ExplainerIsrael's Continued Control of Five Strategic Positions in Lebanon: What’s at Stake?

Natasha Metni Torbey 18/02 10:00 - Reading : 4 minute(s)

Israel Donald Trump Beirut International Airport Ceasefire Hezbollah

Israel started its withdrawal from all of Lebanon. All of it? Not exactly, as five strategic points will remain under Israeli control. The continued presence of Israeli troops in several areas of southern Lebanon raises questions about Israel’s intentions and its short- and long-term plans. Tel Aviv will maintain its soldiers at these ...

Lebanon’s Tense Borders Signal End of Iranian Influence 

Philippe Abi-Akl 18/02 08:00 - Reading : 4 minute(s)

Hezbollah Joseph Aoun Syria Ahmad al-Sharaa Border Lebanon

From the military skirmishes at the southern border to the clashes portrayed as tribal disputes in the northeastern front, the connection is clear, and the backdrop is the same: Iran and its proxies. The major blow suffered by the pro-Iranian axis in Lebanon and Syria—leading to the collapse of Tehran’s affiliates due to its inability to ...

Israeli Military Begins Lebanon Withdrawal as Deadline Approaches

This is Beirut 18/02 00:30 - Reading : 1 minute(s)

Lebanon Israel Hezbollah

A Lebanese official said Israeli troops had started withdrawing Monday from some border villages, after Israel's military said it would remain in five "strategic points" hours before a ceasefire deadline to pull out. "Israeli forces are beginning to withdraw from border villages, including Mays al-Jabal and Blida, as the ...

The Ministerial Statement Reflects the President’s Inaugural Speech, but...

This is Beirut 17/02 23:55 - Reading : 5 minute(s)

Lebanon Government Joseph Aoun Nawaf Salam

  The government, approved on Monday evening the ministerial statement upon which it must seek the Parliament's confidence. However, some amendments were introduced to the text drafted by a ministerial committee chaired by designated Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. The amendments strengthen the principle of state primacy, which President Aoun ...

VideosGovernment's Ministerial Statement: What Does it Entail?

Chelsea Al Arif 17/02 21:10 - Reading : less than a minute

Joseph Aoun Ministerial Statement Government Nawaf Salam

The Lebanese government, led by Nawaf Salam, finalized its review of the Ministerial statement on Monday, at a meeting at the Presidential Palace in Baabda, chaired by President Joseph Aoun. Here are the main points to remember.

VideosEl Sistema Beirut Chants: When Music Changes Lives

Yara Germany 17/02 18:25 - Reading : less than a minute

El Sistema Beirut Chants Music Kids Hope

For 50 years worldwide and 2 years in Lebanon, El Sistema has been transforming young lives through music. A message of hope carried by voices and instruments, even in the darkest times.

VideosNawaf Salam's Government Works on Finalizing Its Policy Statement

Chelsea Al Arif 17/02 16:00 - Reading : less than a minute

What will the policy statement of PM Nawaf Salam’s government entail? And what happens after the ministers discuss the draft?

You, and Only You, Against the Whole World…

Marc Saikali 17/02 15:20 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Lebanese Army Achrafieh Hezbollah

What will happen on February 18, the deadline for the truce extension? Probably not much. The Israelis won’t have fully withdrawn, Hezbollah will call for “resistance” and the international community will exert pressure to avoid an unexpected escalation. Yelling and threatening mobs will likely rush into the neighborhoods that, not so long ...

Skeptical of Israeli Withdrawal on Deadline, President Aoun Reaffirms Army’s Security Role

This is Beirut 17/02 13:00 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

Ceasefire Israel Joseph Aoun Saudi Arabia United States

President Joseph Aoun on Monday reiterated the Lebanese Army’s responsibility for securing the country’s borders, emphasizing its full readiness for accountability. Addressing the issue of Hezbollah’s weapons, Aoun stated that any resolution must be discussed among the Lebanese. President Aoun voiced concern that Israeli troops may not ...

Downtown Revival: Many Businesses Set to Reopen Near Nejmeh Square

Nadia Hallak 17/02 12:35 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Downtown Beirut Business Souks

After years of closure, void and stagnation of market activity, Nejmeh Square in downtown Beirut was finally reopened to the public, along with the surrounding roads — especially those near the Parliament building and the Banks’ Street, adjacent to the Grand Serail. These areas had been sealed off with metal and concrete barriers, as well as ...

A Hamas Official Killed in an Israeli Drone Attack in Saida

This is Beirut 17/02 11:45 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Benjamin Netanyahu Hamas Hezbollah Israel

An Israeli strike on Monday targeted a vehicle in Saida, on the eve of a withdrawal deadline under a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. Israeli Channel 12 reported that the target was a Palestinian Hamas military commander. According to Al-Hadath media, the individual was Mohammad Shahine, Hamas's military chief in ...

The Aftermath of the War: Hezbollah’s Role and Responsibility

Bassam Abou Zeid 17/02 11:00 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

Hezbollah Hassan Nasrallah Gulf Israel

It is becoming increasingly clear that the Islamic Republic of Iran and Hezbollah have yet to come to terms with the end of Hezbollah’s military and security role as the armed wing of the Islamic Revolution. Therefore, they are attempting by all means to maintain a foothold that would allow Hezbollah to reassert itself. However, the prevailing ...