February
01.02.2025
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Saturday
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Day Army Returned to Aitaroun

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The Lebanese Army entered northern Aitaroun following Israeli withdrawal, marking a significant territorial shift in the border region. The army began clearing mines and explosives while expanding deployment south of the Litani.

The fourth Hamas-Israel prisoner exchange proceeded, with Hamas delivering US-Israeli citizen Keith Segal to the Red Cross, while 183 Palestinian detainees were released. The six-way Arab meeting in Cairo rejected Palestinian displacement and supported the Gaza agreement implementation.

Government formation negotiations continued with US pressure regarding the finance portfolio. Mohammad Alloush denied reports of meetings between Nawaf Salam and Yassine Jaber. Karami criticized the current formation process as unfair to Sunni representation.

Israeli forces reportedly set fires in Wazzani homes and conducted demolitions in Kfarkila, destroying at least 10 houses. The Israeli military announced Eyal Zamir as new Chief of Staff.
02.02.2025
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Sunday
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Day South Marched Again

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The second "Sunday of Return" mobilized southern residents toward border villages, with Israeli forces firing warning shots at civilians near Yaroun while allowing limited access to Aitaroun's center. A Lebanese fisherman disappeared off Naqoura's coast in what sources called an Israeli arrest.

Hezbollah officially announced Hassan Nasrallah's funeral for February 23, with Naim Qassem revealing that Safi al-Din had been elected as Secretary-General before his death. PM-designate Salam's negotiations with the Shiite duo advanced, though Christian and Sunni representation remained unresolved.

Netanyahu departed for Washington to meet Trump, declaring intentions to "change the Middle East." A fire at Beirut Airport's deportation section was contained without affecting operations. By evening, reports emerged of sporadic gunfire in Sabra area while Syrian opposition figure Ahmad al-Shara made his first official visit to Riyadh.
03.02.2025
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Monday
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Day Cabinet Rose Through Winter Storm

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Government formation reached 90% completion by morning, with Hezbollah-Amal securing four ministers while Lebanese Forces remained excluded. President Aoun and PM-designate Salam worked through final arrangements, though Forces Party objections intensified.

Qatar's PM announced visit for tomorrow as international pressure mounted to complete formation. The approaching winter storm "Aseel" loomed over political developments.

Border tensions continued with IDF's former deputy chief calling for new military outposts overlooking Metulla, while reports emerged of house burnings in Adaisseh. Interior Minister announced increased security measures in Beirut following crime wave.

Trump-Netanyahu meeting preparations dominated foreign coverage, with discussion of Palestinian displacement plans meeting Palestinian Authority rejection. US suspended UNRWA funding and withdrew from UN Human Rights Council, while appointing Musk to oversee USAID restructuring.
04.02.2025
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Tuesday
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Day Taybeh Returned Through Demolitions

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The Lebanese Army deployed in Taybeh following Israeli withdrawal, while IDF forces demolished water treatment facilities in Marjayoun and houses in Aitaroun. Qatar's Prime Minister visited Beirut, promising energy support and discussing reconstruction, while meeting with key officials including President Aoun and Speaker Berri.

Cabinet formation negotiations hit new obstacles as U.S. objections to Hezbollah-Amal participation emerged. The Army seized a Hezbollah weapons truck in Iqlim al-Kharoub, highlighting tensions between military and resistance forces.

By evening, Trump-Netanyahu discussions in Washington focused on Gaza ceasefire implementation and Lebanese border stability. Hamas announced the start of second-phase negotiations, while Lavrov warned of Israeli plans to maintain presence in Lebanon. Storm "Aseel" approached Lebanon with expected snow at 900m elevation.
05.02.2025
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Wednesday
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Day Trump's Gaza Vision Met Arab Wall

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Trump's vision of transforming Gaza into a "Middle East Riviera" under US control dominated morning headlines, with Netanyahu's support generating immediate regional pushback. Saudi Arabia, France, and the PLO issued formal rejections of any Palestinian displacement plans.

Government formation negotiations showed progress as President Aoun signaled agreement with PM-designate Salam on core principles. Reports emerged of Lebanese Forces potentially securing four portfolios including foreign affairs, while Future Movement confirmed its continued political suspension.

