War on Lebanon
Israeli forces struck Saida, Tayr Harfa, Srifa, Aitaroun, Majdal Selm, Kfar Roummane, and Majdal Zoun. Dozens of airstrikes also targeted an area in the Nabatieh region, with the Israeli military claiming it struck “Hezbollah infrastructure.” At least three people have been killed in total. Lebanon is resorting to diplomatic channels to put a halt to Israeli attacks and ceasefire violations.
The Lebanese Army announced that it has received from Hamas multiple people alleged to have participated in rocket launches from the south. Hamas put out a statement affirming the handover and emphasized their commitment to “respecting Lebanon's sovereignty.”
A report by the Wall Street Journal claimed that dozens of airport staffers were fired due to “being affiliated with Hezbollah.” Prime Minister Salam told the newspaper that the government is “fighting smuggling” operations in the airport.
According to multiple reports, Turkish intelligence intercepted a shipment of rigged electronics headed for Lebanon last September. A Hezbollah spokesperson told Associated Press that they informed Turkey about the shipment.
Elections
Municipal elections were held for the first time since 2016 following multiple postponements, starting with Mount Lebanon. The turnout rate was reported to be 45%. Several former FPM (Tayyar) MPs ran against their former party and the Murr electoral machine announced victory1.
LADE2 reported hundreds of violations including voter intimidation, threats of violence, and ballot secrecy breaches. The next governorates to vote are North Lebanon and Akkar with elections being held today.
Economy
The monthly minimum wage will be increased to LBP 28 million ($313) following a decision by the Labor Ministry. The decision was criticized by various unions and political parties which accused the government of ignoring inflation and the economic collapse.
An Iraqi economic delegation met with a Lebanese counterpart to discuss economic cooperation including possible Lebanese private sector investments in Iraq. Lebanon will also receive 320,000 tons of wheat from Iraq and both sides will explore reviving a long-dormant oil pipeline project.
Central Bank governor Karim Souaid attacked the government’s proposed bank reform law. Proposed reforms have triggered a struggle between bankers, the government, and various non-governmental groups.
Minister of Education Rima Karameh announced that the ministry will ask for additional funds from the treasury through parliament to increase public teachers’ incomes3.
Minister of Economy Amer Bisat announced a project, in collaboration with the UNDP4, to digitize certain services in the ministry.
A Saudi businessman is suing Bank Audi after the bank refused to release $24 million of deposits following the financial crisis.
Syria
The Lebanese Army raided a drug manufacturing lab at the Syrian border near Hermel.
The French Ambassador to Lebanon met with Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji and handed over archive maps and documents to aid with the border demarcation process.
The Lebanese Army organized a “voluntary return” of 150 Syrian refugee families from the Aarsal refugee camp.
Miscellaneous
Following a controversial TV report by Aljadeed about the mausoleum of Hezbollah former Secretary General Hasan Nasrallah, several journalists have announced their resignation from the network. The resignations include Mariam Bassam, the prominent head of news and political programs at the network.
The Murr family, represented by Mirna Murr, has won the presidency of the influential Federation of Municipalities of the Metn for three consecutive terms.
Lebanese Association for Democratic Elections
Teacher unions have threatened strikes over deteriorating salaries, Karameh has promised a solution.
United Nations Development Programme