akins station lebanon

News Lebanon

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Government: Cabinet Set to Review Final Disarmament

The Lebanese Cabinet is scheduled to meet this Thursday to review a decisive report regarding the state's "monopoly on force." Under heavy U.S. pressure, the government has been implementing a plan to restrict weapons south of the Litani River. President Joseph Aoun confirmed that the Lebanese Army has executed the southern deployment with "professionalism and precision," though Israeli officials continue to question the sufficiency of these measures as a mid-February deadline for full withdrawal approaches.

Politics: U.S. Conditions Aid on Measurable Disarmament Progress

Washington has shifted its 2026 Lebanon policy, replacing "blank check" support with strict conditionality. The new U.S. National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) specifies that military aid to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) may now only be used to bolster capacity against non-state armed groups. With parliamentary elections scheduled for later this year, U.S. officials are using the ceasefire monitoring mechanism as leverage to press Beirut for concrete border demarcation and demilitarized zones.

Economics: Fragile Stability Amidst "Illusory" Exchange Rates

Lebanon’s economy is projected to grow by 4% in 2026, yet experts warn this stability is on "shaky ground." While the Lebanese Pound has held steady at 89,500 per USD due to tight central bank management, this is not a result of increased investment or trade. Inflation has eased significantly from previous triple-digit highs to approximately 14.7%, but purchasing power remains severely diminished as the banking sector continues to struggle with unresolved financial gaps.

Real Estate: Diaspora Demand Drives Price Hikes in "Safe Zones"

The real estate market in districts like Achrafieh, Baabda, and Batroun is currently "holding its breath" while trending upward. Property prices have risen steadily over the last 12 months, driven by diaspora investors looking to secure assets before an anticipated market upswing later in 2026. Experts suggest that for those waiting on the sidelines, the window for negotiation is closing as expat demand continues to outpace the limited supply of high-end residential units.

Job Market: Employment Outlook Remains Bleak for 2026

A new Ipsos report for the Lebanon 2026 Edition indicates deep concern among the public regarding the job market. Approximately 68% of residents expect finding work to be more difficult this year than in 2025. While some tech-based remote roles are emerging for the youth, the broader labor market continues to suffer from the lack of a comprehensive bank restructuring plan, which has stifled the private sector’s ability to finance new productive projects and hire.

Mzaar-Kfardebian Slopes Open to Record Crowds

The Lebanese winter sports season officially launched this week as hundreds took to the slopes at the Mzaar-Kfardebian ski resort. Despite the regional tensions, the resort reported high visitor numbers for the first weekend of January. In football, the Lebanese national team is intensifying its training schedule for upcoming regional qualifiers, though stadium infrastructure in the south remains a concern for the Ministry of Youth and Sports due to recent security incidents.

Entertainment: "El Bayt Baytak" Musical Set for Beirut Premiere

Beirut’s cultural scene is showing resilience with the upcoming premiere of El Bayt Baytak at Theatre Le Monnot on January 21. The musical is part of a wave of new productions aimed at fostering national unity through the arts. Additionally, the Metro al Madina theater is hosting a series of "Beirut Harmony" concerts this month, featuring local jazz and contemporary artists, signaling a vibrant start to the city’s 2026 entertainment calendar.

Fashion: "Made in Lebanon" Exhibition Scheduled for May

The Ministry of Industry announced today the dates for the "Made in Lebanon" exhibition, set for May 18–22 at the Forum De Beyrouth. The event will showcase the latest in Lebanese fashion and design, highlighting a resurgence in local manufacturing. Fashion workshops are also being launched this week at the Fine Art Photography Academy (FAPA) in Zalqa, focusing on modernizing traditional Lebanese textile techniques for a global 2026 market.

Coastal Road Repairs Delayed by Storms and Strikes

A series of winter storms coupled with recent Israeli strikes in the coastal district of Ghazieh have stalled essential repairs on the main southern highway. The Ministry of Public Health Emergency Operations Center reported that a civilian was wounded in an overnight raid on a building in a commercial suburb south of Saida. Infrastructure teams are currently on standby to assess structural damage to bridges once the security situation stabilizes.

