US, France and Saudi Arabia agree to conference to bolster Lebanon’s army France is looking for more support for a committee monitoring the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. Lebanon
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Saudi, French, US officials push Hezbollah disarmament Senate passing bill lifting Caesar sanctions on Syria, Israel's Netanyahu approves $35B gas deal with Egypt, and more. By Rosaleen Carroll In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East
Syria foils major arms smuggling attempt to Lebanon: What we know Syrian authorities have stepped up operations targeting smuggling attempts mainly destined for Hezbollah in Lebanon since the fall of President Bashar al‑Assad’s regime last year. Syria
Analysis Trump's Syria envoy Barrack tests Israel's patience as Netanyahu pushes back The struggle between the Israeli prime minister and the envoy is an acknowledgment by Israeli leaders that "what will happen is what Trump wants to happen." By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Analysis Lebanon-Israel direct talks pause operation against Hezbollah — but for how long? By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
US slaps sanctions on two brothers in Lebanon for corruption As Lebanon's economy deteriorated, the US Treasury said Lebanese businessmen Raymond Zina Rahme and Teddy Zina Rahme profited from public corruption. Lebanon
Grueling Ramadan for Lebanon's Muslims as prices, dollarization bite As all goods are priced in dollars this year, food prices have skyrocketed, making the holy month more burdensome for the Lebanese whose wages are limited while the value of the local currency continues to deteriorate. Lebanon
Lebanon on cusp of network blackout as dispute grows with telecom workers The Lebanese government has threatened to take over the country’s state-run telecom company with the help of the army as workers continue to strike for a salary increase. Lebanon
Lebanon abandons $122 million plan to expand airport as military protests erupt The abrupt reversal came after criticism that the project did not undergo a public bidding process. Lebanon
Lebanon fumes as another woman murdered by husband The man killed his wife in front of their three children, renewing calls to enforce laws on domestic violence. Lebanon
Lebanon PM reverses daylight saving time decision after 48 hours of anarchy The decision to postpone the switch to daylight saving time sparked a wide debate in Lebanon, in some cases taking on a sectarian nature. Lebanon
As Lebanon crumbles, leaders prioritize daylight saving time delay The Lebanese, reeling under a devastating economic crisis, mocked the government decision to delay the switch to daylight saving time. Lebanon
Lebanon police clashes with retired soldiers trying to storm government HQ The Lebanese army is suffering from desertions and police have joined the wider public in protesting amid the ongoing crisis. Lebanon
Pharmacies in Lebanon shut, as bankrupt government plans airport expansion Gas stations are also threatening to close as long as authorities continue to ignore the economic collapse, while protests resumed on Tuesday. Lebanon
Culture 2023 Mideast happiness rankings: UAE, Israel happiest as Lebanon hits bottom The Middle East and North Africa region remains the least happy region after sub-Saharan Africa globally, but several regional nations have become happier in comparison to the previous period. Legacy: Gulf
Hezbollah, Hamas seek to exploit Israel's internal weakness to attack The security incident last Monday near the border with Lebanon worries the IDF, as Hezbollah tries to exploit the ongoing crisis in Israel. Israel
Lebanon’s bank chief charged with corruption, snubs EU investigators Visiting Beirut, World Bank’s regional Vice President Ferid Belhaj has set three conditions to reconsider financing the country’s dilapidated electricity sector. Lebanon