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On November 18, 2025, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met President Donald Trump at the White House to advance a U.S.-Saudi defense pact, including arms sales like F-35 jets, and discuss economic cooperation. Saudi Arabia remains firm that normalization with Israel hinges on a credible, time-bound pathway to Palestinian statehood. Meanwhile, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia are restoring commercial ties after years of strain.
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The Dubai Air Show features major aircraft deals, military sales, and plans for airport expansion. Emirates and FlyDubai report record profits, while Russia showcases arms despite sanctions. Lebanon announces new airline and airport upgrades amid regional tensions.
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Israeli forces intensified strikes in Gaza, violating the ceasefire with ongoing shelling and ground operations. Palestinian casualties and destruction continue, while Israel reports ongoing violations and military activity. Hezbollah mourns an assassinated commander in Lebanon, raising fears of broader conflict. The situation remains volatile as fighting persists.
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On Sunday, November 23, 2025, Israel conducted an airstrike in Beirut's southern suburbs, killing Hezbollah's chief of staff, Haytham Ali Tabatabai. The strike marked a significant escalation amid ongoing Israeli efforts to prevent Hezbollah from rebuilding its military capabilities despite a US-brokered ceasefire in November 2024. Lebanon reported casualties and damage, while Hezbollah condemned the attack as a violation of the truce.
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Israel has targeted and killed Hezbollah's chief of staff, Haytham Tabatabai, in Beirut, escalating tensions amid ongoing Israeli strikes and Lebanese calls for disarmament. The attack follows a year of ceasefire violations, with fears of further escalation as regional tensions rise, especially with Pope Leo XIV's upcoming Lebanon visit.
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Israel continues strikes on southern Lebanon despite a ceasefire, targeting Hezbollah infrastructure amid ongoing hostilities. Lebanon's government aims to disarm Hezbollah, but the group resists. Diplomatic talks have resumed, but violence and international criticism persist, with fears of broader conflict escalating.
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Pope Leo XIV arrived in Lebanon on Sunday for a three-day visit aimed at promoting peace and unity amid ongoing regional conflicts and Lebanon's internal crises. He met with political and religious leaders, called for reconciliation, and emphasized the importance of dialogue, especially regarding the Israeli-Hezbollah conflict and regional stability.
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Israeli escalation in Lebanon continues despite a year-old ceasefire, with threats to disarm Hezbollah and recent strikes raising fears of renewed conflict. Lebanon's government faces pressure to disarm Hezbollah, while diplomatic efforts aim to prevent full-scale war.
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Lebanon and Israel held their first civilian-led meeting since 1993 at the UN headquarters in Naqoura, amid US and Israeli pressure to disarm Hezbollah and normalize relations. Lebanon appointed former ambassador Simon Karam to lead its delegation, as tensions persist despite a ceasefire brokered in 2024.
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Lebanese and Israeli civilian officials met on Wednesday for the first direct talks in decades, focusing on ceasefire issues, hostages, and Israeli withdrawal. Lebanon reaffirmed its commitment to the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative, emphasizing peace must precede normalization and economic ties. The talks aim to reduce tensions amid ongoing Israeli strikes and troop presence.
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Lebanon's president, Aoun, announced ongoing negotiations with Israel to prevent renewed conflict, following recent US-brokered talks and Israeli military strikes. Despite a ceasefire, Israeli forces continue to occupy Lebanese territory and conduct attacks, complicating efforts for peace and disarmament of Hezbollah.
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The UN Security Council discussed the future of UNIFIL in Lebanon, as its mandate expires at the end of 2026. Lebanon's Prime Minister called for a follow-up force to fill the security vacuum, amid ongoing tensions and recent conflicts with Israel and Hezbollah.
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The EU is preparing to assist Lebanon's internal security forces ahead of UNIFIL's withdrawal in 2026. Israel continues strikes on Lebanese territory amid ongoing tensions with Hezbollah. Lebanon seeks international verification of Hezbollah's rearmament, with US and French involvement possible.
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Since the Gaza ceasefire began in October 2025, violations by Israel continue, threatening the fragile peace. Mediation efforts by the US, Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey focus on advancing the second phase, including Israeli withdrawal and deployment of an international stabilization force. Humanitarian conditions worsen amid ongoing violence and storms.
