April
01.04.2025
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Tuesday
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Day Israel Struck Hezbollah Commander in Beirut Suburb

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An Israeli airstrike hit Beirut's southern suburb (Dahiyeh) overnight, targeting Hassan Badir, a Hezbollah official responsible for Palestinian affairs. Lebanese sources reported three dead and seven wounded. The Israeli military claimed Badir worked with Hamas planning attacks and belonged to "Unit 3900" of Hezbollah connected to Iran's Quds Force.

Lebanese officials united in condemning the strike. President Aoun called it a "dangerous warning" of intentions against Lebanon, while Prime Minister Salam and Speaker Berri described it as a "flagrant violation" of UN Resolution 1701.

The attack marks the second strike on Beirut's suburbs in less than a week, following several days of tensions including mystery rocket launches that prompted previous Israeli bombardments. Media analysis suggested Israel's continuation of targeted assassinations puts Hezbollah in an "existential dilemma," forcing them to respond or appear weak.

Hezbollah officially announced the deaths of Ali Hassan Badir and Hassan Ali Badir, scheduling funerals for tomorrow.
02.04.2025
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Wednesday
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Day Diplomatic Pressure for Hezbollah Disarmament Timeline

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Morning news focused on diplomatic pressure to create a timeline for disarming Hezbollah, following yesterday's Israeli strike in Beirut's southern suburb. Patriarch Al-Rahi emphasized that Lebanon "cannot continue with two weapons and two armies," while Gebran Bassil stated Hezbollah's military role is "no longer acceptable."

By midday, Interior Minister signed municipal election decrees, formally scheduling voting despite ongoing tensions. The Shia Islamic Council filed a legal complaint regarding "mysterious rockets" launched from South Lebanon that preceded recent escalations.

Lebanese Army deployed aircraft over southern Lebanon for the first time, marking increased state authority in Hezbollah-dominated regions. Media focused on Washington-Tehran tensions, analyzing whether Trump's approach would lead to negotiations or military confrontation.

Evening reports indicated American envoy Morgan Ortagus would arrive with "firm language" to accelerate disarmament, while US sources warned Lebanon faced either Hezbollah disarmament or war.
03.04.2025
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Thursday
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Day of Ortagus Arrival and Lebanon's Ultimatum Choice

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Morning coverage focused on Hezbollah facing what media described as historic impasse: disarm or face war. Speaker Berri affirmed elections would proceed "on Lebanese soil" despite tensions from Israel's recent strikes in Dahiyeh. Newspapers examined Trump's new tariffs implemented on "Liberation Day," causing global market turmoil.

By midday, reports emerged of British authorities arresting two men with alleged Hezbollah links. Patriarch Al-Rahi questioned resistance achievements while stating disarmament needs time. French diplomatic efforts to reduce escalation received coverage alongside Paris' proposal to replace Israeli forces on five occupied hills.

Evening headlines highlighted U.S. envoy Morgan Ortagus arriving in Beirut carrying "firm language" regarding Hezbollah's disarmament with a timeline. Former ambassador Schenker told MTV that normalization discussions would come "in due time." Reports indicated Lebanese officials prepared unified response to American demands while facing what Hezbollah described as clear choice: "confrontation or surrender."
04.04.2025
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Friday
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Day Israel Kills Hamas Leader in Saida Strike

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Israeli airstrikes hit Saida early morning, killing a Hamas western sector commander and two family members, according to Israeli military spokesperson Adraee. Prime Minister Salam called for maximum pressure on Israel to stop its attacks. This marks escalation beyond recent strikes in Beirut's southern suburbs.

U.S. envoy Morgan Ortagus will arrive Saturday with demands regarding Hezbollah's weapons, prompting Lebanon to prepare a unified response. Media reports French diplomatic efforts to reduce American pressure regarding disarmament timelines.

Lebanon's Central Bank witnessed a leadership transition with new governor Karim Saeed prioritizing small depositors' protection and fighting money laundering. The Cabinet scheduled Tuesday to resume discussions on bank restructuring legislation.

