'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
In Lebanon, Saudi Arabia pursues quiet diplomacy as Trump pushes Israel normalization Saudi Arabia has been engaged in intense diplomacy in Lebanon in recent days, leading up to the extension of a ceasefire with Israel. Lebanon
Analysis Israel fears Trump angling for Lebanon deal to offset Iran missteps Some Israelis worry the US president might force them to accept an unsatisfactory agreement driven by his inability to secure a tangible achievement in Iran. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
How far will the Saudis go against Hezbollah? With Saudi Arabia labeling Hezbollah a terrorist organization, a decision that was endorsed by the GCC, the kingdom hopes to legally pursue the Lebanese movement in international forums. Legacy: Gulf
Have Israeli-Arab parties sided with Hezbollah? Israeli Arab parties Balad and Hadash condemned the decision by the GCC to label Hezbollah as a terrorist organization, which leaves many Israelis puzzled by this decision. Israel
How a new website is helping Lebanese women avoid sexual harassment Activists in Lebanon have launched a new website to help women confronted by sexual harassment and bring discussion of it into the public sphere. Lebanon
Hezbollah responds to GCC decision In a speech following the GCC’s decision to label Hezbollah a terrorist organization, the movement’s leader, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, intensified his criticism of Saudi Arabia, indicating a readiness to go all the way in the confrontation. Saudi Arabia
After terrorist label, what is GCC's next move against Hezbollah? Iranian officials and media have condemned the decision by the Gulf Cooperation Council to label the Lebanese group Hezbollah a terrorist organization and believe more anti-Hezbollah actions are on the way. Saudi Arabia
Will US restrictions on Hezbollah lead to collapse of Lebanon? On a five-day visit to Washington, a Lebanese delegation spoke to US officials about how to prevent collateral damage that could result from legal restrictions on Hezbollah. Lebanon
Is the Saudi, Lebanese relationship gone for good? In retaliation for Hezbollah’s support of the Houthis in Yemen, Saudi Arabia has launched a campaign designed to pressure Lebanon. Saudi Arabia
What is Riyadh's endgame in Lebanon? In an effort to condemn Iran, Saudi Arabia is setting its sights on Hezbollah and Lebanon. Saudi Arabia
Saudis increasingly frustrated with Lebanon The Saudis, who aspire to expand their status in the Gulf, are growing ever more frustrated with Lebanon. Saudi Arabia
Why did Riyadh cancel $4 billion in aid to Lebanon? Saudi Arabia and Hezbollah provide different reasons for the cancellation of billions of dollars in aid that the Gulf state had pledged to Lebanon, until it decided otherwise on Feb. 19. Legacy: Gulf
Does Hezbollah seek Israel’s elimination? 'Not so,' says Nasrallah Hezbollah leader says group will not open new front against Israel; Turkey’s two-front war; battles for Aleppo “unlike any others”; Saudi military exercise provides distraction. Saudi Arabia
Israeli air force debates purchase of F-35 fighter planes As the Syrian, Lebanese and Turkish skies grow ever more crowded with Russian, American, British and Saudi fighter jets, Israel has decided to purchase more F-35s of its own. Israel