Lebanon's army chief Joseph Aoun sits at the presidential palace in Baabda, Lebanon.

Lebanon’s election of a new president, backed by Saudi Arabia, marks a significant turning point for the Middle East

A last-minute intervention by Saudi Arabia determined the outcome for Lebanon on Thursday. With less than 24 hours remaining before the parliamentary vote for the next president, Lebanon’s political situation was chaotic and fragmented. The sectarian political elite appeared to be at an impasse. In Lebanon, presidential candidates typically require broad political consensus, yet more than six individuals were still in contention. Discussions were intense, … Continue reading Lebanon’s election of a new president, backed by Saudi Arabia, marks a significant turning point for the Middle East

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan meets U.S. Envoy to Lebanon Amos Hochstein in Doha.

United States is using Saudi Arabia’s funds to support a presidential candidate in Lebanon

The United States has informed Lebanese officials that Saudi Arabia is willing to invest hundreds of millions of dollars into the reconstruction of Lebanon, contingent upon the election of Lebanese army commander Joseph Aoun as president, according to a senior Arab official and a former senior US official speaking to Middle East Eye. During his visit to Lebanon on Monday, US envoy Amos Hochstein emphasized … Continue reading United States is using Saudi Arabia’s funds to support a presidential candidate in Lebanon

Smoke billows over southern Lebanon, amid ongoing cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces

The diplomatic efforts that transitioned Lebanon from a state of crisis to a ceasefire

The ceasefire agreement that brought an end to a continuous series of Israeli airstrikes and ushered Lebanon into a fragile peace was the result of weeks of negotiations, remaining uncertain until the very last moments. U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein made multiple trips between Beirut and Jerusalem, navigating the complexities of a domestic election to finalize a deal that also required assistance from France and was … Continue reading The diplomatic efforts that transitioned Lebanon from a state of crisis to a ceasefire

Netanyahu has reportedly approved a ceasefire agreement with Lebanon, with a vote set for Tuesday

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has given preliminary approval to a ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah during a security meeting with Israeli officials on Sunday night, according to a source familiar with the discussions. The Israeli cabinet is scheduled to vote on the agreement on Tuesday, as confirmed by Netanyahu’s spokesperson to CNN. Israel has expressed concerns regarding certain aspects of the deal, which are anticipated … Continue reading Netanyahu has reportedly approved a ceasefire agreement with Lebanon, with a vote set for Tuesday

A man walks on the rubble of damaged buildings in the aftermath of Israeli air strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs, Lebanon

Israel indicates progress towards a ceasefire with Lebanon, although several issues persist

Israel is progressing towards a ceasefire in its conflict with Hezbollah, although several issues remain unresolved, according to statements from its government on Monday. Meanwhile, Lebanese officials expressed cautious optimism, emphasizing that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu‘s reliability is in question. The Israeli ambassador to the United States indicated that a potential agreement could be reached within days. CNN reported that Netanyahu has given preliminary approval … Continue reading Israel indicates progress towards a ceasefire with Lebanon, although several issues persist

A machinery clears rubble at a site of an Israeli strike, amid ongoing hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, in Beirut, Lebanon.

A significant Israeli airstrike has struck central Beirut, resulting in 11 fatalities

A significant airstrike in central Beirut on Saturday resulted in the deaths of 11 individuals, according to the Lebanese civil defense. The attack reverberated throughout the capital as Israel intensified its military operations against the Iran-aligned Hezbollah group. The strike led to the destruction of an eight-story building, resulting in numerous casualties and injuries, as reported by Lebanon’s National News Agency. Footage from Al Jadeed, … Continue reading A significant Israeli airstrike has struck central Beirut, resulting in 11 fatalities

Israel and Hezbollah exchange lethal strikes even amid ongoing ceasefire negotiations

Israel and Hezbollah engaged in intense conflict on Thursday, continuing their hostilities despite indications of progress in U.S. efforts to broker a ceasefire. Airstrikes targeted the southern suburbs of Beirut, while rockets were launched into northern Israel. U.S. mediator Amos Hochstein was in Israel for discussions with officials, expressing optimism that a ceasefire was “within our grasp” following his earlier visit to Beirut. This diplomatic … Continue reading Israel and Hezbollah exchange lethal strikes even amid ongoing ceasefire negotiations

US envoy says a resolution to the Israel-Hezbollah conflict is ‘within reach’

A senior U.S. mediator indicated on Tuesday that there exists a “real opportunity” to resolve the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, noting that the gaps in negotiations are closing, which suggests progress in Washington’s attempts to secure a ceasefire. White House envoy Amos Hochstein made these remarks in Beirut following discussions with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri. This came a day after the Lebanese government and … Continue reading US envoy says a resolution to the Israel-Hezbollah conflict is ‘within reach’

Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati speaks during a press conference in Beirut, Lebanon.

Lebanon’s Prime Minister hopes ceasefire agreement with Israel within a few days

Lebanon’s Prime Minister expressed optimism on Wednesday regarding the potential announcement of a ceasefire agreement with Israel within a few days. This comes as Israel’s public broadcaster reported the existence of a draft agreement that outlines a preliminary 60-day truce. According to the broadcaster Kan, the document, which it claims was leaked and drafted by Washington, stipulates that Israel would withdraw its military forces from … Continue reading Lebanon’s Prime Minister hopes ceasefire agreement with Israel within a few days

U.S. mediators developing a proposal aimed at ceasing hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah

U.S. mediators are currently developing a proposal aimed at ceasing hostilities between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, which would initiate a 60-day ceasefire, according to two sources on Wednesday. However, Israel has intensified its military actions, instructing residents to evacuate the eastern Lebanese city of Baalbek. The sources, comprising an individual informed about the negotiations and a senior diplomat involved in Lebanon, informed … Continue reading U.S. mediators developing a proposal aimed at ceasing hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah