May
01.05.2025
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Thursday
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Day Israeli Strike Kills Five as Aoun Returns from UAE

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The morning news reported President Aoun returning from the UAE with optimism about Emirati support, sending thanks to bin Zayed for "utmost hospitality" and characterizing their discussions as "fruitful and positive." The UAE agreed to lift its three-year travel ban on Lebanese citizens.

Mid-day reports focused on an Israeli strike in Meis al-Jabal that killed five people, including a civil defense member. The casualty count fluctuated in reports throughout the day, with Israel later claiming two Hezbollah members were among those killed.

The Supreme Defense Council held its first meeting under Aoun's leadership, with security challenges, elections, and border issues on the agenda. Reports indicated that Hamas suspects were the first item on the council's agenda, with Lebanese authorities demanding their surrender for rocket launches.

Evening coverage highlighted US-Iranian talks being postponed, with an American source reportedly warning that either Iran commits to dismantling Hezbollah or Israel will launch an invasion reaching Beirut.
02.05.2025
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Friday
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Day of Defense Council's Hamas Warning

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The Supreme Defense Council, meeting under President Aoun's leadership, issued a stern warning against Hamas using Lebanon as a platform for destabilization. This follows the Lebanese Army's seizure of 800 rockets from Badawi camp and arrest of two Hamas members. The Council's decision was later endorsed by the Cabinet.

President Aoun clarified that disarmament should proceed through dialogue rather than force, continuing his stance from previous days. The Cabinet approved a judicial independence bill, which Justice Minister Salam described as strengthening judges' impartiality against pressures.

Walid Jumblatt made an unannounced visit to Syria, meeting President Ahmed al-Sharaa to discuss protection for Syrian Druze amid ongoing sectarian clashes. Israeli media reported that their security cabinet supported plans to expand operations in Gaza, while Israeli airstrikes continued across Syria with approximately 20 strikes reported by evening.
03.05.2025
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Saturday
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Day Israel Deploys in Syria as Election Preparations Continue

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Morning reports focused on Israel's expanding military actions in Syria, with over 20 airstrikes targeting various locations. The Israeli army announced it was "deployed in southern Syria" to protect Druze communities, evacuating five Syrian Druze for medical treatment in Israel amid sectarian tensions that began earlier this week.

Electoral preparations continued for Sunday's municipal elections in Mount Lebanon, described as a test of political balances and the "first electoral test" for the current administration. The Interior Ministry issued final calls for voter participation while elections in Naame and Haret al-Naame were postponed to ensure proper processes.

Following yesterday's Defense Council warning to Hamas, reports emerged that Hamas had pledged to surrender wanted individuals. Meanwhile, Hezbollah's Deputy Secretary Qassem acknowledged the organization was conducting a "comprehensive review" of its operations while insisting "resistance will continue."
04.05.2025
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Sunday
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Day of Mount Lebanon Municipal Vote Counting

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Mount Lebanon municipal elections dominated coverage, serving as a rehearsal for upcoming parliamentary elections. Voter turnout progressively increased from 14.3% by noon to a final 44.59%, which officials celebrated as a "national wedding." President Aoun monitored the process from the Interior Ministry, emphasizing municipalities' essential role. Electoral monitoring groups reported breaches of voting secrecy and electoral silence, with 12 bribery complaints filed.

The UAE announced lifting its travel ban on Lebanese citizens starting May 7, with Lebanon's Foreign Ministry welcoming the decision. President Aoun thanked the Emirates later in the day.

Regional tensions persisted in the background, with Netanyahu threatening to target Iran "at the appropriate time" over Houthi missile strikes near Tel Aviv airport. Iran responded by warning both Israel and the US that their interests and forces would be targeted if Iran were attacked.
05.05.2025
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Monday
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Day Hamas Surrenders Rocket Suspects as Mount Lebanon Results Emerge

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Mount Lebanon's municipal election results solidified with an official 45.08% turnout. The Lebanese Association for Democratic Elections documented 838 violations during the voting process. President Aoun and Gebran Bassil claimed success for their political bloc, while former Aounists scored victories against their former party in Baabda district.

Hamas delivered two Palestinian suspects to the Lebanese Army, with reports that logistical issues delayed the handover of additional suspects wanted for firing rockets into Israel. This followed the Supreme Defense Council's stern warning to Hamas from May 2nd.