Reports emerged of over 30 airport workers being expelled over suspected Hezbollah ties, while tensions surfaced between the Lebanese Army and UNIFIL in Kfar Hamam. A Télé-Liban journalist resigned after being prohibited from wearing hijab on air.
05.04.2025
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Saturday
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Day of Ortagus Consultations Amid Disarmament Pressure

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U.S. envoy Morgan Ortagus conducted a full day of meetings with Lebanese officials, beginning with President Aoun who emphasized the army's coordination with ceasefire monitors. Ortagus departed the 80-minute meeting without statements but sources described encounters as "constructive" and "positive." Speaker Berri provided Ortagus with a list of 18 reform laws passed by parliament.

Lebanese media reported officials presenting a unified position regarding Hezbollah's weapons, though Washington remains skeptical about disarmament prospects. Kataeb leader Gemayel characterized Hezbollah's weapons as a constitutional violation, while LF's Geagea demanded a clear government stance on disarmament.

Army Commander Heikal inspected the Syrian border and called Israel "Lebanon's first enemy." Meanwhile, coverage continued of Israeli operations in Gaza with rising casualties in Khan Younis and Gaza City. Israeli hostage families accused Netanyahu of deceiving Trump about negotiation efforts.
06.04.2025
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Sunday
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Day Ortagus Demanded Proof While Israel Targeted South

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US envoy Morgan Ortagus's visit dominated morning coverage, requesting "evidence of reforms" from ministers and the Central Bank governor while pressing for disarmament "as soon as possible." She later clarified to LBCI that she hadn't discussed normalization with Lebanese officials, contradicting earlier speculation.

Tensions escalated when Israeli forces struck a construction vehicle in Zbqin, killing two reported Hezbollah members. One victim was allegedly targeted through his pager, echoing February's mass pager detonations. Israeli military claimed they were rebuilding Hezbollah infrastructure.

Patriarch Al-Rahi warned against changing Lebanon's system, stating "sects should concede to the state, not the state to sects." Meanwhile, reports emerged of demographic shifts with people leaving Beirut's southern suburbs for Mount Lebanon properties.

Iran placed its military on "maximum alert" amid potential US strikes, with Iranian officials rejecting Trump's proposal for direct negotiations, maintaining their position from previous administrations.
07.04.2025
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Monday
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Day Trump Tariffs Crashed Markets and Lebanese Army Flew South

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Global markets plunged into what newspapers termed a "black day" following Trump's proposed tariffs, with European and Asian bourses experiencing significant drops while the American president maintained his position. Warren Buffett emerged as the "only survivor" amid massive investor losses.

US envoy Morgan Ortagus's diplomatic efforts in Lebanon continued to generate coverage, with Lebanon reportedly pledging to disarm Hezbollah. President Aoun emphasized that "no place exists for any weapons or armed groups except within the state framework" and issues would be resolved through "communication and dialogue."

Israeli strikes targeted a Hezbollah artillery commander at a motorcycle repair shop in Al-Taybeh and later struck a car in Beit Lif, injuring its driver. The most significant military development came late in the day when the Lebanese army reportedly flew over southern Lebanon for the first time in 47 years.

In a notable diplomatic shift, Trump revealed direct negotiations with Iran, while Netanyahu claimed Israel was working on a new Gaza hostage deal.
08.04.2025
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Tuesday
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Day of the Ten-Day Ultimatum

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U.S. envoy Morgan Ortagus's second visit to Lebanon revealed a hardened stance, with Lebanese officials reportedly given a 10-day deadline to demonstrate progress on Hezbollah's disarmament. Ortagus escalated rhetoric, describing Hezbollah as a "cancer" Lebanon should "cut out." Reports emerged of 196 Hezbollah centers now under Lebanese Army supervision.

Officials Aoun, Berri, and Salam apparently agreed on the state's weapons monopoly, while the Higher Defense Council was tasked with developing Hezbollah disarmament plans. Western security sources claimed Hezbollah controlled Beirut port to facilitate weapons imports.

Iran and U.S. confirmed indirect talks in Oman scheduled for Saturday, as Israeli foreign minister stated Israel wanted peace with Lebanon but Hezbollah was the obstacle. By evening, Israel conducted an airstrike on a residential building in Baalbek, while French judges arrived in Beirut to investigate the 2020 port explosion.
09.04.2025
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Wednesday
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Day Hezbollah Signals Weapons Discussions If Israel Withdraws

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Hezbollah indicated willingness to discuss its weapons if Israel withdraws from South Lebanon, a significant shift following US envoy Ortagus's visit and her 10-day ultimatum. Prime Minister Salam confirmed this issue would "soon" be discussed by the government, while reports emerged of direct dialogue between President Aoun and Hezbollah on state monopoly of weapons.

