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
Syrian voters shake up Lebanese politics The throngs of Syrian voters in Beirut shocked the Lebanese political establishment. Lebanon
Lebanon needs new electoral law, then a president The core of the crisis of the Lebanese national pact is the absence of an electoral law that represents the sects fairly, especially the Christians. Lebanon
Iran nuclear talks hit snag over sanctions Lifting US sanctions, as called for in the Joint Plan of Action, would eventually require dealing with Hezbollah. Lebanon
What can Lebanon learn from Suleiman's presidency? As Lebanese President Michel Suleiman’s term ends on May 25, his successor should examine the obstacles and successes of his mandate to prepare for the path ahead. Lebanon
Lebanon: private education soars, public education sinks Despite a student-teacher ratio of 7-1, public education in Lebanon ranks poorly worldwide and reform is urgently needed. Lebanon
Lebanon approaches presidential deadline If Lebanon’s parliament fails to elect a president by the constitutionally stipulated deadline of midnight on May 24, the ensuing vacuum could further exacerbate the already tense situation in the country. Lebanon
How will Lebanon’s Christians deal with presidential vacancy? If a new Lebanese president is not elected by the constitutionally stipulated deadline of May 25, the Christians’ options are limited. Lebanon
Former IRGC leader claims Iran's border to Lebanon's shores The Lebanese presidential elections are of a piece with Iran's regional strategy. Lebanon
Hezbollah evasive on presidential candidates Although Hezbollah has yet to name its preferred candidate for the Lebanese presidency, there are a number of requirements that a potential candidate must meet to gain the party’s endorsement. Lebanon
Lebanon union strike not helping economy The Union Coordinating Body is missing an opportunity to fix the large amount of government waste. Lebanon
Attacks on Lebanese patriarch’s Jerusalem visit unjustified Media attacks against Lebanon Maronite Patriarch Bechara al-Rai’s upcoming visit to Jerusalem are based on an antiquated logic, and may be aimed at diverting attention from other issues. Lebanon
Hezbollah sends Israel message in Shebaa bombing Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah has claimed responsibility for the Shebaa Farms bombing that wounded Israeli soldiers, and Israel has filed a complaint at the United Nations, signaling that Israel understood the message. Palestine