The Lebanese Army raided a Captagon manufacturing facility in Hermel, described as having three floors with production capacity in the millions. Regional tensions continued with Israel announcing plans for intensified attacks on Gaza using "Gideon vehicles" and reportedly conducting airstrikes along the Lebanese-Syrian border.
06.05.2025
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Tuesday
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Day Trump Claims Houthi Surrender While Israeli Strikes Intensify

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Municipal election results continued to emerge across Mount Lebanon districts, with parties declaring victory while observers noted 838 documented violations. The Lebanese Army received a third Palestinian suspect for rocket-launching operations, following Hamas' surrender of two suspects the previous day.

Regional tensions escalated as Israel conducted unprecedented strikes on Sanaa airport in Yemen, disabling the facility. Former president Trump later claimed the Houthis had "surrendered," promising to stop bombing them and announcing a "very big" forthcoming announcement. The Houthis quickly clarified that any agreement with America would not include Israel.

Turkish authorities reportedly intercepted 2,000 booby-trapped pagers destined for Lebanon in September, following earlier pager attacks. Meanwhile, an Israeli drone strike killed one person in Kfar Remmane, with Janoubia identifying the victim as Hezbollah commander Adnan Harb.
07.05.2025
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Wednesday
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Day Israel Assassinates Hamas Commander in Saida as UAE Flights Resume

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Israel conducted a targeted strike in Saida killing Hamas commander Khaled Ahmad, confirmed by Hamas in mourning statements published around 8:00 AM. This follows yesterday's Israeli assassination of Hezbollah commander Adnan Harb in Kfar Rumman.

The first UAE planes landed in Beirut after lifting the travel ban, with officials welcoming Emirati visitors amid flower ceremonies and statements about renewed Gulf-Lebanese relations. This diplomatic breakthrough follows ongoing security reforms and disarmament efforts.

Concurrent with electoral preparations in North Lebanon, authorities suspended weapons permits in North Lebanon and Akkar provinces. Labor Minister Haidar announced plans to raise the minimum wage to 28 million Lebanese pounds.

International tensions escalated beyond Lebanon, with significant military clashes between India and Pakistan described as the "worst violence in decades." Meanwhile, Vatican coverage dominated evening news as cardinals began the conclave to elect a new pope, with black smoke indicating no decision reached in first ballot.
08.05.2025
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Thursday
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Day of Nabatieh Airstrikes as First American Pope Elected

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Israeli airstrikes intensified against Hezbollah targets in Nabatieh region, with reports emerging around 9:00 AM of 15-20 strikes on what Israel described as a "military complex." These "bunker buster" raids reportedly killed Hezbollah commander Abu Hussein Shahrour and destroyed underground facilities. Reports indicated Israel dropped leaflets in Naqoura urging locals to "burn resistance dollars."

Meanwhile, Gulf diplomacy advanced with UAE tourists' arrival being hailed as a "sign of wellness and stability." French archival documents regarding the Lebanese-Syrian border were delivered to Lebanon, while President Aoun stressed the need for Central Bank independence.

By afternoon, global attention shifted to the Vatican where white smoke signaled Cardinal Robert Prévost's election as Pope Leo XIV - the first American pope in history. Aoun quickly congratulated the new pontiff, expressing hope this would mark "an important turning point in Church history."

Regionally, India-Pakistan border violence and Russia's attacks on Ukraine despite a self-declared ceasefire dominated international coverage.
09.05.2025
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Friday
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Day of Israeli Airstrikes and Putin's Victory Proclamation

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Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon, described as "the most destructive since the ceasefire agreement," prompted Hezbollah to threaten retaliation. Early morning reports indicated Morgan Ortagus will soon visit Lebanon to work on consolidating the ceasefire.

Putin marked Victory Day by declaring Russia "a bulwark against Nazism" and confirming full Russian support for operations in Ukraine. This received significant coverage in Lebanese media.

The Lebanese Army announced exceptional security measures for the upcoming municipal elections in North Lebanon and Akkar, with the Ministry of Interior issuing regulations for Beirut, Bekaa, and Baalbek-Hermel.

Reports emerged of a fourth round of US-Iran talks scheduled for Sunday in Oman, with American officials warning they won't continue discussions without productive outcomes.

