As Israel continues to breach the ceasefire, Lebanon is placed in an increasingly precarious position
In yet another breach of the ceasefire agreement, Israel issued four warnings on the eve of Eid al-Adha. Panic swept through Beirut’s southern suburbs on Thursday as thousands attempted to flee following an evacuation alert from the Israeli military. The military claimed it was targeting underground drone manufacturing sites linked to Hezbollah—though it offered no supporting evidence.
Traffic gridlocked the area as residents scrambled to leave. Lebanese outlets confirmed that Israeli warning strikes had been launched.
“You are near infrastructure used by the terrorist organization Hezbollah,” read the message from Avichay Adraee, the Israeli army’s Arabic-language spokesperson. “For your own safety and that of your families, you must evacuate these buildings immediately and stay at least 300 meters away.”
Despite the ceasefire, Israel defended Thursday’s strike as necessary, insisting it didn’t violate the truce. Israeli officials cited Beirut’s failure to respond to intelligence shared a week earlier, which reportedly pointed to Hezbollah operating drone production facilities close to the capital.
Former Defense Minister Benny Gantz, echoing the stance of several Israeli security officials, argued that stability on the northern border depends on establishing a security buffer at least 15 kilometers inside Lebanese territory.
A Lebanese army official said the military tried to stop Israel from striking several sites in Beirut’s southern suburbs before Eid al-Adha. They requested to inspect the locations under the ceasefire agreement, but Israel refused, leading Lebanese troops to withdraw.
Israel’s repeated violations of the ceasefire have created a climate of fear and instability for Lebanese civilians, particularly in the south and the capital’s suburbs. The constant threat of airstrikes, paired with sudden evacuation warnings and unverified military claims, has disrupted daily life and left entire communities in a state of psychological distress. By targeting densely populated areas and issuing warnings that sow panic, Israel is effectively using fear as a weapon—terrorizing the population under the guise of security operations. These actions not only undermine the fragile ceasefire but also amount to a collective punishment of civilians, many of whom have already been displaced or are living in fear of further escalation.
In Lebanon
Nothing to show: On June 8, the Ceasefire Committee (the Mechanism) informed the Lebanese Army of the need to inspect a site in the Marijeh area under threat of it being targeted. However, after inspection, no suspicious activity or presence was found.
No more UN?: Sources cited by Israel Hayom claim that Israel considers its coordination with the Lebanese Army effective enough to no longer require UNIFIL’s presence. The sources also noted that both Israel and the United States have reportedly decided to bring UNIFIL’s mission in South Lebanon to an end.
New rule: Lebanon’s Ministry of Information also cautioned against the spread of false information and unverified voice recordings circulating on social media, warning that such content aims to create confusion and fuel tensions among the population.
The ministry urged citizens to verify the credibility of any information before sharing it, emphasizing the importance of caution when engaging with digital content.
It concluded its statement by calling on the public to act with a sense of national responsibility and awareness to help protect Lebanese sovereignty and the country’s best interests.
Message from PM: Prime Minister Nawaf Salam commemorated the anniversary of the assassination of four Lebanese judges by reaffirming his dedication to justice and the independence of the judiciary.
In a message shared on X, Salam honored the memory of Judges Hassan Othman, Walid Harmoush, Assem Abou Daher, and Ibrahim Eid, describing their legacy as a source of inspiration.
“We renew our vow: impunity will no longer be tolerated, and their message will continue to guide us,” he wrote. “We remain committed to building a judiciary that is fair, independent, and accountable only to the law and its conscience—one that upholds justice and truth above all.”
A hopeful trip: A new ferry route between Lebanon and Cyprus is in development, offering direct travel from Jounieh to Larnaca in about four hours. Cyprus’ Transport Minister confirmed investor interest, led by Lebanon’s INDEVCO Group, which plans to operate a ferry carrying up to 200 passengers under the Cypriot flag.
This service will provide a cheaper and scenic alternative to flights, with tickets expected to cost $100–$200, potentially boosting tourism and travel connections to Europe.
The Cypriot and Lebanese governments support the project, though Jounieh’s port requires upgrades in security and infrastructure before operations can begin.
In the Region
Granting access: The UN’s top disarmament official, Izumi Nakamitsu, welcomed Syria’s increased cooperation with international inspectors as the interim government grants full access to chemical weapons sites in line with the OPCW.
