This Eid, Israel ensured that the people of Lebanon and Gaza could not have a peaceful holiday, continuing its strikes on both regions simultaneously
The war has not yet ended for Beirut. In the early hours of Tuesday morning, an Israeli airstrike hit the city’s southern suburbs, killing at least three people and injuring seven others, according to Lebanon’s health ministry. The strike came without warning at around 3:30 a.m. (0030 GMT), during the Eid al-Fitr holiday, reducing the top floors of a multi-story building to rubble. Panicked residents rushed into the streets as emergency workers searched for survivors.
For many Lebanese, especially those in Dahieh, Eid was meant to be a time of celebration and family gatherings. Instead, the attack has deepened the sense of fear and uncertainty, coming just days after a previous Israeli strike on the same area. With two airstrikes on Beirut in less than a week, the fragile ceasefire seems increasingly unstable, leaving residents unsure if more attacks will follow.
Israel said the strike targeted a Hezbollah member that they accused of working with Hamas to plan an imminent attack against Israeli civilians. According to Israeli media, intelligence reports suggested he was preparing an attack on an Israeli plane in Cyprus. However, Lebanese officials condemned the strike as a violation of the ceasefire that had largely held for four months.
This was the second Israeli strike on Beirut since the latest escalation began. The first, last Friday, came after Israel issued an evacuation warning before hitting Dahieh, a Hezbollah stronghold. In contrast, Tuesday’s attack came without prior notice.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun called on the country’s international allies to support Lebanon’s sovereignty, while Prime Minister Nawaf Salam described the strike as a “clear breach” of the ceasefire deal. Israel defended its actions, stating it had removed an imminent threat just days after responding to rocket fire from Lebanon, whose source remains unknown.
In Lebanon
Deadly strikes: Just a few days before Tuesday’s deadly strike, Israel bombed Beirut’s southern suburbs for the first time since a fragile ceasefire was brokered in November. On Friday, Israeli warplanes hit the Hadath neighborhood after issuing an evacuation warning to residents, urging them to leave areas near “Hezbollah facilities.” The attack followed unclaimed rocket fire from Lebanon toward Israel earlier that day.
The strike came as Lebanese President Joseph Aoun met with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris to discuss economic reforms and Lebanon’s stability. Macron condemned the attack, calling it “unacceptable” and a violation of the ceasefire, warning that the renewed tensions marked a dangerous turning point. He pledged to discuss the situation with U.S. President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
New governor: On March 27, Lebanon’s cabinet appointed asset manager Karim Souaid as central bank governor, replacing interim chief Wassim Mansouri. He succeeds Riad Salameh, whose 30-year tenure ended in 2023 amid corruption allegations.Souaid takes on the critical task of enacting financial reforms, restarting IMF negotiations, restructuring sovereign debt, and rebuilding Lebanon’s depleted foreign reserves.
Another warning: During his Eid al-Fitr sermon, Lebanon’s Grand Jaafari Mufti Sheikh Ahmad Kabalan criticized the state for failing its people, urging it to support citizens rather than align with foreign powers.
He warned against external interference in the upcoming elections and called for a strong turnout for Hezbollah and the Amal Movement, framing the vote as a battle for parliamentary blocs rather than individuals. Kabalan praised Speaker Nabih Berri as a “national force” and cautioned that weakening sectarian representation could destabilize the country.
He also emphasized the need for a government that prioritizes crisis-hit areas like the south, Bekaa, and Beirut’s southern suburbs while reaffirming support for the Lebanese army.
More talks: In Budapest, Free Patriotic Movement leader Gebran Bassil reaffirmed Lebanon’s sovereignty and neutrality, urging it to act as a mediator in regional conflicts. Speaking alongside Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó, he emphasized strong institutions, a capable military, and economic stability.
Bassil praised Hungary’s support, particularly for Lebanese Christians, and called it a strategic partner. He also warned of the demographic risks posed by Lebanon hosting over 2.5 million Syrian refugees.
Shooting the UN: A French UNIFIL patrol came under fire from an Israeli army position while inspecting a newly built earth barrier in the Wadi Qatmoun area, near the Lebanese town of Rmeish, according to the National News Agency (NNA).
The upcoming visit: Ahead of U.S. Deputy Special Envoy Morgan Ortagus’s visit, President Aoun and Prime Minister Salam, in coordination with Speaker Berri, will meet to align Lebanon’s stance on proposals involving Hezbollah disarmament, Lebanon-Israel negotiations, and southern security. Lebanese officials confirmed their commitment to U.N. Resolution 1701 but emphasized a cautious approach to avoid instability. They also urged pressure on Israel to meet its obligations.
Aoun ruled out Hezbollah’s involvement in recent rocket launches, and Lebanese sources clarified that a “defense strategy” refers to a state-controlled national security strategy.