Iran's Supreme Leader appointed Naim Qassem as his representative in Lebanon, while the army received custody of weapons seized in Wardaniya. Israeli forces maintained positions behind earthen barriers near Mais al-Jabal, burning houses in Rab Thalathine. Storm "Aseel" approached with warnings of floods and snow above 900m elevation.
06.02.2025
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Thursday
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Day Cabinet Drowned in Fifth Minister Storm

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Cabinet formation efforts hit turbulence after an explosive meeting between Berri and Salam at the Presidential Palace. The naming of the fifth Shiite minister emerged as the central obstacle, requiring additional consultations. US Secretary of State planned his first Middle East visit amid these developments.

Israeli airstrikes targeted alleged Hezbollah infrastructure in Nabatieh region, while cross-border tensions escalated with Lebanese clans engaging HTS members following house demolitions in Syria. The IDF later claimed targeting weapons smuggling routes from Syria.

Trump's Gaza displacement plan faced skepticism from both US and Israeli officials, with the US Secretary of State declaring Gaza "uninhabitable." Trump signed an executive order imposing sanctions on the International Criminal Court, while regional responses to the Gaza proposal continued to emerge throughout the evening.
07.02.2025
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Friday
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Day Hezbollah Lost Fifth Minister

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US Deputy Envoy Morgan Ortagus's visit to Baabda Palace marked a shift in Lebanon's cabinet formation, declaring Hezbollah's defeat and demanding its exclusion from government. This triggered protests at Beirut Airport and distancing statements from the presidency. The morning saw Pope Francis sending a message to President Aoun emphasizing Lebanon's role in civilization.

Israeli strikes continued in Bisariye and Tirharfa, where a Hezbollah official and his daughters were killed in a house explosion. By afternoon, border clashes intensified with Lebanese clans fighting HTS militants, resulting in ten casualties and the recapture of Jarmash village.

Evening developments focused on weapons deals, with Pentagon announcing $6.75 billion in arms sales to Israel. Cabinet negotiations continued with reports of Raed Sharafeddine emerging as potential fifth Shiite minister, while Trump signed new sanctions against ICC amid regional discussions on Gaza's future.
08.02.2025
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Saturday
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Day Fifth Minister Opened Gates

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The morning began with the fifth Hamas-Israel prisoner exchange, involving 3 Israeli captives for 183 Palestinians. Progress on Lebanon's cabinet formation accelerated after US envoy Ortagus's meetings with officials, despite her opposition to Hezbollah's participation. By early afternoon, PM-designate Salam visited Baabda Palace, leading to the announcement of the "Reform and Rescue" government.

Border tensions persisted with Israeli operations in Adeisseh and artillery fire from Syria hitting Hermel. Tribal forces shot down HTS drones in northern regions. The army received orders to respond to fire from Syrian territory.

Evening brought international recognition of the new cabinet, with France's foreign minister congratulating Aoun and Salam. Israeli forces began withdrawing from the Netzarim axis in Gaza, while maintaining pressure on Lebanon's southern border.
09.02.2025
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Sunday
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Day Cabinet Rose Through Church Bells

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PM Nawaf Salam's "Reform and Rescue" cabinet formation dominated morning coverage, with Saint Maron's Day mass at Saint George's Cathedral serving as first public gathering for the new government. Patriarch Al-Rahi's sermon emphasized constitutional adherence while blessing the new administration.

Border tensions intensified on two fronts: Syrian tribal forces engaged Lebanese Army positions near Al-Qaa, with two militant drones shot down over Jarmash. In the south, Israeli forces withdrew from Gaza's Netzarim corridor while maintaining pressure on Lebanon's border, with explosions reported in Yaroun and Meis al-Jabal.

Evening developments saw Israeli airstrikes targeting alleged tunnels along the Syrian-Lebanese border, particularly in Hermel and Harbata regions, marking significant escalation in cross-border operations. The Lebanese Army expanded deployment south of Litani while managing northern border tensions.
10.02.2025
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Monday
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Day Lebanon Refused Promised Land

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Trump's Gaza purchase plan and Netanyahu's proposal for Palestinian relocation to Saudi territory triggered unified rejection across Lebanon's political spectrum. The newly formed Lebanese government responded through coordinated diplomatic channels, with Foreign Ministry emphasizing sovereign independence.