Society: New Year "Empowerment Workshops" Gain Popularity

Reflecting a shift toward mental health and community resilience, "New Year Empowering Workshops" have seen high registration rates across Beirut this week. Sessions at the Soul Garden Wellness Studio and other community centers are focusing on navigating the "dual dilemma" of living in a state of technical ceasefire. These workshops are increasingly serving as safe spaces for residents to discuss the psychological impact of the ongoing border escalation and economic uncertainty.

🗓️ 2026 Lebanese

Date (2026)	Event / Milestone
Jan 8	Cabinet Session on Disarmament Report
Jan 14	"Flowers Blossomed out of Broken Concrete" Exhibition (Beirut)
Feb 18	Ceasefire Implementation/Withdrawal Deadline
Feb 18	Expected start of Ramadan
Mar 19–24	Beirut International Women Film Festival
May 18–22	"Made in Lebanon" Industry Exhibition
July	Baalbeck, Beiteddine, and Batroun Festivals Begin

Beirut

President Aoun Condemns Air Violations:

On January 6, President Joseph Aoun issued a stern warning, stating that recent Israeli strikes on Lebanese soil "undermine efforts to prevent regional escalation." He called on the international community to enforce the terms of the 2024 ceasefire.

Hezbollah Disarmament Talks Intensify:

Ahead of a critical government meeting scheduled for Thursday, January 8, the Lebanese Army Commander briefed officials in Beirut on the logistics of securing the state's "monopoly on force" in the southern suburbs and border zones.

Syrian Refugee Repatriation Summit:

Beirut officials met with UN representatives on January 4 to discuss a 2026 roadmap for the return of an additional 150,000 Syrian refugees, following the successful repatriation of nearly 380,000 people last year.

Tripoli

Oil Refinery Fire Contained:

A major fire broke out at Tank 188 of the Tripoli Oil Refinery early on January 5. Civil defense teams worked through the night to extinguish the blaze; the cause remains under investigation by the Ministry of Energy.

Port Expansion for Regional Trade:

The Director of Tripoli Port announced on January 4 that the 2026 expansion project, including new container storage and a logistics hub for Syrian reconstruction, is 60% complete.

Winter Aid Distribution:

Local NGOs in Tripoli launched a "Winter Warmth" campaign on January 6, distributing fuel and blankets to thousands of impoverished families in the Bab al-Tabbaneh district.

Sidon (Saida)

Commercial District Strike:

An Israeli airstrike at 1:00 AM on January 6 leveled a three-story commercial building in Sidon’s industrial district. While the building was reportedly uninhabited, the strike caused significant damage to nearby mechanic workshops.

Ain al-Hilweh Security Sweep:

Following the January 6 strikes, Lebanese security forces increased patrols around the Ain al-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp to prevent potential retaliatory unrest by local militant factions.

Hariri Foundation Arts Initiative:

On January 3, the Hariri Foundation in Sidon announced a 2026 grant program aimed at restoring historic Ottoman-era soap factories and promoting traditional crafts.

Tyre (Sour)

Archaeological Site Protection:

With regional tensions rising, the Ministry of Culture assigned extra guards to the Tyre Necropolis on January 5 to protect the UNESCO World Heritage site from potential collateral damage.

Fishermen Protest Fuel Costs:

Dozens of fishermen at the Tyre Port held a brief sit-in on January 4, demanding government subsidies for boat fuel as the 2026 maritime season begins under heavy economic strain.

NGO Mobile Clinic Launch:

An international medical group launched a new mobile clinic in Tyre on January 6 to provide free healthcare to displaced families who have recently returned to the southern border villages.

Nabatieh

Evacuation Warnings Issued:

On January 5, the Israeli military issued Arabic-language warnings to residents of villages near Nabatieh. Dozens of families reportedly fled the area as drones were spotted overhead shortly after.