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Amin Salam, Lebanon's former economy minister, was detained in June on charges including forgery and embezzlement. He paid bail and is awaiting trial, with a travel ban imposed. Salam's case highlights ongoing concerns over corruption amid Lebanon's economic crisis.
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As of late December 2025, the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire, brokered by President Trump, remains stalled amid disputes over Hamas disarmament, Israeli troop withdrawals, and the deployment of an international stabilization force. Pakistan's Field Marshal Asim Munir is set to meet Trump to discuss troop contributions despite domestic opposition. Gaza endures ongoing ceasefire violations and humanitarian challenges.
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Lebanese and Israeli officials met in Naqoura for the 15th security and civilian talks since November 2024 ceasefire. Discussions focused on stabilizing border security, disarmament of Hezbollah, and economic recovery amid ongoing Israeli military operations and violations of the ceasefire. Next meeting scheduled for January 7.
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Lebanon's divided parliament has approved a draft law aimed at addressing a $70 billion financial crisis. The law, which requires cabinet approval, proposes shared losses among the state, banks, and depositors, and includes measures for accountability and bank recapitalization. It is a key step toward economic recovery amid ongoing political challenges.
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Lebanese authorities are close to completing the first phase of disarming Hezbollah, as the US-backed ceasefire aims to end over a year of conflict. The Lebanese army is tasked with establishing a monopoly on arms, but resistance from Hezbollah and ongoing Israeli strikes complicate progress.
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Since the Gaza ceasefire began on October 10, violence continues with daily clashes. Israeli forces report violations, including an IED explosion injuring an IDF officer. Hamas and Israel accuse each other of breaches, complicating peace efforts and worsening Gaza's humanitarian crisis.
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As of January 2026, Lebanon is nearing completion of the first phase of disarming Hezbollah south of the Litani River, under heavy US pressure. Despite a November 2024 ceasefire, Israel continues airstrikes and drone attacks targeting Hezbollah and Hamas in Lebanon, maintaining troops in strategic areas. Hezbollah rejects disarmament demands, citing ongoing Israeli aggression and US influence.
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Lebanon's government advances a draft law aimed at addressing its economic crisis by partially reimbursing depositors over four years and converting large deposits into bonds. The legislation seeks to restore depositor funds, increase transparency, and meet international reform conditions amid ongoing political and economic instability. The law now awaits parliamentary approval.
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The Lebanese army reports significant progress in its plan to disarm non-state militias, including Hezbollah, controlling the south of Lebanon. Despite ongoing Israeli strikes and international pressure, the military claims to have achieved its first phase, with further steps planned. Israel and Hezbollah continue to accuse each other of violations.
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Lebanese military reports the completion of the first phase of a plan to disarm Hezbollah and other non-state groups, asserting full sovereignty and control over borders, airports, and smuggling activities. The move follows recent conflict and economic crisis, with ongoing debates over security and reforms.
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The Dubai-based Al Habtoor Group announced it will cease operations in Lebanon, citing ongoing instability, legal disputes, and losses exceeding $1.7 billion. The decision follows years of economic meltdown, conflict damage, and restrictions on access to funds, with legal action imminent amid deteriorating business conditions.
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Syria and Lebanon signed a treaty to transfer over 300 prisoners, aiming to improve relations after years of tension. The deal, signed in Beirut, addresses longstanding issues including missing persons and prisoner transfers, amid recent diplomatic efforts following Syria's political changes. Implementation begins soon.
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Lebanese authorities are progressing with plans to extend state control over arms, with recent developments including the disarmament of Hezbollah south of the Litani River. The government aims to expand this effort northward amid ongoing regional tensions, Israeli strikes, and international pressure, while clashes and political debates continue to shape the security landscape.
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A building in Tripoli's Bab al-Tabbaneh neighborhood collapsed on Sunday, killing 14 and injuring eight. Authorities have identified 114 buildings at risk of collapse, prompting phased evacuations. The disaster highlights decades of neglect, poor maintenance, and illegal construction in Lebanon's poorest city.