AGP Executive Report

Food Safety: At least 17 people, mostly children, were hospitalized in Akkar after suspected food poisoning. The outbreak follows a trichinella case linked to a Beirut restaurant and an unlicensed meat supplier; Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has called an emergency meeting. Public Services: Electricité du Liban has cut power to public bodies over unpaid bills, including some ministries and municipalities, warning that supply could be cut again if payment plans are missed. Cocaine Seizure: Lebanese authorities seized 46.7kg of suspected cocaine from a Syrian passenger arriving from Accra. Ghana’s NACOC says it was a controlled delivery, but questions are mounting over why its account cites about 40kg and whether Ghanaian agencies took part. Regional Ties: Lebanese and Syrian officials met in Damascus to discuss border security, cooperation and refugee returns. Qatar’s prime minister also spoke with Salam, reaffirming support for Lebanon and diplomacy to ease regional tensions and protect maritime navigation.

Regional Diplomacy: Qatar’s prime minister and foreign minister spoke with Lebanon’s foreign minister about bilateral ties and regional developments. Doha backed diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and secure a lasting peace. War Concerns: Israeli media reports of preparations for a possible offensive in southern Lebanon have heightened fears of renewed war. Reported scenarios include strikes near Beirut and a naval blockade, if conflict with Iran draws Hezbollah in. Airport Drug Bust: Lebanese authorities arrested a Syrian passenger at Beirut airport after he arrived from Accra with about 40 kilograms of suspected cocaine; Lebanese reports put the seizure at 46.7 kilograms. Ghana and Lebanon say the operation was coordinated, and Ghana is pursuing suspected accomplices. Hezbollah Case: Lebanon’s military prosecutor has charged 13 Hezbollah members over a seized explosives shipment, including two men held in custody.

Airport Drug Bust: Lebanese customs seized 46.7 kilograms of cocaine from a Syrian passenger arriving in Beirut from Accra, calling it the airport’s largest drug bust. Ghana’s narcotics agency put the haul at about 40 kilograms; investigations are continuing into an alleged trafficking network. Hezbollah Weapons Case: A military prosecutor charged 13 Hezbollah members over a 780-kilogram explosives shipment intercepted in the Bekaa. Only two suspects remain in custody, sharpening tensions over weapons outside state control. Southern Lebanon: Israel says its troops found weapons and explosive drones in homes and a storage site near Khiam, while Lebanese reports describe artillery fire and new roads linking Israeli positions. War Fears: President Joseph Aoun remains wary of Hezbollah’s assurances that it would stay out of a US-Iran conflict, recalling that similar assurances preceded renewed fighting. Sectarian Tensions: The killing of a Catholic priest in Jbeil, allegedly by a Syrian man, has fuelled outrage and calls to deport Syrians.

Cedars’ World Cup Thriller: Lebanon beat France 24–20 in a dramatic golden-point finish, with Abbas Miski scoring the winning try after a remarkable late swing. South Under Fire: Israeli airstrikes, explosions and machine-gun fire hit several areas across southern Lebanon despite a US-brokered framework agreement, according to Lebanon’s state news agency. Electricity Crisis: EDL says it will cut power to public institutions with unpaid bills from Monday; Beirut airport has promised to pay its arrears and keep up with future bills. Sovereignty and Security: Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji urged Gulf states to support Lebanon’s sovereignty and called for Israeli withdrawal and an end to attacks. Hezbollah is reportedly unlikely to join a renewed US-Iran conflict unless Iran’s leadership faces an existential threat. Art from the Ruins: Nabatieh artist Lina Jouni is turning shrapnel and other war debris into sculptures that preserve memories of destruction and survival.

South Under Fire: Israeli airstrikes, explosions and machine-gun fire hit several areas in southern Lebanon despite a US-brokered framework agreement. Drones also flew over Beirut’s southern suburbs. Power Crisis: Electricité du Liban says it will cut power to public institutions with unpaid bills from Nov. 2. Beirut airport has pledged an immediate payment and a schedule to clear its debts; public-sector arrears reportedly total about $240 million. Explosives Case: A military judge charged 13 people over a shipment of 780kg of explosives seized at Dahr al-Baydar. Hezbollah says the cargo was intended for use against Israel and calls the charges unjust; reports say it will give political contacts a chance. Sovereignty and Diplomacy: At the Manama Dialogue, Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi backed Gulf states’ right to defend against attacks and rejected armed groups acting outside state authority. He also met Armenia’s foreign minister to discuss trade, investment and AI cooperation. Palestinian Camps: Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has begun consultations on a plan to clarify security, administration and services in Lebanon’s 12 Palestinian refugee camps.

