Journalist From the Frontlines Responds to Israel’s Attempt to Assassinate Him on Camera
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Guest: Steve Sweeney, award-winning war correspondent and Beirut-based journalist.
“Steve Sweeney was in southern Lebanon attempting with a cameraman to document what the Israeli military is doing to the southern part of that country, which is leveling it.”
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The targeted assassination of journalists: Sweeney describes a precision strike by an Israeli F-16 on a bridge he was filming, arguing the lack of military objective suggests a deliberate attempt to eliminate witnesses.
“There was no military objective in striking the bridge again... it was already destroyed. This was a very heavy munition... fired from an F-16 fighter jet.”
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Systemic targeting of medical infrastructure: Paramedics in Lebanon are reportedly removing Red Cross and medical logos from their vehicles because they have become targets rather than protections.
“The logo on the top of the ambulances which is supposed to give them protection... instead of giving them protection it now places them at risk.”
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The destruction of Christian heritage: Sweeney reports the intentional bombing of St. Peter’s burial site and the Church of St. George, accompanied by attempts to 'reinvent history' through archaeological revisionism.
“This wasn't an accidental bombing... This was a deliberately targeted attack on the tomb of St. Peter. It's not the only church or religious building that has been attacked.”
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A narrative reversal on Hezbollah: Contrary to Western perceptions, Sweeney claims Hezbollah has historically acted as a protector of Christian sites and communities within Lebanon.
“Hezbollah was in fact protecting the Christian churches... standing around, you know, protecting the Christian faith... but Israel is [destroying them].”
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The 'leveling' of Southern Lebanon: The conflict is characterized as a massive land grab involving the systematic destruction of civilian infrastructure, ancient olive groves, and the wholesale displacement of residents.
“They’ve started the bombing... cutting off a whole swathe of the country. Here’s what American tax dollars are paying for.”