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Lebanon

Lebanon

June 26, 2026

Beirut 5:19 pm

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ANWAR AMRO/AFP via Getty Images

Lebanon cancels national high school exams due to war: What to know

Lebanon has canceled its national exams for the year due to the war and ongoing hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, following weeks of pressure on the Education Ministry.

A picture shows the four seasons hotel in Beirut with the snow covered mountain of Sannine in the background on March 8, 2019.

Explainer

Lebanon advances controversial $500K golden visa law: What to know

While its supporters say the scheme would help Lebanon's economy recover, critics say it could offer a channel for corruption.

Lebanese army forces deploy in the village of Bir al-Salasel in southern Lebanon on June 15, 2026. Iran's foreign ministry on June 15 said the US must ensure that Israel commits to stopping the war in Lebanon under a deal agreed upon with the US to end the Middle East war. Lebanon was pulled into the conflict in early March when Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah launched rocket attacks on Israel in retaliation for the killing of Iran's supreme leader, prompting Israeli strikes and a ground invasion. (Pho

Analysis

Pilot zones at center of Israel-Lebanon talks as Trump pressures Netanyahu

With the fifth round of talks set to begin Tuesday, Israel is prepared to withdraw from at least one “pilot zone,” allowing the Lebanese army to take control of the area.

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Latest News

Analysis

As US reshapes Lebanon strategy, Israel finds itself sidelined

Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike in Tyre, Lebanon, on June 9, 2026.

Rina Bassist

By Rina Bassist

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs

US, Iran to form 'deconflicting cell' on Lebanon, sidelining Lebanese state

Cars drive past billboards showing Iran's new Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei (L) and his late father Ali Khamenei (R), with the slogan "Thank you, loyal Iran," erected along the highway leading to Rafik Hariri International Airport, Beirut, Lebanon, June 22, 2026.

Syria’s Sharaa says he had ‘multiple discussions’ with Trump on Lebanon, favors dialogue

US President Donald Trump meets Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in the Oval Office, Washington, DC, Nov. 10, 2025.

Francesco Schiavi

In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance

Beatrice Farhat

Associate Editor (Lebanon)

In Beirut, reporting on regional news, culture, conflict

Joyce Karam

Editor-in-Chief

Ali Hashem

In Doha, reporting on Iran, regional politics, conflict

Hanna Davis

In Beirut, reporting on politics, migration, human rights

Rodayna Raydan

In Boqaata, reporting on culture

Al Qaeda-linked Nusra Front fighters carry weapons on the back of pick-up trucks during the release of Lebanese soldiers and policemen in Arsal, eastern Bekaa Valley, Lebanon, December 1, 2015. REUTERS/Stringer TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY - RTX1WPTT

What happened to kidnapped Lebanese soldiers in Arsal?

A Lebanese official told Al-Monitor that the number of Islamic militants in Arsal is steadily declining, and there is talk of the remainder leaving after negotiations.

Is it Eid or not? Muslims take step toward resolving calendar dispute

Religious representatives from Islamic countries agree to embrace a common calendar to overcome a long-standing conflict on the start of Ramadan, but their past record inspires little optimism for a genuine compromise.

Syrian refugees act out their stories in 'The Caravan'

'The Caravan,' a play based on Syrian refugees' testimonies, will begin touring Lebanon in June.

Should Lebanon found national oil company?

Valerie Marcel, an associate fellow at Chatham House who heads the New Petroleum Producers Discussion Group, speaks to Al-Monitor about issues concerning good governance in the oil sector in Lebanon.

Lebanese web shows get Netflix treatment

Despite limited financial resources, the web series genre is growing in popularity in Lebanon, especially among youths.

$The cables of a side-scan sonar is seen in the waters of the Mediterranean sea, during a tour of areas believed to have gas reserves, off Lebanon's coast near Beirut May 30, 2013. Offshore seismic surveys suggest Lebanon has at least 30 trillion cubic feet in just a small fraction of its Mediterranean waters Energy Minister Gebran Bassil said. Lebanon has selected 46 international oil companies to bid to explore for gas off its coast, where survey ships have been assessing prospects after discoveries in wat$

French oil exec speaks out on prospects of drilling in Lebanon

Elias Kassis, vice president of the Middle East and North Africa division of French oil and gas company Total, says 'there are many factors' companies must consider when deciding whether or not to drill exploratory wells.

What's in store for Lebanon's nascent oil, gas sector?

There is a new twist in the debate about Lebanon's best strategy for developing its offshore oil and gas resources.

Will Russia adopt 'first to strike' policy in Syria?

Bombings in Tartus and Jableh have led Russia to reassess the risks it faces in Syria.

Tehran accuses Israel of holding four Iranians who disappeared 34 years ago

Iran's defense minister said that Israel is holding prisoner the four Iranians who were kidnapped in Lebanon in 1982.

Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) and Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu attend the Victory Day parade, marking the 71st anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two, at Red Square in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2016. REUTERS/Grigory Dukor - RTX2DFS2

US should accept Russian offer to coordinate strikes on Jabhat al-Nusra

US-Russian joint action would be a step forward to defeat al-Qaeda affiliate; US rejects Russian bid to designate Ahrar al-Sham and Jaish al-Islam as terrorist groups; Nasrallah vows deeper commitment to Syria following death of top commander.

How drama therapy is helping Lebanese prisoners and society

A Lebanese psychologist has been working with inmates in Roumieh Prison to help them, through drama therapy, to forgive themselves, express themselves and develop empathy.

Workers conduct an onshore gas and oil inspection in Batroun, northern Lebanon, October 2, 2013. Lebanon launched an onshore oil and gas survey on Wednesday, hoping that promising results from surveys of its Mediterranean waters can be matched by similar prospects onland. To match LEBANON-ENERGY/ REUTERS/Mohammed Azakir (LEBANON - Tags: ENERGY BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT POLITICS) - RTR3FIVP

Can Lebanon make progress on oil, gas exploration efforts?

A litany of more pressing crises has led to a delay in efforts to advance work on Lebanon's nascent oil and gas sector.