Speaking to the UN Security Council, Nakamitsu said recent developments offer a key chance to clarify the full scope of Syria’s chemical weapons program. Since March, OPCW teams have visited multiple sites and met with Syrian officials, uncovering new information.
She praised Syria’s commitment to transparent cooperation but stressed the challenges ahead, urging Council members to unite and support this critical effort.
Israel Vs. Syria: Syria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned an Israeli strike on Deraa province, describing it as causing “significant human and material losses,” according to state news agency SANA.
The attack followed Israeli claims that two projectiles from Syria landed in the Israel-occupied Golan Heights on Tuesday, though Syria’s Foreign Ministry said these reports remain unverified.
Ship stopped: An aid ship named Madleen, carrying 12 activists including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, is nearing Gaza after departing from Sicily. Organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, the mission aims to deliver humanitarian aid and challenge Israel’s blockade on Gaza. The vessel is currently in Egyptian waters, and activists on board have confirmed their safety.
The International Committee for Breaking the Siege of Gaza warned that any attempt to stop the ship would breach international law. However, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that the Israeli military will not permit the ship to reach Gaza, accusing the activists—specifically calling out Thunberg—of spreading Hamas propaganda.
Hajj season: Hajj, one of Islam’s Five Pillars, is a mandatory religious duty for Muslims who are financially and physically able to perform it.
This year, over 1.5 million foreign pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia, according to Hajj Ministry spokesperson Ghassan al-Nuwaimi. The number of domestic pilgrims was not specified. Last year, foreign pilgrims numbered over 1.6 million.
On Wednesday, worshippers gathered at Arafat, some walking with their luggage despite temperatures nearing 40°C (104°F).
What We Are Reading
The failure of Aoun’s disarmament gamble: Political psychologist Ramzi Abu Ismail observes that President Joseph Aoun is boldly attempting to disarm Hezbollah—something no Lebanese president has tackled so directly before. However, Aoun’s approach, which relies on quiet negotiations and elite consensus, repeats a damaging pattern in Lebanon’s history by using denial, secrecy, and exclusion instead of genuine national reconciliation. By appointing Hezbollah-aligned figures to key positions, the government risks empowering those responsible for dysfunction while sidelining the public suffering the consequences. Abu Ismail warns that disarmament without justice won’t bring peace, as true healing requires confronting the roots of violence and building institutions based on shared responsibility and truth.
Political clowning in a time of collapse: Managing editor of NOW, Makram Rabbah, writes about the widespread misconception in Lebanon that the U.S. closely prioritizes Lebanon’s political and economic issues. He discusses the reactions to the possible dismissal of Morgan Ortagus, Deputy U.S. Envoy to the Middle East, highlighting how responses split along Lebanon’s usual political divides. Rabbah emphasizes that her removal reflects Washington’s broader foreign policy approach, not personal factors, and underscores that the U.S. largely sidelines Lebanon’s crisis, viewing it as a consequence of Lebanon’s own failures rather than a central concern.
Twenty years later: Journalist Rodayna Raydan writes about the 20th anniversary of Samir Kassir’s assassination, marked by a public art installation titled “Declaration of the Dream” by artist Roy Dib, as part of the 17th Beirut Spring Festival. Held in Samir Kassir Square, the tribute honors Kassir’s enduring legacy as a journalist, historian, and voice for freedom, alongside the late Elias Khoury and Gizelle Khoury. Raydan highlights how Kassir’s vision for a democratic Arab world lives on through art and public memory, even as justice for his assassination remains elusive.
Salaries adjustments fail to meet inflation and income erosion: Journalist Maan Barazy writes about the latest failed attempt to raise private sector wages in Lebanon, highlighting deep disagreements between unions, economic bodies, and the Labor Ministry. He outlines how wage adjustments, including a proposed hike to LL28 million, have consistently lagged behind inflation—especially since 2019—leading to a sharp collapse in purchasing power. Barazy underscores how real wages have eroded over decades, with workers bearing the brunt of Lebanon’s economic crisis amid unchecked hyperinflation and a rapidly devaluing currency.
The New Opposition: Journalist Dnaa Hourany writes about the emergence of a new Shiite opposition group in Lebanon, a rare political development challenging the long-standing dominance of political elites within the Shiite community. This coalition, made up of veteran critics of the Shiite establishment, held its first public gathering following the recent war in South Lebanon—a moment described by journalist Jad Akhawi as “a wake-up call.”
