As Lebanon's Prime Minister makes promises to the people of south Lebanon, Hezbollah faces the seizure of $2.5 million, while Israel escalates its threats toward Syria and Gaza
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam toured South Lebanon on Friday, emphasizing that rebuilding towns and homes destroyed by Israeli attacks is a top priority for his government. Salam arrived by army helicopter, accompanied by Environment Minister Tamara al-Zein, Energy Minister Joe Saddi, and Public Works Minister Fayez Rasamny.
During his visit, the prime minister stopped at Lebanese Army barracks in Tyre and Marjayoun before heading to the towns of Khiam and Nabatieh. In Tyre, he met with a delegation from the border town of Dhayra, whose residents staged a protest outside the barracks, condemning Israeli military actions that have prevented them from returning home.
“This is the first real working day for the government,” Salam stated. “We will implement the ministerial statement in full. Our priority is ensuring a safe return for displaced residents, and we are committed to the reconstruction process. This is not just a promise—it is a personal commitment from me and the government.”
Salam confirmed that, even before receiving a vote of confidence, his administration began rallying Arab and international support to pressure Israel into withdrawing from Lebanese territories, including the disputed “five points.” He stressed that lasting stability is impossible without a full Israeli withdrawal.
At the army barracks in Tyre, Salam reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the Lebanese Army, pledging increased personnel, equipment, and training to bolster its capabilities in defending Lebanon.
“I salute all the heroes of our national army and its honorable martyrs,” he said. “You are the backbone of our sovereignty and independence. The Lebanese Army is fully performing its duties and expanding its deployment to consolidate stability in the South and secure the return of our people to their villages.”
Addressing residents of Dhayra, Salam reiterated his government’s dedication to their return, stating, “Rebuilding destroyed homes and villages, and securing a dignified return for residents, is one of our top priorities. This is not just a pledge—it is my personal commitment.”
In Lebanon
A mass funeral: Hezbollah held a mass funeral on Friday for 130 fighters from the southern Lebanese towns of Aita al-Shaab and Aitaroun, who were killed in the recent war against Israel. In Aita al-Shaab, a town known for its history of resistance, mourners gathered to honor those who lost their lives. Meanwhile, in Aitaroun, residents bid farewell to 95 martyrs who had fallen over the past three months.
A big amount: Lebanese authorities confiscated $2.5 million from a man arriving from Turkey, the finance ministry announced Friday. Three sources claimed the funds were intended for Hezbollah, though the group has not commented. The ministry stated that the detainee and the money were handed over to General Security for investigation but did not mention Hezbollah.
A Saudi visit: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and the foreign minister traveled to Saudi Arabia on Monday for his first foreign visit since taking office. His last trip to the kingdom was in late 2024 as army commander. Aoun will meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, first in an expanded session with both delegations, followed by a one-on-one meeting and a formal dinner. He is expected to thank Saudi Arabia for its role in Lebanon and discuss continued political, economic, and military support. The visit will also set the stage for a broader meeting after Ramadan to finalize 22 bilateral agreements.
Israel’s continuous attacks: The Israeli military said it struck a Hezbollah observation post in Aainata, southern Lebanon, on Thursday, calling it a “violation of ceasefire understandings.”The strike followed an Israeli air raid a day earlier targeting a Hezbollah militant, which Lebanese state media reported killed one person and wounded another.Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz reiterated that Israeli forces would remain indefinitely in a “buffer zone” in southern Lebanon, saying the decision had U.S. approval and was “situation-dependent, not time-dependent.”
Aid for Bint Jbeil Hospital: Lebanon’s Health Minister Tours War-Damaged Hospital Health Minister Rakan Nassereddine visited Bint Jbeil Governmental Hospital on Saturday, pledging support for its reconstruction. Hospital director Lina Bazzi urged urgent repairs, while MPs called the visit a vital show of solidarity. Nassereddine praised medical staff for their resilience, condemning attacks on healthcare and vowing to restore services with donor support.
Akkar Explosion: An explosion at a gas filling station in the town of al-Douseh, owned by the Shaaban family, claimed the lives of a woman and her three children, while a fourth child was injured, according to a National News Agency correspondent in Akkar. Civil defense teams extinguished the fire, and the Lebanese Red Cross transported the victims to nearby hospitals.
Lebanese army units arrived at the scene, with initial reports suggesting that a gas leak caused the explosion.
