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
UAE Deports 125 Lebanese Citizens The UAE recently deported some 125 Lebanese citizens, as Lebanese Shiites also face harassment in Libya, reports an Al-Monitor Lebanon Pulse contributor. United Arab Emirates
Offshore Gas Key to UK Interest In Lebanon In a bid to increase its political sway in the country, as well as take advantage of offshore gas reserves in Lebanese waters, the UK has sent its foreign secretary to meet with Lebanon’s prime minister, writes Nasser Chararah. Lebanon
Freedom of Expression Takes Another Hit in Lebanon Jean Aziz argues that freedom of expression in Lebanon is regularly restricted by the authorities for a variety of baffling reasons, despite this right being enshrined in the Lebanese constitution. Lebanon
No Conditions on Syrian Dialogue Al-Monitor’s coverage and analysis of the demonstrations in the West Bank, the role of Hezbollah in Syria, and the urgency of starting negotiations between the Syrian government and the opposition without conditions. Palestine
The Israel-Hezbollah Shadow War Israel and Hezbollah prefer a shadow war of terror and assassination rather than disturbing the uneasy truce on the Israel-Lebanon border, writes Ali Hashem. Israel
Obama Should Make Clear US Position on Golan The announcement that Genie Energy, a US company, has been granted a license for oil exploration in the Golan requires the US to make clear its position that the Golan Heights are Syrian territory under Israeli occupation, writes Clovis Maksoud. Israel
March 14 Coalition Threatened By Draft Lebanese Electoral Law Some groups, including the March 14 Coalition, mistrust that the Orthodox Electoral Law will improve the political scene, reports Elie Hajj. Lebanon
Syrian Government Insists: No Conditions on Dialogue A Syrian official says Damascus is in principle open to dialogue, but not with preconditions, reports Jean Aziz. Lebanon
Syria War Spurs US Military Aid To Lebanon The Obama administration intends to continue aid to the Lebanese army to help prevent the spread of sectarian fighting from Syria and to counter the influence of Hezbollah. Lebanon
'Orthodox Plan' Would Be A Setback for Lebanon The so-called "Orthodox Plan" for the forthcoming Lebanese parliamentary elections would be a setback for Lebanon and a step toward greater sectarianism, writes Clovis Maksoud. Lebanon
Nasrallah Threatens Israel Again Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah has again threatened Israel, but the threats may stem from Hezbollah's fortunes declining as a result of the war in Syria, writes Shlomi Eldar. Israel
Hezbollah Defends Shiite Villages In Syria War A recent military operation by Hezbollah to defend Lebanese Shiite villagers in Syria is another sign that the Syrian conflict is spreading to Lebanon, argues Nasser Chararah. Lebanon
