Lebanon

FIFA President Gianni Infantino proposes creating FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a $20 billion subsidiary to manage World Cup and Club World Cup commercial rights, selling minority stakes to private investors like Joshua Kushner's Thrive Eternal, with JPMorgan advising. The plan, reportedly worth over $4 billion, could expand the World Cup beyond 48 teams and increase tournament frequency. UEFA issued a fiery statement condemning the move, arguing football governance is not a commodity and warning of lost transparency and integrity. The rift highlights a major clash over football's future commercialization.

220 reports · 25 sources · Updated Aug 11, 09:57 AM UTC

On July 29, 2026, the Israeli military accused Hezbollah of a 'blatant violation' of the Lebanon ceasefire after the Iran-backed group launched an explosive drone at an Israeli engineering vehicle in the Ali al-Taher Ridge area, within a 10-km deep Security Zone in southern Lebanon where Israeli forces are operating. No Israeli soldiers were injured. The incident occurred under a U.S.-sponsored ceasefire agreement signed last month, which requires Lebanon's army to disarm Hezbollah and Israeli forces to withdraw from designated zones. Violence has declined since the preliminary U.S.-Iran deal and Lebanon-Israel agreement, but Lebanon continues to report intermittent Israeli strikes. Hezbollah has not claimed any attacks since June 20.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 04:58 PM UTC

India called for an immediate de-escalation of tensions in West Asia during a UN Security Council meeting, condemning recent attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz that impacted Indian nationals. New Delhi reiterated its commitment to safe maritime navigation, a two-state solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the protection of UN peacekeepers in Lebanon. The statement reflects India's growing diplomatic engagement in regional security issues.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 07:35 AM UTC

The article investigates the role of Lebanon in the radicalization of Abdul B., the German-Lebanese attacker who drove a van into a crowd at Berlin's CSD parade, killing one and injuring 29. According to the public prosecutor's office, B. traveled to Lebanon in May 2025, where he contacted suspected Islamic State (IS) members. He was arrested in Lebanon on July 24, 2025, convicted of inciting religious conflict, and imprisoned for three months before returning to Germany in November 2025, where he was immediately rearrested. The article notes that while Lebanon is typically associated with Shiite Hezbollah, IS is also active there, citing the recent arrest of an IS emir in Beirut. B.'s family is Shiite-influenced, raising questions about his attraction to the Sunni Salafist group. Experts suggest radicalization often affects isolated young people in identity crises rather than 'brainwashed' individuals. Lebanese authorities declined to comment, citing sealed military court proceedings.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 05:13 AM UTC

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will travel to Washington on July 28, 2026, to meet President Donald Trump at the White House, as the U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran enters its fifth month. The visit, confirmed by both leaders, also includes Netanyahu attending the funeral of Senator Lindsey Graham. The meeting aims to coordinate strategy on Iran, amid strained U.S.-Israel relations, growing domestic and international pressures, and concerns from Trump’s anti-interventionist allies about further escalation.

10 reports · 6 sources · Updated Jul 29, 12:36 AM UTC

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on July 28, 2026, ahead of Senator Lindsey Graham’s funeral, focusing on Ukraine’s licensed production of Patriot missile systems. Separately, Zelensky met Raytheon executives in Kyiv and gave an interview to far-right influencer Laura Loomer, who apologized for past anti-Ukraine remarks. Trump shared Loomer’s clip on Truth Social, signaling shifting MAGA attitudes. Zelensky also warned that Russia is sharing satellite imagery of U.S. bases with Iran.