Market Disruption Amid Strikes:

The Nabatieh central market saw a 30% drop in activity on January 6 as residents remained indoors following reports of drone strikes on a vehicle in the nearby village of Braikeh.

Electricity Grid Repairs:

Technicians in Nabatieh worked on January 4 to repair a major substation damaged during last week's artillery exchanges, successfully restoring power to 10 surrounding villages.

Jounieh

Teleferic Safety Inspection:

Following the busy New Year period, the Jounieh Teleferic was closed for a 48-hour mandatory safety check on January 5 to prepare for the expected 2026 winter tourism peak.

Casino du Liban 2026 Strategy:

On January 4, the board of Casino du Liban unveiled a new digital entertainment platform aimed at attracting international gamers and boosting national revenue in the coming year.

Coastal Road Rehabilitation:

The Ministry of Public Works began a new phase of road surfacing on the Jounieh highway on January 6, causing significant morning traffic delays for commuters heading to Beirut.

Zahle

Winter Wheat Frost Warnings:

On January 5, the Zahle Agriculture Bureau warned Bekaa Valley farmers of a severe cold front. Growers are using "smoke pots" to protect delicate winter crops from record-low temperatures.

Hezbollah-Hamas Site Strikes:

Residents of Zahle reported hearing massive explosions early on January 6 as Israeli jets targeted alleged Hamas infrastructure in the neighboring eastern Bekaa villages of Al-Manara and Annan.

Solar Energy Cooperative:

A group of 50 local businesses in Zahle signed a 2026 pact on January 4 to build a shared solar farm, aiming to end the city's reliance on expensive private generators.

Baalbek

Temple Site Security:

Extra military units were deployed around the Baalbek Temple Complex on January 6. Authorities cited the need to ensure the safety of tourists following strikes on nearby "military structures" earlier that morning.

International Festival 2026 Planning:

Despite the current security climate, organizers met on January 4 to finalize the roster for the 2026 Baalbeck International Festival, hoping for a "summer of peace."

Potatoes Supply Chain Crisis:

Farmers in the Baalbek outskirts reported on January 5 that border closures have blocked the export of thousands of tons of potatoes, leading to a local price collapse.

Aley

Winter Resort Occupancy:

Hotel owners in Aley reported on January 4 that while New Year occupancy was high, bookings for the rest of January have plummeted by 50% due to the escalation of border hostilities.

Ecological Restoration Project:

On January 5, Aley’s municipality launched a 2026 reforestation initiative to replace trees lost to wildfires and military activity in the surrounding mountains.

Tech Launch Delayed:

The opening of a new startup incubator in Aley was postponed on January 6, with organizers citing the need for "further stability" before moving high-value equipment into the area.

Byblos (Jbeil)

Old Souq Restoration Milestone:

Cultural officials in Byblos announced on January 4 that the latest phase of the 12th-century Old Souq restoration is complete, revealing original masonry from the Crusader era.

Politics History Conference:

The "International Conference on Political History" was announced on January 5, scheduled to be held in Byblos in June 2026, bringing together global scholars to discuss Mediterranean stability.

Marine Biodiversity Survey:

A team of Lebanese marine biologists began a 2026 survey of the Byblos coastline on January 6, documenting the recovery of local sea turtle nesting grounds.

Habboûch

Infrastructure Damage Assessment:

Engineers visited Habboûch on January 4 to assess cracks in the local bridge following nearby sonic booms and reported airstrikes over the weekend.

Community Clinic Expansion:

The Habboûch community center inaugurated a new dental wing on January 5, funded by the local diaspora to serve the growing population of returning families.

Olive Oil Export Deal:

Despite regional tensions, a Habboûch cooperative signed a 2026 agreement on January 6 to export 50 tons of premium organic olive oil to the European market.

B Hammoud

Artisans' New Year Fair:

The historic Armenian artisan market in Borj Hammoud hosted a "Crafts for Peace" fair on January 5, attracting shoppers from across Beirut despite the national security alerts.

