War on Lebanon
Israeli forces targeted Houla, Jwayya, Shaqra, Dhayra, Zrariyeh, Odaisseh, Qaaqaaiyet El Jisr, Ayta al-Shaab, Yohmor, Yarin, and Maroun El Rass. Three people were killed in total and several were injured. Unexploded Israeli ordnance killed a man and injured another near Aramoun. Israeli military vehicles penetrated into Lebanon on Monday and erected barriers near Lebanese Army positions.
The UNIFIL announced that it has located 225 arms caches since the ceasefire was signed. The UNIFIL also stated that one of its positions was hit by Israeli fire on Wednesday. In a separate incident, a group of Lebanese civilians attacked a UNIFIL patrol in the town of Jmaijmeh. The town residents accused the patrol of entering private property without authorization from the Lebanese Army.
A Lebanese citizen has been arrested and is being prosecuted for allegedly spying for Israel. The case caused a stir in public opinion, as the accused has pictures on his social media with several Hezbollah members who were killed by Israel in the past year
Two Hezbollah officials and two financiers were targeted by new sanctions from the U.S. Treasury Department.
The parliament approved tax exemptions for households and companies affected by Israeli attacks.
Elections
Municipal elections held this past Sunday in the governorates of North Lebanon and Akkar saw a turnout of 43% and dozens of arrests. The elections were marred by chaos including delays in announcing results and celebratory gunfire. LADE1 put out a statement outlining various infractions in the election process including voter intimidation, delays, and physical confrontations.
The results in Tripoli were released on Wednesday with no list winning absolute majority. Several groups called for the elections in Tripoli to be repeated following delays in announcing results, a decision the Minister of Interior Ahmad Hajjar said was not within his rights. The controversial Governor of North Lebanon Ramzi Nohra was dismissed on Wednesday, a decision Hajjar said was unrelated to the elections.
Elections will be held today in the Beirut, Beqaa, and Baalbek-Hermel governorates.
Parliament
The government’s banking reform law is still on the table; three MPs published a statement condemning an “unannounced meeting by a parliamentary subcommittee” that aimed to discuss the reform law disregarding parliament protocol. Central bank governor Karim Souhaid participated in the subcommittee discussions and described them as “productive.”
Various groups representing Lebanese immigrants and expats put out a statement calling for amendments to the federal election law to guarantee voters from abroad “equality with local voters.”
The parliament decided to postpone discussions concerning a general amnesty law, causing prison riots at Roumieh.
Economy
U.S. President Donald Trump announced the removal of sanctions on Syria, a decision widely celebrated by various Lebanese politicians and business organizations.
The EU announced, in collaboration with the UNDP, a grant of €8 Million to support “stability” in Lebanon.
Minister of Public Works Fayez Rasamny announced the reactivation of the Civil Aviation Safety Center following years of inactivity.
Federal government employees announced a short strike calling for better pay and working hours.
Government
In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Prime Minister Salam stated his government’s commitment to monopoly over arms in the country and its embrace of “the Arab fold.”
The Ministry of Economy announced a crackdown on owners of private generators who are not following the price level set by the government.
The United Nations signed an agreement with the Ministry of Environment aiming to manage forest fires and improve forest management.
The Cabinet appointed a new head of the Council for Development and Reconstruction2.
Miscellaneous
Complaints were lodged against LBCI satirical show “Marhaba Dawle” by the Catholic Information Center and the Grand Mufti, both accusing the show of insulting religious beliefs.
Lebanese Association for Democratic Elections
مجلس الإنماء والإعمار