Libanon

Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz has claimed that his country repeatedly offered emergency assistance to the Lebanese military, a long-time enemy with which Israel is still officially at war. … In 2021, Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati said that his government “will deal with anyone” except Israel for the sake of the country’s interest.

The Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) is taking advantage of a new initiative, to become the first UN peacekeeping mission to provide gender-sensitive housing and invest in better working conditions for women peacekeepers serving there.

Former Prime Minister Saad Hariri has announced that he will suspend his involvement in political activities and will not run in upcoming parliamentary elections. … Parliamentary elections are slated for May 15, 2022. Lebanese will head to the polls for the first time since a countrywide popular uprising in late 2019, and the Beirut Port blast in August 2020.

Political opponents of Lebanese President Michel Aoun are resisting his call for a national dialogue conference on the worsening economic crisis and other issues, sensing he may try to use it for his and Hezbollah's political gain.

The UN is urging authorities in Lebanon to conduct a quick and thorough investigation into an attack earlier this week against peacekeepers maintaining security and stability in the south of the country. 

Having heard and seen for himself the suffering of Lebanon’s people, the UN chief told political leaders there on Tuesday that they “do not have the right to be divided”, leaving the nation paralysed, amidst multiple crises.

Three members of the Islamist group Hamas died Sunday in southern Lebanon after shooting broke out at a funeral procession in a Palestinian refugee camp, the militant organization claimed. Hamas blamed the secular Fatah movement for the deaths at the Burj al-Shemali camp, an allegation which the rival Palestinian group rejected.

A UN expert blasted the country’s banking sector for failing to recognize its role in the country’s crippling economic crisis.

The Arab League said it was concerned about a rapid deterioration of Lebanese-Gulf relations after critical comments from a Lebanese minister about the Saudi-led military intervention in Yemen were followed by the kingdom banning all imports from Lebanon and giving the Lebanese ambassador 48 hours to leave.

Lebanon is suffering economic meltdown while its politicians dither. Reform – and fiscal relief – is unlikely before 2022 elections. While pushing for timely polls, international partners should send humanitarian assistance to ease the public’s pain, keep key infrastructure running and avert security breakdowns.