US, France and Saudi Arabia agree to conference to bolster Lebanon’s army

France is looking for more support for a committee monitoring the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon.

Lebanon

Newsletter: Daily Briefing

Saudi, French, US officials push Hezbollah disarmament

Senate passing bill lifting Caesar sanctions on Syria, Israel's Netanyahu approves $35B gas deal with Egypt, and more.

By Rosaleen Carroll

In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East

Syria foils major arms smuggling attempt to Lebanon: What we know

Syrian authorities have stepped up operations targeting smuggling attempts mainly destined for Hezbollah in Lebanon since the fall of President Bashar al‑Assad’s regime last year.

Syria

Analysis

Trump's Syria envoy Barrack tests Israel's patience as Netanyahu pushes back

The struggle between the Israeli prime minister and the envoy is an acknowledgment by Israeli leaders that "what will happen is what Trump wants to happen."

By Ben Caspit

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Lebanon FM lashes out at Iran amid ambassador impasse: What to know

Lebanese officials have grown more frustrated at Tehran over its perceived meddling in Lebanon’s internal affairs by making repeated comments about its ally, Hezbollah, and the importance of its weapons, at a time the country is working to extend control over all arms.

Lebanon

Lebanon's FM snubs Iran, turns down invitation to visit Tehran: What to know

Youssef Rajji declined an invitation from his Iranian counterpart to visit Tehran, saying, "The appropriate conditions for such a visit were not present.”

Lebanon

Clashes and protests in Lebanon over Syria's anniversary: What we know

As celebrations erupted in Lebanon to commemorate the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, Hezbollah supporters held counter-rallies.

Lebanon

Analysis

Lebanon-Israel direct talks pause operation against Hezbollah — but for how long?

The US blocked Israel from widening its strikes on Hezbollah this week, yet another flare-up in their enduring conflict seems likely despite first direct talks between Lebanon and Israel.

By Ben Caspit

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Lebanon, Israel to hold second round of direct talks: What we know

While Israel and Lebanon continue talks, Israeli airstrikes have persisted, and Hezbollah shows no sign of complying with disarmament requirements.

Lebanon

Who is Simon Karam, head of Lebanon’s delegation to talks with Israel?

Karam is a veteran diplomat and a legal scholar who served as Lebanon’s ambassador to the United States from 1992 to 1993.

Lebanon

US pressure prompted Israel-Lebanon talks to avert war with Hezbollah

According to an Israeli security source, US envoy Morgan Ortagus’ visit was perceived in Israel as a warning that President Donald Trump will not accept Israel launching a large military campaign in southern Lebanon.

Israel

Lebanon and Israel hold first direct talks in decades: What to know

Lebanon and Israel sent civilian representatives to the latest US-led meeting of the committee overseeing the ceasefire, aiming to break the stalemate between the two countries as Israel intensifies its attacks on Lebanon over its delay in disarming Hezbollah.

Lebanon