Lebanese outlets continued extensive coverage of Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, whose initial mass expressed concern about "faith retreating before money, power and pleasure."
10.05.2025
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Saturday
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Day of India-Pakistan Ceasefire and Northern Lebanon Election Preparations

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Early morning headlines focused on the escalating conflict between India and Pakistan, with Pakistan launching "Operation Solid Structure" in response to Indian attacks. By noon, Trump announced both countries had agreed to an immediate ceasefire through American mediation, though accusations of violations emerged within hours.

Municipal election preparations intensified in North Lebanon and Akkar, with Interior Minister overseeing ballot box distribution. Officials reported 81 out of 289 municipalities won unopposed. The Lebanese Army implemented exceptional security measures in preparation for tomorrow's vote.

Israeli escalation continued to feature prominently, with newspapers discussing what they termed "unprecedented escalation" and a "ring of fire." President Aoun stated that restricting weapons to state control had been decided, with implementation methods remaining the challenge.

Regional developments included reports of a fourth round of US-Iran nuclear talks scheduled for tomorrow in Oman, with American officials establishing uranium enrichment as a "red line."
11.05.2025
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Sunday
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Day of North Lebanon's Fractured Vote

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Municipal elections in North Lebanon and Akkar dominated coverage as polls opened early morning with President Aoun urging citizens to "vote for the project, not the person." Throughout the day, newspapers tracked turnout percentages across districts, with Batroun consistently leading (reaching 34.91% by afternoon) while Tripoli lagged behind (12.98%).

Multiple sources reported security incidents, electoral violations, and road blockages delaying poll openings in certain areas, with Interior Minister noting cases of electoral bribery being investigated. By closing time at 4 PM, newspapers shifted to covering preliminary results and vote counting.

Internationally, reports emerged of a planned five-way summit between Trump, MBS, Aoun, Abbas, and Al-Shara in Riyadh, while Hamas announced progress in direct talks with the US including plans to release hostage Aidan Alexander. Pope Leo XIV made his first appearance calling for peace in Ukraine and Gaza.
12.05.2025
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Monday
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Day of Northern Lebanon Election Results and Kuwait's Diplomatic Embrace

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Municipal election results from North Lebanon and Akkar dominated the morning news cycle, with Interior Minister announcing a 43.29% voter turnout. Results were published throughout the day for Bsharri, Koura, Batroun, and Zgharta districts, while tensions in Tripoli caused delays, prompting both Interior and Justice Ministers to intervene personally.

President Aoun concluded his two-day visit to Kuwait, with officials announcing enhanced diplomatic relations and Kuwait's pledge to continue supporting Lebanon. The Kuwaiti Prime Minister emphasized ongoing assistance efforts.

UNIFIL reported discovering over 225 weapon caches south of the Litani River, while Hezbollah's Sheikh Naim Kassem declared the group "partners" in General Joseph Aoun's presidency.

In regional developments, Hamas released hostage Eidan Alexander, who refused to meet Netanyahu upon arriving in Israel, while preparations accelerated for Trump's upcoming Gulf tour, with speculation about its potential regional impact.
13.05.2025
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Tuesday
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Trump's Saudi Landing Day

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Trump's arrival in Saudi Arabia dominated media coverage, described as a "historic return" to the region. By afternoon, he and bin Salman signed a strategic economic partnership document with record-breaking arms deals. Trump unexpectedly announced plans to lift sanctions on Syria and expressed willingness to help Lebanon "build its economic future."

Interior Ministry published municipal election results for Akkar and Minieh-Danniyeh districts, while Tripoli awaited final counts amid reports of vote counting irregularities. The "Vision for Tripoli" list allegedly led with 13 seats, though Lebanon24 reported the circulating results were inaccurate.

UNIFIL announced discovering 225 weapons caches in South Lebanon since the Israel-Hezbollah truce. Israeli forces conducted a drone strike on a motorcycle in Houla, killing one person later identified by Janoubia as Mousa Ali Abboud.

Beirut prepares to elect its municipal council this Sunday, with candidates emphasizing the importance of maintaining sectarian balance.
14.05.2025
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Wednesday
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Gulf Summit's Lebanon Focus Day

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Trump's statements about Lebanon dominated coverage at the US-Gulf Summit in Riyadh, where he declared Lebanon has "a chance to free itself from Hezbollah's grip" while Saudi Crown Prince emphasized support for weapon exclusivity in Lebanese state hands. These statements aligned with previous days' developments on Lebanon's central role in regional discussions.