The Lebanese Army inspected a site in Shoueifat after Israeli allegations of Hezbollah rebuilding underground military infrastructure there. An Israeli drone crashed in Lebanese territory due to technical failure, according to Israeli military statements.

Economic tensions escalated as Trump's tariffs affecting 57 countries took effect, with China retaliating with 84% tariffs on American goods, though Trump later suspended global tariffs for 90 days except for China.

French judges planned to visit Lebanon to meet Judge Bitar regarding the port explosion case, while France's Macron indicated potential Palestinian state recognition in June.
10.04.2025
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Thursday
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Day Hezbollah Shows Flexibility on Weapons Timeline

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President Aoun revealed Hezbollah's "flexibility" regarding its weapons according to a "specific timeline," marking a significant shift following Ortagus's 10-day ultimatum. Multiple sources indicated Hezbollah may be approaching acceptance of disarmament possibilities, with Speaker Berri portrayed as potential mediator.

Israel's military stated it would withdraw from five hills when the Lebanese Army establishes full control, while issuing evacuation warnings in Aita al-Shaab that caused panic, though UNIFIL denied requesting evacuations. The Lebanese Army inspected a Choueifat site that Israel claimed was a Hezbollah facility.

Regional dynamics intensified with Trump reportedly giving Netanyahu a "short deadline" to end the Gaza war, while Senator Rubio announced direct US-Iran talks scheduled for Saturday. Economic tensions continued with US tariffs on China reportedly reaching 145%, though Trump reversed tariffs that caused market disruption.
11.04.2025
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Friday
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Day Lebanese Army Enters Hezbollah Camps

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Lebanese Army troops entered Hezbollah camps north of the Litani River, according to L'Orient-Le Jour, marking a significant implementation step following previous discussions about Hezbollah disarmament. President Aoun conducted surprise inspections of public facilities and Beirut port, pledging to fight corruption, ahead of an important announcement scheduled for tomorrow. Judge Bitar continued his port explosion investigation, questioning security officials Ibrahim and Saliba with 30 questions and documents, despite legal challenges.

Newspapers reported contradictory signals from Hezbollah regarding its weapons, with Fayyad indicating openness to "dialogue over pending files." Geagea set a six-month ultimatum for Hezbollah disarmament, while some sources insisted "no reconstruction without disarmament." Reports emerged of Israeli troops crossing into Lebanon as shells hit Aita al-Shaab.

Internationally, Trump's envoy Witkoff met with Putin in Saint Petersburg, while US-Iran talks scheduled for Saturday in Oman attracted attention with a second US aircraft carrier arriving in the Middle East.
12.04.2025
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Saturday
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Day Lebanese Army Takes Control of Hezbollah Positions

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The Lebanese Army has taken control of most Hezbollah military positions south of the Litani River, according to multiple sources, marking a significant implementation of disarmament efforts following days of mounting pressure. This development occurred amid US-Iran nuclear talks in Oman, described as "positive and constructive," with brief direct meetings between representatives and plans for continuation next week.

Lebanon commemorated the 50th anniversary of its civil war, with President Aoun urging Lebanese to "bury the war forever" and calling for unity with "our army as our weapon." The Kataeb party held a large gathering commemorating the "Lebanese Resistance," with Gemayel demanding Hezbollah surrender its weapons voluntarily.

The Council of Ministers approved a banking sector reform bill, likely part of preparations for IMF negotiations. Weather reports indicated unseasonably cold and rainy conditions for Palm Sunday celebrations across the country.
13.04.2025
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Sunday
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Day of Civil War Remembrance As Army Takes Control

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The 50th anniversary of Lebanon's civil war dominated coverage, with President Aoun declaring "we buried the war forever" and PM Salam calling for a nationwide minute of silence. Patriarch Al-Rahi stated Lebanon has "turned the page on war and illegitimacy."

