|   | Shou el akhbar? It's Sunā day, which means it's time to look back at the week's biggest Lebanon stories. The week's most talked-about story was Reuters reporting that Hezbollah received $200 million from Iran for displaced supporters, a claim Washington disputed. In Rome, a seventh round of Lebanon-Israel talks ended without agreement on a verification mechanism, with UNIFIL's mandate set to end Decā ember 31. Meanwhile, Lebanon's prime minister made a Friā day visit to Nabatieh, and the speaker worked to cool tensions. There was also quieter news on solar loans and Syrian gas. Grab your coffee. |
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Ā How many pages is the report on Israeli violations compiled by Lebanon's humanitarian law committee? Scroll to the bottom for the answer ā or play all 10 at sobhiye.news/games/news-quiz |
Ā | | - Hezbollah's Iranian Cash: On Wednesā day, Reuters reported that Hezbollah received $200 million from Iran for displaced supporters, with an initial $3,000 per family. Washington disputed it, saying the money "is not there." Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has put reconstruction costs above $27 billion.
- Documenting the Damage: Deputy Pā M Tarek Mitri told Al-Modon the national humanitarian-law committee compiled a 232-page report on Israeli violations. A UN fact-finding team spent three months in Lebanon. Mitri conceded the ICC and ICJ routes face serious obstacles, but argues documentation preserves evidence for future cases.
- Berri Cools It Down: Speaker Nabih Berri moved to de-escalate Hezbollah's attacks on Salam, according to Asharq Al-Awsat. Salam's Friā day visit to Nabatieh, his third southern trip in three months, drew Amal and municipal officials. He met Berri again Monā day. Hezbollah issued no criticism this time.
- Talks Stall in Rome: The seventh round of Lebanon-Israel negotiations failed to agree on a verification mechanism for the "pilot areas." Israel and Washington vetoed a French role, while Italy won preliminary approval. Lebanon fears the mechanism could replace UNIFIL, whose mandate ends Decā ember 31, leaving a vacuum.
- Shots at Peacekeepers: On Wednesā day, UNIFIL said small arms fire hit one of its posts near Kfar Shouba, with no casualties. The force is investigating. Roughly 7,500 peacekeepers from about 50 countries remain deployed, even as the UN Security Council set a year-end close for the mission.
- Wanted General, Quiet Shelter: A BBC and NPR investigation found Bassam al-Hassan, wanted for crimes against humanity, is harboured in Lebanon under an arrangement with US and Lebanese authorities. He offers information on kidnapped American journalist Austin Tice. Syria's new government wants him returned for trial. The FBI declined comment.
- Scorched South: Environment Minister Tamara Elzein described the south as suffering "environmental genocide," citing over 16,000 hectares of farmland and forest burned between Octā ober 2023 and Augā ust 2026. Farmers describe lost olive groves, wheat and livestock. A ministry report found glyphosate residue in all 36 soil samples taken from three border villages.
- Solar Loans Planned: The 2027 budget allocates $11 million for solar loans through the Public Corporation for Housing, enough for about 4,400 loans averaging $2,500. Repayment runs three years at $75 monthly. Applicants need only a salary certificate or guarantor. Applications open once Parliament approves the budget.
- Gas From Syria: As the Arab Gas Pipeline gets repaired, Lebanon's Deir Ammar plant is set to run on gas, which sources say would cut electricity production costs by over 40 percent. Qatar is financing and building parts of the regional network, including a $63.75 million gas link to Syria. Lebanon is also eyeing a regasification vessel.
- Ports Join IMEC: At a New Delhi signing, Beirut and Tripoli joined the IMEC Ports Club, a network tied to the India-Middle East-Europe trade corridor. It covers trade, energy and data cables. Having two ports at the table is a start. Turning that seat into real investment and trade routes is the hard part.
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That's your week. Rest up, and we'll see you in your inbox bright and early toā morrow. |
Ā Lebanon news, every weekday morning. Free, sharp, ~5 minutes. |
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