AGP Executive Report

Lebanon-Israel Escalation: The IDF rejected UN chief António Guterres’ criticism, saying it targets “military targets solely” and takes “all feasible precautions,” while Guterres urged an immediate halt and warned of massive destruction and displacement in southern Lebanon. Southern Lebanon Deployment: Lebanon’s army outlined steps to complete its southward deployment under the framework agreement, including fixed checkpoints and observation posts, while accusing Israel of violating the deal about 7,700 times and threatening stability. Nabatieh Under Strain: President Joseph Aoun chaired a security meeting focused on Nabatieh, stressing the army’s role to prevent a security vacuum and protect Lebanon’s negotiating position. Ceasefire Violations on the Ground: Israeli artillery and drone strikes hit multiple southern areas overnight and at dawn, including shelling and fires that damaged homes, with reports of deaths and injuries. Diplomacy and “Last Chance”: A senior Lebanese official told Israeli outlets that this may be the “last chance” for peace, urging Israel to give Lebanon “oxygen” to weaken Hezbollah. Human Rights Watch: HRW said Hezbollah used cluster munitions in northern Israel in March 2026, warning the weapons are inherently indiscriminate and can amount to war crimes. US Stance: The US Embassy in Beirut said southern Lebanon “does not belong to regional actors or militias,” backing Lebanese state institutions over Hezbollah’s weapons.

Ceasefire Fallout: The Lebanese Army says Israel has violated the June framework deal about 7,700 times since it was signed, including firing near army patrols, and points to the Kfar Remman strike that killed 12 people, including women and children, triggering new displacement. Southern Lebanon Deployment: Beirut says it is tightening control in areas not under Israeli occupation, setting up checkpoints and observation posts, confiscating weapons, and clearing roads after repeated attacks. Arab League Stance: The Arab League Council adopted a resolution backing Lebanon’s sovereignty and rejecting Hezbollah’s military activity, urging member states to support the Lebanese army and help curb smuggling and terrorism. State vs. Paychecks: Retired servicemen protested in Beirut and other areas over the 2027 draft budget, demanding higher minimum wages and adjustments to ranks and salaries. Energy Diplomacy: Lebanon is moving to ease its power crisis via a plan to import natural gas through the Arab Gas Pipeline, with Jordan using LNG infrastructure at Aqaba Port. Lebanon-US Politics: President Joseph Aoun reiterated that Lebanon chose negotiations as a sovereign path, warning against relying on external powers against fellow citizens.

Southern Lebanon Escalation: Israeli airstrikes and shelling hit Nabatieh and nearby areas, killing at least 12 people including children, as the Lebanese army says it has stepped up patrols and deployments in non-occupied zones. Ali al-Taher Ridge: Multiple reports frame Israel’s claimed control of the Ali al-Taher heights as more than a battlefield move—potentially a bid to shape a post-fighting “security reality” north of the Litani, while Hezbollah’s refusal to hand the area to the Lebanese army keeps state authority at the center of the dispute. Diplomacy Under Pressure: Lebanon-Israel talks are set to be split between Rome and Florida, with no breakthrough expected before Israeli elections, as negotiations stall while strikes continue. Humanitarian Strain: UN chief António Guterres warns of mounting civilian casualties, hospital impacts, and restrictions on aid, while displacement keeps children out of classrooms as schools reopen under severe shelter pressures. Regional Spillover: Saudi officials warn they will defend against Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, as US-Iran tensions and Gulf security concerns deepen. UNIFIL Future: UN Security Council discussions loom over the future of Lebanon peacekeeping as the 2026 mandate exit approaches.

