Lebanon faces threats from a hostile entity on its southern borders and a surge in murders, while Syria expands its political influence and Israel continues its hostilities in Palestine
The commemoration for the fourth anniversary of Lokman Slim’s assassination took place yesterday, but his family and supporters gathered under the shadow of frustration and disappointment. Slim’s widow, German filmmaker Monika Borgmann, denounced the decision by the investigative judge to indefinitely suspend the probe into his killing.
Slim, a secular activist and outspoken critic of Hezbollah, was found shot dead in his car in South Lebanon on February 4, 2021, a day after he was reported missing. His family has long pointed to threats from Hezbollah, including a particularly explicit one in December 2019, as part of the context surrounding his assassination.
Judge Bilal Halawi, the acting First Investigative Judge of Beirut, concluded that despite extensive efforts, no suspects had been identified. He attributed the lack of progress to insufficient evidence, blaming the absence of surveillance footage from UNIFIL cameras in the region. Halawi issued a perpetual search warrant to determine the identities of those responsible.
Efforts to seek international cooperation also hit a dead end. German officials, including a consulate representative and a police liaison officer, had engaged in discussions with the judiciary but later declined to provide technical assistance.
Borgmann accused the judge of being “very close to Hezbollah” and said he suspended the investigation as soon as removal requests against him were filed. “It’s already the fourth commemoration, and justice has not been done — on the contrary,” she lamented.
The legal team representing Slim’s family criticized the judge for caving under political pressure from Hezbollah and ignoring crucial requests and evidence.
This closure echoes Lebanon’s chronic judicial dysfunction, including the stalled investigation into the 2020 Beirut port explosion, which killed over 200 people. Many Lebanese are now hopeful that newly elected President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam’s efforts to form a reform-oriented cabinet will address these judicial failures and help resolve the country’s multiple crises.
In Lebanon
Killing in Faraya: The murder of 19-year-old Khalil Khalil in Faraya, Lebanon, has sparked outrage over rising violence and impunity after 25-year-old Jonathan Chamoun deliberately ran him over multiple times following a traffic dispute. Surveillance footage shows Chamoun, accompanied by a passenger, pursuing Khalil into a parking area before committing the act and fleeing. In response, Army Intelligence arrested Chamoun and an accomplice, while State Security detained another suspect, with efforts ongoing to apprehend others involved. The incident has fueled demands for an independent investigation and swift justice.
Targeting the Bekaa again: At least two people were killed as Israel launched a wave of attacks on Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley, marking a new breach of the fragile ceasefire with Hezbollah. The Israeli army stated on Friday that it struck “multiple” Hezbollah targets near the Syrian border, escalating tensions after extending its deadline for troop withdrawal.
The return of residents: Residents of Aitaroun, Houla, and Yaroun returned Sunday to assess “catastrophic” destruction despite Israeli forces threatening to open fire. Lebanese troops escorted convoys and cleared roads as locals demanded Israel’s withdrawal. In Kfarkila, residents waved flags following attacks on homes. Caretaker Minister Mustafa Bayram affirmed their right to reclaim their land.
Remaining independent: President Joseph Aoun called on the judiciary to uphold justice with independence and integrity during a meeting with the State Shura Council. He urged judges to “be independent and judge with justice; do not wrong the innocent, nor absolve the oppressor, and arm yourselves with the law.” Aoun emphasized their duty to protect the rights of both the state and its citizens, urging them to remain unaffected by rumors or external pressures.
In The Region
Syria explosions: A car bomb attack in northern Syria has killed 15 people, including 14 women, who were traveling in a vehicle carrying agricultural workers, according to first responders. Another 15 women were injured in the blast on the outskirts of Manbij, east of Aleppo, with some in critical condition. The Syria Civil Defence, also known as the White Helmets, warned that the death toll could rise. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, which marks the second deadly car bombing in the Manbij area in just three days. On Saturday, four people, including two children, were killed in a separate explosion in the city center.
Mohammad Deif dead: Hamas has confirmed the death of its top military commander, Mohammed Deif, months after Israel’s July airstrike claim. Deif, a founder and leader of the Qassam Brigades, was responsible for deadly attacks and developing Hamas’s tunnels and bomb-making. Hamas spokesperson Abu Obeida hailed his death as “befitting” and emphasized his martyrdom.
Blowing up the West Bank: The Israeli military demolished around 20 buildings in the Jenin refugee camp in the occupied West Bank on Sunday, according to the Palestinian state news agency. Footage showed multiple explosions in the densely packed camp, with thick smoke rising above the city. Israeli forces have been conducting a major military operation in the area for nearly two weeks, targeting Palestinian militants and seizing weapons stockpiles.
Syria meets Saudi: Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria’s new transitional president, made his first international visit to Saudi Arabia, meeting Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss reconstruction efforts. Al-Sharaa expressed optimism about Saudi support, as the Kingdom formally recognized his government, marking a step toward regional and diplomatic engagement.
What We Are Reading
Remembering Lokman Slim: A Call for Justice Amid Turmoil: Lokman Slim was killed in South Lebanon in February 2021, and four years later, his family, activists, and public figures will gather in Beirut to commemorate his life. Slim, a staunch critic of Hezbollah and advocate for free speech, was murdered with no resolution in the investigation. His wife, Monika Borgmann, expressed frustration over the lack of progress, stating that efforts like UNIFIL’s involvement have failed to provide meaningful evidence. Lawyer Moussa Khoury emphasized that Slim’s assassination is part of a broader issue of political violence and impunity in Lebanon, with many political assassinations remaining unresolved over the past three decades.
Hezbollah’s new reality: Political psychologist Ramzi Abu Ismail writes about the implications of the February 18 ceasefire extension and Hezbollah’s shifting influence. He highlights the symbolic importance of the ceasefire’s short extension, which was announced by the White House, signaling a shift in decision-making power away from Hezbollah. Abu Ismail explores the possible reasons behind the extension, noting that international actors may be awaiting the formation of a new Lebanese government and Hezbollah’s potential role in it. He questions whether Hezbollah’s recent statements were a miscalculation or a reflection of its diminished control over events, as the group faces a dilemma between war and peace.
The Gulf’s hesitancy: Journalist Rodayna Raydan discusses the cautious optimism surrounding Lebanon’s potential political changes, such as the election of Joseph Aoun and Judge Nawaf Salam’s potential appointment as prime minister, which could encourage renewed Gulf investment. However, the political deadlock and Hezbollah’s influence have led Gulf investors, like Khalaf Al Habtoor, to cancel investments due to concerns over Lebanon’s security, instability, and lack of economic improvement.
Maintaining the balance of eco-sectarian politics: Journalist Maan Barazy discusses the obstacles Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam faces in forming a government due to sectarian demands and public backlash. He critiques Lebanon’s political system, where leaders thrive on war and chaos, and a technocratic government would threaten the corruption and patronage that sustain sectarian power.
