Lebanon - AL-MONITOR: The Middle Eastʼs leading independent news source since 2012

Lebanon

Lebanon

October 23, 2026

Beirut 1:41 am

26°C

tunnel

Lebanon uncovers new tunnel amid tensions with Hezbollah: What to know

A tunnel was discovered near Beirut as tensions between Lebanese authorities and Hezbollah have been running high over the seizure of weapons shipments destined for the Iran-backed group.

Israeli troops stand guard on the dividing line between the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights and Syrian, near Majdal Shams, July 16, 2025.

Analysis

'The problem and the solution': Netanyahu-Sharaa call exposes Israel's Syria dilemma

The Israeli leader revealed that he spoke with the Syrian president last year, but stalled talks and Israel's fortification of a security zone on Syrian land underscore his mistrust of Sharaa.

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

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun met with Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani

Qatar PM in Beirut as Lebanon seeks economic relief: What to know

Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani’s visit to Beirut coincides with the Lebanese authorities’ ongoing efforts to curb Hezbollah’s influence in the country.

Mihrac Ural, who was also known as Ali Kayali, was arrested

Explainer

Syria arrests Mihrac Ural, ex-Assad militia head also wanted by Turkey

The Turkey-born militia chief and a longtime ally of the Assad-regime, was sought by Ankara over the deadly Reyhanli bombings and by Damascus over his alleged role in massacres on the Mediterranean coast.

Latest News

Syria denies meeting with Lebanon’s Hezbollah in Turkey: What to know

Lebanon seeks Turkey’s help to join Syria-Saudi rail link: What to know

A picture taken on May 1, 2019 shows a railroad of Mar Mikhael neighborhood in the Lebanese capital Beirut.

Lebanon PM meets Rubio as Israel talks stall: What to know

SAUL LOEB / AFP via Getty Images

Lebanon's PM calls for international force to replace UNIFIL: What to know

Brendan SMIALOWSKI / AFP via Getty Images

Francesco Schiavi

In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance

Beatrice Farhat

Associate Editor (Lebanon)

In Beirut, reporting on regional news, culture, conflict

Joyce Karam

Editor-in-Chief

Ali Hashem

In Doha, reporting on Iran, regional politics, conflict

Hanna Davis

In Beirut, reporting on politics, migration, human rights

Rodayna Raydan

In Boqaata, reporting on culture

Syrian refugees act out their stories in 'The Caravan'

'The Caravan,' a play based on Syrian refugees' testimonies, will begin touring Lebanon in June.

Should Lebanon found national oil company?

Valerie Marcel, an associate fellow at Chatham House who heads the New Petroleum Producers Discussion Group, speaks to Al-Monitor about issues concerning good governance in the oil sector in Lebanon.

Lebanese web shows get Netflix treatment

Despite limited financial resources, the web series genre is growing in popularity in Lebanon, especially among youths.

$The cables of a side-scan sonar is seen in the waters of the Mediterranean sea, during a tour of areas believed to have gas reserves, off Lebanon's coast near Beirut May 30, 2013. Offshore seismic surveys suggest Lebanon has at least 30 trillion cubic feet in just a small fraction of its Mediterranean waters Energy Minister Gebran Bassil said. Lebanon has selected 46 international oil companies to bid to explore for gas off its coast, where survey ships have been assessing prospects after discoveries in wat$

French oil exec speaks out on prospects of drilling in Lebanon

Elias Kassis, vice president of the Middle East and North Africa division of French oil and gas company Total, says 'there are many factors' companies must consider when deciding whether or not to drill exploratory wells.

What's in store for Lebanon's nascent oil, gas sector?

There is a new twist in the debate about Lebanon's best strategy for developing its offshore oil and gas resources.

Will Russia adopt 'first to strike' policy in Syria?

Bombings in Tartus and Jableh have led Russia to reassess the risks it faces in Syria.

Tehran accuses Israel of holding four Iranians who disappeared 34 years ago

Iran's defense minister said that Israel is holding prisoner the four Iranians who were kidnapped in Lebanon in 1982.

Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) and Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu attend the Victory Day parade, marking the 71st anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two, at Red Square in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2016. REUTERS/Grigory Dukor - RTX2DFS2

US should accept Russian offer to coordinate strikes on Jabhat al-Nusra

US-Russian joint action would be a step forward to defeat al-Qaeda affiliate; US rejects Russian bid to designate Ahrar al-Sham and Jaish al-Islam as terrorist groups; Nasrallah vows deeper commitment to Syria following death of top commander.

How drama therapy is helping Lebanese prisoners and society

A Lebanese psychologist has been working with inmates in Roumieh Prison to help them, through drama therapy, to forgive themselves, express themselves and develop empathy.

Workers conduct an onshore gas and oil inspection in Batroun, northern Lebanon, October 2, 2013. Lebanon launched an onshore oil and gas survey on Wednesday, hoping that promising results from surveys of its Mediterranean waters can be matched by similar prospects onland. To match LEBANON-ENERGY/ REUTERS/Mohammed Azakir (LEBANON - Tags: ENERGY BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT POLITICS) - RTR3FIVP

Can Lebanon make progress on oil, gas exploration efforts?

A litany of more pressing crises has led to a delay in efforts to advance work on Lebanon's nascent oil and gas sector.

People toss rose petals as Hezbollah members stand near the coffin of top Hezbollah commander Mustafa Badreddine, who was killed in an attack in Syria, during his funeral in Beirut's southern suburbs, Lebanon, May 13, 2016. REUTERS/Hasan Shaaban - RTX2E81S

What's next for Hezbollah in Syria?

Hezbollah will have a difficult time finding a replacement for slain commander Mustafa Badreddine.

Baby steps: Lebanon's municipal elections inspire hope

Lebanon's parliament members are working on a new law they think will result in legislative elections and a new president.