The Lebanese Cabinet dismissed North Lebanon Governor Ramzi Nohra and appointed Mohammed Qabbani as head of the Council for Development and Reconstruction, actions likely connected to the problematic Tripoli municipal election results that continued generating controversy.

Trump met with Syrian President Chareh in Riyadh following his pledge to lift US sanctions, reportedly asking Syria to normalize relations with Israel. Before departing to Qatar, Trump and MBS signed economic agreements projected to generate $1.2 trillion in exchanges.

The EU announced an €8 million package to support post-conflict stability in Lebanon, while weather forecasts predicted autumn-like conditions followed by warming temperatures.
15.05.2025
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Thursday
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Day Syria Sanctions Relief Promises $300 Billion Reconstruction

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Trump's pledge to lift Syrian sanctions dominated Lebanese media, with reports estimating $300 billion needed for reconstruction that could benefit Lebanon economically. Parliament approved laws criminalizing shooting in the air and tax exemptions for war victims.

Israel continued military operations in South Lebanon, striking a vehicle near Arnoun reportedly targeting a Hezbollah member identified as Mohammed Marouni, and bombing a bulldozer with a drone.

US Envoy Deputy Morgan Ortagus told LBCI that Lebanon's path to peace requires Hezbollah's disarmament, echoing Trump and Saudi Crown Prince's earlier statements supporting weapon exclusivity for the Lebanese state.

Municipal election coverage continued with final results announced for Tripoli district amid ongoing controversy, while reporting showed unprecedented youth participation in local elections nationwide.

Syrian President Chareh's meeting with Trump sparked speculation about Syria potentially joining the Abraham Accords, with Trump also indicating progress toward an Iran nuclear deal.
16.05.2025
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Friday
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Day Former President Vows World Improvement Within Weeks

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Trump concluded his Gulf tour in the UAE, claiming "the world will be better in a few weeks," following his decision to lift sanctions on Syria without consulting Israel. This fueled discussion about Syria potentially joining normalization efforts, with Speaker Berri noting "Syria is heading toward normalization." Lebanese officials expressed relief about Trump's statements while Americans expanded sanctions against Hezbollah.

An Israeli drone crashed in Marjeyoun as military tensions continued. UNIFIL peacekeepers clashed with residents in Jamijmeh, prompting Lebanese Army intervention. UNIFIL later asserted their freedom of movement "with or without" the army's presence.

President Aoun prepared for a Vatican visit tomorrow as the Interior Ministry launched an automated assistant for election inquiries. Reports surfaced of possible Syrian-Israeli talks, while increased security measures targeted communications between Lebanese and Arabs from 1948 territories.
17.05.2025
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Saturday
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Day Arab Summit Pledges Money for Lebanon Reconstruction

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The Arab Summit in Baghdad dominated Lebanese news, with Iraq pledging $40 million for reconstruction in Gaza and Lebanon. Prime Minister Salam declared "Lebanon has opened a new page in its history," emphasizing commitment to reforms, state monopoly on weapons, and Syrian refugee return. The summit's final statement supported Lebanon's security and stability.

Electoral tensions intensified ahead of Sunday's municipal elections in Beirut and Bekaa, with reports of authorization booklets disappearing in Hermel, prompting a security investigation of the district administrator.

Berri pledged "patience" and commitment to the ceasefire agreement in multiple news outlets. Meanwhile, Israeli military operations continued with a reported strike killing one person in Tyre district and an alleged assassination of a Hezbollah official involved in rebuilding infrastructure.

Former President Aoun arrived in Rome, where Italian President Mattarella indicated oil company Eni was ready to resume exploration in Lebanon.
18.05.2025
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Sunday
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Day of Municipal Elections Unfold With Varied Turnout

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The third phase of Lebanese municipal elections took place across Beirut, Bekaa, and Baalbek-Hermel provinces. Early morning reports showed weak turnout, especially in Beirut, while Zahle and Baalbek consistently led in participation throughout the day. LADE monitoring organization documented security issues, pressure on voters, and violations of electoral silence.

Former President Aoun attended Pope Leon XIV's installation ceremony in Rome, where the Pope pledged to work for peace in Lebanon. The Lebanese presidency denied knowledge of Sheikh Mowafak Tarif after Israeli media circulated a controversial photo.

By midday, Interior Minister Hajjar declared the elections were proceeding smoothly, reaffirming the state's commitment to constitutional processes. Prime Minister Salam urged Beirut residents to participate amid persistently low turnout.

