War on Lebanon
Israeli forces targeted Aita al-Shaab, Beit Lif (twice), Khiam, Tebna, Al Rihan, Aishiyah, Zaghrin, Nabatieh, Ramiah, Deir Siryan, Shebaa, and Zefta. Four people have been killed in total with another twelve injured.
This week saw tensions rise, reaching a physical altercation, between UNIFIL forces and residents in several southern villages, with the residents demanding Lebanese Army escorts along with the forces. UNIFIL released a statement calling the confrontations “unacceptable” and stressed that Lebanese Army escorts are not a requirement for their missions. Lebanese and American officials denied rumors in Israeli media about any agreements to end UN peacekeepers’ work in the south.
Around 50 Israeli soldiers crossed the border near Blida into Lebanon accompanied by machinery and started bulldozing operations.
Israel-Iran
Several airlines suspended their flights to and from Beirut on Friday following Israeli attacks on Iran. Public Works Minister Fayez Rasamny stated on Saturday morning that Lebanese airspace will remain open.
The Israeli attacks have been condemned by Prime Minister Salam, the Foreign Ministry, President Aoun, and Hezbollah Secretary General Naim Kassem.
Cabinet Appointments
A political tug of war is currently underway to fill several high profile vacant positions and activate long dormant regulatory bodies.
Political tensions escalated between Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and Justice Minister Adel Nassar over the appointment of a new lead financial prosecutor. Local media reported that Berri suggested the name of Judge Zaher Hamadeh to fill the role, which was rejected by Nassar. In a press conference, Nassar said that he will appoint judges “based on his convictions” and “keep the judiciary away from politics.” When specifically asked about Hamadeh, Nassar pointed out that he had not proposed him as a candidate to the cabinet.
The deputy governors of the central bank and the banking regulatory committee saw their terms expire this week with no replacements appointed. Local media reported a preliminary agreement about the replacements following disagreements involving Aoun, Salam, Berri, Geagea, and Jumblatt over the replacements.
Government
Prime Minister Salam and several ministers met with representatives from labor and transport unions and discussed alleviating some taxes and fees from public transport following outrage over fuel price hikes. The Minister of Labor stated that the proposed military personnel salary1 increases would be funded by taxes on imports and maritime properties.
The law on nonresidential rental reform was published officially this week after being previously invalidated. Tenant committees against the law held protests opposing the decree.
The Ministry of Agriculture launched mobile units to register farmers across the country, a plan funded by the European Union.
Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri announced that a plan for the repatriation of Syrian refugees is being prepared in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration. The plan involves preparing buses for the refugees, waiving fines for expired residencies, and paying $100 to refugees who choose to leave.
Economy
A group representing foreign holders of Lebanese eurobonds2 said that they oppose “preferential treatment offered to large depositors or shareholders of Lebanon’s insolvent banks.” The group also stated that the “idea that the state should take on the full burden is nonsensical.”
Lebanon’s national carrier, MEA, plans on launching a low-cost subsidiary as the country is planning on building a second airport terminal.
The European Commission placed Lebanon, along with other countries such as Monaco and Algeria, on a list of jurisdictions with a high-risk of money laundering.
Legal & Judiciary
Former Economy Minister Amin Salam was arrested this week on charges of corruption and forgery following weeks of investigations.
MP Ghazi Zaiter did not appear before Judge Tarek Bitar as part of the investigation into the Beirut blast. Zaiter had filed a complaint to the Court of Cassation against Bitar back in 2021.
The NSSF3 (Daman) sued a school for forgery and tampering with medical documents.
Miscellaneous
Tripoli Municipality members who planned on resigning have reversed course and have agreed on a “100 day” plan to resolve disputes.
The government announced fuel price hikes a few weeks ago to fund increases in military personnel’s salaries
Lebanon defaulted on its bonds in March 2020
National Social Security Fund