From Al-Azhar to Turkey: Middle East dignitaries gather for Pope Francis' funeral

Lebanon is sending President Joseph Aoun to Rome for the funeral, with Turkey, Iran and other states also dispatching officials.

Lebanon

Analysis

Israel doubts Syria breakthrough as Sharaa signals openness to Abraham Accords

Syria's new leader seems open to joining the Abraham Accords under 'certain conditions,' but Israelis remain skeptical about his true intentions and an emerging alliance with Turkey.

By Ben Caspit

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Lebanon summons Iran’s ambassador in warning against Hezbollah interference

Iranian Ambassador Mojtaba Amani’s criticism of any plans to disarm Hezbollah sparked controversy in Lebanon as Beirut seeks to gradually bring weapons under state control.

Lebanon

Lebanon secures initial World Bank approval for $400M loan

Lebanon is seeking international support to cover an estimated $11 billion in reconstruction costs, as its government navigates ongoing political and security challenges.

Lebanon

Middle East churches, Al-Azhar, leaders mourn Pope Francis

Pope Francis was praised by several regional leaders and churches, including Lebanon's Maronite Church and Iraqi officials, who noted his historic visit to Iraq in 2021.

Lebanon

Analysis

Under US pressure, can Lebanon disarm Hezbollah without Iran's green light?

The issue of Hezbollah’s disarmament resurfaces amid US pressure, shifting regional dynamics, and Iran's decisive role.

By Dario Sabaghi

Lebanon's army expands presence, dismantles 500 Hezbollah sites: What to know

The Lebanese army intensified its deployment in southern Lebanon, dismantling Hezbollah positions and confiscating weapons as part of a US-brokered ceasefire agreement with Israel.

Lebanon

Culture

'Snow White' banned in Lebanon, Kuwait over Israeli star Gal Gadot

Lebanon's government banned Disney's latest film for its inclusion of Israeli actress Gal Gadot while countries like the UAE, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Jordan plan to show the movie.

Lebanon

Lebanon’s Aoun visits Doha as Qatar, France send military support

President Joseph Aoun’s trip to Qatar comes on the heels of his meeting with Saudi Arabia's envoy in Beirut.

Lebanon

Lebanon’s PM Nawaf Salam makes first Syria visit, meets Sharaa as border tensions loom

The visit is the latest sign of an apparent effort to improve ties between Syria and Lebanon after the fall of the Assad regime.

Lebanon

Lebanon grills former security chiefs over Beirut port blast: What we know

The probe into the explosion caused by thousands of tons of improperly stored ammonium nitrate at the port has stalled for the past four years due to political interference in the judiciary.

Lebanon

Lebanon's Hezbollah ready to talk 'defense strategy' amid calls to disarm

A Hezbollah parliament member has shown willingness to begin talks on what he called a "national defense strategy," stressing that the Lebanese government must fulfill its responsibilities in ending the Israeli attacks in the country.

Lebanon