Lebanon grills former security chiefs over Beirut port blast: What we know

The probe into the explosion caused by thousands of tons of improperly stored ammonium nitrate at the port has stalled for the past four years due to political interference in the judiciary.

Lebanon

Lebanon's Hezbollah ready to talk 'defense strategy' amid calls to disarm

A Hezbollah parliament member has shown willingness to begin talks on what he called a "national defense strategy," stressing that the Lebanese government must fulfill its responsibilities in ending the Israeli attacks in the country.

Lebanon

Ortagus back in Lebanon to press for Hezbollah disarmament timetable, demarcation

US envoy Morgan Ortagus is expected to firmly tell Lebanese officials they need to establish a clear timetable for the disarmament of Hezbollah.

Lebanon

Israeli FM says indirect US-Iran talks likely, hails 'common objective' with France

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said France shares the same concerns as Israel on the Iranian nuclear plan and predicted that Washington would soon launch indirect talks with Tehran.

Israel

Analysis

As Senate bill advances, can Congress pressure Latin America to root out Hezbollah?

Senators advanced a bipartisan bill on Thursday that would threaten foreign governments with visa bans if they fail to contain Hezbollah activity in their territories.

By Megan Mineiro

In Washington, DC, reporting on US Congress

Analysis

Are Lebanon, Syria ripe for peace with Israel or on cusp of more escalation?

While some Israeli leaders hope for normalized ties with Lebanon and Syria, others warn that the uncertainty of the current situation could become permanent or deteriorate.

By Ben Caspit

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

Israel strikes Beirut for first time since Hezbollah-Israel ceasefire: What to know

Hezbollah denied involvement in rocket fire targeting Israel as the strikes threaten the already fragile ceasefire between the two.

Lebanon

Meet Karim Souaid, Lebanon’s new central bank chief with daunting mission

The appointment of a new central bank governor comes nearly two years after the term of embattled governor Riad Salameh ended in July 2023.

Lebanon

Saudi Arabia hosts defense chiefs of Syria, Lebanon as border heats up: What to know

The Syrian and Lebanese defense ministers will meet soon as the border between the two countries remains volatile following clashes between Lebanese tribal members and Syrian security forces.

Syria

Lebanese president heading to France on first Europe visit since election

Agence France-Presse

Feature

Fearing for safety, Syria's Alawites who fled to Lebanon have no plans to return

More than 30 members of one family spoke to Al-Monitor after fleeing into northern Lebanon from Syria amid a spasm of sectarian violence in the country. Many remain skeptical that it's safe to return.

By Katya Hovnanian-Alexanian

After ceasefire, Lebanon and Syria patrol border as top US commander calls Haykal

Lebanon and Syria reached a ceasefire late Monday evening after another incident of deadly border clashes.

Lebanon