Lebanon

SpotlightLebanon’s Banking Secrecy Reform: A Threat to Privacy, Legal Security, and Economic Trust

This is Beirut 22/04 12:50 - Reading : 4 minute(s)

As Lebanon grapples with a deep financial crisis and seeks to overhaul its banking system, a proposed amendment to the country’s banking secrecy law has sparked major controversy. Though introduced under the banner of transparency and reform, the changes raise serious concerns about individual privacy, data protection, investor confidence, and ...

FM Reportedly Summoned Iranian Ambassador Over Hezbollah Arms Remarks

This is Beirut 22/04 12:15 - Reading : 1 minute(s)

Lebanon Israel Foreign Minister Iran Hezbollah

Lebanon’s Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji has reportedly summoned Iran’s ambassador to Beirut, Mojtaba Amani, following controversial statements made by the diplomat on social media, according to the al-Markazia news agency. The Iranian ambassador’s remarks, posted on X (formerly Twitter), were viewed as politically sensitive in Lebanon’s ...

Op-edBeirut's Municipality: A Small-Scale Republic

Johnny Kortbawi 22/04 11:00 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

Beirut Municipality State

Beirut’s municipality is, in truth, more than a municipal body, yet smaller than a republic. It is effectively a quasi-state, given the sheer number of people who enter the city each day for work or residence — a figure that amounts to nearly half of Lebanon’s population. More than 60 percent of the country’s registered vehicles also enter ...

Israeli Strike Near Damour Kills Jamaa Islamiya Leader

This is Beirut 22/04 10:40 - Reading : 1 minute(s)

Lebanon Israel Damour Jamaa Islamiya Strike

An Israeli drone strike on Tuesday morning targeted a vehicle in the Baawarta area near Damour, resulting in the death of Hussein Izzat Atwi, a senior figure in the Islamist group Jamaa Islamiya. The vehicle, which was struck near a Lebanese army barracks, caught fire upon impact. Atwi, born in 1968 and originally from Hebbariyeh in the ...

SpotlightHezbollah’s 'Populist' Posturing and the Call for Army Control of Weapons

Philippe Abi Akl 22/04 08:30 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Hezbollah Israel Joseph Aoun Arms Mahmoud Abbas Palestinian Camps

Hezbollah appears divided over its stance on handing over its weapons to the state. On one hand, senior figures such as Wafiq Safa, Mahmoud Komati and Naim Qassem—who declared, “We will not allow anyone to disarm us”—maintain a hardline position. On the other, President Joseph Aoun signaled a potential shift in the group’s approach, ...

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Netanyahu Warns of "Expanded Israeli Response”, says "Lebanon Will Not Be Spared"

This is Beirut 21/04 23:10 - Reading : 1 minute(s)

Benjamin Netanyahu Hamas Hezbollah Israel

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday issued a series of pointed threats against Iran and its regional allies, warning of an “expanded Israeli response” that could reach beyond the borders of Yemen. “Israel’s response will not be confined to Yemen,” Netanyahu declared. “It will extend to Lebanon and every other front.” ...

Berri Backs Closed-List System to Ensure Parity in Beirut Municipal Council

This is Beirut 21/04 20:30 - Reading : 1 minute(s)

Nabih Berry House of Representatives Municipal Elections Beirut

Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri signaled that potential amendments may be introduced to the Municipal Law, particularly to ensure parity within major municipal councils, most notably in Beirut, and possibly Tripoli. In remarks made to An-Nahar on Monday, Berri said he is awaiting the outcome of ongoing discussions on proposed changes to the ...

Haykal: We Will Do All That Is Required to Preserve Lebanon

This is Beirut 21/04 18:20 - Reading : 1 minute(s)

Lebanon Lebanese army Rudolf Haikal

Lebanese Army (LAF) Commander General Rodolphe Haykal reaffirmed the military’s unwavering commitment to national service, emphasizing that LAF units deployed across the country play a pivotal role in safeguarding Lebanon and supporting its resilience. During a visit on Monday to Issam Chamoun Barracks in Nabatiyeh, where he met officers and ...

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SpotlightPope Francis: "Providence Will Never Forsake Lebanon"

Fady Noun 21/04 16:30 - Reading : 6 minute(s)

Pope Francis Hezbollah Israel US Secretary of State USA

Pope Francis has always kept Lebanon close to his heart. According to those close to him and many of his visitors, the Holy Father has remained closely informed about developments in the country. While he has not visited Lebanon—due to both health concerns and the political vacuum created by the absence of a president and a fully functioning ...

VideosLebanese React to Pope Francis’ Death

Rayan Chami 21/04 15:55 - Reading : less than a minute

Pope Francis Lebanon

Pope Francis passed away on Monday, April 21, at the age of 88, just one day after he appeared on the balcony of Saint Peter's Basilica to greet worshippers on Easter Sunday. His sudden passing has resonated across the world, including in Lebanon, where many expressed sorrow, admiration, and respect for the pontiff. Here's a look at how people in ...

Ministry of Agriculture Calls for Support of Locally Grown Potatoes

This is Beirut 21/04 13:55 - Reading : 1 minute(s)

Agriculture Lebanon Akkar Potatoes Farmers

As the potato harvest gets underway, Lebanon’s Ministry of Agriculture on Monday called on citizens to support locally grown produce—particularly potatoes cultivated in the Akkar Plain, a region known for its high-quality agricultural output. In an official statement, the Ministry praised the dedication of farmers in Akkar, highlighting their ...

Lebanese Army Arrests 16 Individuals for Various Crimes

This is Beirut 21/04 13:35 - Reading : 1 minute(s)

LAF Lebanon Army Arrest Crime Syria

The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) issued a statement on Monday detailing a series of arrests and security measures conducted by its Intelligence Directorate in different regions of Lebanon. In the Lailaki area, the LAF arrested a citizen (H.H.) implicated in numerous offenses, including kidnapping, theft, drug abuse, causing disturbances, shooting, ...