In The Region
Serious lobbying: Israel is lobbying the US to keep Syria weak and allow Russia to maintain its military presence to counter Turkey’s influence. Israel has warned that Syria’s new leadership, backed by Ankara, poses a threat to its borders. This effort is part of Israel’s push to influence US policy as Syria’s interim government seeks stabilization and sanctions relief. Israeli officials conveyed these concerns during meetings with US representatives in Washington and Israel, including in a white paper sent to senior US officials.
An excuse to attack: Israel’s defense ministry announced that the military has been instructed to defend a Druze settlement near Damascus, claiming the minority group is under attack by Syrian forces. This follows an Israeli warning against Syrian and insurgent forces entering the area south of Damascus. The statement suggests that Israel may push further into Syria as the new government consolidates control. Israeli forces recently established posts in a buffer zone and near Mt. Hermon. Israel vowed to protect the Druze, a minority in both Syria and Israel’s Golan Heights, warning that any harm to them would lead to retaliation. The statement came after unrest in the Druze settlement of Jaramana. Syria’s government has not yet responded.
No aid for Gaza: Israel has cut off all food and goods entering Gaza, drawing criticism from the UN, Saudi Arabia, and humanitarian groups, who call it a violation of international law. With over 2 million people facing hunger, aid experts warned of potential famine. The move is part of Israel’s pressure on Hamas to agree to a US-backed proposal extending the ceasefire’s first phase, rather than beginning the more difficult second phase, which would involve hostage releases and Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza.
Shaky ceasefire: Israeli and Hamas officials reached an agreement to exchange the bodies of dead hostages for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, extending the ceasefire for a few days. Israel delayed the release of 600 prisoners over concerns about hostages’ treatment, while Hamas called it a violation of the ceasefire. The deadlock had threatened to end the ceasefire. Meanwhile, at least six infants have died from hypothermia in Gaza due to harsh living conditions.
What We Are Reading
A confidence boost: Journalist Dana Hourany reports on Lebanon’s parliament granting a vote of confidence to Prime Minister Nawaf Salam’s newly formed government, with 95 lawmakers in favor. Salam, appointed in January, faces the challenge of navigating Lebanon through economic turmoil and post-war recovery. In his address, he emphasized economic recovery, depositors’ rights, and negotiations with the IMF. The government’s policy statement shifted to reaffirming that only the state and its armed forces can bear arms and defend the country. Parliament raised concerns about Israeli ceasefire violations, its partial withdrawal from Lebanese land, and the need for urgent reforms and reconstruction in war-affected areas.
A show of strength or a sign of uncertainty?: Journalist Rodayna Raydan reports on the February 23 funeral at Camille Chamoun Sports City stadium for former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and his successor, Hashem Safieddine, both killed in Israeli airstrikes. The massive turnout showcased Hezbollah’s resilience, though questions arose about whether it was a rallying effort or a sign of internal concerns. Hezbollah’s leader, Naim Qassem, called the gathering a testament to loyalty, while the emotional crowd expressed deep allegiance to Nasrallah, chanting and throwing scarves in tribute.
The hard conversations Lebanon can no longer avoid: Political psychologist Ramzi Abou Ismail analyzes Hezbollah’s decision to grant confidence to Nawaf Salam’s government as a significant moment of contradiction and recalibration. Once fiercely opposed to any government challenging its weapons, Hezbollah now supports a ministerial statement that affirms the state’s sole authority in defense, signaling a shift in its position. This move suggests Hezbollah may be acknowledging that Lebanon’s political landscape has changed, but the question remains: Is it a genuine transition or a tactical retreat to maintain influence? The answer will unfold in the actions that follow.
Banks lobby to sue government counter evidence of capital flight: Journalist Maan Barazy reports that the Association of Banks in Lebanon (ABL) is set to sue the Lebanese state over unpaid interest on Eurobonds, totaling around USD10 billion. This follows a State Council ruling that overturned a government decision to cancel part of the Central Bank’s foreign currency obligations. The ABL, holding $82 billion in foreign currency placements, opposes the government’s financial recovery plans and is pushing for a proposal that transforms deposits into state debts. Resolving the Eurobonds issue is crucial for Lebanon’s negotiations with the IMF to tackle its financial crisis.
Between vision and reality: Khalil Gebara reports that Lebanese parliamentarians will meet with members of the new Nawaf Salam government on February 25 and 26 to assess its proposed ministerial statement. This marks the first time MPs elected in May 2022 will fulfill their constitutional role of checks and balances. The formation of this government and the timely drafting of its statement reflect a positive shift for Lebanon, which has long struggled with ineffective governance, particularly under caretaker governments. The ministerial statement will outline the government’s policies and allow parliament to hold ministers accountable.
