AGP Executive Report

Ali al-Taher Ridge Tensions: Israel’s defense minister Israel Katz warned he will “eliminate” anyone approaching the Ali al-Taher heights, saying troops are preparing to take control and will not redeploy until Hezbollah is disarmed, as strikes and demolitions continue in southern Lebanon. Diplomacy & Talks: The US says Israel and Lebanon will meet in Rome in October to discuss a security agreement, even as Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun has ruled out new negotiations “for now” and demands withdrawal, prisoner returns and reconstruction. UNIFIL Pressure: Lebanon urged the UN to reconsider a planned UNIFIL pullback, warning it could create a security vacuum after the March 2 escalation and Israel’s occupation of a strip of the south. Regional Travel: Lebanon’s Interior Minister Ahmad Al-Hijjar arrived in Pakistan for a two-day visit to discuss bilateral cooperation. Local Economy: Bank Audi and Mastercard launched a program to support 10,000 Lebanese entrepreneurs with free business accounts, debit cards and digital onboarding. Arts & Culture: A new play, “George and the Drag Queen,” will tour Dorset villages in October, featuring a Lebanese drag queen character.

Israel-Lebanon Diplomacy: The US Embassy in Beirut says formal talks will resume in October for an eighth round, even after President Joseph Aoun said there would be no new negotiations for now; the Rome track is still tied to disputes over withdrawal, security arrangements, and implementation. Southern Lebanon on Edge: Israeli strikes and drone-dropped explosives hit towns including Al-Mansouri, Tyre, Nabatieh, Bint Jbeil and Marjayoun, with reports of homes destroyed and heavy shelling. UNIFIL Mandate Fight: Lebanon has asked the UN Security Council to extend UNIFIL beyond Dec. 31, while Israel pushes to end the mission; France and many council members reportedly back Lebanon’s request. Ali al-Taher Aftermath: Israel’s demolition of Hezbollah tunnels on Ali al-Taher heights was followed by a localized redeployment toward Beaufort Castle, leaving residents worried about what comes next. Regional Pressure: Iran’s rights body urged the UN to protect Lebanese civilians as attacks continue, and Syria’s foreign minister reiterated a diplomatic approach with Israel. Local Life: Lebanon’s sports scene gets a boost as Al-Hikma in Beirut hosts the Arab Club Basketball Championship in October.

Southern Lebanon Under Fire: Israel carried out more than 30 blasts in Al-Mansouri and hit towns across Tyre, Nabatieh, Bint Jbeil and Marjayoun, including a major explosion in Khiam that shattered windows and sparked fires, as Lebanon says attacks and demolitions continue despite ceasefire claims. Presidential Push for Withdrawal: President Joseph Aoun visited Nabatieh and Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh, saying there are “no new negotiations” with Israel and repeating Lebanon’s demands: withdrawal, return of prisoners and displaced people, and reconstruction. Talks Moved, Not Resolved: U.S.-brokered Israel-Lebanon talks are set for ambassadors in Washington, with the next formal round in October after Rome was postponed. Humanitarian Aid Boost: France plans to triple aid to Lebanon, sending 60 tons of supplies including hygiene kits and a mobile health center. Rights Alarm in Tunisia: Tunisia’s League for Human Rights says 23 prisoners have died from extreme heat, including a Lebanese businessman, highlighting overcrowding and poor detention conditions. Regional Diplomacy via BRICS: BRICS leaders backed Palestinian statehood and urged Israel to withdraw from Lebanese territories while opposing forced displacement and unilateral sanctions.

Southern Lebanon Escalation: President Joseph Aoun made an unannounced visit to Nabatieh, saying Lebanon has “no new negotiations” with Israel and reiterating withdrawal, return of prisoners and displaced people, and reconstruction as national priorities, while residents pressed for real security guarantees. IDF Operations & Civilian Impact: Reports describe continued Israeli demolitions and drone-delivered explosives across southern towns, with Nabatieh and nearby areas still under heightened tension after Israel said it destroyed Hezbollah infrastructure on the Ali al-Taher ridge. Talks Delayed: A US official says the next Israel-Lebanon round, previously set for Rome, has been pushed to October, with ambassadors to meet in Washington instead. Humanitarian Pressure: The ICRC warns displacement remains severe, with hundreds of thousands still unable to return and health and water services strained. BRICS Diplomacy: At the New Delhi summit, BRICS condemned violations of Lebanon’s sovereignty and urged Israel to withdraw, while calling for maximum restraint across West Asia and opposing forced Gaza displacement. Regional Spillover: Iraq says attacks on a Saudi oil pipeline were launched from its territory as Trump suggested Iran was “probably” behind the strikes, amid Yemen displacement and Red Sea disruption. Security in Lebanon: Lebanese forces detained a relative of ousted Syrian President Bashar Assad and the son of drug lord Nouh Zaiter in the Bekaa on weapons and drug charges.

