AGP Executive Report

Ali al-Taher Ridge: Israel says it has taken operational control “above and below” the Ali al-Taher ridge in southern Lebanon, clearing Hezbollah underground routes and finding command rooms, weapons storage, generators, living quarters and kitchens, while operations to neutralize remaining tunnels continue. Prisoner Releases & Talks: Israel agreed to release five Lebanese detainees after finding they were civilians with no ties to terror groups; the first handover (Malek Ghazi) reached the Lebanese army via the ICRC at Naqoura, with the rest expected next, amid US-brokered efforts tied to searching for the remains of Jewish community leaders killed in the 1980s. Southern Lebanon Under Pressure: Despite ceasefire talks, Israeli strikes, artillery shelling, demolitions and ground incursions continued across multiple southern towns and villages, with reports of homes being reduced to rubble and residents facing restricted access. Displacement Before School: With the school year approaching, displaced families in Lebanon’s south are still stuck in public schools as shelters, with electricity and water shortages pushing people to move again. EU Security Mission: The EU says more than 10 European countries are willing to contribute to a new mission to train and support Lebanese forces, aimed at replacing UNIFIL as its mandate nears expiry. Humanitarian Cost: Save the Children warns that over 250 children have been killed in Lebanon in six months, as civilian suffering deepens.

Prisoner Swap Talks: Israel released its first Lebanese detainee since the latest Israel-Hezbollah war began, handing over Malek Ghazi to the Lebanese Army via the ICRC at Naqoura, as Netanyahu said five detainees will be freed in coming hours/days in coordination with the US, framed as goodwill tied to efforts to locate remains of Lebanese Jewish community leaders abducted and killed in the 1980s. Southern Lebanon Escalation: Israeli strikes and incursions continued across the south, with artillery shelling and ground activity reported around Al-Mansouri, Hadatha, Wadi Baraachit, Halta Farm and Ali al-Taher hill, while the IDF said it completed clearance of two Hezbollah underground infrastructures on Ali al-Taher ridge and is still neutralizing tunnels. Humanitarian Toll: Save the Children said at least 257 children have been killed in Lebanon in six months of the Israel-Hezbollah conflict, with 1,039 injured, and warned about major school disruption. Diplomacy & UNIFIL: France pushed to keep UNIFIL in southern Lebanon beyond its planned withdrawal, while the US opposed any extension, as Lebanon continues pressing for security arrangements. Regional Security: Iran warned the US that any Israeli attack on Ali al-Taher ridge could trigger major retaliation, underscoring how the ridge is becoming a flashpoint. Lebanon Watch: Lebanon’s Public Prosecution opened a probe into a fake passport case, and the FBI returned three ancient Lebanese artifacts to Lebanon.

Southern Lebanon Under Fire: Israeli airstrikes and artillery hit towns including Wadi Al-Hujair, Beit Lif, Bani Hayyan, Hadatha and Ali al-Taher heights, with drones reported over the south as residents face renewed shelling and incursions. Ali al-Taher Flashpoint: Reuters reports Iran warned the US it would respond forcefully to any Israeli offensive on the Ali al-Taher ridge, where Hezbollah is believed to have an underground command center and weapons stores. UNIFIL Uncertainty: The Netherlands is pushing to extend UNIFIL beyond its Dec. 31 mandate, warning that a post-UNIFIL security vacuum could follow as Israel continues to accuse the mission of failing to stop Hezbollah. Lebanese Army Pushback: Lebanon’s army rejected Israeli media claims that officers oppose withdrawal plans, saying it is carrying out assigned duties and warning of a disinformation campaign. Diplomacy to De-escalate: Qatar’s PM held talks with Lebanon’s PM Nawaf Salam and also with Turkey and Egypt, focusing on de-escalation and restoring freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Regional Spillover: The US-Iran confrontation also intensified in the Gulf, with Iran firing on US allies in Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan after US strikes, raising fears of wider escalation.