Reports confirmed the Lebanese Army has taken control of most Hezbollah positions south of the Litani River, continuing the implementation of disarmament efforts that began when troops entered Hezbollah camps two days earlier. Naharnet specifically noted the handover occurred "without obstacles."

French President Macron stated Lebanon can now exit "others' wars," while regional developments continued with a prominent armed faction in southern Syria dissolving itself and surrendering weapons to the defense ministry. Nuclear negotiations between the US and Iran in Oman showed "positive" signs, with reports of "common ground" being established.
14.04.2025
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Monday
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Day of Presidential Dialogue Declaration on Hezbollah Arms

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President Aoun announced a bilateral dialogue with Hezbollah regarding weapons surrender, stating "the decision to limit arms to the State has been taken" with implementation to be managed through direct talks. This follows three consecutive days of Lebanese Army movements into Hezbollah positions. The Army reported one soldier killed and three wounded by explosive devices in Wadi Zbqin during operations south of the Litani.

Prime Minister Salam visited Damascus, meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister Sharaa to discuss border issues and missing persons cases. Meanwhile, US-Iran nuclear negotiations continue with the next round scheduled for Rome after "positive" talks in Oman.

Hamas rejected a ceasefire proposal that would include disarming resistance groups, calling it "completely unacceptable." Israeli bombardment of northern Gaza disabled the Baptist Hospital, causing a child's death due to suspended medical care.
15.04.2025
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Tuesday
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Day Aoun Travels to Qatar as Dialogue Timeline Takes Shape

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President Aoun departed for Qatar on an official visit to secure support for Lebanon's stability, emphasizing Qatar's role in preserving Lebanese institutions and its potential continued involvement in economic recovery. This followed his visits to Lebanese security institutions where he stressed "no leniency with the corrupt."

The bilateral dialogue between the presidency and Hezbollah regarding weapons control continues, with reports that America has delivered demands to Iran regarding Hezbollah's disarmament. Aoun stated that only qualified Hezbollah fighters could potentially be integrated into the army, rejecting a "Popular Mobilization" model.

Jordan revealed it had thwarted plots linked to the Muslim Brotherhood, with suspects allegedly trained in Lebanon. Prime Minister Salam quickly responded, reaffirming Lebanon's refusal to be used as a base for operations threatening neighboring countries.

Military tensions persisted with Israeli airstrikes reported in southern Lebanon targeting Ramia village, while the Lebanese Army reportedly arrested two Hamas officials.
16.04.2025
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Wednesday
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Day of Vehicle Strike and Lebanese-Qatari Summit

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A vehicle strike on Wadi al-Hajir road killed a Hezbollah member, followed by a motorcycle targeted in Hanin, Bint Jbeil district, continuing the pattern of Israeli operations in southern Lebanon. The Lebanese Army announced arrests of individuals who launched rockets in southern Lebanon.

President Aoun's Qatar visit yielded a joint Lebanese-Qatari statement emphasizing civil peace and weapons limitation to state control, with Qatar offering assistance to the Lebanese Army. Aoun's timeline for limiting weapons to state control by 2025 remained a focal point, with his statement that qualified Hezbollah members could join the army generating controversy.

The Iraqi Foreign Ministry summoned the Lebanese ambassador over unspecified statements by President Aoun. Director-General of General Security responded to this diplomatic tension.

Joint parliamentary committees approved banking secrecy revisions. The Justice Minister confirmed Lebanon's readiness to support Jordanian terrorism investigations, following reports of arrests of Hamas members linked to the Jordan plot.
17.04.2025
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Thursday
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Day Cabinet Extends UNIFIL Mandate as Weapons Dialogue Advances

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The Lebanese cabinet met at Baabda Palace, extending UNIFIL's mandate while discussing weapons control without specifics on Hezbollah's disarmament timeline. Army Commander presented a report on implementing Resolution 1701, with arrests of rocket launchers and warnings issued to Hamas.

Qatar renewed its $60 million grant for Lebanese Army salaries, with Aoun announcing a Qatari delegation would visit next week regarding the electricity crisis. Saudi Defense Minister's historic visit to Iran dominated regional coverage, delivering King Salman's message to Khamenei who acknowledged "hostile motivations" regarding bilateral relations.