As polls closed, preliminary results showed the Lebanese Forces-backed "Heart of Zahle" list leading in Zahle, while "Beirut Unites Us" list gained ground in the capital.
19.05.2025
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Monday
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Day Hezbollah Quietly Withdraws North of Litani

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Municipal election results dominated the morning news, with governing coalition victories in Beirut and Bekaa, while traditional parties outperformed civil society movements. President Aoun met with Egyptian President Sisi in Cairo, emphasizing Lebanon's commitment to UN Resolution 1701 while warning against hasty Hezbollah disarmament, revealing ongoing communication with the group.

Significant developments emerged midday as Naharnet reported Hezbollah quietly withdrawing north of the Litani River, ceding positions to the Lebanese army - marking a potential shift in south Lebanon's military landscape. Meanwhile, Israeli operations continued with an airstrike targeting hills near Bouday.

By evening, Israeli forces claimed to have killed a Hezbollah Radwan Force member in southern Lebanon, while Netanyahu declared Israel would "take control of all" Gaza Strip territories. Reports of an "Israeli-controlled area" in Lebanon with an Israeli flag raised alarm, according to Janoubia newspaper.
20.05.2025
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Tuesday
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Day of European Union Lifting Syria Sanctions

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Morning news revealed traditional parties' triumph over civil society movements in Beirut municipal elections, with newspapers dissecting where the "October 17" change movement faltered. The Interior Ministry published election results for Beirut, Zahle, and later Baalbek districts, with some results requiring correction due to errors.

The most significant development came midday when multiple outlets reported the European Union following Trump's approach by lifting all sanctions on Syria, potentially transforming regional dynamics. Meanwhile, Morgan Ortagus emphasized Lebanon still has "much to do" regarding Hezbollah disarmament.

Palestinian arms discussions gained prominence, with reports of Abbas-Aoun talks including plans to dismantle Palestinian weapons within six months, though Palestinian officials insisted on maintaining light weapons in camps. An attempted weapons smuggling operation from Iraq to Lebanon via Syria was reportedly foiled according to evening reports.
21.05.2025
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Wednesday
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Day Abbas and Aoun Declare End of Unauthorized Weapons

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Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas's visit to Beirut produced a landmark joint Lebanese-Palestinian statement declaring "the era of weapons outside state authority is over." This agreement, formalized in the morning, commits to placing Palestinian weapons under Lebanese state control and prevents using Lebanese territory for military operations. The statement represents a significant follow-through on discussions reported yesterday about dismantling Palestinian weapons within six months.

International tensions continued with reports that Israel is preparing strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities according to US intelligence. Morgan Ortagus is expected to return to Beirut with conditions for a full ceasefire, building on her previous statements that Lebanon still has "much to do."

Violence persisted in southern Lebanon with three reported Israeli assassinations, including one targeting a man in his bulldozer in Yater. The Finance Ministry encouraged taxpayers to take advantage of penalty settlements under new Law 328/2024.
22.05.2025
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Thursday
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Day of Israeli Strikes and Abbas's Weapons Pledge

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The newspapers report Palestinian President Abbas's continued visit to Lebanon, where he received the Hani Fahs "Peacemakers" award and declared the Palestinian people as "guests" with camps under state sovereignty. This follows yesterday's landmark statement on ending unauthorized weapons. Hamas separately pledged commitment to Lebanon's stability and ceasefire decision.

Israeli military escalation intensified ahead of southern municipal elections, with forces targeting buildings in Toul village after issuing rare evacuation warnings. Army Commander Haykal stated these violations impede full Lebanese military deployment in the south.

The Central Bank announced pursuit of international prosecution against embezzlers and collaboration with Alvarez & Marsal consultancy on recovery efforts. Regional tensions continued with Iran accepting Oman's proposal for a fifth round of negotiations with Washington in Rome, while warning it would hold the US responsible for any Israeli attack on nuclear sites.
23.05.2025
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Friday
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Day Disarmament Timeline Formalized Amid Elections

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The Lebanese-Palestinian joint committee held its first meeting, formally establishing mid-June as the start date for disarming Palestinian camps. This implementation follows Abbas's landmark declaration yesterday ending unauthorized weapons. Reports indicated the process would begin with Beirut camps, though evening headlines noted "fabrications" regarding army entry into camps post-disarmament.