Southern Lebanon Escalation: Israeli drone and missile strikes hit Nabatieh, killing one and injuring another, while airstrikes and artillery shelling pounded towns including Mansouri, Kfartibnit, Beit Lif and Hadatha, despite a US-backed framework agreement. Hezbollah Response: Hezbollah issued a categorical denial over reports linking it to a security cell accused of destabilizing Lebanon and Syria, calling the claims baseless. Arrests & Cross-Border Plot: Lebanon arrested a former Syrian intelligence officer and accomplices accused of planning attacks against Syria’s new government forces, with claims of training by Hezbollah fighters. US Claims on Iranian Entry: A US source alleges loopholes in death registration and Lebanese document facilitation helped IRGC members enter Lebanon via Beirut airport and ports. Diplomacy & De-escalation: Qatar’s PM Nawaf Salam call reaffirmed support for diplomatic efforts to de-escalate and secure maritime navigation; EU officials also say more than 10 states are ready to back a mission to advise and train Lebanese forces as UNIFIL’s mandate nears end. Economy & Accountability: Lebanon’s central bank selected Alvarez & Marsal for an audit of over four years of its transactions, including the post-2019 collapse period. Humanitarian Toll: Save the Children says Israel has killed an average of seven children per day in Lebanon since March, with hundreds dead and over a thousand injured. Lebanon Politics: President Joseph Aoun urged national unity and said negotiations’ goal is sparing Lebanon war while protecting sovereignty, echoing Berri’s “red lines” on civil peace and the army.

Lebanon-Israel Border Escalation: Israeli forces reported interceptors after a suspected aircraft crossed from Lebanon into northern Israel, triggering rocket/missile alerts, as the army said it carried out airstrikes and artillery in southern Lebanon following Hezbollah’s launch of two explosive drones near the Ali al-Taher ridge. Ceasefire Strain & Civilian Impact: Local reports described strikes across multiple southern towns and districts, with Lebanon’s health ministry putting the cumulative toll from March 2 to Aug. 28 at 4,352 killed and 12,318 wounded, while UNHCR warned continued attacks can hinder returns and trigger localized displacement. EU Security Push After UNIFIL: EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said more than 10 EU countries are ready to support a new EU mission to advise and train Lebanese security forces, aiming for an October decision, while stressing it will not replace UNIFIL as its mandate ends Dec. 31. Diplomacy Over Implementation: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun urged Greece to press Israel to fully implement the US-brokered framework deal, as Athens signed a major air-defense agreement with Israel. Regional Tensions: Iran said US strikes killed 11 people, and Qatar accused Israel of exploiting the US-Iran conflict to impose new realities in Palestinian, Lebanese, and Syrian territories.

Ali al-Taher Tunnel: Israel says Hezbollah fighters remain entrenched in a tunnel on the Ali al-Taher hills, after two mediation efforts failed—one via Turkish/Qatari channels and another to hand the area to the Lebanese army—raising fears of a possible military confrontation. EU Lebanon Mission: EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas says more than 10 EU states are ready to back a new mission to advise and train Lebanon’s armed forces as UNIFIL’s mandate nears expiry, with planning aimed at an October launch. Lebanon-Israel Framework Pressure: President Joseph Aoun tells Greece the US-mediated framework must be implemented fully and warns against selective compliance, as Israel continues demolitions in the south despite ceasefire claims. Casualties Update: Lebanon’s Health Ministry puts deaths from Israeli aggression at 4,352 martyrs and 12,318 injured, with total casualties since Oct. 8, 2025 reaching 16,679. Aoun-Greece Strategic Talks: Greece’s Mitsotakis pledges continued support for Lebanon’s sovereignty and the Lebanese Armed Forces, while discussing deeper strategic partnership and reconstruction. Lebanon Stops Cyprus Boat: State Security says it stopped a planned sea route to Cyprus carrying 25 Syrians, arresting a suspected smuggler. Local Life: Byblos opens a new Lakeview location, expanding its Lebanese-inspired menu for neighborhood families.