Southern Lebanon Under Fire: UN chief Antonio Guterres condemned escalating Israeli strikes around Nabatieh, saying attacks are hitting hospitals and civilian infrastructure and urging an immediate halt and respect for Lebanon’s sovereignty. UNIFIL After 2026: UN Security Council will decide UNIFIL’s future as its mandate ends Dec. 31, with options ranging from monitoring and observation to support for the Lebanese army—while Israel rejects keeping a large international force after UNIFIL exits. Nabatieh De-escalation Efforts: Local and Arab/international contacts helped “pacify” Nabatieh after three days of attacks that killed 27 and wounded 69, with Washington citing Hezbollah drone activity as the trigger. Lebanon’s Deposits Crisis: BDL governor Karim Souaid says Lebanon’s $79bn deposit obligations are not fully repayable; an audit flags irregularities tied to about $24bn, leaving roughly $55bn to be handled via a draft financial gap law. Army Clarification: The Lebanese Army says reports of new deployments in southern areas are inaccurate, stressing troops are already present in places like Nabatieh and have increased operations to reassure residents. Humanitarian Toll: Lebanon’s health ministry reports cumulative deaths and injuries from the escalation, with children among the hardest hit.

Southern Lebanon Toll: Israeli airstrikes across Nabatieh and nearby towns killed at least 12 people, including two children, and wounded others, with Kfar Rumman hit hard as rescue teams pulled victims from rubble. Ceasefire Strain: Lebanon says Israel keeps violating the June truce even as Israel accuses Hezbollah of drone attacks and says it is targeting “infrastructure” and weapons depots. Ali al-Taher Ridge: The escalation follows Israel’s claim of “operational control” over the strategic Ali al-Taher hill, a move Lebanon and Hezbollah dispute as the front line shifts. Civilian Impact: Reports also describe paramedics and journalists being injured in strikes, adding to fears for medics and media working near the border. UNIFIL and Diplomacy: Lebanon backs renewing UNIFIL and welcomes a possible European force after the mission ends, with President Joseph Aoun discussing security and stability with UAE leadership. Energy and Markets: Oil prices jumped to six-week highs as Iran warned of wider retaliation tied to shipping and energy infrastructure, while debate grows over how realistic plans to bypass the Strait of Hormuz are.

Southern Lebanon Toll: Israeli strikes across Nabatieh and nearby towns killed at least 27 people over three days, including women, children and paramedics, with 69 wounded, Lebanon’s Health Ministry said. The deadliest hit was Kfar Rumman/Kfar Roummane, where a residential building was destroyed and a separate strike hit a vehicle carrying medics. Ceasefire Under Strain: Israel says it remains committed to the June ceasefire while continuing to “remove threats” after Hezbollah drone attacks, while Lebanon calls the attacks “unjustified crimes” that undermine the framework agreement. Ali al-Taher Focus: The escalation is tied to Israel’s push around the strategic Ali al-Taher ridge and plans to expand operations in the area, with reports of drone activity and close-range clashes near Beaufort. Diplomacy & Monitoring: President Joseph Aoun backed renewing UNIFIL and welcomed a French-Italian push for a European presence after UNIFIL ends, saying Lebanon will coordinate with Macron and discuss the post-mission setup in Paris. Regional Calls: Aoun also spoke by phone with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed, reviewing bilateral ties and the security situation in Lebanon. Local Governance: Prime Minister Nawaf Salam responded to criticism over foreign-policy roles, saying the government sets policy collectively while each minister implements within their remit.

Southern Lebanon Toll: Israeli strikes overnight and early Monday killed at least 11 people in Kfar Rumman/Kfar Roummane, including two infants and two medics, and wounded five, as rescue teams searched rubble after a residential building was hit. Evacuation Warnings: The IDF ordered residents of Deir al-Zahrani to evacuate buildings near what it called a Hezbollah facility before striking; similar warnings were issued earlier for Arab Salim. Hospital Damage: Lebanon’s state media says Ghandour Hospital in Nabatieh al-Fawqa was destroyed in an airstrike, alongside damage to nearby government offices and a historic building. Ceasefire Accusations: Israel says Hezbollah repeatedly violated the ceasefire with drone attacks and weapons activity in civilian areas, while Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun called the escalation “dangerous” and urged urgent U.S. and international action. Diplomacy/Prisoners: Five Lebanese detainees were returned via the ICRC, with U.S.-linked talks cited as part of the process. Culture: A new English-language poetry series launching Sept. 16 at Boston Public Library will bring contemporary Arab women poets into English, including Lebanese singer Fairuz’s namesake project.