21 reports · 11 sources · Updated Jul 31, 09:54 AM UTC

The UNESCO World Heritage Committee, meeting in Busan, South Korea, added five Crusader castle ruins in southern Lebanon and the ancient city of Sebastia in the West Bank to the World Heritage List, immediately placing them on the Red List of threatened sites due to the Israel-Hezbollah war and Israeli occupation. The article analyzes how UNESCO's decisions are increasingly politicized, with Lebanon and Palestine using the process to highlight destruction from Israeli military actions. Seven cultural sites are now directly linked to Israel's conflicts. The Palestinian Authority systematically uses World Heritage status to oppose Israeli occupation, while Iran and Gulf states have not sought additional protection for their threatened sites despite regional tensions. The article notes the committee's composition favors critics of Netanyahu's policies, and that the Red List signals urgent need for international protection.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 03:55 PM UTC

On July 26, 2026, a car drove into a crowd at Berlin’s Christopher Street Day parade in Tiergarten, killing one woman and injuring up to 29 people. The suspect, 21-year-old Abdul B., a German of Lebanese descent with prior terrorism-related convictions and ISIS ties, was publicly sought by police and later shot dead. Authorities classified the act as an Islamist terrorist attack. Chancellor Merz vowed consequences, and Hamburg announced a security review for its upcoming CSD parade.

13 reports · 1 sources · Updated Aug 7, 03:36 PM UTC

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam visited the village of Zawtar al-Gharbiyah on July 22, 2026, stating that Beirut is mobilizing political and diplomatic efforts to secure a complete Israeli withdrawal from occupied southern areas. The visit followed a U.S.-sponsored agreement signed last month, under which Lebanon's army is to disarm Hezbollah and Israeli forces are to withdraw from designated 'pilot zones.' Tensions remain high: the Israeli military said it fired warning shots after Lebanese soldiers entered an area outside the agreed pilot zone. Hezbollah has rejected the agreement and refuses to disarm. The war, triggered by Hezbollah's attack on Israel in March 2026, caused widespread destruction in southern Lebanon. Over 700,000 people have returned home in recent weeks, but many residents still await permission to re-enter their villages. President Joseph Aoun also met with U.S. President Donald Trump to stress the need for full Israeli withdrawal.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 03:52 PM UTC

AM General, the Indiana-based manufacturer of the Humvee since the 1980s, received a $98.7 million contract modification from the U.S. Army, bringing the cumulative value of the underlying contract to over $3.2 billion. The award was a sole-source, indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity deal, with work running through August 28, 2027. This comes despite the Army Transformation Initiative, issued in 2025, which directed the cancellation of HMMWV procurement in favor of lighter, faster formations and new technology. However, production troubles with the intended successor, the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV), have created a gap, forcing continued Humvee orders. Additionally, strong foreign military sales demand, including shipments to Lebanon and Israel's gradual transition, sustain production. The JLTV program has faced delays, with the Marine Corps pausing orders and seeking a second manufacturer.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 01:34 PM UTC

President Donald Trump announced the U.S. will soon strike the Pickaxe Mountain area near Iran's Natanz nuclear facility, a heavily fortified site with deep tunnels. The warning came as Iran attacked a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, forcing its crew to abandon ship, while the U.S. conducted a tenth consecutive night of airstrikes. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth estimated the war has cost $37.5 billion so far, with 17 U.S. deaths and over 100 injuries since early July. Iran's military command threatened to target U.S. and allied interests if nuclear sites are hit. Meanwhile, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun stressed the need for full Israeli withdrawal during talks with Trump, who authorized resumption of direct U.S. flights to Lebanon. Houthi rebels also threatened to blockade Saudi ports, widening the conflict.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 04:00 AM UTC

President Trump on Tuesday reauthorized US airlines to sell tickets for direct flights to Lebanon, following his White House meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. The decision ends a more than 40-year ban imposed after Hezbollah terrorists hijacked TWA Flight 847 in 1985. The move signals a shift in US-Lebanon relations and could impact travel and diplomatic ties. The ban had been in place since the hijacking, which resulted in the death of a US Navy diver. The reauthorization allows airlines to begin selling tickets for direct routes, though operational details remain to be determined.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 09:58 PM UTC

