Nabih Berri in the news as Lebanon’s long‑time Speaker navigating Israel-Hezbollah tensions and shifting regional pressures. Born 1938; head of the Amal Movement since 1970s.
Since March 2, 2026, Hezbollah launched dozens of rockets and drones at northern and central Israel in retaliation for the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Israel responded with extensive airstrikes targeting Hezbollah sites in Beirut and southern Lebanon, killing over 570 people and injuring hundreds. Forced displacement orders have uprooted over 700,000 Lebanese civilians amid escalating regional tensions.
Lebanese authorities have announced the postponement of parliamentary elections scheduled for May, citing regional instability, ongoing conflict, and displacement issues. The decision, supported by key leaders, requires legislative approval and reflects the country's response to escalating violence and regional tensions.
Recent protests in Lebanon criticize Hezbollah's military actions and political influence amid ongoing conflict with Israel. Public opinion shifts as economic crises and war impact civilians, with calls for disarmament gaining momentum and highlighting internal divisions within Lebanon.
Tensions in Lebanon have surged as Hezbollah fires into Israel, prompting Israeli strikes and mass displacement. Public discontent with Hezbollah grows amid ongoing violence, with Lebanon's government moving to disarm the group. The situation risks further escalation and regional instability.
Lebanon is forming a delegation for direct talks with Israel amid ongoing conflict, with no set date. Lebanon seeks clarity on Israel's commitment to a ceasefire, while France offers to facilitate negotiations. The talks aim to end hostilities and disarm Hezbollah, but key issues remain unresolved.
Israel has intensified military actions in southern Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah positions following rocket attacks. Over one million Lebanese displaced, with ongoing airstrikes and ground operations. Diplomatic efforts, including French-led talks, aim to de-escalate the conflict triggered by Hezbollah's retaliation for Iran's leader's killing.
Israeli forces have intensified strikes on Lebanon, destroying key bridges and infrastructure in southern Lebanon as part of a broader military campaign linked to the conflict with Hezbollah. Over 1.2 million people have been displaced, and the situation is escalating toward a potential ground invasion.
Lebanon declared Iran's ambassador persona non grata on March 24, ordering him to leave by March 29, but he remains in Beirut with Hezbollah's backing. This follows Hezbollah's renewed attacks on Israel, linked to Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps directing operations. The move deepens Lebanon's political divide and complicates efforts to disarm Hezbollah amid ongoing Israeli military actions.
Since early March 2026, Israel has launched intensified airstrikes and ground operations in southern Lebanon targeting Hezbollah, killing over 2,000 people and displacing more than one million. Israeli forces are encircling and assaulting the strategic town of Bint Jbeil. Hezbollah continues rocket attacks into northern Israel. Lebanon and Israel have held preliminary talks in Washington to seek a ceasefire.
Israel has launched extensive strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon as peace talks are scheduled for Tuesday in Washington. Despite US pressure to limit fighting, Israel is maintaining its military operations. Hezbollah and Lebanese officials condemn the attacks, which have caused significant casualties and displacement. The situation remains tense as regional and international actors call for restraint.
On April 10, Israel launched over 100 strikes in Beirut, killing at least 357 people. Residents describe the attack as unprecedented in scale and intensity, shattering a fragile sense of safety. The strikes occurred shortly after a ceasefire was announced, raising concerns about escalation and regional stability.
Lebanon and Israel have held their first direct talks in over 30 years in Washington, mediated by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The discussions focus on disarming Hezbollah and establishing long-term security, despite ongoing Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon and Hezbollah's intensified attacks on northern Israel. Lebanon demands a ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal, while Israel insists on Hezbollah's disarmament and rejects a ceasefire.
Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors are set to hold face-to-face negotiations at the US State Department, focusing on disarming Hezbollah and establishing peace. Israel refuses to discuss a ceasefire with Hezbollah, while ongoing Israeli strikes in Lebanon have caused significant casualties and displacement amid escalating tensions.
Lebanese and Israeli representatives are scheduled to meet in Washington for US-mediated talks aimed at ending the Israel-Hezbollah war. Meanwhile, Iran's involvement and US sanctions are escalating, with ongoing military actions and diplomatic efforts shaping a complex regional crisis today, April 14, 2026.
A US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon has taken effect since April 16, pausing hostilities including Israeli strikes on Hezbollah targets. Israeli troops remain in southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah has not formally endorsed the truce and insists on Israel's withdrawal. The ceasefire aims to enable peace talks, with US President Trump inviting both leaders to the White House.
Lebanon and Israel remain in direct discussions brokered by the United States, while Hezbollah is engaging in renewed hostilities in southern Lebanon. The surrounding conflict has killed thousands and drawn in regional powers, with the ceasefire extended but fighting continuing. Analysts say outcomes depend on Washington-Tehran dynamics and on Hezbollah’s willingness to disengage.
Lebanese authorities report over 50,000 housing units damaged or destroyed during recent Israeli attacks. Despite a 10-day ceasefire, Israeli forces continue demolitions and land control in southern Lebanon. Displaced residents are cautiously returning, but fears of renewed hostilities persist. Diplomatic talks are set to resume, with Lebanon seeking an extension of the truce.
A French UN peacekeeper has died from wounds sustained during an ambush in southern Lebanon while clearing a route to an isolated UNIFIL post. France and the UN have blamed Hezbollah, which denies involvement. Lebanese authorities have launched an investigation. The UN is considering a smaller peacekeeping presence after UNIFIL's mandate ends in December 2026.
Israel has struck Hezbollah-held southern Beirut suburbs, killing a senior Radwan commander, while U.S.-brokered Israel-Lebanon talks are being scheduled in Washington for mid-May. Lebanon has urged a full halt to Israeli attacks before high-level meetings, and the ceasefire that began in mid-April has been strained by continued strikes and exchanges in southern Lebanon.
Saudi Arabia is pressuring Lebanese leaders to present a unified stance on negotiations with Israel, as internal rifts and external mediation shape the path to potential talks. Washington and Riyadh seek stability, while Beirut’s top officials navigate divergent views on direct engagement and security arrangements amid ongoing hostilities with Hezbollah.