War on Lebanon
Israeli forces targeted Tebna, Zrariyeh, Kfarmelki, Ansar, Mahmoudieh, Wardieh, Kfar Dajjal, Odaisseh, Mansouri, Meiss El Jabal, Shakra, Kounine, Ramia, Beit Lif, Nabatieh, Mahrouna, and Ayta ash-Shaab. One of strikes targeted a currency exchange owner who was allegedly working with Hezbollah, according to the Israeli military.
Israeli warplanes also struck several locations in the Kfar Tebnit-Kfar Roummane area with dozens of airstrikes, targeting what they described as a “damaged military site” Hezbollah was “seeking to restore.” Prime Minister Salam condemned the attacks, describing them as a “blatant violation of national sovereignty.” In total, seven people were killed this week and over 25 were injured.
Hezbollah Secretary General Naim Kassem gave two speeches this week commemorating the first and third nights of Ashura. Kassem stated that Israel attacked Iran as part of its “expansionist agenda” and celebrated what he described as an Iranian victory. He reaffirmed his party’s position against “American hegemony” and the party’s goal of “liberating the land” and “building the country.” Kassem stated that Hezbollah abides by ceasefire and that the group will not remain silent in face of Israeli violations, calling on the government to do more.
Druze leader Walid Jumblatt announced that the PSP1 has handed over its weapons to the Lebanese state a few weeks ago and urged all parties in Lebanon to “hand over [their weapons] to the state.” Jumblatt also caused controversy by stating that the disputed Shebaa Farms are Syrian, not Lebanese.
The Foreign Ministry sent a letter to the United Nations requesting a renewal of the UNIFIL2 mandate in southern Lebanon.
Economy
The World Bank approved a $250 million loan to aid in infrastructure reconstruction and rubble management after the war with Israel.
The private sector monthly minimum wage increased to LBP 28 million (approx. $310) following a government decree.
The Consumer Price Index recorded an increase of 1.31% in May compared to last month and an overall increase of 14.44% compared to May 2024.
Lebanon is facing a season of severe drought following a lack of winter rainfall and illegal encroachment on water networks and groundwater. A similar warning was issued in Syria, with a UN representative calling it “the worst we’ve seen in 60 years.”
The Ministry of Agriculture and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization launched a $4.5 million project to support the dairy sector and boost employment for “vulnerable communities.”
A report by the National Council for Scientific Research stated that 37% of Lebanon’s beaches are “unfit for swimming”, citing heavy pollution.
President Aoun and Elon Musk spoke over the phone and discussed the possibility of Musk’s businesses offering services in Lebanon.
Government
After years of delay, the Ministry of Agriculture confirmed the appointment of 106 park rangers and hunting guards. The appointments were originally announced in 2017 but were delayed due to an imbalance between the number of Christian and Muslim rangers.
The Ministry of Finance issued a statement and a new decision in an attempt to combat corporate tax evasion.
Parliament
The joint parliamentary committees approved a bill providing additional subsidies for active and retired military personnel: $156 monthly per soldier for the former and $134 for the latter. A $16 million credit line was also approved to support the judges monetary assistance fund.
The parliamentary justice committee received a draft law aiming to repeal and reform major parts of the penal code relating to sexual assault and public indecency. The law includes replacing terms such as “assault on honor” with “sexual assault”, repealing the concept of “defloration” in assault cases, and increasing sentencing for sexual crimes.
Thirteen MPs filed an appeal to the Constitutional Court against the previously announced rental reform law.
Iran-Israel
President Aoun and Prime Minister Salam condemned Iranian strikes on a US base in Qatar that came in retaliation for an American strike on Iranian nuclear sites.
Several flights were suspended this week prior to the Iran-Israel ceasefire.
Legal & Security
The Lebanese Army halted its controversial project in Tyre following objections from local residents and an official complaint by environmental NGO Green Southerners.
An Internal Security officer was killed and another two were injured in Tripoli during a SWAT operation that involved exchanged gunfire.
The Intelligence Directorate arrested a citizen described in a statement as “one of the most prominent leaders of […] ISIS.”
Attorney General Jamal Hajjar questioned former Industry Minister Georges Bouchikian in a case involving corruption and racketeering.
The Lebanese Army intercepted a smuggler at the Syrian border with a shootout causing the vehicle to explode. The army also arrested another smuggler attempting to move rockets across the border.
Progressive Socialist Party - الحزب التقدمي الاشتراكي