On the 20th anniversary of his father's assassination, the Sunni leader announced his political comeback in Beirut. But uncertainties about the Israeli withdrawal and Nasrallah's funeral on 23 February 23 have poisoned the atmosphere. A UNIFIL convoy is attacked and vehicles are set on fire, injuring the peacekeeping force’s deputy commander from Nepal.
The new cabinet, even with a minister from Amal (at Finance), marks the end of Tehran’s hold on to Lebanon. The agenda of the new government includes implementing Resolution 1701 and the ceasefire with Israel. Finding a solution to the failure of the banks is also a priority.
An attempt to return to villages near the still-occupied border has left 26 dead and over 160 injured. New deadline of 18 February for Jewish State troops to leave the country. The incidents revive Hezbollah, which insists on the legitimacy of ‘resistance’ to Israel, which must remain armed. US envoy Morgan Ortagus, who succeeds Hochstein, is expected in the coming days.
Lebanon is shaken by a profound humanitarian and social crisis, which the election of a president is not enough to resolve. Among the unresolved knots is the national housing and employment crisis. There is growing food insecurity linked to the collapse of the currency, which has lost 90% of its value against the dollar. The country imports over 80% of its needs, particularly in the food and health sectors.
Enthusiasm in the Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon over the ceasefire agreement in the Strip between Israel and Hamas. Nawaf Salam, former president of the International Criminal Court, elected new prime minister. Macron expected in Beirut. The Maronite Church applauds Lebanon's adoption of the principle of ‘positive neutrality’ in foreign policy. President Aoun's first trip abroad to Saudi Arabia.
The new president speaks of a new page in the history of Lebanon and ‘respect for the Constitution’. An appointment welcomed by the international community, including by Tel Aviv and Tehran. A military man to file away the disastrous war between Hezbollah and Israel and the 26 months of institutional vacuum.
