Geopolitical Briefing: Lebanon
3 May 2025(Freepik)
- Lebanon’s Supreme Defence Council issues a stern warning to Hamas, emphasizing national sovereignty and internal stability.
- Israeli drone strikes in southern Lebanon result in multiple casualties, intensifying regional tensions.
- Lebanese army reports dismantling over 90% of Hezbollah’s infrastructure near the Israeli border.
- World Bank approves a $250 million loan to Lebanon to address its ongoing electricity crisis.
- Municipal elections commence in Mount Lebanon and Keserwan-Jbeil, marking a significant political event.(Reuters, AP News, The Times of Israel, AP News, Wikipedia)
On May 2, 2025, Lebanon’s Supreme Defence Council issued a stern warning to Hamas and other militant factions, stating they would face the “harshest measures” if they launched attacks against Israel from Lebanese territory. This announcement follows recent incidents in which Lebanese and Palestinian individuals were detained for allegedly firing rockets into northern Israel. Since the onset of the Israel-Hamas war in October 2023, Hamas has conducted several attacks from within Lebanon, prompting Israeli airstrikes, including one that killed senior Hamas leader Saleh Arouri in Beirut. Lebanese authorities are attempting to reassert control, particularly in the southern region bordering Israel, in the wake of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire that ended a 14-month conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in November. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam emphasized the need to collect all unauthorized weapons. Meanwhile, violence has continued, with Israeli drone strikes causing civilian casualties, including a recent missile attack on a gas station in Houla that injured five people. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is scheduled to visit Lebanon later this month. (AP News)
Israeli drone strikes in southern Lebanon have escalated tensions, resulting in multiple casualties. On May 1, 2025, the Israeli military resumed drone strikes on targets in southern border areas of Lebanon. One such attack on a vehicle in Mays Al-Jabal killed three people collecting scrap from damaged buildings. The Lebanese Health Ministry said the two passengers in the vehicle were Syrian nationals. Hezbollah media outlets identified the driver as Lebanese citizen Izzat Karout. These actions by Israel continue to challenge Lebanon’s sovereignty and highlight the ongoing threat to its territorial integrity.(Arab News)
The Lebanese army has reported significant progress in dismantling Hezbollah’s infrastructure near the Israeli border. According to a security official, over 90% of Hezbollah’s infrastructure near the border with Israel has been dismantled since a November ceasefire. This move indicates a concerted effort by the Lebanese state to assert control over its territory and reduce the influence of non-state actors operating independently of the national military framework.(The Times of Israel)
In an effort to address its chronic electricity crisis, Lebanon has secured a $250 million loan from the World Bank. The funds are intended to improve electricity bill collections and invest in solar energy projects, which are expected to cut costs by $40 million annually. This financial support is part of broader reform efforts led by President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, aiming to combat corruption and mismanagement that have deepened Lebanon’s economic turmoil. The loan signifies a step towards economic stabilization and infrastructure development, crucial for the nation’s recovery.(AP News)
Municipal elections have commenced in Mount Lebanon and Keserwan-Jbeil, marking a significant political event in the country. These elections, originally scheduled for 2022, had been postponed multiple times due to various crises. The current elections are seen as a move towards restoring democratic processes and political stability in Lebanon. The successful conduct of these elections may pave the way for increased political engagement and governance reforms.(Wikipedia)