Southern municipal elections proceeded despite Israeli disruption attempts, with fifteen "Development and Loyalty" lists winning uncontested in Bint Jbeil district. The Lebanese Army implemented exceptional security measures for tomorrow's voting in southern regions, described as a significant test for Hezbollah.

International tensions continued with Yemeni forces targeting Ben Gurion Airport three times within 24 hours. Nuclear negotiations remained stalled in Rome with Iran rejecting America's "zero enrichment" demand. Trump announced a major Russia-Ukraine prisoner exchange, while Finland summoned Israel's ambassador over a West Bank diplomatic incident.
24.05.2025
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Saturday
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Day Southern Lebanon Votes Under Military Protection

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The final phase of Lebanon's municipal elections proceeded in southern Lebanon and Nabatieh provinces, with the army providing security amid Israeli restraint. The elections, occurring just days after President Abbas's landmark declaration on Palestinian disarmament scheduled to begin mid-June, featured significant contests in Jezzine and Sidon while many Shiite-dominated areas saw candidates win unopposed. Former President Aoun voted for the first time in 40 years, claiming Israel had provided guarantees not to disrupt polling.

Voter turnout increased throughout the day, reaching 36.42% in the South and 31.41% in Nabatieh by evening. The Lebanese Army warned against celebratory gunfire as results began emerging, with early reports showing the Free Patriotic Movement-backed "Sawa for Jezzine" list winning all seats there, while Hezbollah's list in Kfar Tibnit was breached by two independent candidates.
25.05.2025
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Sunday
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Day Shiite Coalition Maintains South Lebanon Control Despite Electoral Breaches

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The final phase of municipal elections concluded in southern Lebanon, with the Hezbollah-Amal coalition maintaining dominance despite some notable breaches in towns like Zarariyeh and Kfar Tebnit. Lebanese Association for Democratic Elections reported 613 violations during voting. Free Patriotic Movement secured a win in Jezzine after fierce competition with Lebanese Forces.

Prime Minister Salam commemorated Liberation Day by asserting Lebanon's right to self-defense, while Army Commander Joseph Aoun praised troops as "guarantors of stability and protectors of the constitution." Former President Aoun called for electoral law reform before the 2026 elections.

Attention shifted to U.S. envoy Morgan Ortagus's upcoming visit and the UNIFIL mandate extension. Regional tensions continued with Israel intercepting a Yemeni missile over Jerusalem, while Syria handed over a suspect in a Lebanese Forces official's killing to the Lebanese Army.
26.05.2025
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Monday
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Day Palestinian Disarmament Timeline Concretizes

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President Aoun announced work on Palestinian disarmament will begin mid-June in three Beirut camps, concretizing the timeline established in previous days' discussions. This followed Prime Minister Salam's declaration that Lebanon "won't remain silent over any arms outside state control." MP Raad noted "wide areas of understanding" with President Aoun after their Baabda meeting, while relations with Salam appeared strained.

Municipal election aftermath dominated early reporting, with FPM claiming victory in Metn union elections while Kataeb's Nicole Gemayel promised vigilance. Gebran Bassil announced his party's continued dominance and prospects in Jezzine.

Israeli airstrikes targeted Brital outskirts amid reports of a new Israeli "killing line" in southern Lebanon. Another UNIFIL vehicle was stopped in Laylake, continuing a pattern of incidents. Regional attention focused on Trump hinting at Iran nuclear talks announcements "in the next two days" while American reports warned against military action.
27.05.2025
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Tuesday
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Day Lebanese Army Dismantles Israeli Spy Device as Salam Demands End to "Weapons Duality"

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The Lebanese Army announced dismantling an Israeli spy device and removing earthen barriers in Bleida and Meis al-Jabal, representing a direct confrontation with Israeli intelligence operations. Prime Minister Salam used his appearance at the Arab Media Summit to call for Lebanon "free from the duality of weapons" and returning to its "state and Arab identity," continuing the disarmament narrative established in previous days.

Reports emerged of direct talks between Syria and Israel for the first time in decades, with Ahmad Al-Dalati identified as the connection point between the countries. These developments follow the lifting of Syrian sanctions days earlier.

