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
Lebanon becomes first Arab country to legalize cannabis farming Despite pushback from Hezbollah, the Lebanese parliament passed legislation Tuesday legalizing cannabis cultivation for medicinal and industrial purposes. Lebanon
First confirmed coronavirus case in Lebanon Palestinian refugee camp A Palestinian refugee woman tested positive for the coronavirus in Lebanon amid fears that the conditions in such camps could lead to an outbreak. Palestine
Lebanese parliament reconvenes with anti-virus measures in place The Lebanese parliament voted to pass a bill allowing cultivation of cannabis for medicinal purposes as protests resumed in Beirut. Lebanon
Lebanon records zero new COVID-19 cases for first time since virus emerged Anti-government protesters return to the streets of Beirut, the Lebanese parliament approves an IMF loan and the Health Ministry reports no new cases of COVID-19. Lebanon
The message behind Israel’s drone attack Hezbollah is on edge as Israel continues its drone war in Lebanon. Israel
Domestic violence in Lebanon spikes under lockdown More women are reporting abuse and domestic violence in Lebanon as the country's citizens remain stuck at home to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus. Lebanon
Cash-strapped Lebanon struggles amid the coronavirus crisis Various sectors in Lebanon, a country grappling with its worst economic crisis in decades, have been hit hard by the measures imposed to stem the spread of the coronavirus. Lebanon
Secret relationships in times of the coronavirus The coronavirus crisis has put more constraints on the love lives of many Lebanese young people, especially those who are in interreligious or gay relationships. Lebanon
Hope for Yemen? Plus, three quick takes on the IMF’s outlook for Iran, Lebanon and Egypt The UN-Saudi peace initiative may be the best hope in an otherwise gloomy regional forecast during "The Great Lockdown." Saudi Arabia
Lebanon’s waste crisis worsens amid COVID-19 outbreak A local NGO is taking care of medical waste produced by health institutions amid the coronavirus crisis in Lebanon, which is already grappling with an acute trash crisis. Lebanon
Lebanon’s coronavirus response is working, yet faces challenges Critics say the Lebanese government's figures are unreliable amid the coronavirus crisis, fearing severe strains on the health care system in case of a major outbreak of the novel virus. Lebanon
‘All hands on deck:’ Middle East embassies inundated with citizens stranded in US Middle East embassies are overwhelmed with calls from citizens trying to return home as COVID-19 spreads in the United States. Oman