Nawaf Salam in Saudi Arabia: Prime Minister Nawaf Salam concluded his visit to Saudi Arabia, where he participated in Eid-al-Fitr prayer with Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman. They discussed strengthening bilateral ties, with a focus on joint agreements, lifting export bans, and encouraging tourism and investment. Salam emphasized Lebanon’s commitment to reforms and security, seeking Saudi support to restore confidence in the country. He thanked the Crown Prince for his hospitality and reiterated Lebanon’s dedication to extending its authority for national stability.
Defense Ministers formalize security agreement: Lebanese and Syrian defense ministers formalized a security agreement in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, aimed at addressing border threats. The agreement followed recent border violence, resulting in 10 deaths, and aimed to enhance security and stability between both countries.
In The Region
Syria’s new Cabinet: Syria’s new government, appointed after the fall of Bashar al-Assad by current president Ahmad Al Sharaa, includes former opposition leaders and technocrats. Key ministers include Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani (Foreign Affairs), Murhaf Abu Qasra (Defense), Anas Khattab (Interior), and Mohammed Anjarani (Local Administration). The cabinet also includes figures like Mohammad Abu al-Khair Shukri (Religious Affairs) and Mazhar al-Weis (Justice). These leaders, many of whom were part of the opposition movement, aim to guide Syria through a transformative period.
Kurdish rejection: The Kurdish-led administration in northwestern Syria rejected the legitimacy of the new national government formed by the coalition that ousted Bashar al-Assad in December. The administration argued that a government lacking diversity and inclusivity could not effectively govern Syria. The newly formed transitional government, announced by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, includes just one Kurdish member and excludes key Kurdish territory. The Kurds have expressed they do not consider themselves bound by this government’s decisions.
New evacuation orders: The Israeli military issued evacuation orders for most of Rafah in Gaza on Monday, signaling a possible major ground operation. The orders come after Israel resumed air and ground attacks, cutting off supplies to Gaza’s 2 million residents in March. Rafah, devastated by a May 2023 operation, could see more destruction as Israel seeks to secure the area and push for Hamas to release remaining hostages. The conflict has displaced much of Gaza’s population, with significant destruction and an unclear path to reconstruction.
New truce?: Israel has proposed a 40-50 day truce in exchange for the return of half the remaining hostages held by Hamas, with a focus on hostages believed still alive. The proposal comes amidst ongoing military operations in Gaza’s southern regions. Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that military pressure will continue while negotiations proceed. Israel demands Hamas’s disarmament, though Hamas has rejected this request.
More strikes on Yemen: US airstrikes targeted areas around Yemen’s Houthi-controlled capital, Sanaa, and Hajjah governorate, killing at least three people and injuring 12 others. The strikes followed a particularly intense round of attacks earlier in the week. Houthi media showed damage from the airstrikes, including shattered glass in homes, but did not reveal the specific military or intelligence targets. The full extent of the damage is still unclear.
What We Are Reading
The illusion of reform: Political psychologist Ramzi Abu Ismail writes about Lebanon’s current political distraction, where proposals for electoral reform are dominating the conversation instead of addressing the nation’s pressing crises. The debate over issues like creating a Senate or altering electoral laws diverts attention from the real problems, such as Hezbollah’s unchecked power and Lebanon’s economic collapse. Abu Ismail argues that Lebanon needs security and financial reforms, followed by a national reconciliation, before tackling structural changes in governance. Without these foundational steps, electoral reform would be ineffective and merely a power play.
Lebanon’s dry winter: Journalist Rodayna Raydan reports that Lebanon is facing a severe water crisis due to a drop in rainfall, exacerbated by climate change. This has impacted agriculture, water supplies, and forests, with snowmelt occurring earlier and leaving farmers without sufficient irrigation for the summer. The Litani River, Lebanon’s longest waterway, has seen its water levels decrease by nearly 50%, worsening the already fragile water situation. The decline in rainfall, which has decreased by up to 30%, is straining Lebanon’s vital water resources.
New coalitions in municipal elections on the burner: Journalist Maan Barazy reports that Lebanon’s upcoming May 2025 municipal elections are set against the backdrop of the country’s ongoing crisis, including economic turmoil and political fragmentation. With many municipalities inactive or dissolved, the elections are crucial for addressing Lebanon’s governance issues. However, internal political divisions, including those among Hezbollah, its allies, and traditional parties, complicate matters. Turnout is a key concern, with historical fluctuations in participation, and new electoral lists are emerging, challenging traditional sectarian-based politics.
The tough rebuild: Many people in Lebanon, especially in border villages, continue to face the harsh realities of post-war life after last year’s conflict. Despite promises of compensation, delays have left people struggling to rebuild their homes. While some have received minimal support, the slow recovery and lack of resources have left many in limbo, sparking frustration and mixed opinions about the authorities. The situation remains uncertain, with families displaced and questioning the effectiveness of recovery efforts.