Israel-Lebanon Diplomacy: US-brokered talks that were set for Rome next week have been pushed to October, with Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors expected to meet in Washington in the meantime, as disputes over Hezbollah disarmament and ongoing strikes keep the process fragile. Southern Lebanon Escalation: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun made a surprise visit to Nabatieh as Israel intensified operations around the Ali al-Taher ridge, where it says it destroyed major Hezbollah underground infrastructure using more than 1,100 tonnes of explosives—sparking tremors and fresh displacement fears. Lebanon’s Sovereignty Push: Lebanon’s cabinet approved a draft law banning real estate sales in Israeli-occupied southern areas to prevent land transfers through fronts or intermediaries. Regional Shockwaves: In Yemen, Houthis seized a Red Sea island near Bab al-Mandeb, while Saudi Arabia shut down a major pipeline as a precaution after attacks, raising new concerns for shipping and energy flows. Humanitarian/Health: NGOs warned of Tunisia prison deaths linked to extreme heat, highlighting how overcrowding and detention conditions turn heatwaves deadly.

Southern Lebanon Escalation: Israeli forces carried out blasts and shelling in Mansouri (Tyre), including demolishing most of a public school, while detonations also hit the Ali al-Taher heights near Nabatieh al-Fawqa, where Israel says it destroyed Hezbollah tunnel infrastructure; Lebanon’s geophysics center reported seismic waves comparable to a 4.1 quake. Ali al-Taher Aftermath: Israel’s campaign around the ridge is framed as securing a “security zone,” with Netanyahu and Katz linking the operation to broader pressure on Hezbollah and Iran. Negotiations Under Strain: The strikes come despite a US-mediated framework agreement, deepening local fears about what comes next. Yemen-Iran Front: In parallel, Houthis advanced toward Bab el-Mandeb, seizing territory and raising pressure on Saudi oil exports; Saudi shut down a major pipeline after an attack. Lebanon Diplomacy: President Joseph Aoun met Armenia’s ambassador, discussing bilateral ties and invitations for official visits. Human Cost at Home: A report highlights how Lebanon’s war is worsening exploitation of domestic migrant workers, as shelters turn them away and wages are withheld.

US Sanctions Push on Hezbollah: The U.S. Treasury announced fresh sanctions under “Operation Economic Outcast,” targeting networks supporting Kata’ib Hezbollah and Lebanon’s Hezbollah across Iraq, Lebanon, the UAE and Turkey, as Washington escalates pressure on Iran-linked proxies. Ali al-Taher Ridge Blasts: Israel says it demolished Hezbollah’s major tunnel network beneath the Ali al-Taher ridge in southern Lebanon, using large-scale explosives that triggered a 4.1 tremor; Israeli officials claim the operation completed “operational control” and set up a security zone. Lebanon Denounces Escalation: Lebanon’s army says Israel is not adhering to the U.S.-brokered framework, citing thousands of violations and condemning attacks on residential areas and institutions, while reporting rising casualties. Diplomacy in Rome: Negotiators are set for another round of Lebanon-Israel talks in Rome on Sept. 15-16, with discussions focused on pilot zones under Lebanese army control. Humanitarian Focus: A UN coordinator stressed that reopening schools and keeping children in education is central to Lebanon’s recovery.

Southern Lebanon Escalation: Israeli strikes and detonations hit multiple areas including Nabatieh al-Fawqa and Ali Al-Taher hill, as Lebanon’s Health Ministry tallies cumulative casualties from March 2 to Sept. 7 at 4,381 killed and 12,402 wounded. Ali Al-Taher Ridge: The IDF says it has dismantled Hezbollah underground routes after establishing operational control above and below ground, finding rockets, missiles, UAVs, mines and a Badr Unit command complex. Diplomacy Under Pressure: Lebanese officials say the state must “return to the south” as Aoun urges faster support for Nabatieh, Tyre and Arab Salim, while Israel’s Herzog floats a trilateral meeting with Lebanon and Cyprus—peace, but tied to rejecting “terror.” EU Security Support: EU diplomats say a new CSDP mission is being planned to train and advise Lebanon’s security institutions, without replacing UNIFIL or deploying troops. US Sanctions: Washington announces fresh sanctions targeting networks it says aid Hezbollah and other Iranian proxies in Iraq, Lebanon and Turkey. Local Impact: Lebanon’s agriculture minister says Israeli attacks damaged over 22.5% of southern agricultural land—more than 56,000 hectares. Border Corruption Report: Euronews Arabic reports Syrians crossing into Lebanon are paying far more than official fees via brokers and fixers tied to the parallel market.

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.