BEIRUT: Premier Rashid Karami last night [July 2] accused Israel of being behind a plan aimed at undermining Lebanon’s economy. In an address to the nation … the Premier war­ned against throwing explosives at Lebanese economic and industrial establishments. Such operations serve only Israel, he said. “The striking at the national economy through planting explosives … is a plan designed to serve the enemy’s interest. We accuse Israel directly of being behind this plan. …”

…[M]eanwhile, Lebanese leaders were today [July 3] trying to stop fighting which was continuing despite yesterday’s ceasefire agreement in the Shiah area of Beirut. Several hundred soldiers of the Security Forces were standing by… . The new Interior Minister and former Christian President Camille Shamoun said there were still “uncontrolled elements” in Shiah but he hoped there would be a ceasefire … in the course of the day. In other parts of the country, such as the port of Tripoli, scene of some … hard fighting, hostilities had generally died down. Socialist leader Kamal Jumblat … said that some of the weapons being used in Beirut were from Israel. —

Published in Dawn, July 4th, 2025