Analysis Israel’s Lebanon dilemma: Confront Hezbollah without angering Trump, triggering Iran Israeli sources point out that the pilot project for Israel's withdrawal and the Lebanese military taking control over the area is not working because of the government's reluctance to search for Hezbollah's weapons in private homes. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran sets conditions for reopening Strait of Hormuz Syria, Saudi Arabia to establish joint bank; Lebanon, UAE ink deals, deepen economic ties; and more. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Lebanon, UAE ink deals, deepen economic ties on Emirati Beirut visit An Emirati business delegation signed the agreements in Beirut and met with President Joseph Aoun, indicating the UAE's interest in deepening economic ties with Lebanon. Lebanon
Newsletter: Business & Tech Iran keeps Hormuz reopening on hold Traffic in the Strait of Hormuz remained low, with only five commodity vessels transiting the waterway on Tuesday, according to data from maritime tracking firm Kpler. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Newsletter: Daily Briefing US lifts Syria's terror designation By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
The Takeaway: Iran deal on front burner before Raisi takes office Also: Bibi plots his comeback, a woman boxing coach trains men in Egypt, and the latest from Gaza, Jordan, Iraq, and Turkey. Iran
Lebanon’s fuel shortage worsens economic crisis As smuggling to Syria continues and amid the collapse of the local currency, the Lebanese people are paying the price amid fuel shortages. Lebanon
US weighs options as Lebanon’s allies move to assist military The Pentagon and State Department are exploring "creative ways" to help the Lebanese armed forces offset their costs amid financial crisis. Lebanon
US pledges additional support for Lebanon’s army amid financial collapse Lebanon's armed forces are to receive an additional $15 million in US aid. Lebanon
Lebanon loses some electricity after Turkish company ceases operations Karpowership said they stopped providing electricity to crisis-stricken Lebanon due to 18 months of no payments. Lebanon
IDF claims three rockets fired from Lebanon toward Israel Lebanese media reported that Palestinian groups in the country launched the rockets, which landed in the sea. Lebanon
US sanctions 7 over Hezbollah finances The sanctions indicate continued US pressure on the Lebanese organization under US President Joe Biden. Lebanon
Lebanese parties distribute food baskets as economy continues to sink Lebanese parties are distributing aid and food baskets to people suffering under difficult economic and social conditions but at the same time are ignoring the root of the crisis. Lebanon
French FM visits Lebanon to send message of ‘great firmness’ to bickering politicians French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian met with President Michel Aoun, who briefed him on the stalled efforts to form a government. Lebanon
German company removes dangerous material from Beirut port The Lebanese government is also seeking satellite images other countries have of the Beirut port explosion site. Lebanon
US to send mediation team for Israel-Lebanon maritime talks next week The resumption of talks, which stalled in November, could unlock significant economic benefits for debt-ridden Lebanon. Lebanon
Pope may visit Lebanon once new government is formed Pope Francis met Lebanese Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri in Vatican City today. Lebanon