The Lebanese Army completed deployment in three northern border towns - Rab Thalatheen, Talouseh, and Bani Hayan - while conducting raids against smuggling networks in Qasser and Hermel. Hamas's postponement of prisoner exchange led to increased IDF activity along southern Lebanon, with new fortifications reported in Aitah al-Shaab and Yaroun.

Evening reports revealed Netanyahu requested Trump to delay the February 18 withdrawal deadline, while French mediation efforts continued regarding both northern and southern borders. Jerusalem Post claimed U.S. insisted on maintaining the original withdrawal timeline.
11.02.2025
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Tuesday
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Day Cabinet Stood Through Divided Opposition

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The new Salam government held its first cabinet session at Baabda Palace, forming a ministerial statement committee with promises of swift progress. Bassil's FPM announced "positive opposition," marking a departure from previous obstruction tactics. The government's formation triggered diplomatic activity regarding Israeli withdrawal, with Israel requesting a second extension beyond February 18.

Hamas's commitment to the Gaza ceasefire agreement faced Netanyahu's threats to resume fighting if hostages aren't released by Saturday. Trump maintained pressure through Jordan's diplomatic channels, while Egypt postponed Washington visit and proposed alternative Gaza reconstruction plans.

Syrian accusations against Hezbollah regarding border attacks and smuggling operations emerged as border dynamics shifted, with tribal forces reporting clashes. Judge Bitar resumed port explosion investigations, questioning customs officials in a significant procedural development.
12.02.2025
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Wednesday
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Day South Denied Extension

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Lebanon rejected Israel's request to maintain positions until February 28, maintaining the February 18 withdrawal deadline. U.S. Deputy Envoy Morgan Ortagus's expected arrival this week reinforced Washington's commitment to the original timeline.

Israeli military issued warnings to southern residents, claiming agreement extension while conducting demolitions in Adeisseh. Mid-day reports of a potential extension through Ramadan were swiftly denied by both Presidential office and Parliament Speaker Berri.

Putin-Trump phone call lasted 90 minutes, leading to Saudi meeting announcement. Israeli military spokesperson accused Hezbollah and Iran of using Beirut airport for money smuggling through civilian flights, marking new pressure point in withdrawal negotiations.

The new Salam cabinet continued forming its ministerial statement, while Judge Halawi ordered Riad Salameh's continued detention while releasing two lawyers on bail.
13.02.2025
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Thursday
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Day Five Hills Blocked Peace

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Israeli intentions to maintain five strategic points in southern Lebanon emerged as morning reports indicated U.S. approval for Hezbollah monitoring posts. President Aoun initiated diplomatic contacts with influential nations to enforce the February 18 withdrawal deadline, while Speaker Berri explicitly rejected any extension requests.

By afternoon, the Paris conference on Syria's political transition commenced as Lebanese Foreign Minister conducted meetings regarding refugee returns. An Iranian civilian aircraft controversy sparked protests at Beirut airport, leading to road blockades and requiring army intervention.

Evening developments saw Israeli airstrikes targeting positions along the Litani River, while French Foreign Minister proposed UNIFIL deployment at contested points as compromise. The Netanyahu administration maintained its position on keeping strategic locations, despite mounting Lebanese diplomatic pressure and U.S. reluctance to support withdrawal delays.
14.02.2025
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Friday
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Day Hariri Ghost Walked Downtown

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The 20th anniversary of Rafik Hariri's assassination dominated morning coverage, with his son Saad announcing Future Movement's return to political life and support for the new government. The announcement came amid ongoing negotiations over Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon, with France proposing UNIFIL deployment at five strategic points - a plan Israel rejected by midday.

Russian drone strike on Chernobyl storage facility emerged as breaking news, while Trump-Putin meeting plans in Saudi Arabia gained traction. By evening, tensions escalated at Beirut airport as Iran rejected Lebanese aircraft landing rights, leading to protests that culminated in attacks on UNIFIL vehicles. The army issued warnings against riots while UNIFIL deputy commander reported injuries in what the mission classified as potential war crimes.

French authorities charged Riad Salameh's son in public funds embezzlement case, adding pressure to Lebanon's financial crisis management.
15.02.2025
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Saturday
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Day Unifil Burned On Airport Road

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Attacks on UNIFIL vehicles near Beirut airport dominated morning coverage, with President Aoun condemning the incidents and security forces launching operations to apprehend perpetrators. By midday, 26 arrests were reported.

The sixth prisoner exchange between Hamas and Israel proceeded, with three Israeli detainees released and Palestinian prisoners transported to Ramallah. Israeli forces maintained pressure in south Lebanon, burning houses in Meis al-Jabal and targeting Ainatha with drones.

Evening developments saw Israeli forces claiming a targeted strike against a Hezbollah Unit 127 member in Jerjou, allegedly responsible for recent drone launches. Army deployment dispersed an official Hezbollah sit-in on the airport road, while Iran signaled readiness for talks on resuming flights to Beirut. Discussion of alternative airports, particularly Qleiat, emerged in media coverage.
16.02.2025
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Sunday
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Day Woman Died Walking Home

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Morning coverage focused on US weapons delivery to Israel, including MK-84 bombs, while Hamas released a Russian-Israeli prisoner. The situation escalated when residents of Houla bypassed Lebanese Army barriers to return home, resulting in Israeli fire killing a woman and capturing five civilians. Hezbollah's deputy Naim Qassem demanded complete Israeli withdrawal by February 18, while addressing the Iranian aircraft crisis that emerged in previous days.

The Lebanese government suspended Iranian flights until February 18, following US warnings of potential Israeli strikes on the airport. Saudi Arabia expressed support for the new Lebanese administration's security measures. Israeli forces conducted demolitions near Kfarshouba, while G7 nations welcomed Lebanon's recent political developments.

By evening, UNIFIL issued a statement regarding the previous day's attack on its convoy near Beirut airport, classifying it as "unacceptable."
17.02.2025
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Monday
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Day Five Hills Remained

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The Israeli military announced it would maintain control of five strategic points in South Lebanon, despite the withdrawal deadline. Cabinet approved a ministerial statement notably excluding references to "resistance" while affirming state monopoly on arms. Israeli forces conducted operations in Kfar Shouba, burning homes.

A targeted strike in Sidon killed a Hamas operations commander, marking the first such operation since the ceasefire. The Security Council at Baabda extended the suspension of Iranian flights while issuing strict orders to keep the airport road open, following recent UNIFIL attacks.

By evening, Israeli forces began partial withdrawal from border villages, with Lebanese Army units deploying to vacated areas. The withdrawal excluded the five strategic points, setting up potential confrontation over these positions.
18.02.2025
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Tuesday
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Day Five Hills Cast Long Shadows

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Israel's partial withdrawal from South Lebanon materialized while maintaining control of five strategic points, prompting Lebanon to announce plans to petition the Security Council. Residents began returning to border villages on foot as the Lebanese Army deployed south of the Litani.

UN officials Blaskhart and Lazzaro warned that any delay in full Israeli withdrawal constitutes a violation of Resolution 1701. The US Ambassador confirmed increased military aid to the Lebanese Army, while the government extended the suspension of Iranian flights.

A tripartite meeting at Baabda Palace resulted in demands for immediate Israeli withdrawal, while Israeli minister Saar suggested the five points could be vacated if Lebanon "abides" by agreements. Evening reports indicated IMF openness to new aid negotiations, while Beirut Airport announced flight suspensions for Sunday's planned Nasrallah funeral.
19.02.2025
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Wednesday
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Day Drone Struck Mayor's Son

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The morning began with France's call for complete Israeli withdrawal, as residents started returning south after 499 days. An Israeli drone strike in Aita al-Shaab killed the son of a local mayor, marking the first casualty since Israel's partial withdrawal while maintaining control of five strategic points.

By afternoon, US National Security advisor Mike Waltz assured President Aoun of Washington's commitment to maintaining ceasefire through diplomatic channels. The Central Bank announced increases in circulars 166 and 158, while the Lebanese Army completed deployment in southern border towns.

Evening coverage focused on security preparations for Nasrallah's funeral scheduled for Sunday, while reports emerged questioning Israel's motives for maintaining the five points. Storm "Adam" approached Lebanon, with forecasts predicting snow at unusually low altitudes of 300 meters.
20.02.2025
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Thursday
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Day Between Storm and Funeral

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The morning began with preparations for Nasrallah's funeral, as Middle East Airlines announced route changes for February 23rd. Hamas delivered bodies of four Israeli hostages, including the Bibas family, while Lebanon's government continued pressing for Israeli withdrawal from the five strategic points.

By afternoon, controversy erupted at Beirut airport over pro-Hezbollah demonstrations, while discussions intensified about which officials would attend the funeral. A mini-Arab summit was announced in Saudi Arabia to counter Trump's Gaza proposals.

Storm "Adam" brought unusual weather conditions, with snow reaching coastal areas including Tripoli. The evening was marked by multiple bus explosions in Tel Aviv, followed by Netanyahu calling emergency security consultations. Reports emerged of an Israeli strike on Wadi Khaled, while the Justice Minister emphasized non-interference in the port explosion investigation.
21.02.2025
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Friday
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Day Europe Offered Half Billion

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Bus explosions in Tel Aviv prompted Netanyahu to order intensive West Bank operations, while diplomatic efforts continued regarding Israel's withdrawal from the five strategic points in South Lebanon. The EU Commissioner offered Lebanon an additional half billion euros in aid, conditional on specific reforms. Storm "Adam" brought unprecedented snowfall to 400-meter altitudes.

Security preparations intensified for Nasrallah's funeral, with reports of restaurant vandalism in Beirut over forced closure demands. A security meeting in Baabda coordinated measures, while controversy arose over which officials would attend. US Congressional delegation expressed support for President Aoun while emphasizing complete Israeli withdrawal.

The Riyadh mini-summit on Gaza concluded without formal statement, while Lebanon's basketball team defeated Bahrain in Asian Cup qualifiers. Reports emerged of Israeli strikes on Lebanon-Syria border crossings.
22.02.2025
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Saturday
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Day Snow Mixed With Funeral Preparations

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The seventh prisoner exchange between Hamas and Israel occurred in the morning, with two Israeli hostages released amid discussions of conditions for future exchanges. Iranian officials, including the parliament speaker and foreign minister, confirmed their attendance at Nasrallah's funeral, while thousands began converging on Beirut despite storm "Adam" bringing unusual snowfall across Lebanon.

US Congressional delegation met with Army Commander Joseph Aoun, emphasizing exclusive military authority for the Lebanese Army while urging pressure on Israel regarding the five strategic points. Reports emerged of Israeli strikes near Qousaya, interpreted as response to alleged weapons movements.

By evening, Beirut witnessed increasing congestion as more delegations arrived. Security measures intensified, while controversy emerged over forced business closures along funeral routes. The storm continued intensifying, complicating both funeral preparations and daily life across Lebanon.
23.02.2025
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Sunday
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Day Jets Flew Over Two Coffins

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Thousands gathered at Camille Chamoun Sports City for the joint funeral of Nasrallah and Safi al-Din, while Israeli jets conducted low-altitude flights over Beirut and struck multiple locations in South Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley. The military activity appeared coordinated to coincide with the funeral proceedings.

Iranian officials attended the ceremony, where Hezbollah's new deputy Qassem delivered a speech positioning the organization's future role. President Aoun told the Iranian delegation that "Lebanon is tired of others' wars," while the Maronite Patriarch criticized political leadership.

Storm Adam continued affecting mountain roads, complicating travel for funeral attendees. By evening, Israeli strikes intensified around Wadi Zabqin, while discussions emerged about attendance numbers and the ceremony's political significance. Reports surfaced of Israeli plans to modify defense directives along the northern border.
24.02.2025
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Monday
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Day Snow Fell On Empty Posts

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The morning's heavy snowfall coincided with reports of Hezbollah's partial withdrawal from southern positions and freezing of financial compensations to fighters. Iranian officials attended Safi al-Din's funeral in Deir Qanoun al-Nahr, while both Lebanese President Aoun and Prime Minister Salam delivered messages emphasizing Lebanon's sovereignty to the Iranian delegation.

