US seeks to train Lebanon army units to disarm Hezbollah: What to know Funding for such a program remains unclear, though the Pentagon has requested $36 million for fiscal year 2027 to support Lebanon’s army. Lebanon
Analysis Despite Trump pressure to limit Israel's Lebanon attacks, Aoun-Netanyahu meeting still unlikely As President Donald Trump pressures Israel to limit its strikes in Lebanon, Hezbollah is taking advantage of the situation. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
'Treason is war for external interests': Lebanon’s Aoun hits back at Hezbollah Lebanese President Joseph Aoun rejects Hezbollah’s criticism of talks with Israel, insisting negotiations are aimed at ending hostilities and saying “treason” is taking the country to war for external interests. Lebanon
Why US, Israel are freezing France out of Lebanon talks With talks between Israel and Lebanon being held in Washington, Paris still insists that it must be involved to balance possible American bias and to protect Beirut’s interests. Israel
Analysis Israel fears Trump angling for Lebanon deal to offset Iran missteps By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Turkey charges 7 over ex-Nissan boss’s escape to Lebanon Former Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn has been living in Lebanon since escaping house arrest in Japan in late December. Lebanon
Israel demands UN expand peacekeeping mission in Lebanon Ahead of the renewal for the UNIFIL mandate this summer, and with tensions at the border increasing, Israel wants rules in place so that UN peacekeepers can be more effective. Israel
Lebanon’s lockdown extended amid fears of ‘second wave’ of virus To keep the coronavirus from spreading, a curfew and other restrictions on movement in Lebanon will continue through at least May 24. Lebanon
In Lebanon’s new wave of protests and riots, Tripoli is leading the way Lebanon’s protests have resumed, but more violently, especially in Tripoli, where bank facades were smashed and a protester was killed by the army. Lebanon
Intel: US praises Germany for expanding Hezbollah terrorist designation Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and pro-Israel lawmakers welcomed Germany’s decision this week to designate the entirety of Hezbollah, the Lebanese Shiite militia-cum-political party, as a terrorist organization. Lebanon
Lebanon to seek IMF assistance to help with economic crisis The prime minister said Lebanon would seek $10 billion in loans from the international financial institution after passing a reform bill. Lebanon
Germany designates entirety of Hezbollah a terrorist organization Germany previously only classified Hezbollah's military wing as terrorists. Israel hopes the rest of Europe will follow suit. Lebanon
Saudi Arabia eases anti-virus measures Saudi Arabia allowed businesses to reopen today, but mosques, schools and other places remain closed. Saudi Arabia
Lebanese protest dire economic conditions as coronavirus lockdown eases Protests have resumed in Lebanon, with many people lamenting hunger and economic strife as the country's financial crisis continues during the coronavirus lockdown. Lebanon
Women, children face increased risk of abuse during Mideast lockdowns No COVID-19 furlough for imprisoned Iranian women’s rights activists; Interreligious, LGBT couples struggle to connect; Yemen’s cease-fire gets a second chance. Saudi Arabia
Four new coronavirus cases in refugee camp in Lebanon The four infected individuals are relatives of the first refugee woman who tested positive for the coronavirus in a Palestinian refugee camp this week. Lebanon
NGO: Most refugees in Lebanon lack soap after refugee tests positive for coronavirus The International Rescue Committee's survey was released after a Palestinian refugee in Lebanon tested positive for the virus. Palestine
