The municipal elections in Lebanon highlight the deep-rooted sectarianism and tribalism within the political system, where external influences and identity-based loyalty continue to shape the country's governance, hindering meaningful reform and a shared vision for the future, all while more deaths occur across the country due to Israeli attacks, accidents, and random gunshots
Northern Lebanon held its municipal and mayoral elections on Sunday, marking the country’s second local vote since the war between Hezbollah and Israel and the formation of a new government. Though these elections are meant to occur every six years, the last round took place in 2016 due to financial constraints.
This latest round saw a surge in tensions compared to last Sunday’s calmer polls in Mount Lebanon, with multiple clashes erupting across northern districts. Interior Minister Ahmad al-Hajjar, speaking from Tripoli, warned against electoral enthusiasm turning into violence. “We witnessed several incidents that required intervention from security forces and the army to maintain order,” he said.
Despite the unrest, voter turnout varied widely across the region by 11:00 a.m. Batroun led with the highest participation rate at 13.23%, while Tripoli had the lowest at just 3.49%. Other districts reported turnout figures of 11.70% in Akkar, 10.34% in Minieh-Danniyeh, 9.86% in Koura, 9.28% in Zgharta, and 7.96% in Bsharri.
Several noteworthy electoral alliances have emerged. In Batroun, a unified list supported by both the Free Patriotic Movement and the Lebanese Forces is competing. Meanwhile, Zgharta has become a focal point of competition between a Marada Movement-backed list and a civil society coalition expected to receive backing from MPs Michel Mouawad and Michel Doueihi.
President Joseph Aoun emphasized the importance of the elections as a step toward rebuilding public institutions and restoring trust, both domestically and internationally.
However, Interior Minister Ahmad al-Hajjar issued a directive banning all forms of gunfire and instructed security agencies to take immediate action against anyone who violates the order. The decision came in response to reported gunfire in the Akkar region, which resulted in one fatality and the injury of journalist Nada Andraos in Tripoli.
In Lebanon
Paragliding catastrophe: A young man in his 20s died Saturday in a paragliding accident in Sahel Alma, on the hills of Jounieh, with no other reported injuries, according to the Lebanese Red Cross. Emergency teams responded to the scene and awaited police to investigate the incident. Social media images showed the victim’s body near a paraglider canopy. The area, known for paragliding, was also the site of a previous accident on April 4, in which two individuals fell but survived after landing in the bay.
Qatar delivering fuel: Qatar delivered 62,000 tonnes of fuel to Lebanon on Sunday—the third and final shipment for 2025—as part of its continued support to bolster the Lebanese army’s operational capacity and promote national security. The fuel was delivered through the Qatar Fund for Development to the port of Tripoli, reflecting Qatar’s broader commitment to Lebanon’s stability and prosperity.
President Joseph Aoun to Kuwait: President Joseph Aoun traveled to Kuwait on Sunday following an official invitation from Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah, as part of efforts to enhance relations between the two countries amid ongoing regional developments.
Syrian families gone: Around 150 Syrian refugee families returned to Syria from Lebanon as part of coordinated repatriation efforts between the two countries. One hundred families from Arsal crossed into Syria’s Qalamoun region via the Zemrani crossing, while another 50 headed to Qusayr and Homs through the Jusiyah crossing. The Lebanese army is organizing weekly trips to support these returns, which are part of ongoing discussions between Lebanon and Syria to facilitate the gradual repatriation of refugees. Lebanon continues to host hundreds of thousands of Syrians, while tens of thousands have already returned since late last year.
Israel’s ongoing attacks: Israel carried out one of its heaviest aerial attacks on southern Lebanon since last year’s truce with Hezbollah, striking multiple areas in the Nabatieh region, about 12 kilometers from the border. Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported one death and eight injuries, as smoke rose from targeted hilltops and residents fled. The Israeli military claimed it hit a “Hezbollah infrastructure site,” though no further details were given and the claim remains unverified. Hezbollah has not responded, having previously stated its withdrawal from the border after a U.S.-brokered ceasefire. President Joseph Aoun said he is monitoring the situation, while Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the strikes and reiterated Lebanon’s demand for Israel to fully comply with UN Resolution 1701.
