Lebanon

Le Drian Meets Lebanese Leaders to Discuss Army Support and Reforms

French President Emmanuel Macron’s special envoy for Lebanon, Jean-Yves Le Drian, visited Beirut on Thursday to discuss support for the Lebanese Army, economic reforms and preparations for two upcoming international conferences. The visit comes amid international pressure on Lebanon to advance reforms, including economic, institutional and ...

Motorcycle Accidents: One Life Lost Daily

At least one life is lost every day to motorcycle accidents in Lebanon, according to YASA. The organization warns that the growing chaos on the roads is claiming young lives across the country, urging quick enforcement of traffic laws to protect riders and pedestrians.

Second Group of Displaced Syrians Departs Lebanon

Lebanon has initiated the second phase of its organized return program for displaced Syrians through the Masnaa border crossing. The process was carried out in coordination with the Syrian government and in partnership with UNHCR, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the Lebanese Red Cross (LRC), and other humanitarian ...

Syria Announces Arrest of Hezbollah Cell in Damascus Countryside

The Syrian authorities announced Thursday the arrest of members of a terrorist cell affiliated with Hezbollah. According to Brigadier General Ahmad al-Dalati, commander of internal security in Rif Dimashq (the outskirts of Damascus), this cell was operating in the towns of Saasaa and Kanaker, in southern Syria. According to the authorities, the ...

Israeli Attacks on Bekaa and South Amid Surge in Aerial Activity

Israeli forces carried out air strikes across southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley on Thursday. Heavy shelling was reported on the outskirts of Ansar and Zrariya, as well as near Qallaat Mays outside Ansar, followed by raids that targeted the eastern mountain chain in the Yahfoufa area in the western Bekaa. Israeli Army Spokesperson Avichay ...

Qassem Signals Defiance as Lebanon Faces Political and Security Challenges

Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem used his Wednesday speech to reiterate the group’s role in Lebanon, framing its organization as an indispensable “shield” against Israel while sidestepping calls for disarmament. In complete denial of ground reality, Qassem described Hezbollah as an “impenetrable barrier” against Israel, claiming ...

Parliamentary Committee Approves New Banknote Amid Currency Collapse

The Finance and Budget Committee, chaired by MP Ibrahim Kanaan, approved on Wednesday a legislative amendment authorizing the Central Bank of Lebanon (BDL) to issue new banknotes, including a denomination of LBP 5 million. The move, seen as emblematic of the national currency’s collapse, was justified as a technical step to facilitate daily ...

Lebanese Army Receives Italian Donation of Medical Equipment

The Lebanese Army (LAF) received on Wednesday a donation of 30 tons of medical equipment and supplies from the Italian authorities during a ceremony at the Military Medical Center. The event was attended by Silvia Tosi, representing Italian Ambassador Fabrizio Marcelli, the head of the Military Medical Center on behalf of Army Commander General ...

MP Alameh: Up to 400,000 Syrian Refugees Would Return Home Soon

Lebanon may see up to 400,000 Syrian refugees return home in the near future, MP Fadi Alameh said on Wednesday, noting that between 200,000 and 250,000 have already gone back. Speaking after chairing a session of the Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Committee, Alameh said the meeting focused on the refugee return file and was attended by Deputy ...

Football: Lebanon Joins Asia's Elite

In the sweltering heat of the Thai capital, Lebanon gave a masterclass in efficiency and control. Facing a tenacious Mongolian side, Michel Sfeir's players held their nerve and quickly took control of the match at Thammasat Stadium. In the 8th minute, Danny Istambouli opened the scoring with an unstoppable cross-shot. Just before halftime (45+1), ...

Cabinet to Reconvene Thursday in Baabda

The Council of Ministers is set to hold a meeting on Thursday at Baabda Palace to discuss a ten-point agenda, with particular focus on international proposals aimed at securing internet access in Lebanon. The issue, brought forward by Minister of Telecommunications Charles Hage, was previously reviewed during a cabinet session held at the Grand ...

Lebanon Condemns Israeli Strikes on Doha

Lebanon condemned on Tuesday Israel’s military operation targeting Hamas leaders in Doha, denouncing it as a violation of international law and Qatari sovereignty. In separate statements on social media, President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam described the strikes as “an attack on the sovereignty of a brother Arab state and a ...