Domestic politics centered on the 2025 municipal elections, framed as either restoring state authority or reinforcing sectarianism. President Salam received the French Legion of Honor from Macron, while former minister Machnouq appeared before court in the Beirut port blast investigation - the first politician to be interrogated in the case.
18.04.2025
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Friday
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Day of Second Hezbollah Commander's Death and Army Weapons Seizure

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Israel killed a second Hezbollah commander in 24 hours near Sidon, with official Israeli sources confirming the targeting of a Hezbollah member. This continues the pattern of targeted strikes seen in previous days. The Lebanese Army seized rockets and weapons in Rachia and arrested eight citizens in Kfarzabad, Bekaa, while implementing security measures around Baddawi camp.

Prime Minister Salam told the Washington Post that the army is making "serious progress" extending its presence in South Lebanon, consistent with the previous day's cabinet discussion on UNIFIL mandate extension. Hezbollah's position hardened with Kassem stating the group "will not allow anyone to disarm it," contradicting President Aoun's timeline for weapons control.

The investigation into Lokman Slim's assassination was reopened. Iran-US nuclear negotiations are set to resume Saturday in Rome, while Kataeb party claimed Hamas's involvement in launching rockets from southern Lebanon represents a "serious breach of Lebanese sovereignty."
19.04.2025
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Saturday
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The Day of Holy Fire as Hezbollah Resists Disarmament

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The morning newspapers reported Hezbollah's hardened stance against disarmament efforts, with Deputy Secretary-General Naim Qassem effectively "ending discussion" about surrendering weapons, according to Lebanon24. This escalation contrasts with recent positive signals and President Aoun's timeline for weapons control by 2025. U.S. official Morgan Ortagus dismissed Qassem's speech with a "yawn" comment.

Iranian-American nuclear talks resumed in Rome, with sources describing a "constructive atmosphere" during the four-hour meeting. A third round is scheduled for April 26 in Oman.

The Holy Fire ceremony took center stage by afternoon, with the sacred flame arriving in Beirut via Jordan. Christians gathered to light their candles from the flame that originated at Christ's tomb in Jerusalem.

The Lebanese Civil Defense reported recovering remains of two martyrs near Rashaya al-Foukhar, while reports emerged of sea-based strikes on Hezbollah positions.
20.04.2025
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Sunday
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Day Three Lebanese Soldiers Die as Israel Eliminates Hezbollah Commander

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Easter religious messages from Patriarch Al-Rahi and other leaders became platforms for political statements about weapons control, emphasizing only official state forces should protect Lebanon. President Aoun reinforced this message from Bkerke, declaring "Lebanon's resurrection train has departed."

Tragedy struck when an ammunition explosion in a Lebanese Army vehicle killed three soldiers in Nabatieh, with President Aoun offering condolences. This occurred as the army announced foiling a rocket attack against Israel and seizing weapons.

Israeli forces escalated operations, announcing the elimination of Hussein Ali Nasr, deputy commander of Hezbollah's Unit 4400, claiming he used Beirut airport for weapons transfers. Israeli spokesperson Adrei later announced additional strikes against rocket platforms and military infrastructure in Nabatieh.

International developments included Ukraine-Russia prisoner exchange, US-Iran nuclear talks progressing to a third round, and Pope Francis calling for an end to the "tragic and shameful" situation in Gaza.
21.04.2025
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Monday
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Day Pope Francis Dies as Lebanon Debates Weapons Control

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The Vatican announced Pope Francis's death at age 88 following a prolonged illness, dominating Lebanon's morning headlines. Lebanese officials, including President Aoun and Prime Minister Mikati, issued statements mourning the Pope, emphasizing his support for Lebanon, with the government declaring official mourning.

The weapons control debate continued alongside this news, with morning papers reporting tensions between Hezbollah and the government following Secretary-General Qassem's rejection of disarmament. Lebanese officials reaffirmed the state's exclusive right to possess weapons, with Prime Minister Salam stating "the state is the sole master of war and peace decisions." The Lebanon24 headline noted the weapons resolution file has "no timeline," contradicting Aoun's previous stance.