Southern Lebanon Ceasefire Violations: Israel carried out airstrikes and artillery across the south despite a ceasefire, including drone attacks on Mansouri and Zawtar al-Sharqiya, and repeated blasts that reportedly caused part of Mount Qantara to collapse. Cluster Bomb Deaths: A Lebanese teenager died after a cluster bomb remnant exploded in Haboush, with another teen injured. EU UNIFIL Exit Debate: With UNIFIL’s mandate set to end in 2026, EU ministers are set to discuss whether a European mission can help fill the vacuum without replacing UN peacekeeping outright. Lebanon Rejects Buffer Zone: Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri reiterated Lebanon will not accept any buffer zone or security belt in the south, calling the Lebanese army a “red line.” Diplomacy Push via Greece: President Joseph Aoun asked Greece to help enforce the US-backed Israel-Lebanon framework, stressing it must be implemented by both sides. Education in War: School starts soon in Lebanon, but thousands remain in shelters, including families in Tyre. Cyber Scams Warning: Lebanese and Indian residents in the UAE were warned about scammers posing as officials to steal personal and biometric data.

Ceasefire & Diplomacy: Lebanon’s Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri warned of “existential risks,” rejecting any Israeli buffer zone, secret annexes, or talks “under fire,” saying Israel aims to spark sectarian strife rather than just disarm Hezbollah. State Authority Push: President Joseph Aoun told Greece the U.S.-brokered framework must be implemented “by both sides, without selectivity,” urging Athens to help end the “state of hostility” and restore Lebanese control. Southern Lebanon Escalation: Reports say Israeli blasts caused part of Al-Qantara mountain in Marjayoun to collapse, with drones flying low over Beirut’s southern suburbs and Tyre; officials also describe a “gradual escalation” around Ali al-Taher. Regional Fallout: Greece reaffirmed support and pledged increased military assistance for the Lebanese Army to prevent a security vacuum after UNIFIL’s end. Humanitarian & Civilian Impact: Lebanese authorities cite thousands killed and over a million displaced, while UN and rights groups flag rising civilian risks. Migration & Security: Lebanon halted a boat carrying about 25 Syrian migrants to Cyprus and arrested a suspected smuggler. Culture: The 41st Annual Lebanese Food Festival returns Sept. 11–13.

Casualties Update: Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health says Israeli aggression has left 16,259 casualties since March 2 to Aug. 28, including 4,321 deaths and 12,203 injuries, with 204 attacks on the health sector damaging 17 hospitals and forcing three facilities to close. Humanitarian Alarm: The Red Cross called consecutive strikes on medical workers “gravely concerning,” after a deadly hit on a Red Cross centre in Tyre. Southern Lebanon Under Fire: Israeli airstrikes, artillery and bulldozing continued across the south, with reports of demolitions and fires in multiple towns. Diplomacy, With Limits: Lebanon’s Foreign Ministry welcomed Iran’s push for better ties but insisted relations must go through official state institutions, not via factions. Regional Support: Jordan’s King met Lebanon’s army commander to discuss expanding defense cooperation and protecting Lebanon’s sovereignty. UAE-Lebanon Business: UAE Chambers and Lebanon’s business federation signed to revive a joint business council, aiming to boost trade and investment. Local Life: A Lebanese man’s solar data shows big seasonal swings in home electricity generation, tied to both sun and household consumption.

Southern Lebanon Under Fire: Israel escalated ceasefire violations with artillery shelling and airstrikes hitting towns including Kfar Rumman, Mansouri and Beit Siyad, while flare bombs sparked fires in Aita al-Jabal and reports described a massive explosion in Houla. Humanitarian Toll: Lebanon’s Health Ministry said deaths from Israeli attacks have risen to 4,352 martyrs and 12,318 injured. State Sovereignty Push: Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and President Joseph Aoun both stressed that war-and-peace decisions must rest with the Lebanese state and its institutions, not factions, as the US again urged Hezbollah to disarm. Diplomacy Calls: Lebanon’s Foreign Ministry responded to Iran’s Araghchi, reiterating relations must go through sovereign state institutions. Regional Ties: Qatar’s Amir and Lebanon’s president discussed bilateral support, while Jordan’s King met the Lebanese army commander and both sides reaffirmed defense cooperation. Economy & Business: The UAE revived a joint business council with Lebanon, aiming to boost private-sector trade and investment. Road Safety Angle: A new report contrasts stricter driving abroad with weaker enforcement at home, linking poor road discipline to Lebanon’s rising casualties. Education Worry: With September approaching, at least 100,000 students may face school disruption due to war damage and schools used as shelters.

