War on Lebanon
Israeli forces targeted Markaba, Houla, Qabrikha, Khartoum, and Kfarkela. Israeli forces also struck Meiss El Jabal twice, killing a Lebanese man and a Civil Defense member in addition to injuring a Syrian national.
Hezbollah Secretary General Naim Kassem gave a speech on Monday in which he condemned Israeli aggression and stated that Hezbollah has adhered to all ceasefire terms. Kassem called on the Lebanese government to make a greater effort and exert more pressure to stop the Israeli attacks.
The U.S. announced General Michael Leeney as the new head of the Ceasefire Implementation Mechanism committee1. The committee, which last met in March, has come under scrutiny from President Aoun for inaction against Israeli attacks. In a meeting with Parliament Speaker Berri, Leeney stated that the committee will resume its meetings soon.
The Higher Defense Council met on Friday and issued a recommendation asking the parliament to warn Hamas “not to use Lebanese territory to carry out any actions that harm Lebanese national security.”
Government
The government approved a draft law containing judicial reforms and a framework for judicial independence. The law includes expanding the powers of the Supreme Council, freedom of speech protections, shielding judicial appointments from politics, and wider financial independence. The Lebanese Judges Association2 described the proposed law as insufficient and said it contained “unconstitutional” clauses.
The Constitutional Court invalidated the 2025 government budget citing “ill-considered tax increases”, ambiguity of certain measures, and violations of several constitutional principles.
The Ministry of Education announced an extension to the school year and the dates of the upcoming official exams.
Economy
The CEO of Banque de l'Habitat (Iskan) told L'Orient–Le Jour that the bank intends to raise its subsidized housing loans ceiling by securing a $300 million credit line from the QFFD3.
According to a report by Almodon, several financial services companies, authorized by the government to collect taxes, have been depositing the money in their own bank accounts instead. The practice is costing the government millions of dollars per year.
Cypriot Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades confirmed plans for a ferry service connecting Cyprus and Lebanon.
Syria
Following violence4 between Syrian government forces and Druze militants, Lebanese Druze leader Walid Jumblatt visited Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa to discuss the recent violence and emphasized the state’s commitment to “dialogue with the various components of the Syrian people.” Jumblatt had urged the Syrian Druze to “reject Israeli interference” and had attempted to broker a ceasefire.
President Aoun announced the formation of joint Lebanese-Syrian committees to “resolve outstanding issues”, such as border demarcation and the return of Syrian refugees.
The Lebanese Army announced that it thwarted an attempt to smuggle 27 Syrian nationals by sea off Akkar. The army also seized ten fuel tankers on the border that were being smuggled to Syria.
President Aoun
Aoun traveled to the UAE to meet with ruler Mohammed bin Zayed and issued a joint Lebanese-Emirati statement. The UAE lifted a travel ban on its nationals to Lebanon and announced the easing of visa restrictions on Lebanese citizens.
Beirut Blast Investigation
A French judicial delegation visited Lebanon to meet with head investigator Judge Bitar and handed over a technical report that includes field investigations and analyzed samples.
The committee tasked with observing and reporting ceasefire violations, headed by the United States.
The Lebanese Judges Association is an organization established by several judges to promote judicial independence. The association has been a subject of government pressure.
Qatar Fund for Development
Clashes erupted between Syrian government forces and Druze militants in what’s being described as sectarian violence. Israel has struck several areas in Syria in the past few days including a strike next to the presidential palace. The violence is ongoing and there are allegations of human rights violations.