The Lebanese government intends to launch “a broad and intensive diplomatic campaign in international forums with the aim of pressing Israel to honor its pledges that were mentioned in the ceasefire agreement in terms of its full withdrawal from Lebanon and the complete halt of its attacks,” informed sources said.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman told President Joseph Aoun in their meeting in Riyadh on Monday that he is counting on him and on his presidential tenure, the Nidaa al-Watan newspaper reported on Friday.

The Lebanese Army said in a statement that “the Israeli enemy is continuing its territorial, naval and aerial violations against Lebanon’s sovereignty, the last of which was a series of attacks on citizens in the South and the Bekaa, the continued occupation of Lebanese territory, and continued breaches of the land border.”

The World Bank on Friday estimated Lebanon's recovery and reconstruction costs at $11 billion following the war between Israel and Hezbollah, which ended with a ceasefire last November.

"Reconstruction and recovery needs following the conflict that affected Lebanon are estimated at US$11 billion," the World Bank said in a report assessing damage and losses from October 8 to December 20, 2024.

Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea has stressed that “it is impossible to achieve any reform or secure any stability without accomplishing full and real sovereignty.”

A group of Israeli settlers on Friday entered the al-Abbad tomb inside Lebanese territory, Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported.

President Joseph Aoun on Friday discussed the security situations in the country with Defense Minister Michel Menassa.

On a lush green hilltop on Israel's northern border with Lebanon, Carmela Keren Yakuti proudly shows off her home in Dovev, which she fled more than 16 months ago over fears of a Hezbollah attack.

"Now that everyone is back, it's an amazing feeling," said Yakuti, 40, standing on her freshly washed patio and breathing in the crisp country air.

International Monetary Fund staff will visit Lebanon next week to meet with the country's new government and begin addressing its economic woes, the Washington-based lender said.

Speaking to reporters in Washington, IMF communications director Julie Kozack said the March 10-14 "fact-finding" mission to Lebanon would address the country's economic development, and its reconstruction needs amid a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.

Syrian security forces arrested a top former intelligence officer suspected of numerous killings, including the 1977 murder of Lebanese opposition leader Kamal Jumblat, the state news agency reported on Thursday.

Forces seized Ibrahim Huweija, a former head of air force intelligence, one of the most trusted security agencies of the former ruling Assad family, a security source was quoted as saying by the SANA agency.