In The Region
The ultimate search: Near a remote Syrian village outside Aleppo, investigators are searching for the remains of American hostages killed by ISIS over a decade ago. The site resembles an archaeological dig, with teams using tools like shovels and ground-penetrating radar to uncover shallow graves containing human remains and potential evidence. This effort follows years of intelligence work involving satellite analysis and interviews with former hostages and ISIS members. The mission is led by the Soufan Group, an independent intelligence firm founded by ex-FBI officer Ali Soufan, working on behalf of the victims’ families and in coordination with U.S. authorities.
Palestinian factions: Lebanon and Syria are cracking down on Palestinian factions with armed presences in both countries, some of which have targeted Israel. This comes amid Syria’s shift under Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which is pursuing former Assad regime officials, and Lebanon’s push to control all arms, including those of Hezbollah and Palestinian groups. Palestinian factions are being forced to disarm and limit their activities to social roles. This reflects broader regional changes as both countries aim to reduce the influence of armed groups once aligned with the Assad regime and Hezbollah.
Denied claims: The UAE Foreign Ministry initially denied claims that it was facilitating “unofficial” talks between Israel and Syria. However, shortly after, Syria’s new president, Ahmad al-Sharaa, confirmed during a visit to Paris that indirect negotiations were happening, mediated by an unnamed third party, which was later identified as the UAE. Through this mediation, Syria reportedly requested more time for the new president to “organize” and demanded a halt to Israeli airstrikes on Syrian territory.
Drama triangle: Hamas has announced it will release US-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander, a dual US-Israeli citizen, as part of efforts to negotiate a ceasefire in Gaza and reopen humanitarian aid routes. This decision follows direct talks between Hamas and the United States aimed at securing a ceasefire and addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, however, stated that no ceasefire has been agreed upon, and Israel has only authorized a safe corridor for the release of Alexander. While negotiations are ongoing, Israel has confirmed preparations for intensified military operations in Gaza.
Syria’s Paris visit: Syria’s interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa will visit Paris on Wednesday for talks with President Macron, marking his first European trip since January. The visit follows al-Sharaa’s rise to power after the ousting of Bashar al-Assad by his group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. Macron will reaffirm France’s support for a stable, sovereign Syria and discuss regional stability. The visit comes amid renewed violence in Syria, including clashes between al-Sharaa’s forces and Druze fighters. It signals Europe’s willingness to engage with Syria’s new leadership despite ongoing challenges and international sanctions.
What We Are Reading
The art of shooting yourself in the foot: Journalist Maan Barazy wrote about Lebanon’s ineffective financial reforms, highlighting contradictory policies that undermine recovery efforts. The latest banking restructuring faces legal challenges, while amendments to banking secrecy laws clash with these efforts. Without a clear plan to recapitalize banks and compensate depositors, Lebanon’s financial crisis persists, and the lack of coordination risks further instability and economic paralysis.
Booming but unregulated: Journalist Rodayna Raydan reported on the rise of unregulated cosmetic procedures in Lebanon, where individuals with minimal training are offering Botox and filler injections in violation of the law. Despite legal requirements for licensed medical professionals to run cosmetic clinics, many beauty salons ignore these standards, putting clients at risk. Legal efforts to shut down unlicensed centers have been ineffective, as they often reopen after paying fines.
Claiming sovereignty?: Journalist Khalil Gebara wrote about a 1970 audio recording between Presidents Nasser and Gaddafi, where Nasser advocates for diplomacy, not war, in resolving the Arab-Israeli conflict after the 1967 defeat. This loss reshaped the Arab world, moving from secular nationalism to ideological movements like political Islam. The PLO became a militant group, and Lebanon, though not involved in the war, faced instability, particularly after the 1969 Cairo Agreement allowed the PLO to operate in Lebanon, eventually contributing to the civil war. Lebanon has struggled with sovereignty, especially with Hezbollah’s influence.
Seventeen years later: Political psychologist Ramzi Abu Ismail commented on Hezbollah’s weakened position, which has been shaped not by internal Lebanese reform but by Israel’s military actions in the region. While Hezbollah’s influence has diminished, Lebanon still faces the deeper issue of tribalism, where politics is dominated by identity groups loyal to foreign powers. This tribalism, which led to the 2008 crisis, remains entrenched, and the system of sectarianism continues to hinder true reform. The country is stuck in a cycle of pretending that economic revival and temporary stability can solve its problems without addressing the root causes. A meaningful future for Lebanon requires confronting the core issues of governance, justice, and shared national responsibility.