Southern Lebanon Escalation: Israeli airstrikes across Nabatieh and nearby towns killed at least four people and wounded about 20, with Lebanon’s Health Ministry reporting deaths in Nabatieh al-Fawqa and Arab Salim. Hospital Destroyed: Lebanon says Ghandour Hospital in Nabatieh al-Fawqa was completely destroyed, calling it a grave breach of protections for medical facilities. Lebanese State Institutions Hit: President Joseph Aoun condemned strikes that damaged a Finance Ministry building, saying Israel is targeting “purely civilian administrations and health centres” and urging the US and UN to act urgently. Arab League Condemnation: Arab League chief Nabil Fahmy denounced attacks on civilians and infrastructure, including the hospital and the Finance Ministry site, and urged immediate enforcement of UN Security Council Resolution 1701. Israel’s Rationale: Israel claims it struck after Hezbollah launched explosive drones toward troops in its self-declared “security zone,” and issued evacuation warnings for Arab Salim. Human Toll: Lebanon’s health authorities put deaths from Israeli attacks since Oct 2023 at nearly 9,000, with tens of thousands injured. Energy Update: Cabinet approved supplying Lebanon with natural gas via Aqaba Port, regasified in Jordan and transported through Syria for power generation.

Southern Lebanon Escalation: Israel’s army says Hezbollah launched two drones toward IDF troops in its “security zone,” prompting strikes and an evacuation order for residents of Arab Salim, as Lebanon reports deaths and injuries from renewed airstrikes across the south. Ceasefire Friction Over Ali al-Taher: Months after a ceasefire, fighting and drone attacks keep flaring around the Ali al-Taher ridge near Nabatiyeh, with Israel claiming “operational control” and Hezbollah rejecting disarmament terms. Human Toll Update: Lebanon’s Health Ministry says Israeli attacks since March 2 have killed 4,358 and injured 12,359, with overall deaths since Oct 2023 topping 8,900 and nearly 30,600 injured; it also cites repeated attacks on ambulance crews. New Israeli “Security Zone” Talk: Reports say Israel is weighing a 2–4 km “gray line” redeployment plan inside Lebanon after tunnel destruction, while US-mediated framework talks remain strained. Beirut Security Spotlight: Lebanese FM Youssef Rajji reportedly stopped going to his office after security warnings and threats tied to his stance against Hezbollah. Regional Pressure at Sea: Qatar is intensifying diplomacy to protect maritime navigation amid Strait of Hormuz tensions, as Iran-US ship clashes widen.

Lebanon-Israel Escalation: Israel’s strikes across southern and eastern Lebanon killed at least three and injured dozens, with Lebanon’s Health Ministry reporting 3 killed and 23 hurt in one late-Friday toll and later figures rising to 4 killed and 30 injured; areas hit included Tyre, Nabatieh, and the Western Bekaa, while shelling and demolitions were reported around Mansouri and near the Ali al-Taher ridge. Ali al-Taher Ridge Dispute: Israel says it has operational control of the strategic Ali al-Taher highlands after clearing tunnels tied to Hezbollah, but Beirut officials and observers say the claim can’t be independently verified; AP reported no visible Israeli presence in Kfar Rumman the day after the announcement. Hezbollah vs. Beirut Talks: Hezbollah again blamed the Lebanese government for failing to protect the country and rejected the idea that prisoner releases justify continuing negotiations, accusing the US of backing Israeli operations and urging a unified Lebanese response. Detainee Releases: Israel released five Lebanese detainees this week via ICRC-facilitated handovers; President Joseph Aoun welcomed the releases and called for remaining US-mediated framework steps, including steps toward withdrawal. Regional Diplomacy: Qatar’s PM called Lebanese PM Nawaf Salam, stressing support for diplomatic efforts to secure maritime navigation and lasting peace. Humanitarian & Daily Life: A schoolbook lending network is expanding in Beirut to help families cope with rising education costs, with new libraries opening in Kafaat, Ouzai, and Hay al-Sellom.

