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
Syria denies meeting with Lebanon’s Hezbollah in Turkey: What to know Both Damascus and Ankara denied reports that Syrian officials met with Hezbollah representatives in Turkey, as relations between the two sides remain fraught with tensions mainly over the Lebanese group’s support for Assad’s forces against rebels during the Syrian civil war. Syria
Hezbollah claims use of new drone with S-5 missiles against Israel The Iran-backed group said it used a drone equipped with S-5 missiles in an attack against military sites in northern Israel, a first since hostilities erupted last October. Lebanon
Lebanon’s Hezbollah hosts Hamas delegation, fires 60 rockets on Israel The meeting is the latest between Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and senior Hamas officials since the Palestinian movement launched an assault on southern Israel Oct. 7. Lebanon
Analysis Fears mount EU's $1.1B migration aid to Lebanon will feed political corruption Officials and experts who spoke to Al-Monitor highlighted the Lebanese government's history of misusing international aid meant to help the economy and address the country's migration crisis. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Cyprus is favored route for thousands of Syrian migrants escaping Lebanon Nearly 60 times as many people, mostly Syrians, are leaving Lebanon by boats en route to Europe when compared with last year — a number expected rise in the next few months during peak migration season. Lebanon
Who is Lebanon's Jamaa Islamiya, latest to parade weapons against Israel? Members of the Islamist group al-Jamaa al-Islamiya shot into the air during a funeral procession for two of its fighters killed in an Israeli drone strike in east Lebanon, causing widespread condemnation of the spread of uncontrolled weapons in the country. Lebanon
Hamas official says group ready to disarm as US sees 'avenue' for deal Hamas has declared its willingness to accept a five-year truce an disarm if a Palestinian state is established based on the 1967 borders. Lebanon
Lebanon’s Hezbollah launches deepest attack into Israel, targets near Haifa The attack is the deepest inside Israeli territory since the cross-border fighting between Israel and Hezbollah began last October. Lebanon
Iran launches attack against Israel with missiles, drones in response to Syria strike Middle East tensions are at an all-time high as the US military moved more forces to the region and multiple countries closed their airspaces in response to Iran's unprecedented attack. A 7-year-old Bedouin girl was reportedly injured by debris in the Negev region. Lebanon
Sectarian tension, anti-Syria sentiment haunts Lebanon as it buries Sleiman Members of a Syrian gang have been accused of kidnapping and killing a Lebanese Forces official, prompting attacks against Syrians and raising concerns of sectarian escalation. Lebanon
After kidnapping, senior Lebanese Forces official found dead in Syria The abduction of a local official of the Christian Lebanese Forces party risked causing sectarian strife in Lebanon, which is already reeling under the consequences of the Israel-Hezbollah conflict in the south. Lebanon
Growing demand for Lebanon's avocados offers promising prospects for farmers Lebanon's export of avocados has grown remarkably, achieving significant expansion through heightened exportation efforts that have embraced safety regulations like international standards and certification in farming, fertilizing and marketing. Lebanon
Fresh Hezbollah-Israel escalation kills 8, raising fears of Lebanon open front Wednesday’s escalation renewed fears that Lebanon could be dragged into a wider war with Israel as Gaza negotiations collapse. Lebanon