US-Lebanon-Israel Framework: A US State Department spokesperson said Washington recognizes Lebanon’s government as the only legitimate body to negotiate the country’s future, but insisted Hezbollah must disarm and hand weapons to the state before talks can move forward. Hezbollah’s Rejection: Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem reiterated the group will not surrender, rejecting the framework and “pilot areas” tied to Israeli withdrawal. Southern Lebanon Under Strain: Israel carried out airstrikes, artillery shelling and demolitions across Nabatieh and Marjayoun, including the reported blowing up of an elderly care home in Houla, as Lebanon’s health ministry put deaths since March 2 at 4,352. Beirut Suburbs Evacuation Warning: Israel issued urgent evacuation notices for several southern Beirut neighborhoods, citing Hezbollah activity and warning civilians not to stay near facilities. UNIFIL After Dec. 31: Nabih Berri said UNIFIL’s end would require a new UN-backed force under a UN banner, arguing bilateral deals can’t replace international presence while Israel refuses full withdrawal. Travel Disruptions: The US updated advisories for Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar and Bahrain, warning of security risks linked to Iran; meanwhile, airlines in the region reported cancellations and delays.

Southern Lebanon Escalation: Israeli forces carried out airstrikes, artillery shelling and explosions across multiple southern towns, including Nabatieh, Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh, Haddatha, Haris and Al-Mansouri, with reports of a drone strike hitting a building on Nabih Berri Avenue in Nabatieh and a large explosion between Markaba and Rab el-Thalathine. Fires in the South: Occupation forces set woodland fires between Aita al-Jabal and Haddatha, spreading rapidly in strong winds and hampering firefighting. Winter Risk in Beirut’s Suburbs: In Beirut’s southern suburbs, war-damaged buildings face a new threat from heavy rain and strong winds, with municipalities warning residents not to approach damaged structures as winter nears. Hezbollah Rejects Deal: Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem again rejected the Lebanon-Israel framework agreement, calling it illegitimate and refusing “pilot zones” and any verification setup. Diplomacy and Sovereignty: Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun said the state will support border communities, praising their resilience, while Iran’s FM Abbas Araghchi told a Lebanese Shia cleric that unity is key to countering Israeli aggression. Greek Aid to Lebanese Army: Greece delivered a second military shipment to the Lebanese Army at Beirut’s port, including M113 armored carriers and trucks. Heritage Under Pressure: Archaeological work continues to uncover Lebanon’s Roman and older treasures, even as excavations in the south have been disrupted by the war.

UNIFIL Update: UNIFIL says it recorded 1,030 projectile trajectories in southern Lebanon from Aug 21–27, averaging 147 a day, warning the border remains “highly fragile” despite lower levels than earlier this year. Casualties & Displacement: Lebanon’s health ministry puts deaths from the March 2 escalation at 4,352 and injuries at 12,318, while the UN says 330,000 people remain displaced and humanitarian access is still blocked in parts of the south. Southern Lebanon Escalation: Lebanese media reports Israeli airstrikes, explosions and artillery shelling across multiple towns, including demolitions and fires, as ceasefire violations continue. Hezbollah Rejects Framework: Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem again denounced the US-brokered Lebanon-Israel framework and “pilot zones,” saying the group will not “surrender” and calling for the framework’s downfall. Next Talks: A new US-mediated round between Israel and Lebanon is set for early September, with disputes over Israeli withdrawal and verification still unresolved. US Sanctions Pressure: The US Treasury unveiled its first “secondary” Iran sanctions, targeting Banque Misr UAE’s access to US dollar transactions over Iran-linked dealings. Diplomacy vs Pressure: Iran’s Abbas Araghchi says diplomacy is “not impossible” but only if Washington drops pressure; Iran also says it’s ready to reopen a temporary Strait of Hormuz corridor with Oman if US conditions are met.

