Lebanon

Al-Rai: It Is Time to Move Beyond Pessimism
Al-Rai: It Is Time to Move Beyond Pessimism

Maronite Patriarch Bechara al-Rai has called for a shift away from pessimism, expressing hope for a brighter future for Lebanon. Speaking from the presidential palace in Baabda after his meeting with President Joseph Aoun on Wednesday, Patriarch al-Rai highlighted the president’s wishes to swiftly form an inclusive government provided that all ...

Amal and Hezbollah Will Boycott Parliamentary Consultations
Amal and Hezbollah Will Boycott Parliamentary Consultations

The Amal and Hezbollah blocs declared its decision to abstain from participating in the non-binding parliamentary consultations scheduled by Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam on Wednesday to form his government. During an interview with the local channel LBCI on Wednesday, MP Qassem Hachem, affiliated with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, ...

Blinken Claims Hezbollah Is Now 'Just a Memory'
Blinken Claims Hezbollah Is Now 'Just a Memory'

US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken on Tuesday, referred to "Hezbollah's retreat to the north of the Litani River," noting that "Iran has lost the ability to supply the party with weapons." "Hezbollah has lost and is now a thing of the past. His attacks have harmed the Lebanese and the Israelis," he said at a press conference on the situation ...

Nawaf Salam Begins Consultations with Former Prime Ministers
Nawaf Salam Begins Consultations with Former Prime Ministers

Newly appointed Prime Minister Nawaf Salam made protocol visits to former Lebanese prime ministers on Tuesday, starting with caretaker PM Najib Mikati. Following their brief meeting, Mikati remarked, “We discussed current issues, but due to his protocol tour, the meeting was concise. We agreed to reconvene later, and I wish him success in ...

No More Palestinian Weapons Outside Refugee Camps
No More Palestinian Weapons Outside Refugee Camps

The issue of Palestinian weapons outside the refugee camps was discussed in a meeting that brought together the Lebanese-Palestinian Dialogue Committee and Palestinian factions. At the end of the meeting, it was announced that the matter was settled and that no more arms existed outside the camps.   The meeting, held at the Grand Serail on ...

Salam Vows Full Implementation of 1701, Justice for Beirut Port Victims
Salam Vows Full Implementation of 1701, Justice for Beirut Port Victims

In his first declaration after being nominated, Prime Minister designate Nawaf Salam emphasized the importance of restoring the state’s authority across all of Lebanon in accordance with the Taif Agreement. He also highlighted the need for the full implementation of UN Resolution 1701 and related ceasefire provisions, and securing Israel’s ...

When Hezbollah Takes a Backseat...
Op-edWhen Hezbollah Takes a Backseat...

Hezbollah has been a central player in the political arena since 2005. It effectively replaced Syrian tutelage with its own presence in the Cabinet, starting with its participation in Najib Mikati's first government in April 2005. This marked the beginning of the party’s active and uninterrupted role in governance. More than once, Hezbollah ...

Tensions Persist as Israeli Forces Remain Along Lebanon's Southern Border
Tensions Persist as Israeli Forces Remain Along Lebanon's Southern Border

With less than two weeks to go before the end of the ceasefire introduced on November 27, Israeli forces are still present in the areas along Lebanon's southern border. For the second consecutive day, the Israeli army continued its incursion into the villages of Mfaylha and Ras al-Dahr, west of Mays al-Jabal. Sweep operations are underway, ...

UAE Embassy Reopens in Lebanon: A Diplomatic Milestone
UAE Embassy Reopens in Lebanon: A Diplomatic Milestone

The reopening of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Embassy in Beirut, following a two-year closure, marks a significant milestone in the diplomatic ties between the two nations. This symbolic and strategic move, welcomed by the Lebanese government, heralds a new phase of cooperation and dialogue. What led to this decision, and what are its ...

President Aoun Says Government Formation Will Be 'Smooth and Quick'
President Aoun Says Government Formation Will Be 'Smooth and Quick'

Following the appointment of Judge Nawaf Salam as Lebanon’s Prime Minister (PM), President Joseph Aoun spoke to journalists outside the presidential palace on Monday, expressing his hope that the subsequent formation of the government would be “smooth and quick.” “We have plenty of work ahead of us,” he added. At the end of a long ...