South Lebanon: Israeli forces intensified attacks, shelling several areas and demolishing or setting fire to homes, Lebanon’s National News Agency reported. No casualties were confirmed; the strikes deepen concerns over a fragile US-mediated framework. Hezbollah Explosives Case: A military judge charged 13 people over a seized explosives shipment allegedly linked to Hezbollah. The case is sharpening divisions in government, with Kataeb leader Sami Gemayel urging officials not to yield to pressure. Regional Tensions: A senior Lebanese official said Hezbollah is unlikely to enter a renewed US-Iran war unless Iran’s leadership faces an existential threat, as Qatar presses for a deal and reports warn fighting could resume. Refugee Camp Governance: Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has launched consultations on a plan to bring Palestinian camps under a clearer framework for state authority, security and services, alongside draft legislation on refugees’ rights and obligations. Banking Reforms: Talks with banks exposed continued disagreement over restructuring and deposit recovery. The IMF is holding firm on requiring banks that remain operational to reach a 15% capital adequacy ratio within five to seven years.

Hezbollah Explosives Case: A military court has charged 13 people over a truck carrying 780 kilograms of explosives seized en route to Beirut; two are in custody, while five defendants are identified only by aliases. Hezbollah says the shipment was intended for use against Israeli forces. The case has deepened political divisions: Lebanese Forces ministers boycotted a Cabinet meeting, and Kataeb leader Sami Gemayel urged President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam not to yield to threats. Security and Diplomacy: Israeli artillery shelled Hadatha in southern Lebanon as Beirut pursues diplomacy to avert renewed war. President Aoun says Israeli attacks are obstructing efforts to implement the ceasefire agreement. Energy Talks: Lebanon and Qatar have made progress on a proposed energy program, with another round of talks due in Beirut next week to finalize a letter of intent for Cabinet review.

Explosives Case: Lebanese Forces ministers boycotted Thursday’s cabinet meeting, demanding the Hezbollah-linked Dahr al-Baidar explosives case be referred to the Judicial Council. Investigators have identified seven suspects, though only two have been arrested, according to a report. Security: General Security says raids in Tripoli uncovered explosives, detonators, weapons and ammunition; investigations continue. Israel and the South: President Joseph Aoun says talks with Israel have made no progress and urges an end to attacks. Speaker Nabih Berri warns against ending UNIFIL’s mission before Resolution 1701 is implemented and Israeli forces withdraw. Farmers near Israeli troops are risking danger to harvest olives, while reports describe olive groves and villages being damaged or destroyed. Support for Lebanon: The EU plans a three-year mission to advise and train the Lebanese army and security forces, including on border and port security.

Diplomacy and UNIFIL: President Joseph Aoun says talks with Israel have made no breakthrough, while Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri warns against ending the UN mission in the south before Resolution 1701 is implemented and Israeli forces withdraw. A military delegation has briefed Aoun on recent Lebanon-U.S.-Israel meetings in Tampa. Security and Politics: Investigators have identified seven suspects in the Hezbollah explosives case, though only two are reported arrested; the dispute has prompted ministers to boycott a Cabinet meeting. Separately, General Security seized explosives, weapons and a drone in Tripoli as investigations continue. Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem again ruled out disarmament while occupation and attacks persist, drawing sharp criticism from a senior political source. South and Recovery: Farmers are risking shelling to harvest olives near Israeli troops, as reports describe damage to groves and livelihoods. The Finance Ministry and World Bank reviewed delayed reconstruction projects, including roads, schools and ambulances. Qatar’s proposed power package could offer Lebanon a route to more reliable electricity if it moves forward.

South Lebanon: Israeli forces fired an interceptor at a suspected aerial target as airstrikes, demolitions and explosive drones were reported across the south, despite a ceasefire framework. President Joseph Aoun urged international pressure for Israel to withdraw, saying US efforts had failed to stop the attacks. Hezbollah: Sheikh Naim Qassem again rejected disarmament while Israeli occupation and attacks continue, and said the group would keep resisting. Economy: Prime Minister Nawaf Salam launched a program to boost local production, exports and investment in technology industries, while calling energy costs a major burden on manufacturers. Beirut: Four diners were hospitalized with trichinellosis after eating at an upscale restaurant; authorities sealed the restaurant and an unlicensed meat warehouse that supplied it. Beirut airport also reported a power outage and urged the electricity utility to restore service.

