US seeks to train Lebanon army units to disarm Hezbollah: What to know Funding for such a program remains unclear, though the Pentagon has requested $36 million for fiscal year 2027 to support Lebanon’s army. Lebanon
Analysis Despite Trump pressure to limit Israel's Lebanon attacks, Aoun-Netanyahu meeting still unlikely As President Donald Trump pressures Israel to limit its strikes in Lebanon, Hezbollah is taking advantage of the situation. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
'Treason is war for external interests': Lebanon’s Aoun hits back at Hezbollah Lebanese President Joseph Aoun rejects Hezbollah’s criticism of talks with Israel, insisting negotiations are aimed at ending hostilities and saying “treason” is taking the country to war for external interests. Lebanon
Why US, Israel are freezing France out of Lebanon talks With talks between Israel and Lebanon being held in Washington, Paris still insists that it must be involved to balance possible American bias and to protect Beirut’s interests. Israel
Analysis Israel fears Trump angling for Lebanon deal to offset Iran missteps By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
All eyes are on Hezbollah in Syria’s Deir ez-Zor As the war is heating up in eastern Syria, specifically in Deir ez-Zor, the Lebanese Hezbollah movement and allied fighters are vying with US-backed Syrian democratic forces for control of areas liberated from the Islamic State. Iraq
Turkish telecom giant may end up in government hands again The 2005 privatization of Turkish telecommunication company Turk Telekom, the largest in Turkey’s history, may go to waste as the majority stakeholders are struggling to repay loans. Saudi Arabia
Israel, Hezbollah exchange threats of imminent war As Lebanon’s Hezbollah and the Israeli government continue to warn each other of a coming cataclysm, both sides predict it would take place in Syria as well as Lebanon this time. Israel
Tax increase puts spotlight on Lebanon's miserable finances As Lebanon approves a tax hike to fund employee raises, experts warn the government to implement financial reforms or face default. Lebanon
Lebanon’s new wines step on stage Old and new vineyards show off their wines and present them to local and international buyers at Beirut's Vinifest. Lebanon
'The Insult' tops box office in Lebanon Ziad Doueiri’s latest film has been out three weeks and it’s at the top of the box office ever since, taking almost 50% of total film admissions. Lebanon
Congress takes aim at Lebanese politicians with Hezbollah bill The US House of Representatives is expected to vote this month on legislation requiring the president to publicly report on Hezbollah allies’ net worth. Lebanon
Beirut's international film festival turns 20 The celebrated Beirut International Film Festival provides a platform for filmmakers in the region to speak out on subjects that are taboo in their own countries. Lebanon
Culture Alert: October dominated by film festivals in Middle East A number of film festivals, from short films to documentaries, take place in Beirut, Tehran, Haifa and Istanbul throughout October — where many of the regional countries’ nominees for Oscars will be screened. Israel
Palestinians react to opening of first US military base in Israel The Sept. 18 announcement of the establishment of the first permanent US-Israeli military base in the Negev desert, in southern Israel, is evidence of the strategic military cooperation between the Americans and Israelis. Palestine
Arab identity at heart of Beirut Art Fair At the eighth annual Beirut Art Fair, contemporary artists were given free rein to create works that explore sensitive topics such as Arab identity, politics and conflict. Lebanon
Aoun calls for 'Levantine common market,' safe return of Syrian refugees Lebanon's president outlines a regional approach to combating poverty and extremism; Mahmoud Abbas nears moment of truth regarding Dahlan’s role in Fatah-Hamas talks. Palestine