Southern Lebanon Strikes: Lebanon’s health ministry says Israeli strikes late Friday hit five locations across Tyre, Nabatieh and the Bekaa, killing at least three and injuring 23, despite a ceasefire; NNA also reported drone and artillery attacks including a motorcycle strike in Nabatieh. Ali al-Taher Ridge Fight: Israel says it seized and cleared Hezbollah tunnels under the strategic Ali al-Taher ridge near Nabatiyeh, while Hezbollah denies losing control—raising fears of renewed escalation. Prisoner Returns via ICRC: Four Lebanese prisoners were released and handed to Lebanese authorities through the ICRC in a US-mediated deal tied to searching for remains of Jewish Lebanese citizens from the 1980s; families welcomed returnees. Displacement and School Reopening: Thousands of children remain displaced as schools reopen, with many still living in schools-turned-shelters; UNICEF warns there is “no safe place” in Beirut for displaced families. Humanitarian Warning for Nabatieh: UN coordinator says half of returning families to Nabatieh face widespread destruction, lack of services, and insecurity. France and Jordan for Army Support: France plans a Paris meeting under the Aqaba Process to help strengthen the Lebanese army and push disarmament of Hezbollah.

Southern Lebanon Escalation: Two young men were killed in Nabatieh when an Israeli drone strike hit a motorcycle near the Engineers’ Syndicate, as explosions and artillery fire were reported across nearby villages. Ali al-Taher Ridge: Israel says it seized and cleared Hezbollah tunnels under the strategic Ali al-Taher ridge, with Defense Minister Israel Katz claiming “operational control” and vowing not to withdraw until Hezbollah is disarmed—while Hezbollah denies the claim. Detainee Returns via Red Cross: Lebanon received four more detainees from Israel through the ICRC at Ras al-Naqoura, with handovers to the Lebanese army in Tyre; President Joseph Aoun thanked the U.S. and ICRC and urged completion of the framework steps. Negotiations & Remains Deal: Netanyahu frames the releases as part of an exchange tied to searching for the remains of Lebanese Jewish leaders missing from the civil war, but Lebanon says official requests for cemetery searches have not been confirmed. Human Toll: Save the Children says 257 children have been killed in Lebanon in six months, with about 100,000 at risk of missing school as shelters keep schools closed or partially operating.

Ali al-Taher Ridge: Israel says it has taken operational control “above and below” the Ali al-Taher ridge in southern Lebanon, clearing Hezbollah underground routes and finding command rooms, weapons storage, generators, living quarters and kitchens, while operations to neutralize remaining tunnels continue. Prisoner Releases & Talks: Israel agreed to release five Lebanese detainees after finding they were civilians with no ties to terror groups; the first handover (Malek Ghazi) reached the Lebanese army via the ICRC at Naqoura, with the rest expected next, amid US-brokered efforts tied to searching for the remains of Jewish community leaders killed in the 1980s. Southern Lebanon Under Pressure: Despite ceasefire talks, Israeli strikes, artillery shelling, demolitions and ground incursions continued across multiple southern towns and villages, with reports of homes being reduced to rubble and residents facing restricted access. Displacement Before School: With the school year approaching, displaced families in Lebanon’s south are still stuck in public schools as shelters, with electricity and water shortages pushing people to move again. EU Security Mission: The EU says more than 10 European countries are willing to contribute to a new mission to train and support Lebanese forces, aimed at replacing UNIFIL as its mandate nears expiry. Humanitarian Cost: Save the Children warns that over 250 children have been killed in Lebanon in six months, as civilian suffering deepens.

