nima", Mr. Nasr Allah said that the martyr was one of the field commanders to confront "ISIS" in Iraq and Syria. "He was a mujahid, a prisoner, a fighter, he was wounded twice, and in the end he received the good consequence.""The confidence and morale in the speech of resistance leaders is evidence of my faith, because we know the commanders on the ground and their capabilities and capabilities," he said."The mujahideen of the resistance are racing to the front lines in the battle of the Al-Aqsa flood," he said.On the other hand, the Secretary-General of the Allah Party, in his speech, congratulated the Islamic Republic in Iran for holding the elections in two rounds. He praised the progress of the Iranian people and the debates that took place between the candidates.He thanked the Iranian President-elect Massoud Bizeshkian for his cable and for the political position in it, which confirmed the stability of the foundations of Iran in supporting the axis of resistance.Sayyid. Nasr Allah had confirmed yesterday that "the resistance in Lebanon is continuing with what it started on the eighth of October 2023 until we reach the goal we aspire to on all support fronts, and we cannot retreat from our position and fight in this battle." He added: "We believe that we are doing our duty and every day we bleed martyrs and we are proud of them, and the best of our brothers rise as martyrs and our leaders are martyrs." E.M resource : Saba Facebook Whatsapp Telegram Email Print

Spotlight on Terrorism: Hezbollah, Lebanon and Syria (July 1 – 8 , 2024)

*Updated from October 8, 2023Overview[1]South LebanonHezbollah attacks Firing rockets and launching UAVs at IDF bases in retaliation for the targeted killing of the commander of the Aziz Unit (Hezbollah combat information Telegram channel, July 4, 2024) Right: Hezbollah launches rockets at IDF bases on July 7, 2024 (Hezbollah combat information Telegram channel, July 8, 2024). Left: Fire in the Lower...

*Updated from October 8, 2023

Overview[1]
South Lebanon
Hezbollah attacks

Firing rockets and launching UAVs at IDF bases in retaliation for the targeted killing of the commander of the Aziz Unit (Hezbollah combat information Telegram channel, July 4, 2024)

Right: Hezbollah launches rockets at IDF bases on July 7, 2024 (Hezbollah combat information Telegram channel, July 8, 2024). Left: Fire in the Lower Galilee caused by rocket hits (Israel Fire and Rescue spokesman’s unit, July 7, 2024)

Hezbollah’s artillery capabilities revealed

Right: Concrete Katyusha rocket launcher. Left: Vehicle-mounted artillery (al-Manar, July 6, 2024)

Iranian threat to Ben-Gurion International Airport
IDF response

Right: Attack on the town of Markaba (IDF spokesperson’s Telegram channel, July 5, 2024). Left: A building in Markaba after the attack (Fouad Khreiss’ X account, July 5, 2024)

Right: The vehicle after the attack (Fouad Khreiss’ X account, July 3, 2024). Center: Muhammad Naama Nasser. Left: Muhammad Ghassan Khashab (Hezbollah combat information Telegram channel, July 3, 2024)

Right: Scene of the attack in Shaath (Fouad Khreiss’ X account, July 6, 2024). Left: Maytham Mustafa al-Attar (Hezbollah combat information Telegram channel, July 6, 2024)

Additional Hezbollah casualties

Hezbollah casualties (Hezbollah combat information Telegram channel, July 1-8, 2024)

Statements by Senior Hezbollah Figures

Nasrallah speaks at the beginning of Ashura (al-Manar, July 7, 2024)

Hezbollah’s Foreign Relations
Nasrallah congratulates the new Iranian president
Nasrallah-Hamas meeting

Nasrallah meets with Hamas representatives (Hezbollah combat information Telegram channel, July 5, 2024)

Hezbollah deputy secretary general meets with a senior German intelligence officer
Criticism of Hezbollah
al-Jama’a al-Islamiyya (The Islamic Group)
The Situation in South Lebanon
Palestinians in Lebanon
The Lebanese Government
Political efforts to prevent escalation
The Lebanese Army
UNIFIL

UNIFIL commander meets with members of the Lebanese Parliament (UNIFIL website, July 4, 2024)

Full document in PDF format

[1] Click https://www.terrorism-info.org.il/en to subscribe and receive the ITIC's daily updates as well as its other publications. [2] For further information see the July 7, 2024, ITIC report, "Reactions to the targeted killing of Muhammad Naama Nasser, commander of Hezbollah's Aziz Unit." [3] The tenth day of Muharram, the first month in the Muslim calendar. The Shi'ites mark it as a day of mourning for the death of Imam Hussein bin Ali. For the Sunnis, it is a non-obligatory day of fasting. [4] Iran, Syria, Hezbollah, the Palestinian organizations, the Shi'ite Houthis in Yemen and the pro-Iranian militias in Iraq.

Related Articles

Iran is playing a proxy war with Hezbollah, Lebanese civilians will pay the price - opinion

Nasrallah is refraining from taking arms against Israel out of fear of Lebanese opposition. By NEVILLE TELLER JULY 1, 2024 06:26 Ever since October 7, Hezbollah, egged on by Iran, has been escalating its cross-border clashes with Israel, while its leader Hassan Nasrallah has been stepping up his blood-curdling rhetoric, predi...

Nasrallah is refraining from taking arms against Israel out of fear of Lebanese opposition.

By NEVILLE TELLER JULY 1, 2024 06:26

Ever since October 7, Hezbollah, egged on by Iran, has been escalating its cross-border clashes with Israel, while its leader Hassan Nasrallah has been stepping up his blood-curdling rhetoric, predicting Armageddon if Israel were to launch an all-out war.

