Israël

PMI Rises for the Second Month in a Row

In December 2024, BlomInvest’s Purchase Managers Index (PMI) reached its highest level in five months. In Lebanon, it scored 48.4 points in November 2024, as opposed to 48.1 the month before. According to Helmi Mourad, a research analyst at Blom Business Bank, the PMI improved for the second consecutive month, going from a low of 45 points in ...

Hochstein Calls for Full Implementation of the Taif Agreement

US Envoy Amos Hochstein visited MP Fouad Makhzoumi's residence on Tuesday in the presence of Lebanese MPs from different parliamentary blocs. He stressed “the need for Lebanon and for the future President to commit to the full implementation of the Taif Agreement and to the implementation of the reforms necessary for the country's ...

Lebanese Army to Deploy in Aita al-Shaab

The Lebanese army is preparing to take up position in Aita al-Shaab for the first time since the November 27 ceasefire was concluded between Hezbollah and Israel. Army tanks were stationed on Tuesday in the Bayada area, getting ready to deploy in Naqoura, along with a patrol from the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). Lebanese ...

Mediator Qatar Confirms 'Technical Meetings' on Gaza Truce Ongoing

Talks aimed at cementing a truce in Gaza between Israel and Hamas are ongoing, with "technical meetings" taking place between the parties, mediator Qatar's foreign ministry said Tuesday. "The technical meetings are still happening between both sides," ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari said, referring to meetings with lower-level officials on the ...

The Presidential Election Hangs in the Balance

Whether a president is elected in the upcoming January 9 session or the election is postponed, the incoming head of state must inevitably be fit for the new phase Lebanon is entering. There is no more room for maneuver, and the rapid developments in the region compel the authorities to change their approach, uphold the rule of law for everyone, ...

Lebanese Army Deploys in Naqoura and Hamoul

The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) deployed in Hamoul and Naqoura in the western sector of South Lebanon on Monday, establishing positions in three locations. The deployment followed the simultaneous withdrawal of the Israeli army from the western area, according to Israeli media. Earlier on Monday, the Municipality of Naqoura indicated that the ...

Amos Hochstein Wraps First Day of Last Visit to Lebanon

US Envoy Amos Hochstein met with top Lebanese officials, including caretaker PM Najib Mikati and Speaker Nabih Berri, to discuss the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire as well as local and regional developments. His visit comes days ahead of Lebanon's crucial parliamentary session to elect a new president.

Hochstein: Israel Will Withdraw From All Lebanese Territories

US envoy to Lebanon Amos Hochstein announced on Monday the start of the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Naqoura. Following his meeting with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri in Ain el-Tineh and Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati in the Grand Serail, Hochstein reiterated Washington's support for the Lebanese army. “Israeli forces ...

WFP Accuses Israel of Firing on Its Gaza Convoy

The UN's World Food Programme on Monday accused Israel of firing on one of its aid convoys in the war-torn Gaza Strip, saying at least 16 bullets hit the clearly marked vehicles but no staff were injured. Condemning the "horrifying" and "unacceptable" incident, the WFP called again for "all parties to respect ...

Air France Extends Flight Suspension to Lebanon and Israel

Air France announced the continued suspension of its flights to Lebanon and Israel due to ongoing security risks in the region. The airline confirmed on Monday that its services between Paris and Tel Aviv will remain suspended until January 17, while flights between Paris and Beirut are halted until January 31. The decision follows the ...

Lebanese-French Group: The Outcome of Presidential Vote to Shape Lebanon's Future

The Lebanese-French Coordination Committee and the World Lebanese Cultural Union-France expressed grave concerns about Lebanon's presidential election on January 9, 2025, stressing that the outcome will shape the nation’s future. They emphasized the critical role of the new president and the subsequent government in establishing long-term peace ...

Israel Medics, Army say 3 Killed in West Bank Shooting on Vehicles

Gunmen opened fire on vehicles, including a bus, on Monday near a village in the occupied West Bank, killing three people and wounding seven, the Israeli military and emergency services said. "Paramedics have confirmed the deaths of three victims, including two women and a man," emergency service provider Magen David Adom said, while the military ...