Culture Israeli show ‘Fauda’ tops Netflix in Lebanon, hits top 10 across Arab states The show was created by Israeli journalist Avi Issacharoff and actor Lior Raz, drawing on their experiences serving in the Israeli military’s elite Duvdevan unit. Israel
Explainer Why France is pushing to keep UNIFIL in Lebanon beyond 2026 Showing its support for Lebanon, Paris is backing Beirut’s request at the UN for a short-term extension of UNIFIL’s mandate, although French sources acknowledge that the chances of the request being approved are slim. Israel
Israel says it destroyed Hezbollah tunnels in Ali al-Taher ridge: What to know The ridge has become a flashpoint in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict in Lebanon due to its extensive tunnel network Israel says is utilized by the Iran-backed group. Israel
Israeli escalation in south Lebanon leaves 27 dead in 3 days as talks stall The Israeli military has escalated airstrikes across south Lebanon after claiming control of a strategic ridge where Hezbollah has established an underground command center and tunnel network. Lebanon
Analysis Playing for time: Despite US pressure, Israel stalls Lebanon talks until after election By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
US weapons pour into Lebanon amid turmoil The Pentagon is sending armed helicopters to help Lebanon fend off terrorists despite budgetary and political uncertainty. Lebanon
Designers bring local talent back to Beirut’s souks Development company Solidere has invited Lebanese artisans to take over empty spaces in Beirut's Gold Souk, which now hosts a fashion school, workspaces and boutiques selling local handmade products. Lebanon
Culture Alert: Fashion, books and photography in December The Middle Eastern cultural calendar for the end of the year includes a book fair in Beirut, a modest-dress fashion event in Dubai and a cartoon biennial in Tehran. Egypt
Electoral reforms offer Lebanese expats chance to exercise voting rights Thousands of Lebanese expatriates registered to vote in next year's parliamentary elections through a new online platform, giving them the chance to shape the first legislature elected by a system of proportional representation. Lebanon
Lively parties bring West Africa to Beirut club scene In Lebanon, where West African culture is mostly associated with disenfranchised groups, a group of students has decided to shake things up. Lebanon
Egypt flexes its mediation muscle in Lebanon crisis During an emergency meeting in Cairo, the Arab League condemned Iran’s meddling in Arab affairs. Saudi Arabia
Hamas stands with Hezbollah, says Arab League ignores Israeli terror After an Arab League summit including delegates from the Palestinian Authority produced a statement denouncing Hezbollah as a terrorist entity, Hamas and other Palestinian groups responded with defiance. Palestine
Why did Hariri go to Cairo before returning home to Lebanon? To spare the Middle East another battleground, Cairo played a role in containing the crisis of the resignation of Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri. Saudi Arabia
Is Saudi crown prince winning or losing in the Middle East? With Saad Hariri staying on as prime minister in Lebanon, the Saudi crown prince has suffered another setback in his efforts to counter Iran. Saudi Arabia
IDF prepares for 'new' Syria Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman is asking for an increased budget for the Israel Defense Forces to prepare itself against new threats developing along its northern border with Syria. Israel
Why Hezbollah wants Hariri back in Lebanon Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri’s surprise resignation and Saudi Arabia's involvement could set in motion events that will negatively affect Hezbollah. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia seeks to turn back clock on Iran The debacle surrounding the resignation of Lebanon’s prime minister amid growing Saudi hostility toward Iran suggests a coming showdown in the region. Saudi Arabia