South Lebanon: President Joseph Aoun urged the US and international community to press Israel to stop attacks and withdraw from occupied areas, saying the Lebanese army should deploy along the border. Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem said the group would continue its resistance and rejected disarmament while Israeli occupation and attacks persist. Government Tensions: Lebanese Forces ministers plan to boycott Thursday’s cabinet session, citing delays over referring the Dahr al-Baidar explosives case to the Judicial Council and unpaid electricity-sector dues. Essential Services: Beirut airport said it had been without public-grid power since Wednesday morning, relying on generators and calling for urgent restoration. German Visit: Development Minister Reem Alabali Radovan is in Lebanon for talks on reforms, state capacity, displaced people and restoring services in war-hit areas. Farm Economy: Lebanon’s apple farmers are facing a glut as imported produce puts pressure on local sales.

Farm Crisis: Lebanon’s apple harvest is expected to reach nearly 200,000 tonnes, but growers face a glut, high storage costs and shrinking export markets. In the Beqaa, one farmer has 12 tonnes with no buyers. South on Edge: An Israeli drone struck near Jarmaq as aircraft flew over southern villages. Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji warned that UNIFIL’s departure could leave a security vacuum and called for continued international presence. Hezbollah and State Authority: Gebran Bassil urged Hezbollah to keep Lebanon out of another war and warned that undermining the army risks civil strife. Separately, the ISF is pursuing three men reportedly linked to a truck carrying 780 kilograms of explosives intercepted at Dahr al-Baidar. Art from War: In Nabatieh, Lina Jouni is turning Israeli missile shrapnel into sculptures inspired by homes, flowers and cedars, giving remnants of bombardment a new meaning.

Israeli Strikes: Fresh attacks across southern Lebanon, including reported strikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs, have heightened fears despite the ceasefire. Residents in Lebanon and Syria expect little change in Israeli policy after Israel’s election. Hezbollah and the State: Gebran Bassil urged Hezbollah to stay out of another war and warned that undermining the army risks civil strife. Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji voiced concern the group could be preparing for conflict at Iran’s request, while a security source said its rebuilding is limited to defensive positions. The ISF is pursuing three men who reportedly escorted a truck carrying 780 kilograms of explosives, after the driver and another passenger were arrested. UNIFIL and Security: Rajji and Ireland’s Helen McEntee stressed the need for an international presence in the south and support for the Lebanese Army as UNIFIL’s future is debated. Life Amid War: Israeli occupation and movement restrictions are disrupting the olive harvest in the south. Artist Lina Jouni is turning shrapnel from Israeli munitions into sculptures inspired by home, memory and resilience.

Ceasefire Under Fire: Israeli forces struck and shelled several areas in southern Lebanon on Monday, including near Mayfadoun and Qantara, and detonated explosives in Zawtar al-Sharqiya, Lebanon’s state news agency reported. A scrap collector was injured by an explosive object. Regional Risk: As Israelis vote in a tight Netanyahu–Eisenkot race, reports say Hezbollah is rebuilding military capabilities with Iranian funds. Hezbollah officials say Iran has not asked the group to join a future war, but fears of renewed conflict are adding to supporters’ frustration. Security Support: EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas announced a European mission to strengthen Lebanon’s security institutions, amid calls to contain rising US-Iran tensions. Power Plan: Qatar has offered to finance a major electricity project, including solar power and proposed gas-fired plants, as households remain heavily reliant on costly private generators. Farm Crisis: Lebanon’s apple growers face a bumper harvest, high storage and transport costs, and too few buyers, leaving fruit at risk of spoiling.

Regional Escalation: Beirut says it has not been told the terms of a reported US-Iran deal that may include Lebanon. Israeli strikes have still been reported in the south and Beirut. Hezbollah MP Hassan Fadlallah says Iran has not asked the group to join a new war, while Reuters sources say it has been rebuilding its arsenal with Iranian funds. UNIFIL’s Future: Ireland’s defence minister says Israeli bombardment has devastated southern towns and warns that the planned UNIFIL withdrawal could leave the area without independent monitoring. Economic Divide: A $13 chicken sandwich has sparked debate over Lebanon’s widening gap between people who can still spend freely and households struggling with basic costs.

Israeli Strikes: Israel hit a threatened building in Beirut’s Zuqaq al-Blat and launched further strikes across southern Lebanon after US-mediated talks ended without a breakthrough. The Health Ministry says Beirut’s hospitals remain open and fully operational. UNIFIL’s Future: Ireland’s Defence Minister Helen McEntee is visiting Lebanon to meet officials and Irish troops. She backs an EU mission after UNIFIL ends and will raise the 2022 killing of peacekeeper Seán Rooney. Explosives Probe: The shipment of explosives from the Bekaa to Beirut has sharpened Cabinet divisions over whether to refer the case to the Judicial Council. Economic Divide: A $13 chicken sandwich has become a flashpoint in a country where many struggle with basic costs, even as the restaurant says it sold 20,000 in 11 days. Art Amid War: Southern Lebanese artist Lina Jouni is turning shrapnel from Israeli munitions into sculptures and keepsakes.