From Nightfall to Dawn... What Happened in Southern Lebanon?

A Western diplomatic assessment revealed that contacts concerning UNIFIL’s mission and the expiration of its mandate at the end of this year are facing complications. The assessment pointed to Israel’s strong opposition to the continued presence of the force, arguing that UNIFIL has failed to carry out its duties, as well as to the U.S. position, which had been a key driver during the previous mandate renewal session in August 2025 toward ending UNIFIL’s mission. At the time, Washington announced a reduction in funding for the force, describing it as a waste of money.

In accordance with the pricing mechanism in place for years, which periodically calculates the actual cost of bread production components, the Ministry of Economy and Trade issued a decision to raise the price of a medium-sized bundle of Lebanese white bread sold at bakeries from LBP 75,000 to LBP 80,000, an increase of LBP 5,000.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun told AFP in an exclusive interview he wants to reach a security agreement with Israel once it withdraws from the south, and is determined to disarm Hezbollah without resorting to confrontation.