Lebanon uncovers new tunnel amid tensions with Hezbollah: What to know A tunnel was discovered near Beirut as tensions between Lebanese authorities and Hezbollah have been running high over the seizure of weapons shipments destined for the Iran-backed group. Lebanon
Analysis 'The problem and the solution': Netanyahu-Sharaa call exposes Israel's Syria dilemma The Israeli leader revealed that he spoke with the Syrian president last year, but stalled talks and Israel's fortification of a security zone on Syrian land underscore his mistrust of Sharaa. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Qatar PM in Beirut as Lebanon seeks economic relief: What to know Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani’s visit to Beirut coincides with the Lebanese authorities’ ongoing efforts to curb Hezbollah’s influence in the country. Lebanon
Syria denies meeting with Lebanon’s Hezbollah in Turkey: What to know Both Damascus and Ankara denied reports that Syrian officials met with Hezbollah representatives in Turkey, as relations between the two sides remain fraught with tensions mainly over the Lebanese group’s support for Assad’s forces against rebels during the Syrian civil war. Syria
Analysis Can Netanyahu turn Israel's UN isolation into strength at home? By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Kuwait blacklists eight Lebanon hospitals over alleged Hezbollah ties: What to know The affected hospitals, located in areas where Hezbollah has a heavy presence, are believed to be run by Hezbollah-affiliated institutions. Lebanon
Lebanon, Syria sign deal to transfer 300 Syrian prisoners: What we know Lebanon and Syria signed a deal to transfer more than 300 convicted Syrians held in Lebanese prisons to their home country to complete their sentences. Lebanon
Lebanon’s army chief in Washington as Hezbollah disarmament enters critical phase Gen. Rodolphe Haykal is seeking US support for what is likely to be a cautious approach to expanding the geographic scope of the Lebanese army's efforts to disarm Hezbollah. Lebanon
Lebanon army chief to visit US Tuesday to shore up support: What to know The Lebanese army is seeking international and regional support to boost its capabilities and enable it to continue clearing the areas in southern Lebanon as part of a disarmament plan. Lebanon
Christian party in Lebanon says alliance with Hezbollah over: What to know Gebran Bassil, head of the Free Patriotic Movement, one of Lebanon’s largest Christian political parties, said an agreement between his party and the Iran-backed Hezbollah is no longer viable, as the group continues to fight other countries’ battles on Lebanese soil while Lebanese authorities press ahead with their disarmament plan. Lebanon
France to host Lebanon army conference as Hezbollah pushes back on disarmament The upcoming conference comes as the Lebanese army prepares to submit a plan for the second stage of its disarmament process, despite Hezbollah’s adamant refusal to give up its weapons. Lebanon
Lebanon says phase 1 of Hezbollah disarmament complete as Iran FM visits Beirut The announcement by the Lebanese army came as Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Beirut for a two-day visit amid ongoing regional tensions. Lebanon
Lebanon pursues remnants of Syrian regime in country: What we know Lebanon’s military has stepped up security efforts amid reports of remnants of the ousted regime of President Bashar al-Assad inside Lebanese territory. Lebanon
Hezbollah’s funding network in Venezuela takes spotlight after Maduro Hezbollah has long been accused of running drug smuggling and money laundering networks in Venezuela and other South American countries to fund its activities both in Lebanon and abroad. Lebanon
Analysis Hezbollah still dominant among Lebanon's Shiite, but ground is shifting Two notable trends are emerging within Lebanon's Shiite community: growing rejection of geopoliticization, alongside continued loyalty to the resistance legacy despite mounting concerns over its consequences. By Karim Safieddine , Izzat Zahreddine
Analysis With Trump’s backing, Israel gives Lebanon last chance before attacking Hezbollah "The Americans, led by the president, understand that you can't count on the Lebanese Army to disarm Hezbollah. It probably won't happen," a senior Israeli diplomatic source told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
At Mar-a-Lago, Netanyahu seeks Iran strike approval while Trump presses Gaza plan US President Donald Trump is expected to push Israel to enter the second phase of his Gaza peace plan, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will focus on securing Trump’s approval for a potential strike on Iran’s ballistic missile program. Israel