Yet the truth is that Iran-Hezbollah would like nothing better. They have sound strategic reasons for not initiating formal armed conflict. So their tactic has been to ramp up the provocation, daring Israel to strike back and trigger war.

Iran learned a lesson from its abortive attempt at overwhelming Israel’s defenses on April 13. In its first-ever direct aerial assault, it sent some 170 drones, over 30 cruise missiles, and more than 120 ballistic missiles 1,000 km. toward Israel. The Iranian leadership no doubt expected a massive military and propaganda triumph.

The operation was a miserable failure. To supplement Israel’s Iron Dome defense, America and Britain sent jet fighters to help shoot down the missiles. Jordan refused to allow Iran to use its air space for the operation, while several Gulf states, among them Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, passed on intelligence about Iran’s plans.

As a result, about 99% of the aerial armada never reached Israel, and Iran learned that not only the West, but much of the Middle East disliked and distrusted it.

Fearing wholesale lack of support if any formal Hezbollah-Israel conflict were seen as Iran-instigated, Iran-Hezbollah has, in the words of the English poet, Alexander Pope, been “willing to wound and yet afraid to strike.”

ON JUNE 18 the IDF announced that a plan for an offensive to push Hezbollah further back from the border had been approved, but that a diplomatic solution was still the preferred option.

The next day Nasrallah gave a televised address lasting more than an hour.

In previous wars with Israel, he said, Hezbollah had only hoped to be able to strike Israel’s Meron air base. Now, he claimed, the whole of Israel was within its range.

“And it won’t be random bombardment,” he threatened. “Every drone will have a target. Every missile will have a target.”

Boasting that Hezbollah had a large stockpile of drones, a “surplus of fighters” and unspecified “new weapons” that would be unveiled in due course, he said Hezbollah was manufacturing military weaponry in Lebanon and, despite Israel’s attacks on weapon-carrying convoys in Syria, had continued to receive weapons from Iran.

This, at least, was confirmed by the UK’s Daily Telegraph which, on June 23, reported that weapons are being flown from Iran into Lebanon and stored at Beirut’s main airport. The Telegraph based its report on whistleblowers at the airport who claim to have observed a marked increase in the arrival of weapons and also the presence of more Hezbollah commanders on the ground. The whistleblowers claim the operation has been escalating since the intensification of cross-border conflict between Hezbollah and Israel post-October 7.

The report claimed that currently, the cache of stored weapons includes Iranian-made Falaq unguided artillery rockets, Fateh-110 short-range missiles, road-mobile ballistic missiles, and M-600 missiles with ranges of 240 to 320 km. Also at the airport, it is claimed that there are AT-14 Kornets, laser-guided anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM), huge quantities of Burkan short-range ballistic missiles, and explosive RDX, a toxic white powder also known as cyclonite or hexogen.

The allegations will raise fears within Lebanon that, in the event of war, the Rafic Hariri airport, just four miles from the city center, could become a major military target.

Staff at the airport claim that Wafiq Safa, Hezbollah’s second in command and the head of its security apparatus, has become a notoriously conspicuous figure at the airport.

“Wafiq Safa is always showing up at customs,” one whistleblower claimed. Workers collaborating with Hezbollah, he said, “walk around like peacocks” with new watches and smartphones, and drive new cars. “A lot of money [is] being passed under the table.”

Ghassan Hasbani, the former deputy prime minister and an MP for the Lebanese Forces party, said Hezbollah’s control of the airport has long been a concern for Lebanon, and more so if it becomes a potential military target in a conflict with Israel.

“Weapons being transported from Iran to Hezbollah across border entry points, endangers both the Lebanese population and the non-Lebanese traveling through and living in the country,” he said.

Taking action, he said, is all but impossible without international intervention to implement relevant UN resolutions. “The entrenchment of Hezbollah is everywhere, not only in the airport but in the port, the judiciary; it’s across society. The public administration now is largely hijacked by Hezbollah.”

Ali Hamieh, Lebanon’s transportation minister, said the allegations were “ridiculous” and invited journalists and ambassadors to visit the airport. Hamieh, who was nominated to the government by Hezbollah, in fact, exemplifies the straits to which the once-independent sovereign state of Lebanon has been reduced. Hezbollah has acquired an iron grip on the levers of power and, in the process, reduced the nation to penury and political deadlock.

LEBANON HAS been without a president since October 2022, with every possible nominee blocked by Hezbollah and its political allies. Moreover, compounded by widespread government corruption, the country is experiencing the worst financial crisis in its history.

After Prime Minister Najib Mikati announced in March 2020 that Lebanon would default on its Eurobond debt, the Lebanese currency began to plummet, leading to hyperinflation. In April 2023, Lebanese inflation hit a high of almost 270%. It has taken a year to bring the level down to around 52%, which still means unsustainable price increases for ordinary citizens, many of whom have become virtual paupers.

A further destabilizing factor is the huge refugee burden imposed on the country by the civil conflict in Syria. Lebanon maintains one of the largest refugee populations per capita in the world – more than 1.5 million, many of them Syrian.

Yet Lebanon, overwhelmed with domestic problems, is faced with the prospect of being dragged into Iran-Hezbollah’s ideological conflict with Israel, and potentially suffering bombardment, destruction, casualties, and deaths.

The people of Lebanon resented their sons being recruited by Hezbollah and sent to Syria to support its president, Bashar Assad, in his fight against his democratic opponents. How much more would they oppose a call by Nasrallah to take up arms against Israel? This is why Nasrallah refrains from taking the decisive step, and would much prefer to point to Israel as the instigator of the conflict.

The writer is the Middle East correspondent for Eurasia Review. His latest book is Trump and the Holy Land: 2016-2020. Follow him at www.a-mid-east-journal.blogspot.com.

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