Humanitarian Crisis in South Lebanon: UN spokesman Stéphane Dujarric says about 330,000 people remain displaced across Lebanon, with aid teams blocked by access limits south of the Litani River as fighting continues. UNIFIL Exit Plans: The UN Security Council is weighing what comes after UNIFIL’s mandate ends this year, with the US and Israel pushing for a smaller verification role tied to the June framework, while EU officials also draft a possible civilian-military mission for 2027. Ceasefire Strains: UNIFIL recorded 1,030 projectiles fired in southern Lebanon from Aug. 21–27, averaging 147 a day, despite the June agreement. Southern Lebanon Attacks: Reports describe continued Israeli strikes and shelling, including demolitions around Ali al-Taher and towns such as Houla, Wadi Slouqi, Mansouri, and Arab Salim, with civilians killed and injured. Diplomacy and “Pilot Zones”: Israel tells the US the “pilot zones” plan has failed, while Lebanon says it wants to avoid internal bloodshed and keep negotiations focused on state authority. US-Iran Pressure Ripple: The US Treasury moves to revoke Banque Misr UAE’s dollar access, calling it a “critical node” for Iran-linked financial networks.

Southern Lebanon Escalation: Israel kept up artillery and machine-gun fire across the south, hitting towns including Houla and Wadi al-Salouqi, with no immediate casualty details reported. UN Humanitarian Warning: UN OCHA said renewed hostilities are disrupting daily life and forcing responders to withdraw at times, while funding for a six-month flash appeal is only slightly above half. Diplomacy vs. the Ground: Israel told the US its southern Lebanon pilot program has failed, blaming the Lebanese army for not destroying Hezbollah infrastructure using IDF-provided coordinates; a US official denied a report that the US ambassador is holding talks with Hezbollah. Iran’s Lebanon “Red Line”: Iran’s security chief Mohsen Rezaei warned Beirut and the southern suburbs are Tehran’s “red line,” said Netanyahu will be sent “to hell,” and threatened countermeasures if the US blockade continues. Lebanon-UAE Ties: UAE and Lebanon officials signed MoUs and discussed expanding trade, investment, industry support, and digital cooperation. Gaza Human Toll: Palestinian bodies held by Israel reached about 1,700, as Palestinians marked a national day for recovery of martyrs’ remains.

UAE-Lebanon Economic Push: UAE Foreign Trade Minister Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi met President Joseph Aoun in Beirut, pledging support for Lebanon’s stability and economic development after a two-day forum that produced a “new wave” of private-sector partnerships and signed four agreements, including a UAE-Lebanon Business Council. Southern Lebanon Escalation: Israeli strikes hit Nabatieh’s Arab Salim, killing a woman married two days earlier and wounding six others; UNIFIL urged restraint and political engagement under UN Security Council Resolution 1701 as violence continues. UNIFIL Incident: A UNIFIL peacekeeper from Indonesia was killed and another critically injured after a projectile exploded near Adchit al-Qusayr, with UNIFIL saying it is investigating the source. Diplomacy vs. Tensions: UNIFIL reiterated 1701’s core terms—Blue Line respect, hostilities cessation, Israeli withdrawal, and Lebanese state authority—while Lebanon and Israel keep trading accusations of violations. Regional Politics: The 40th International Islamic Unity Conference opened in Tehran, drawing scholars and guests from around 40 countries, including Lebanon. Trade and Sanctions Watch: Visa and Mastercard reported the first international card payments in Syria in over a decade, signaling shifting financial ties after US moves.