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
IDF claims three rockets fired from Lebanon toward Israel Lebanese media reported that Palestinian groups in the country launched the rockets, which landed in the sea. Lebanon
US sanctions 7 over Hezbollah finances The sanctions indicate continued US pressure on the Lebanese organization under US President Joe Biden. Lebanon
Lebanese parties distribute food baskets as economy continues to sink Lebanese parties are distributing aid and food baskets to people suffering under difficult economic and social conditions but at the same time are ignoring the root of the crisis. Lebanon
French FM visits Lebanon to send message of ‘great firmness’ to bickering politicians French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian met with President Michel Aoun, who briefed him on the stalled efforts to form a government. Lebanon
German company removes dangerous material from Beirut port The Lebanese government is also seeking satellite images other countries have of the Beirut port explosion site. Lebanon
US to send mediation team for Israel-Lebanon maritime talks next week The resumption of talks, which stalled in November, could unlock significant economic benefits for debt-ridden Lebanon. Lebanon
Pope may visit Lebanon once new government is formed Pope Francis met Lebanese Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri in Vatican City today. Lebanon
Tuk-tuks become common sight in Lebanon's streets amid economic crisis Amid the devastating economic crisis and the deteriorating living conditions in Lebanon, many have replaced their vehicles with tuk-tuks to run errands, work or deliver goods. Lebanon
US ready to facilitate Lebanon-Israel maritime border talks Undersecretary for Political Affairs David Hale said the United States is willing to mediate resumed talks between the hostile neighbors. Lebanon
State Department sends official to Beirut as stalemate drags on Undersecretary for Political Affairs David Hale is the highest-ranking US official to visit Beirut under the new administration. Lebanon
What’s Moscow's game plan for Lebanon? With the worsening of the Lebanese crisis, Russia will have to take a closer look at Lebanese affairs to protect its assets in Syria. Lebanon
Lebanese economic crisis imperils migrant domestic workers As Lebanon struggles with its worst economic crisis in decades, the fate of thousands of migrant domestic workers in the country hangs in balance. Lebanon