During a White House meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, President Donald Trump pledged to help Lebanon 'a lot' and announced the resumption of direct US airline flights to Lebanon for the first time since 1985, when the route was suspended after the TWA Flight 847 hijacking. The meeting, the first by a Lebanese president since 2009, focused on securing long-term calm after months of war between Israel and Hezbollah. Trump also discussed a framework agreement for Israeli troop withdrawal from southern Lebanon and Hezbollah disarmament, though implementation in pilot zones faced confusion and a reported incident of Israeli warning shots. Trump suggested he could personally speak with Hezbollah and floated the idea of Syrian intervention, which would be unpopular in Lebanon.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 09:21 PM UTC

During a White House meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, President Donald Trump pledged to help Lebanon 'a lot' and announced the restoration of direct U.S. airline flights to Lebanon for the first time since 1985, when the route was suspended after the TWA Flight 847 hijacking. The meeting, the first by a Lebanese president since 2009, focused on securing long-term calm after months of war between Israel and Hezbollah. Trump also discussed Israeli troop withdrawal from southern Lebanon and a framework agreement for Hezbollah disarmament. However, confusion emerged over the implementation of pilot zones for Israeli withdrawal, with conflicting accounts of troop movements and warning shots fired. Trump suggested he could personally speak with Hezbollah and floated the idea of Syrian intervention, though such concepts could embarrass Aoun.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 09:21 PM UTC

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has traveled to Washington to meet US President Donald Trump, seeking his pressure to compel a complete Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon. The visit comes amid internal Lebanese divisions over direct talks with Israel, with Hezbollah opposing both negotiations and disarmament. Israel has begun a gradual withdrawal from two 'pilot zones' as part of a US-brokered agreement, with Lebanese army units moving into Sawtar al-Gharbia. Aoun plans to present a written proposal for his army to secure Hezbollah's weapons arsenal, believing only Trump has the influence to restore Lebanese sovereignty. The article highlights the ongoing Israeli occupation of 60 villages, displacement of 700,000 people, and continued demolitions by Israeli forces.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 01:50 PM UTC

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has traveled to Washington to meet US President Donald Trump, seeking his pressure on Israel to complete a full withdrawal from southern Lebanon. The visit comes amid internal tensions in Lebanon, where Hezbollah opposes direct talks with Israel and the government's disarmament plans. Israel currently occupies 60 villages in southern Lebanon, displacing 700,000 people. A pilot withdrawal program has begun in two zones, with Israeli forces leaving Sawtar al-Gharbia and Lebanese army units moving in. Aoun plans to present a written proposal for securing Hezbollah's weapons arsenal, believing only Trump has the influence to restore Lebanese sovereignty against both Iran and Israel. The US-brokered agreement envisions the Lebanese army disarming Hezbollah in exchange for a full Israeli withdrawal.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 01:50 PM UTC

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun visits the White House for the first presidential summit in nearly two decades, seeking Donald Trump's assistance to rebuild the country amid a severe financial crisis, ongoing conflict with Hezbollah, and war damage from clashes with Israel. The Economist podcast also covers threats to Red Bull's marketing machine and the declining trend of trophy wives, as age gaps between wealthy men and their spouses shrink. The episode features correspondents Gregg Carlstrom, Vendeline von Bredow, and data journalist Doug Dowson, hosted by Rosie Blau and Jason Palmer.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 10:31 AM UTC

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun visits the White House to seek Donald Trump's help in rebuilding Lebanon, marking the first presidential summit in nearly two decades. The country faces a severe financial crisis, a power struggle with Hezbollah, and damage from conflict with Israel. The Economist podcast also covers threats to Red Bull's marketing machine and the declining trend of trophy wives, as the age gap between wealthy men and their spouses shrinks. The episode features correspondents Gregg Carlstrom, Vendeline von Bredow, and data journalist Doug Dowson.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 10:31 AM UTC

The crisis in Lebanon will move center stage as Lebanese President Joseph Aoun is scheduled to meet President Trump at the White House. The meeting is vital for Aoun, who seeks to drain support away from Hezbollah while also demonstrating that he can be trusted to stand up to Israel. The summit underscores the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region and the delicate balancing act required of Lebanon's leadership.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 10:00 AM UTC

