Latest news with #Beirut
Wall Street Journal
an hour ago
- General
- Wall Street Journal
With Israeli Intel, Lebanon Is Dismantling Hezbollah in the South
BEIRUT—Lebanon's army has largely disarmed Hezbollah in its southern strongholds—in part with the help of Israeli intelligence—as the country's new government moves to enforce a cease-fire that halted an intense wave of fighting with Israel last year. U.S. and Israeli officials say they have been pleasantly surprised by the progress, which has been critical in maintaining the fragile truce struck in November. The question now is whether the Lebanese state can complete the task in the south and extend its efforts to the rest of the country.
LBCI
6 hours ago
- Business
- LBCI
Starlink in Beirut: Tech infrastructure emerges as pillar of Lebanon's recovery efforts
Report by Wissam Nasrallah, English adaptation by Mariella Succar A delegation from the American company Starlink is scheduled to visit Beirut on Thursday, where it will meet with Lebanon's three top leaders—the president, the prime minister, and the speaker of parliament—as well as several ministers to discuss the potential activation of its satellite internet service in the country. While most media outlets have headlined the visit as a technological opportunity, the high-level nature of the meetings raises a question: Why would an internet service provider be meeting with the country's top political leaders rather than with technical experts from the relevant ministries? It is becoming increasingly clear that Starlink—the satellite-based internet service offered by Elon Musk's SpaceX—has taken on a political dimension in Lebanon that precedes its technical implications. Lebanon's efforts to reconnect with its Arab and international surroundings have come through diplomacy, security, and now, through openness to technology and investment. This is not the first time Starlink's potential entry into Lebanon has been discussed. The topic was seriously considered before the Israeli war, as a contingency in the event of internet outages. At the time, ministers affiliated with Hezbollah raised security concerns. Now that the war has ended and its consequences are known, the question is: What obstacles remain to activating Starlink—especially when Lebanon clearly needs the service? Starlink operates through a constellation of thousands of low-orbit satellites that provide direct data transmission from space to the user, without the need for cables or ground infrastructure. A small dish installed on a rooftop, vehicle, or building connects to the satellite and provides high-speed internet—even in the most remote or disaster-stricken areas. In a country grappling with fragile infrastructure, Starlink appears to be the much-needed backup plan for companies, banks, hospitals, and media outlets that cannot afford internet disruptions. At the core, investors measure a country's readiness by its stability and essential services like electricity, internet and security.
LBCI
6 hours ago
- Business
- LBCI
IMF mission in Beirut — will Lebanon seize its 'last chance'?
Report by Lara El Hachem, English adaptation by Karine Keuchkerian A month has passed since the 2025 Spring Meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), in which Lebanon participated in an attempt to bridge the gap with the international community. The IMF mission is arriving in Beirut to follow up on Lebanon's progress, largely unconcerned with the narrow, often paralyzing details of domestic debates shaped by political protections and conflicting interests. What the IMF seeks in order to sign an agreement with Lebanon is assurance that the country can sustainably repay its debts—through accountable institutions and a state capable of attracting investment. So, what progress has Lebanon made in the past month? Since the adoption of the banking secrecy law in the form requested by the IMF, no tangible progress has been made on reforms. The draft law to restructure the banking sector remains stalled in discussions between a parliamentary subcommittee and the central bank governor. Meanwhile, the government is waiting for the central bank to submit the draft financial gap law so it can be reviewed and forwarded to Parliament. As has been the case since the financial crisis began, reform legislation is moving at a slow pace in Parliament. The situation is no better in government, despite its stated awareness that this may be its final opportunity to act. Several weeks ago, Lebanon received a governance and corruption assessment from the IMF, identifying weaknesses in various sectors—including customs, public financial management, the central bank, and others—and offering recommendations on governance and anti-corruption measures in these areas. The Lebanese government is now in the final stages of reviewing the IMF's recommendations and evaluating how they align with the local context through nine specialized teams. The state cannot afford further delay. Lebanon's commitment to these reforms will be a key condition for signing any agreement with the IMF.
LBCI
6 hours ago
- Business
- LBCI
Lebanese finance minister, World Bank discuss launch of Lebanon reconstruction fund
Finance Minister Yassine Jaber held a meeting with Jean-Christophe Carret, World Bank Country Director for the Middle East Department, and his accompanying delegation to discuss preparations for launching the Lebanon Emergency Assistance Project (LEAP), a reconstruction initiative. Under LEAP, the World Bank will establish a dedicated fund to attract donations to support Lebanon's recovery. Jaber said the meeting focused on technical and legal frameworks to ensure transparency and build donor confidence in the fund's governance and use of resources. He announced plans to invite ambassadors and representatives from international and Arab financial institutions to a meeting in Beirut by June 10 to formally present the project. Jaber expressed optimism about LEAP's momentum, noting growing international trust in Lebanon's leadership following recent legislative and governmental reforms. He added that upcoming meetings will intensify and involve all relevant local and international actors to ensure coordinated implementation.
The National
10 hours ago
- General
- The National
Hospital emergency unit destroyed in Beirut blast reopens after Dh8.7 million UAE donation
The emergency and trauma unit at a Lebanese hospital that was destroyed in the 2020 Beirut port blast is ready to welcome patients again, thanks to a major UAE donation. The Big Heart Foundation, a global humanitarian organisation based in Sharjah, contributed Dh8.7 million ($2.36 million) to reconstruct and expand the facility at the 147-year-old Saint George Hospital University Medical Centre in Lebanon's capital. The hospital is about half a kilometre from the port and bore the brunt of the devastating explosion, which killed more than 200 people and left thousands injured. Four members of the hospital's nursing staff died, as well as 12 patients and a visitor. More than 100 doctors, nurses and administrative staff suffered injuries ranging from mild to critical, according to the hospital's website. The upgraded unit reopened on Tuesday. It has state-of-the-art medical equipment, expanded capacity, enhanced trauma-care facilities, and a new paediatric section. It is expected to serve 40,000 patients per year. Its inauguration has enabled the hospital to operate at full capacity for the first time since the disaster on August 4, 2020. Beirut blast aftermath – in pictures The crucial funding was made possible by the Salam Beirut campaign, which raised more than Dh30 million for recovery work following the explosion. At the inauguration ceremony, Alya Al Musaiebi, director of The Big Heart Foundation, reaffirmed Sharjah's long-standing friendship with Lebanon and praised the strength of its people. 'The reconstructed and expanded [centre] symbolises our belief that humanitarian work must be meaningful, long-term, and grounded in the dignity of those we serve,' she said. 'The devastation caused by the Port of Beirut explosion was not just structural – it was deeply human, and our response through Salam Beirut was committed to investing in systems that give people back not just services, but stability and self-worth.' Dr Joseph Wehbe, chief of staff and head of the emergency and trauma centre, said: 'The rehabilitation, restoration and expansion of the emergency and trauma unit marks a moment of great pride for everyone at Saint George University Hospital. 'The hospital was among the most severely affected institutions by the tragic explosion that rocked the Port of Beirut, resulting in a complete shutdown for the first time since its founding in 1878. 'Despite the magnitude of the disaster, our determination never wavered. Through the dedication and perseverance of our medical and administrative teams, we managed to resume operations via a temporary emergency unit within a record time of just two weeks.'
