US brokers deal for limited Israeli withdrawal in south Lebanon The deal establishes a US-facilitated military coordination group to oversee the creation of two initial pilot zones in southern Lebanon. Lebanon
Explainer Gulf states push incentives for investors, expats after war dents image Several Gulf states are working to recover their images as global havens of stability in the wake of the Iran war. United Arab Emirates
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran insists on right to control shipping in Strait of Hormuz Supreme Court backs Trump move to end Syrians’ deportation protections; Lebanon cancels national high school exams; and more. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
As US talks stall, Hezbollah chief defiant, says Israel to leave Lebanon ’humiliated' The speech comes as the Lebanese-Israeli talks appeared to reach a deadlock this week amid Israel’s refusal to withdraw from Lebanese territory as long as Hezbollah remains armed. Lebanon
Newsletter: Daily Briefing US-Iran technical talks set to resume next week By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Analysis Pilot zones at center of Israel-Lebanon talks as Trump pressures Netanyahu By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Culture Lebanon: Backlash as MPs introduce bill to decriminalize LGBTQ+ relationships Some Lebanese leaders have intensified their campaign against the LGBTQ+ community after news emerged of a bill to repeal an anti-LGBTQ+ provision of the Penal Code. Lebanon
With 20 wounded, Ain al-Hilweh clashes fuel Palestinian rivalries in Lebanon The camp for Palestinian refugees has long been a scene of conflict, and a recent truce has been unable to stop clashes between Fatah and rival Islamists. Lebanon
UNIFIL mandate extended as US envoy visits Lebanon US envoy Amos Hochstein met with Lebanese officials to follow up on the maritime border agreement with Israel that allowed offshore gas exploration in Lebanese waters and to likely discuss UNIFIL's extension. Lebanon
Hezbollah says UNIFIL mandate will remain 'ink on paper' without change The paramilitary group is objecting to the renewal of the UN peacekeeping mission over last year's modification that gave the mission freedom of movement in southern Lebanon without coordination with the army. Lebanon
Lebanon’s acting central bank chief pleads for reform as crisis continues Wassim Mansouri has been urgently calling on the Lebanese government to enact reforms since becoming acting governor of Banque du Liban following the end of the embattled Riad Salameh’s term. Lebanon
Culture Hard-line Christian group attacks queer-friendly bar in Lebanon The LGBTQ community in Lebanon has faced increasing violence in recent weeks amid a rising wave of hate speech against them. Lebanon
4 Arab Israelis arrested for Hezbollah ties, smuggling Iranian explosives The Shin Bet announced today that four Arab Israelis suspected of involvement with Hezbollah's smuggling activities were arrested last month. Israel
Lebanon rolls out waste management project For years, Lebanon's trash has been burned in open dumps, with dangerous environmental and health effects. Lebanon
Energy exploration begins in Lebanon’s offshore field Gas exploration plans in Lebanon’s Mediterranean waters have progressed since the country reached a maritime border deal with Israel last year. Lebanon
UNRWA suspends services in Lebanese camp following deadly violence The UN agency said it had halted assistance in the Ain al-Hilweh camp after reports of armed fighters in some of its schools following clashes. Lebanon
US sanctions Lebanese environmental group for Hezbollah ties The US imposed sanctions on Green Without Borders and its leader, Zuhair Subhi Nahla, for providing cover for Hezbollah's activities in southern Lebanon. Lebanon
Offshore gas rig sets up in cash-strapped Lebanon The arrival of the machinery marks a significant development for Lebanon, which hope gas exploration will revive its ailing economy. Lebanon