Tensions with Israel continued with the assassination of Nabil Blaghi in Yater, part of what Lebanese media described as Israel's ongoing "escalation campaign." Meanwhile, a Lebanese Army delegation visited Syria to discuss border developments, signaling increased regional security coordination amid changing geopolitical dynamics.
28.05.2025
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Wednesday
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Day Netanyahu Claims Regional Transformation as Hezbollah Weakness Exposed

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An Iranian report acknowledged Hezbollah's significantly weakened position, describing the organization as "weaker than ever" while Israeli forces eliminated a Hezbollah commander in Yater. Netanyahu later declared Israel had "created a new situation in Lebanon" and announced the killing of Hamas leader Mohammed Sinwar in Gaza.

A UAE delegation inspected Beirut's port and airport, demonstrating continued Gulf engagement with Lebanon's infrastructure. Prime Minister Salam, speaking from the Emirates, reiterated commitments to sovereignty restoration and weapons containment. The port remained problematic with $42,000 reported missing and two officials detained.

Municipal election analysis revealed traditional parties maintained dominance despite earlier reports of southern rebellion against Hezbollah-Amal lists. Lebanese Forces leader Geagea clarified Lebanon's priority was returning to the ceasefire agreement rather than pursuing peace with Israel, stating this represented "the maximum we aspire to currently." Internal fractures emerged within the Free Patriotic Movement as collective resignations occurred in Jezzine.
29.05.2025
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Thursday
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Day Salam Claims Eighty Percent Disarmament Success

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Prime Minister Salam told the Wall Street Journal that the government achieved approximately 80 percent of its disarmament goals in southern Lebanon, surprising American and Israeli officials. UNIFIL separately announced discovering 300 weapon caches and reporting them to the Lebanese Army, while its commander warned the Blue Line situation remained "tense and unpredictable."

Hezbollah responded to government escalation by accusing officials of seeking to embarrass President Aoun. The Cabinet convened at the Presidential Palace, approving salary payments for public employees and appointing George Maarawy as Finance Ministry director-general.

Regional developments accelerated with the US flag raised at the Damascus embassy and American proposals for Syria-Israel non-aggression agreements. A Swedish Christian Democratic delegation visited Lebanon, prioritizing disarmament and refugee issues ahead of next week's visit by US envoy Ortega, who will carry "high ceiling" American proposals including weapons exclusivity.

Evening Israeli strikes targeted Hezbollah infrastructure in the south and Bekaa, with spokesman Adraee confirming attacks on military sites.
30.05.2025
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Friday
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The Day Salam Links Peace and Normalization

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Prime Minister Salam declared that normalization with Israel constitutes "an integral part of the peace we want to see tomorrow and not after it," marking his most explicit statement on future regional arrangements. His media office later clarified that his positions were clear and required no interpretation.

The Berri-Aoun meeting produced what both leaders described as "excellent" discussions, with potential for an extraordinary parliamentary session. Security meetings at the Presidential Palace focused on Palestinian camp disarmament procedures, following previous commitments on weapons collection north of the Litani River.

Saudi Arabia reportedly warned Iran to either reach a nuclear agreement with Trump or risk Israeli strikes, while Trump ordered a halt to coordination with Israel regarding potential Iranian targets. Lebanon officially resumed IMF negotiations as fuel prices increased.

Israeli strikes continued targeting southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley, with reports of two fatalities. The Energy Ministry issued May pricing for private generators amid ongoing electricity shortages.
31.05.2025
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Saturday
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Day Israeli Strike Claims Hezbollah Commander as UNIFIL Renewal Advances

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Israeli forces announced killing Muhammad Ali Jamoul, described as a Hezbollah rocket unit commander, in a dawn strike on Deir al-Zahrani. The claim continued Israel's pattern of targeting individual commanders following recent escalation.

Speaker Berri announced forming a committee to prepare Lebanon's UNIFIL mandate renewal request, building on recent meetings with President Aoun. The development suggested coordination on maintaining international peacekeeping presence despite earlier Israeli pressures for withdrawal.

Regional diplomatic activity accelerated with reports of incoming US envoy Ortega's visit carrying recovery plans outside IMF frameworks. A Palestinian security delegation arrived to advance weapons withdrawal from camps, following previous commitments on disarmament timelines.

Kataeb's Sami Gemayel declared from Budapest that Syrian refugee return should proceed following Assad's fall, while Hamas submitted its response to Gaza ceasefire proposals. The convergence of multiple diplomatic tracks indicated preparations for broader regional arrangements.
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