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun is seeking assistance from former U.S. President Donald Trump to rebuild Lebanon after devastating conflict. The country faces three major challenges: neutralizing Hezbollah's influence, repairing infrastructure damaged by Israeli airstrikes, and reviving a collapsed economy. Economy Minister Amer Bisat envisions Lebanon reclaiming its historical role as a regional hub for banking, tourism, and trade, potentially benefiting from reconstruction in Syria and Gulf energy projects. The article highlights the complex geopolitical landscape, including U.S.-Iran tensions in Iraq and regional shifts, as Lebanon attempts to attract foreign investment and rebuild.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 07:03 PM UTC

Abby Maxman, President and CEO of Oxfam America, discussed the severe humanitarian crisis in Lebanon on Forbes Newsroom. The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah reignited after joint U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran earlier in 2026. A June ceasefire agreement was rejected by Hezbollah, and a subsequent U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding has disintegrated, raising fears of renewed fighting. The Lebanese president is set to meet with President Trump in Washington to push for a stronger ceasefire and Israeli troop withdrawal from southern Lebanon. According to the UN, the conflict has killed over 3,500 people, injured thousands more, and displaced approximately 1 million people. Maxman emphasized that any ceasefire must be effectively implemented and not just a paper agreement to address the escalating humanitarian needs.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 06:13 PM UTC

Israel and Lebanon continue negotiations over peace in southern Lebanon, mediated by the US, but the agreement offers no lasting perspective. Key players, including Hezbollah and Iran, are not at the table. The framework agreement signed on June 26, 2026, proposes 'pilot zones' where the Lebanese army would be stationed to guarantee Hezbollah's withdrawal, but Israel refuses to fully withdraw until complete disarmament. Meanwhile, Israeli attacks persist, with airstrikes and demolitions reported. Hezbollah has rearmed with Iranian funding of $50 million monthly and resumed rocket attacks after the killing of Iran's religious leader. Lebanon's government struggles to enforce disarmament, and the plan lacks a sustainable solution.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 04:14 PM UTC

The article reports on ongoing Lebanon-Israel peace negotiations mediated by the USA, focusing on southern Lebanon. A framework agreement was signed on June 26, 2026, with implementation talks held in Rome. The plan involves Lebanon's army taking control of southern Lebanon and disarming Hezbollah, after which Israel would end its incursion. However, key obstacles remain: Israel refuses full withdrawal until Hezbollah is completely disarmed, while Hezbollah resists disarmament and continues rearming with Iranian funding ($50 million monthly). Israeli military attacks persist, including airstrikes and house demolitions. The proposed 'pilot zones' are seen as inadequate, and two key players—Hezbollah and Iran—are not participating in the talks. The article highlights the lack of a sustainable long-term solution.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 04:14 PM UTC

This article profiles Dani Afiouni, a Lebanese endurance athlete and former corporate executive who founded Longevity Wellness Hub in Dubai in 2019. Drawing on a decade of extreme endurance challenges—including marathons at the North Pole and on Everest—Afiouni built a data-driven wellness company focused on helping clients optimize their bodies and minds through recovery and stress management. The business has expanded from a single recovery studio to a longevity-focused hub with locations in Dubai, Riyadh, and Jeddah, with plans for Abu Dhabi and international growth from September. Afiouni credits Dubai's forward-looking environment and the COVID-19 pandemic as catalysts for the business's growth. He is also launching an impact initiative to help residents heal from conflict-related stress.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 08:07 AM UTC

Dani Afiouni, a Lebanese endurance athlete and former corporate executive, founded Longevity Wellness Hub in Dubai in 2019 after a decade of extreme sports including Arctic marathons and Everest climbs. The data-driven wellness business, born from his experiences in recovery and stress training, has expanded from a recovery studio to a longevity-focused hub with locations in Dubai, Riyadh, and Jeddah, with Abu Dhabi and international expansion planned. Afiouni also launched an impact initiative to help residents heal from conflict-related stress. He credits Dubai's forward-looking environment and the Covid pandemic as catalysts for the business's growth, describing it as a passion project that keeps on giving.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 08:07 AM UTC