By evening, Netanyahu threatened Lebanon with "harsh response," while Al-Manar reported "Israeli raids synchronizing with Lebanese voices hostile to Hezbollah." The army reportedly arrested those behind recent rocket launches.
22.04.2025
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Tuesday
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Day Pope Francis's Funeral Announced as Israeli Airstrikes Target Islamic Leaders

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The Vatican announced Pope Francis's funeral will be held Saturday at Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica, with the first images of his body lying in state released. Lebanese churches will ring bells on the burial day, following official mourning declared by the government.

Israeli forces conducted targeted strikes in Lebanon, killing a Jamaa Islamiya commander in Baourta and another person in a pickup truck in Tyre's al-Hinniyeh. These operations continue Israel's targeting strategy following yesterday's mourning for three Lebanese soldiers.

President Aoun emphasized resolving disputes through dialogue, stating "no one in Lebanon wants to return to war," while continuing talks with Hezbollah on the weapons file. The Foreign Ministry announced it would summon Iran's ambassador over arms-related remarks.

Parliament Speaker Berri called a legislative session for Thursday to discuss 23 priority texts, including banking secrecy laws. Meanwhile, Egyptian Foreign Minister reported Cairo's efforts to end Israeli occupation of positions in southern Lebanon.
23.04.2025
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Wednesday
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Day of Sandstorm and Hezbollah Weapons Debate

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Pope Francis's death continued to dominate morning coverage, with the Vatican announcing nine days of mourning starting Saturday. His body lay in state at St. Peter's Basilica for public viewing.

Media attention shifted to Lebanon's weapons control debate as morning papers reported upcoming talks between President Aoun and Hezbollah "within hours." The Health Ministry issued guidelines as a desert storm brought high temperatures and dust to Lebanon, with predictions of muddy rain by Thursday night.

The Lebanese delegation in Washington faced challenges in negotiations with the IMF, while municipal election preparations continued with Berri calling a parliamentary session to discuss related draft laws. Officials announced moving South Lebanon and Nabatieh elections to May 24 due to Liberation Day celebrations.

Israeli military operations intensified with reports of strikes near Beit Lif killing nine Hezbollah members and destroying 40 infrastructure sites. Meanwhile, leaked Israeli Air Force documents reportedly exposed security vulnerabilities.
24.04.2025
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Thursday
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Day Parliament Lifts Banking Secrecy as Army Deploys South

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Parliament enacted landmark financial reform, approving banking secrecy and money and credit laws with amendments after substantial debate. President Aoun promptly signed the legislation into law. The World Bank approved a $250 million electricity loan, marking progress on infrastructure investment.

Military developments continued with President Aoun informing UNIFIL that the Lebanese Army is deploying in the south to remove armed manifestations. Reports indicated Hezbollah began handing over military positions north of the Litani. A US military delegation inspected the area, suggesting international monitoring of the process.

Hamas expressed openness to disarming Palestinian camps, with reports suggesting the process might begin in Beddaoui. Evening reports claimed Hezbollah shelled the Syrian-Lebanese border town of Al-Masriyah, injuring civilians, with Syria reportedly retaliating. These developments follow days of debate over weapons control and armed factions in Lebanon.
25.04.2025
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Friday
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Day Banking Secrecy Law Published as Aoun Travels to Rome

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The Banking Secrecy Law finally entered into force with its publication in the official gazette, marking a crucial step in Lebanon's financial reforms to satisfy IMF requirements. The law was approved by Parliament yesterday and quickly signed by President Aoun.

Lebanon's military developments continued with exceptional security measures implemented at the Lebanese-Syrian border following clashes, while discussions about strengthening the Lebanese army's capabilities after Israeli recognition of its role persisted throughout news cycles.

Judicial progress occurred as former Prime Minister Hassan Diab was questioned by Judge Tarek Bitar in the Beirut port blast investigation, while France delivered satellite images of the explosion with a judicial delegation expected in Beirut on Monday.

President Joseph Aoun traveled to Rome with the First Lady to attend Pope Francis's funeral, stating from there that Lebanon remains a model of unity in diversity despite its wounds.
26.04.2025
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Saturday
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Day of Papal Farewell and Iranian Port Explosion

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Pope Francis's funeral dominated morning coverage with world leaders, including Lebanese President Aoun, attending the "humble and dignified" ceremony at the Vatican. Media outlets provided special coverage of the first Pope to be buried outside Vatican walls in over a century.

