Lebanon

Presidents Aoun and Macron Call for Implementation of Ceasefire Agreement

This is Beirut 25/01 17:45 - Reading : less than a minute

Joseph Aoun Emmanuel Macron lebanon Israel

In the run-up to the January 27 deadline for Israeli forces to complete their withdrawal from southern Lebanon, as stipulated in the ceasefire agreement that came into force on November 27, the President of the Republic, General Joseph Aoun, received a call from French President Emmanuel Macron. They discussed developments in the situation in ...

ExplainerLebanese-Saudi Economic Ties: A Fresh Start?

Christiane Tager 25/01 15:00 - Reading : 4 minute(s)

Lebanon Economy Saudi Arabia KSA

Saudi Arabia has traditionally been a key economic partner for Lebanon. Before the 2021 decline in relations, largely driven by the Hezbollah issue, Lebanese exports to the Kingdom were substantial, particularly in agriculture, food products, textiles, and handicrafts. These exports were a vital source of foreign currency for Lebanon's economy. ...

Israeli Army Advances in South Lebanon as Ceasefire Agreement Ends

This is Beirut 25/01 11:20 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Lebanon Ceasefire Israel Lebanese Armed Forces South Lebanon

As the 60-day ceasefire agreement reaches its conclusion, the Israeli army has advanced in several areas of southern Lebanon, despite the agreement’s stipulation for a full withdrawal. Early reports indicate incursions in more than five locations, including Markaba-Tallouseh, Hula-Wadi slouki, and the heights of Kfarchouba. A reinforced ...

The Turkish Wolf Expands Its Regional Dominance

Malo Pinatel 25/01 11:00 - Reading : 8 minute(s)

USA Damascus Donald Trump European Union Gulf

Power, capability and determination. These are the words that Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan used on Friday, January 10, as he once again warned the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF)—a Kurdish-led coalition supported by the West—of military action if they did not hand over their weapons to the new regime in Damascus. Only a month earlier, ...

SpotlightWhat Is Left of Hezbollah's Arsenal?

Élie-Joe Kamel 25/01 10:15 - Reading : 7 minute(s)

Hezbollah Donald Trump Benjamin Netanyahu Fatah Gulf

With only two days remaining until the 60-day ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel expires, two questions arise: What is left of the arsenal of the pro-Iranian group, which was supposed to be dismantled during this period? And does Hezbollah still have the capacity to carry out operations against the Israeli Army? What is indisputable is that ...

Saudi Diplomat Visits Lebanon, Signals Renewal of Regional Relations

Rayan Chami 25/01 09:00 - Reading : 4 minute(s)

Middle East Saudi Arabia Faisal Bin Farhan Lebanon

In a significant diplomatic move, Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud concluded his visit to Baabda, where he met with newly elected President Joseph Aoun. This visit marks a historic moment, as it is the first time in 15 years that a high-ranking Saudi diplomat has visited Beirut. Strengthening Ties with Lebanon During his visit, ...

South Lebanon: Israel to Remain Temporarily in Five Locations

Bassam Abou Zeid 25/01 07:30 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Israel South Lebanon Benjamin Netanyahu United Nations Hezbollah

Tel Aviv announced on Friday that its army will not withdraw completely from the areas it occupies in southern Lebanon when the 60-day ceasefire agreement expires on Monday. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the phased withdrawal process would continue after January 27, “in agreement with the United States.” According ...

Washington Urges Immediate Ceasefire Extension as Tensions Continue in Southern Lebanon

This is Beirut 24/01 23:14 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

Washington Ceasefire South Lebanon Donald Trump Benjamin Netanyahu

As the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon nears its expiration on Monday, January 27, Washington has called for an urgent extension, urging Lebanese authorities to consider a temporary and short-term prolongation. The call comes as Tel Aviv announced its intention to extend its military withdrawal from southern Lebanon beyond the ...

UAE Announces Reopening of Embassy in Beirut

This is Beirut 24/01 23:00 - Reading : 1 minute(s)

United Arab Emirates Gulf Hezbollah Israel Joseph Aoun

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced on Friday that it has reopened its embassy in Lebanon, years after it was closed in solidarity with Saudi Arabia. According to state news agency WAM, the Emirati embassy in Beirut "has officially resumed diplomatic activities." Omar Obaid al-Shamsi, Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ...

The Last Shot… Ending Amal-Hezbollah Grip on Finance Ministry

Johnny Kortbawi 24/01 17:20 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Amal Hezbollah Lebanese Forces

The Ministry of Finance is not just a mere step in government formation. Speaker Nabih Berri has reopened the “Taif” files, reflecting on a past that no longer has anyone to endorse or oppose. The Ministry of Finance was indeed part of the Taif Agreement discussions, with a proposal to assign it to the Shiite community. However, this proposal ...

Netanyahu: Israel Will not Fully Withdraw Troops From Lebanon Before Sunday

This is Beirut 24/01 15:20 - Reading : 1 minute(s)

Israel Lebanon war Hezbollah army ceasefire

Israel announced on Friday that the withdrawal of its forces from southern Lebanon would continue beyond the 60-day period stipulated in a November ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said that the ceasefire agreement had been drafted "with the understanding that the withdrawal process might extend ...

Mine Clearance in Lebanon: When Will Displaced Families Return South?

Natasha Metni Torbey 24/01 13:37 - Reading : 4 minute(s)

Hezbollah Israel mines demining LMAC MAG

Haunted by thousands of landmines and unexploded ammunition, Lebanon faces a significant challenge: clearing a territory scarred by decades of conflict, the most recent being the 2024 war between Hezbollah and Israel. Triggered by Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Tel Aviv, the conflict spilled over into Lebanon under the banner of ...