Solid Waste Management Pilot:

A new "Smart Recycling" program was launched in Borj Hammoud on January 6, utilizing mobile apps to coordinate waste pickup in the densely populated neighborhood.

Textile Industry Resurgence:

Local factory owners in Borj Hammoud reported on January 4 a 15% increase in orders for domestic garments, as high import costs drive consumers toward Lebanese-made goods.

Zgharta

Ehdeniyat Winter Planning:

Organizers for the winter session of the Ehdeniyat festival met on January 5 to discuss moving indoor performances to larger venues to accommodate "unprecedented" ticket demand.

Landslide Warning Issued:

Following heavy rains on January 3, the Zgharta municipality issued a landslide warning for residents on the mountain slopes, urging them to monitor retaining walls.

Olive Harvest Celebration:

On January 6, Zgharta hosted a traditional harvest festival, celebrating the 2025/2026 olive yield with communal pressings and folk music.

Baabda

Cabinet Meeting Preparations:

Security around the Presidential Palace in Baabda was significantly increased on January 6 as ministers prepared for the "D-Day" disarmament meeting scheduled for Thursday.

Financial Reform Bill Progress:

The Cabinet in Baabda gave preliminary approval on January 4 to a long-awaited "Banking Law" aimed at resolving the national financial gap and restoring small depositor funds.

Environmental:

On January 5, the Baabda municipality received a grant to modernize the public parks surrounding the palace with sustainable irrigation and solar lighting.

Ghazieh

Early Morning Airstrike:

At roughly 1:00 AM on January 6, an Israeli strike destroyed a multi-story building in Ghazieh. Firefighters spent hours battling the resulting blaze; no immediate deaths were confirmed.

Industrial Zone Safety Audit:

Following the January 6 strike, Ghazieh’s industrial council ordered an immediate safety audit of all workshops and chemical storage units in the vicinity of the blast site.

General Strike Observed:

Most businesses in Ghazieh remained closed on January 6 in protest of the airstrikes, with residents calling for increased UN protection for the southern coastal hubs.

Bint Jbeil

Returnee Families Displaced Again:

On January 5, local officials reported that dozens of families who had recently returned to Bint Jbeil fled north once again following the issuance of new Israeli evacuation warnings.

Marketplace Shelling Claims:

Local residents reported artillery fire on the outskirts of Bint Jbeil on January 4, though the Lebanese Army has not yet officially confirmed any direct hits on the town center.

Education Crisis as Schools Close:

Three major public schools in Bint Jbeil were converted into temporary shelters on January 6, halting classes for over 1,500 students in the border region.

Batroun

"Capital of Tourism" Resilience:

Despite the conflict in the south, Batroun's coastal cafes reported "business as usual" on January 4, with the town remaining a primary refuge for Beirut residents seeking a weekend break.

2026 International Festival Launch:

Organizers officially announced the dates for the Batroun International Festival on January 5, scheduled for July 2026, featuring both local and global musical acts.

Marine Life Protection Zone:

On January 6, the Batroun municipality finalized plans for a "No-Fishing Zone" around the Phoenician wall to preserve the local reef for future eco-tourism.

Jal el Dib

Protest Near Highway Overpass:

A small group of protesters gathered near the Jal el Dib overpass on January 5 to demand quicker action on the national banking law, causing brief traffic disruptions.

Retail Sector Recovery Hopes:

The Jal el Dib commercial strip saw a 10% increase in shoppers during the first week of January, as retailers offered "New Year Peace Sales" to attract consumers.

Antelias

Cultural Heritage Concert:

The Rahbani Brothers' legacy was celebrated with a concert in Antelias on January 4, drawing hundreds of attendees in a message of "cultural defiance" against the national crisis.

Anti-Corruption Drive:

On January 5, judicial officials in Antelias conducted a raid on a local government office as part of a wider 2026 crackdown on administrative bribery.

New Public Library Opening:

The Antelias municipality inaugurated a modern public library on January 6, offering free digital resources and high-speed internet to local students and researchers.