By midday, attention shifted to a massive explosion at Iran's Bandar Abbas port that injured hundreds, with casualty figures rising throughout the day from 115 to over 700 injured and at least five dead. Lebanese media drew parallels to the 2020 Beirut port disaster.

The weapons discourse continued as Naharnet reported Geagea and Bassil calling for Hezbollah disarmament, following Berri's declaration yesterday that "we will not surrender weapons now." Meanwhile, Lebanon's banking secrecy law implementation proceeded after yesterday's official publication, with discussions about IMF negotiations described as "very good meetings" despite challenges.
27.04.2025
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Sunday
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Day Israel Strikes Dahieh After Warning Residents

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Israel conducted airstrikes on Beirut's southern suburbs (Dahieh) after warning residents to evacuate certain buildings. The Israeli military claimed it targeted precision missiles belonging to Hezbollah, with Netanyahu declaring the area "will not be a safe haven" for the group. This marked the third strike on Dahieh since the ceasefire began. Former President Aoun urged American and French intervention following the attack.

Concurrent with these developments, reporting continued on the massive explosion at Iran's Bandar Abbas port, with casualty figures rising to 25 dead and 800 injured. Iranian officials denied the incident was related to defense activities, though some sources questioned whether missile manufacturing materials were involved.

Domestic coverage included Geagea's warning that international support for Lebanon could evaporate within months if the state fails to demonstrate competence, and discussion of progress on decentralization legislation after 76 sessions.
28.04.2025
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Monday
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Day of Aoun's Disarmament Declaration Amid Israeli Dahieh Strike Fallout

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Morning coverage focused on fallout from Israel's third strike on Beirut's southern suburbs, with Lebanon calling on international powers to intervene. President Aoun made a significant declaration to a French Senate delegation that "the decision to restrict weapons to state control has already been taken" and returning to war is unacceptable. This marked his strongest stance yet on Hezbollah disarmament.

By midday, reports emerged of Putin announcing a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine from May 8-11 for Victory Day celebrations. Iran's Interior Minister attributed the Rajai Port explosion to negligence, contradicting earlier speculation about potential sabotage.

Evening news highlighted "significant advancement" in Gaza ceasefire talks in Cairo, with Egyptian sources reporting consensus on a long-term truce. Hezbollah's Naim Qassem characterized the Dahieh strike as a political move to change existing rules of engagement and accused Israel of wanting to build settlements in Lebanon.
29.04.2025
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Tuesday
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Day Aoun Calls for American Support Amid Ongoing Disarmament Discourse

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President Joseph Aoun emphasized that Lebanon's stability serves American interests, urging US assistance while affirming Lebanon's commitment to reforms and weapons exclusivity to state institutions. This follows his stronger stance on Hezbollah disarmament from yesterday. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam called for activating monitoring mechanisms for Israeli withdrawal from the South.

The diplomatic dynamics continue with reports of the Lebanese central bank governor securing support in Paris consultations, while President Aoun prepares to visit Abu Dhabi tomorrow. The army announced the arrest of 24 people as part of ongoing security measures.

Economic concerns emerged with reporting on minimum wage disputes - business entities offering $300 while labor unions demand $550. Municipal election campaigns intensify across various regions, with Kataeb characterizing them as "keys to change" while maintaining that disarmament remains the prerequisite for stability.
30.04.2025
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Wednesday
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Day Army Dismantles Hezbollah Infrastructure as Aoun Visits UAE

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Morning reports centered on President Aoun's declaration that "the decision to restrict weapons to state control has been made," with implementation forthcoming. A security source told France-Presse the army has dismantled over 90% of Hezbollah's infrastructure in the south. Michael Leeney replaced Jeffers as head of the ceasefire monitoring committee, seen as an American gesture toward Beirut.

President Aoun traveled to Abu Dhabi for a Lebanese-Emirati summit with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, declaring "the past is behind us" and emphasizing bilateral relations. Lebanon's Defense Minister froze weapon permits in Mount Lebanon amid regional security concerns.

Financial news highlighted Banque du Liban proposing the first draft of a bank restructuring plan. Sectarian clashes near Damascus continued, with Lebanon's Druze community mobilizing in response to violence affecting their Syrian counterparts, while Israel claimed to have struck a Syrian "extremist group" threatening Druze.
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