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz informed U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth that Israel is determined to maintain its military presence in 'security zones' it has established inside Lebanon, Syria, and the Gaza Strip. The statement comes days after U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly asked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to withdraw forces from Syria and Lebanon, warning the deployment was fueling tensions. Katz emphasized that Israel has never asked the U.S. to act along its borders. Since the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, Israel has sent troops into a UN-patrolled buffer zone on the Golan Heights and conducted incursions into Syrian territory. In Lebanon, Israeli forces remain in a roughly 10-kilometer security zone, while U.S.-brokered talks in Rome aim for a phased withdrawal. In Gaza, Israel controls 60% of the territory and maintains a perimeter along the borders with Israel and Egypt.

1 reports · 1 sources

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has urgently called on the United States to pressure Israel to halt ongoing military operations and home demolitions in southern Lebanon, despite a ceasefire declared in April. With the death toll reaching 2,869 since March and 1.2 million displaced, hostilities persist as Israel maintains a security zone against Hezbollah. Washington is set to host indirect talks between Lebanese and Israeli representatives in mid-May. The crisis highlights deep regional tensions, internal Lebanese divisions regarding Hezbollah, and stalled diplomatic efforts involving Iran.

85 reports · 48 sources · Updated Jun 4, 01:37 PM UTC

This news digest from The Hindu covers several major developments on May 16, 2026. Internationally, Israel and Lebanon agreed to a 45-day extension of their ceasefire following talks in Washington, preventing the expiration of a shaky truce with Hezbollah. Meanwhile, BRICS Foreign Ministers reaffirmed support for an independent State of Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital, though internal disagreements prevented a joint statement. In India, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested Pune-based lecturer P.V. Kulkarni, alleging he was the mastermind behind the NEET-UG 2026 chemistry paper leak. Politically, Prime Minister Narendra Modi dismissed media reports suggesting the government was considering taxes on foreign travel as entirely false. Additionally, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju raised concerns regarding Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi’s alleged undeclared foreign trips, urging compliance with parliamentary rules. The Election Commission also ordered a probe into allegations of foreign nationals voting in Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. These stories highlight significant geopolitical shifts and domestic political and legal developments in India.

1 reports · 1 sources

Iran’s Ambassador to Belarus, Alireza Sanei, stated that Tehran has conveyed specific demands to the United States aimed at establishing regional peace and security, particularly in Lebanon. In early May, Iran submitted a 14-point proposal to Washington through Islamabad as a counter to a previous US nine-point initiative. Key demands include the immediate cessation of war, the unfreezing of Iranian assets held in banks across various countries, and an end to what Tehran describes as US maritime piracy and naval blockades. Sanei criticized US President Donald Trump for openly admitting to seizing tankers and profiting from oil, while also threatening the use of nuclear weapons against Iran. The ambassador highlighted the lack of international protest or UN Security Council action against such US statements. Additionally, Iran insists that transit rules in the Strait of Hormuz must adhere to new Iranian security requirements and fee structures, rejecting a return to pre-war conditions. This diplomatic maneuver underscores escalating tensions and Iran's attempt to leverage diplomatic channels to address economic sanctions and military pressures.

1 reports · 1 sources

The US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah has effectively collapsed, leading to a severe escalation in violence across southern Lebanon. Israeli airstrikes and ground operations have killed hundreds since the truce began, with recent days seeing over 50 deaths in 24 hours, including medical workers. Hezbollah has retaliated with drone and rocket attacks into Israel. The conflict has displaced over one million civilians and caused nearly 2,900 total deaths since March. Despite ongoing diplomatic talks in Washington, the humanitarian crisis deepens as both sides accuse each other of violating international law and ceasefire terms.

86 reports · 29 sources · Updated Jul 6, 08:35 PM UTC