Iran-Israel
In a statement, Hezbollah Secretary General Naim Kassem condemned Israeli attacks on Iran, describing the latter as a “beacon of support for oppressed people” while affirming Iran’s right to a peaceful nuclear program. Kassem also stated that Hezbollah is “not neutral” and stands with Iran against “global injustice.”
U.S. special envoy for Syria, Tom Barrack, met with Lebanese officials this week to discourage Hezbollah from “intervening in the war.” Following a meeting with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, Barrack described the possibility of Hezbollah joining the war as a “very bad decision.” Berri announced that he is “200% sure” Hezbollah will not participate in the war. Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri expressed a similar sentiment in an interview with L'Orient-Le Jour.
The U.S. escalated the war by striking several Iranian nuclear sites. Both the Prime Minister and the President released statements calling for restraint and emphasizing “national interest.”
Several flights to and from Beirut were canceled this week due to the ongoing war between Iran and Israel. Various countries have issued travel advisories warning their citizens against visiting Lebanon. Middle East Airlines and the government have organized numerous flights to bring back Lebanese citizens abroad who had their flights canceled.
War on Lebanon
Israeli forces struck Houla (three times), Ayta ash-Shaab, Taybeh, Kfarjoz, Barish, Hebbariyah, Naqoura, Niha, Baraachit, and Abbaseya. Four people have been killed and at least three were injured.
Israeli forces also targeted Mhafer, Aytaroun, and Blida with incendiary shells and demolished houses in Houla and Meiss El Jabal. An Israeli infantry force kidnapped a goat shepherd in Kfarshoba who was subsequently released.
Economy
The World Bank released a report about the economic outlook of Lebanon in 2025, projecting a 4.7% GDP growth this year and an inflation rate of 15.2%.
Minister of Energy Joe Saddi released a statement calling for the cancellation of fuel price hikes, announced by the government a few weeks ago.
The NSSF (Daman) announced an increase in family benefits for workers with dependents and taxi drivers. Fraud is widespread in the family benefits system, with many employers refraining from adding the benefits to employee salaries.
The Central Bank raised the ceiling on monthly cash withdrawals by extending Circulars 158 and 166.
The Ministry of Agriculture is planning a move towards a contract farming framework to increase production and farmer wages.
Government
The Cabinet held a session this week which led to finalizing diplomatic appointments and the creation of a committee for electoral reform. Diplomatic appointments have been finalized after being delayed for eight years, with many ambassadors spending 17 years in their positions, exceeding the legal maximum tenure of ten.
The government is studying a project to rehabilitate and reopen Rene Mouawad Airport in northern Lebanon. Prime Minister Salam met with engineering consultants to prepare an initial plan for the project.
A Palestinian official announced on Monday that the process of disarming Palestinian factions in Lebanon will be delayed due to regional instability. The official also stated that the factions will “cooperate fully” with the Lebanese authorities.
The Ministry of Public Works received a grant from Qatar consisting of buses and air navigation equipment.
Parliament
Divisions persist between the government and the Finance Parliamentary Subcommittee over the banking reform law, with subcommittee president MP Ibrahim Kanaan stating that they gave the cabinet “one chance after another” to resolve disputes, to no avail.
The Lebanese Association for Democratic Elections (LADE) launched a program, funded by the European Union, to open discussions on electoral reform.
Legal & Judiciary
The Financial Public Prosecutor's Office filed charges of embezzlement and illicit enrichment against former Economy Minister Amin Salam, his brother Karim, his advisor Fadi Tamim, and the Former President of the Lebanese Association of Public Accountants Elie Abboud. Salam was charged last week with counts of corruption and forgery.
State Security officials raided Casino du Liban and seized data from computers after interrogating the casino’s chairman, with another patrol raiding OMT’s headquarters. Al-Modon reported that the raids are connected to a money laundering case.
A Bankmed client filed a lawsuit accusing a branch director of stealing the client’s deposits, amounting to millions of dollars. The director is allegedly on the run.