By afternoon, details emerged of Hezbollah's organizational restructuring, with non-southern fighters ordered to evacuate their positions. Washington's discussions with Lebanese officials about potential reconciliation with Israel became public, while President Aoun announced his upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia.

Evening reports focused on Israeli messages to Hezbollah through intermediaries, while coverage continued of Syrian national dialogue conference preparations amid EU sanctions relief. Storm conditions persisted, with temperatures remaining significantly below seasonal averages.
25.02.2025
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Tuesday
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Day Parliament Debated Trust Between Storms

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Parliament convened to discuss the ministerial statement, with over 70 MPs requesting to speak. Prime Minister Salam emphasized commitment to Resolution 1701 and Lebanese sovereignty, while President Aoun announced upcoming visits to Cairo and Riyadh.

By afternoon, tensions emerged during the parliamentary session, with heated exchanges between Speaker Berri and opposition MPs. Seven individuals were referred to military court for attacking UNIFIL vehicles near the airport with Molotov cocktails.

Evening developments centered on Israeli strikes near the Syrian-Lebanese border, particularly in the Bekaa region, while Energy Minister signed renewal of the Iraqi fuel agreement. Iran's reported "high alert" status amid concerns of potential Israeli-American strikes on nuclear facilities received substantial coverage across Lebanese media, connecting to broader regional developments.
26.02.2025
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Wednesday
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Day Parliament Gave Ninety Five Votes

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The morning parliamentary session continued discussions on the ministerial statement, with Berri managing heated exchanges between MPs. Washington's envoy Witkoff suggested Lebanon could potentially join the Abraham Accords, while Israeli operations intensified in southern Syria. By early afternoon, an Israeli drone strike in Hermel killed one person and injured another, marking a significant geographic expansion of operations northward.

After 18 hours of deliberations across three days, Parliament granted Prime Minister Nawaf Salam's government 95 votes of confidence. Salam immediately declared rejection of any political conditions tied to reconstruction aid. The vote occurred against the backdrop of continued Israeli military activity, with jets conducting low-altitude flights over various regions.

Hamas announced plans to transfer four Israeli hostage bodies in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, while reports emerged of potential Ramadan restrictions at Al-Aqsa mosque.
27.02.2025
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Thursday
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Day Government Stood on Five Hills

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Following the 95-vote confidence victory, Prime Minister Salam's government faced its first challenge as Israel announced US approval to maintain forces on five Lebanese hills. Israeli Defense Minister Katz declared an indefinite presence in these positions, while military chief Halevi revealed considerations of striking Nasrallah's funeral.

By afternoon, two casualties were reported in an Israeli strike on Hermel, marking continued geographic expansion of operations. Walid Jumblatt warned from Baabda Palace against changes to the ceasefire agreement, framing Israeli presence as part of a broader regional partition project.

Kurdish leader Öcalan's call for PKK dissolution received coverage alongside reports of Trump-Putin dynamics. The French general in the monitoring committee noted increased Lebanese Army capabilities, while Washington expressed support for the new government within 1701 implementation framework.
28.02.2025
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Friday
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Day Ninety Five Were Buried Under Fire

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Prime Minister Salam's southern tour emphasized the army's exclusive defense role, while Israeli forces opened fire during mass burials of 95 war casualties in Aitaroun. A UNICEF report detailed psychological, nutritional and educational impacts on Lebanese children from recent hostilities.

By midday, Israeli warnings reached Lebanon regarding potential strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs, while security forces intercepted $2.5 million allegedly destined for Hezbollah at Beirut Airport. President Aoun's preparations for Saudi visit proceeded against backdrop of French diplomatic efforts for Israeli withdrawal from southern positions.

Evening developments centered on Finance Minister Jaber's rejection of treasury advances and commitment to combat illegal economic activities. The announcement of Ramadan's start tomorrow coincided with Israeli implementation of "routine restrictions" at Al-Aqsa mosque, connecting local developments to broader regional dynamics.
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