US Treasury issues Hezbollah sanctions, labels group Iran-linked The sanctions target couriers ferrying Hezbollah funds on commercial flights across the region. Lebanon
In first, Lebanon to hand over former Syrian general to Sharaa government The decision comes as Syria's new authorities move to prosecute former regime figures over alleged crimes committed during the country's civil war. Lebanon
After 44 years, Israel retrieves remains of soldier killed in Lebanon: What to know The Israeli military recovered the remains of Yehuda Katz, an Israeli soldier who was killed in the Battle of Sultan Yacoub in Lebanon 44 years ago. Israel
Analysis Israel defies Trump on Lebanon as Netanyahu, Katz prioritize elections Both Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump face fateful elections this fall, but one needs progress in Lebanon while the other wants more of the same. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Lebanese PM urges Israeli withdrawal in meeting with US envoy By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Israel moves against West Bank settlers after Huckabee criticism By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Lebanon becomes first Arab country to abolish death penalty By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Will the true culprits surface in Lebanon's infamous Internet racket? Officials are investigating claims of corruption and espionage in Lebanon's Internet management. Israel
French FM speaks out on Middle East crises Newly appointed French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault speaks to Al-Monitor about the link between Europe's migrant crisis and the Syrian conflict, saying the European Union and France must shoulder their responsibilities to help solve the Israeli-Palestinian issue. Lebanon
Who is to blame for Beirut’s airport security gap? The Lebanese government rift and lack of a clear and effective policy for dealing with security gaps at the Rafik Hariri International Airport in Beirut may lead international and Arab airlines to suspend their flights to Lebanon. Lebanon
What Hollande’s visit means for Lebanon French President Francois Hollande is expected to visit Lebanon on April 16 as a part of a tour in the Middle East, although the trip will not achieve a breakthrough in the presidential crisis. Saudi Arabia
Why Iraqi-Saudi ties are backsliding yet again After Iraq’s foreign affairs minister defended Hezbollah, which is considered a terrorist group by the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Arab League, Gulf-Iraqi ties may worsen. Saudi Arabia
Will the Russians be able to help Lebanon get a new president? Russia’s withdrawal from Syria and the goodwill it generated in Arab circles, may allow it to play the role of mediator in Geneva and to help Lebanon fill its presidential vacuum. Saudi Arabia
Why Lebanon may be closing this naval base The construction of a tourism project at the port of Beirut requires removing a Lebanese army naval base. Lebanon
Can Hezbollah withstand Saudis' wrath? Hezbollah's actions are isolating Lebanon from the Arab states and exacerbating the country's already fractured and paralyzed politics. Legacy: Gulf
How Tehran and Damascus view Russia’s latest Syria move Regardless of the partial Russian military withdrawal, it appears that other allies of the Syrian government are holding their ground. Lebanon
Will short-term solution help Lebanon solve trash crisis? After drowning in piles of trash for more than eight months, Lebanon is implementing a landfill plan rejected by civil movements amid concerns of the environmental, health and economic damages ensuing from this crisis. Lebanon
Why is Hariri back in Lebanon? There is much speculation about why Saad Hariri has returned to Lebanon, including that he plans to help elect a president so he can head a new Cabinet and save himself politically and economically. Saudi Arabia
Will Gulf sanctions impact Lebanon’s banking sector? Although the recent decisions by Gulf states to impose political and economic measures on Lebanon’s Hezbollah sparked concerns about the impact on the country’s economy, experts in the field say Lebanese banks will be able to overcome this phase. Legacy: Gulf