Prisoner Swap Talks: Israel released its first Lebanese detainee since the latest Israel-Hezbollah war began, handing over Malek Ghazi to the Lebanese Army via the ICRC at Naqoura, as Netanyahu said five detainees will be freed in coming hours/days in coordination with the US, framed as goodwill tied to efforts to locate remains of Lebanese Jewish community leaders abducted and killed in the 1980s. Southern Lebanon Escalation: Israeli strikes and incursions continued across the south, with artillery shelling and ground activity reported around Al-Mansouri, Hadatha, Wadi Baraachit, Halta Farm and Ali al-Taher hill, while the IDF said it completed clearance of two Hezbollah underground infrastructures on Ali al-Taher ridge and is still neutralizing tunnels. Humanitarian Toll: Save the Children said at least 257 children have been killed in Lebanon in six months of the Israel-Hezbollah conflict, with 1,039 injured, and warned about major school disruption. Diplomacy & UNIFIL: France pushed to keep UNIFIL in southern Lebanon beyond its planned withdrawal, while the US opposed any extension, as Lebanon continues pressing for security arrangements. Regional Security: Iran warned the US that any Israeli attack on Ali al-Taher ridge could trigger major retaliation, underscoring how the ridge is becoming a flashpoint. Lebanon Watch: Lebanon’s Public Prosecution opened a probe into a fake passport case, and the FBI returned three ancient Lebanese artifacts to Lebanon.

Southern Lebanon Under Fire: Israeli airstrikes and artillery hit towns including Wadi Al-Hujair, Beit Lif, Bani Hayyan, Hadatha and Ali al-Taher heights, with drones reported over the south as residents face renewed shelling and incursions. Ali al-Taher Flashpoint: Reuters reports Iran warned the US it would respond forcefully to any Israeli offensive on the Ali al-Taher ridge, where Hezbollah is believed to have an underground command center and weapons stores. UNIFIL Uncertainty: The Netherlands is pushing to extend UNIFIL beyond its Dec. 31 mandate, warning that a post-UNIFIL security vacuum could follow as Israel continues to accuse the mission of failing to stop Hezbollah. Lebanese Army Pushback: Lebanon’s army rejected Israeli media claims that officers oppose withdrawal plans, saying it is carrying out assigned duties and warning of a disinformation campaign. Diplomacy to De-escalate: Qatar’s PM held talks with Lebanon’s PM Nawaf Salam and also with Turkey and Egypt, focusing on de-escalation and restoring freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Regional Spillover: The US-Iran confrontation also intensified in the Gulf, with Iran firing on US allies in Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan after US strikes, raising fears of wider escalation.

Southern Lebanon Escalation: Israeli drone and missile strikes hit Nabatieh, killing one and injuring another, while airstrikes and artillery shelling pounded towns including Mansouri, Kfartibnit, Beit Lif and Hadatha, despite a US-backed framework agreement. Hezbollah Response: Hezbollah issued a categorical denial over reports linking it to a security cell accused of destabilizing Lebanon and Syria, calling the claims baseless. Arrests & Cross-Border Plot: Lebanon arrested a former Syrian intelligence officer and accomplices accused of planning attacks against Syria’s new government forces, with claims of training by Hezbollah fighters. US Claims on Iranian Entry: A US source alleges loopholes in death registration and Lebanese document facilitation helped IRGC members enter Lebanon via Beirut airport and ports. Diplomacy & De-escalation: Qatar’s PM Nawaf Salam call reaffirmed support for diplomatic efforts to de-escalate and secure maritime navigation; EU officials also say more than 10 states are ready to back a mission to advise and train Lebanese forces as UNIFIL’s mandate nears end. Economy & Accountability: Lebanon’s central bank selected Alvarez & Marsal for an audit of over four years of its transactions, including the post-2019 collapse period. Humanitarian Toll: Save the Children says Israel has killed an average of seven children per day in Lebanon since March, with hundreds dead and over a thousand injured. Lebanon Politics: President Joseph Aoun urged national unity and said negotiations’ goal is sparing Lebanon war while protecting sovereignty, echoing Berri’s “red lines” on civil peace and the army.