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. Lebanon
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. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
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. Lebanon
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. Turkey
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
Lebanon's presidential stalemate The deadlock in the politicking over Lebanon's next president has a familiar feel. Lebanon
Parliament to defer election of Lebanon’s next president The Lebanese electoral session will be a “feeler” to determine the sizes of the various forces. Lebanon
Lebanon needs a model president Lebanon currently faces crises that only a unifying president can address. Lebanon
Fate of kidnapped Syrian bishops still unknown As the one-year anniversary of the kidnapping of Bishops Yohanna Ibrahim and Boulos Yazigi in Aleppo approaches, questions persist regarding their fate and the identity of the kidnappers. Lebanon
Hamas in overdrive to restore regional ties Hamas is pursuing a policy of neutrality while it reaches out to regional capitals to end its crippling isolation. Palestine
Lebanon banks affected by wage hike The proposed solutions to the wage hike debate in Lebanon included raising the interest rates on bank deposits, which will prevent the banking sector from playing its role as a catalyst for economic growth. Lebanon
After Maaloula, Syrian army heads to Zabadani The Syrian army has taken control of Maaloula, and seems to be on the verge of recovering most of the region linking Damascus to Lebanon. Lebanon
Palestinians should consider halt to diplomacy The Palestinians should heed the suggestion of a group of distinguished Americans and halt diplomacy with Israel until it complies with international law. Palestine