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

Lebanon

Lebanon

February 16, 2026

Beyrouth 11:36 am

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Kuwait blacklists eight Lebanon hospitals over alleged Hezbollah ties: What to know

The affected hospitals, located in areas where Hezbollah has a heavy presence, are believed to be run by Hezbollah-affiliated institutions.

Hezbollah marchers

US sanctions Hezbollah-linked gold exchange, Iran-tied shipping network

The move comes as the United States pursues a deal with Iran that would curb its support for Hezbollah and other regional militias.

A picture shows a view of a street with access to a detention center under the Adliyeh (Palace of Justice) bridge (L) of Lebanon's capital Beirut, on Aug. 7, 2022.

Lebanon, Syria sign deal to transfer 300 Syrian prisoners: What we know

Lebanon and Syria signed a deal to transfer more than 300 convicted Syrians held in Lebanese prisons to their home country to complete their sentences.

Lebanese soldiers standing atop a military vehicle in Alma Al-Shaab, near the border with Israel in southern Lebanon, on Nov. 28, 2025.

Lebanon’s army chief in Washington as Hezbollah disarmament enters critical phase

Gen. Rodolphe Haykal is seeking US support for what is likely to be a cautious approach to expanding the geographic scope of the Lebanese army's efforts to disarm Hezbollah.

Latest News

Lebanon army chief to visit US Tuesday to shore up support: What to know

This photograph taken during a press tour organised by the Lebanese army shows Lebanese soldiers standing atop military vehicles in Alma Al-Shaab, near the border with Israel in southern Lebanon, on November 28, 2025. It was the first guided tour the army gave journalists since a November 2024 ceasefire sought to end over a year of hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel. (Photo by Anwar AMRO / AFP via Getty Images)

Christian party in Lebanon says alliance with Hezbollah over: What to know

Lebanese MP Gebran Bassil attends the 12th parliamentary session to elect a new president in Beirut's downtown district on June 14, 2023.

UAE firm’s $1.7B legal threat spotlights Gulf split on Lebanon as Qatar invests

This aerial view taken from a Hellenic Air Force aircraft carrying medical aid supplies to Lebanon shows the skyline and port of Beirut during the landing approach towards Beirut International Airport on October 25, 2024. Israel expanded operations in Lebanon nearly a year after Hezbollah began exchanging fire in support of its ally, Hamas, following the Palestinian group's deadly attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. (Photo by ORESTIS PANAGIOTOU / POOL / AFP) (Photo by ORESTIS PANAGIOTOU/POOL/AFP via Getty

From Egypt to Lebanon: What’s at stake for regional states on Trump’s visa ban list?

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

Sunset shot showing a row of electricity pylons in the desert, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (Getty Images)

Analysis

2022 in review: Saudi-China, Qatar-Germany deals cap Middle East's energy developments

Hydrogen power, oil price fluctuations and electric vehicles could feature prominently in the region in 2023.

Adam Lucente

By Adam Lucente

In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change

ANWAR AMRO/AFP via Getty Images

Bars toast holiday season in Lebanon

Lebanon's beleaguered food and beverage sector is hoping for relief from holiday travelers.

This picture taken on March 21, 2020, shows an aerial view of the Ashrafieh district of Lebanon's capital, Beirut.

As Lebanon unravels, Beirut neighborhood takes security into its own hands

Amid Beirut’s unlit streets, men wield torches and batons to ensure security and safety in the neighborhood in an initiative that began in Achrafieh, one of Beirut’s oldest and most charming districts.

Italian members of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon gather in the village of Seddiqine, from near where four rockets were fired toward Israel, Tyre district, south Lebanon, May 19, 2021.

Irish UN peacekeeping soldier killed in south Lebanon

A UNIFIL convoy came under attack Dec. 14 resulting in the death of an Irish soldier and the injury of three others.

A man walks past the World Bank building in Washington on April 21, 2022.

World Bank says debt increasing in Middle East countries

Egypt, Iran and Turkey’s debt rose significantly last year.

Security forces stand guard during the lighting of the Christmas tree in Sassine Square in the Ashrafieh district of Lebanon's capital Beirut on December 7, 2022. (Photo by ANWAR AMRO/AFP via Getty Images)

Morocco's win at World Cup reopens Lebanon's civil war wounds

Lebanon's former prime minister calls for calm amid sectarian clashes in Beirut following Morocco's win against Portugal.

A man walks past a French-language daily newspaper stand displaying the final issue of Algerian French-language daily newspaper "Liberté" in Algeria's capital Algiers on April 14, 2022. (Photo by RYAD KRAMDI/AFP via Getty Images)

In press freedom index, Middle Eastern countries go from bad to worse

Press freedom and journalist safety remain “very bad” in the majority of the Middle East and North Africa nations, Reporters Without Borders' 2022 index shows.

The German Navy corvette FGS Erfurt (F262) patrols as part of the United Nations peacekeeping force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) off Lebanon's southern town of Naqura close to the border with Israel on October 27, 2022 (Photo by MAHMOUD ZAYYAT/AFP via Getty Images)

TotalEnergies proceeds with gas exploration plans in Lebanon

Lebanon has been eagerly working with the French energy giant since reaching a historic maritime border agreement with Israel in October.

A Lebanese national flag flies at half-mast in tribute to victims of a massive explosion in Beirut at the Lebanese embassy in Moscow, Russia, Aug. 5, 2020.

Lebanese expatriates face high passport fees

Many Lebanese expatriates abroad complain about the high fees of renewing passports.

Stephanie Saliba

Lebanese actress tied to corruption scheme allowed to enter country

Surrounded by controversy, Lebanese actress Stephanie Saliba enters Lebanon freely despite a search warrant in her name.

Lebanon fans cheer during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Asian qualification soccer match between the United Arab Emrites and Lebanon at Zabeel Stadium in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Sept. 2, 2021.

Many Lebanese not able to watch World Cup matches

Many Lebanese have been dismayed by the news that the 2022 FIFA World Cup will not be broadcast on the public channel Tele Liban due to financial difficulties.

Beirut gay

Culture

Lebanon's Shura Council suspends ban on LGBTQ event

Despite the court's ruling in August, the Lebanese interior minister has continued to ban LGBTQ gatherings.