Israeli forces are on alert on Lebanon’s border out of concerns of a possible escalation with Hezbollah in connection with the growing possibility of a war with Iran, the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation reported.

The Israeli media outlet also said that the United States would inform Israel in advance should it decide to wage an attack on Iran.

Former Prime Minister Saad Hariri has affirmed that al-Mustaqbal Movement is entering a new phase aimed at reaffirming the path of late PM Rafik Hariri — "one of moderation and dedication to establishing stability in the nation".

Hariri stressed that prosperity in any region of Lebanon will benefit all Lebanese people, regardless of where they are.

UNESCO welcomed Wednesday the completion of parliamentary committee deliberations on Lebanon’s draft Media Law, describing it as a major milestone in a reform process that has spanned nearly 15 years.

The draft law, submitted in late 2025 by the Minister of Information with sustained technical support from UNESCO, will now be referred to the General Assembly for debate and adoption.

Finance Minister Yassine Jaber on Tuesday held a press conference to defend the controversial taxes that were imposed by the government overnight.

"We have reached a critical juncture with a paralyzed and struggling public sector. A decision was necessary. Negotiations took place with the military, and a meeting was held at the Ministry of Defense. The consensus was to approve the salary increase, and those present understood that approving it without revenues would expose the country to a crisis, Jaber said.

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam on Tuesday inspected the impoverished northern city of Tripoli, accompanied by Minister of Social Affairs Hanin El Sayed, kicking off his visit by meeting with families temporarily residing in building of the Lebanese University’s Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management.

Dozens of unsafe buildings were evacuated in Tripoli after the recent collapse of two buildings that killed at least 15 people.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stressed Tuesday that Israel will not withdraw its forces from south Lebanon as long as Hezbollah has weapons.

“Our presence at five points in southern Lebanon is not part of the ceasefire agreement, but we imposed it, and the United States accepted it," Katz added.

The key Ring highway in Beirut and the vital Khalde road just outside the capital were blocked on Tuesday in protest at the government’s overnight decision to hike gasoline prices by 25% and the Valued Added Tax (VAT) from 11% to 12%.

The government said it made the move in order to fund a wage increase for the public sector and the armed forces equivalent to six times their wages in Lebanese pound in 2019.

Hezbollah chief Sheikh Naim Qassem on Monday criticized the Lebanese government for offering “continuous concessions” to Israel, suggesting that the Lebanese state should halt all steps related to the so-called arms monopolization plan.

“If you want to surrender, amend the constitution, because the constitution's essence is confrontation and defense for the sake of liberation,” said Qassem in a televised speech commemorating Hezbollah’s slain leaders Ragheb Harb, Abbas al-Moussawi and Imad Mughniyeh.

President Joseph Aoun stressed Monday that Lebanon is “no longer able to bear anyone's conflicts, nor anyone's burdens.”

“We desire nothing but the well-being of our people, the prosperity of our nation and the lives of our children,” Aoun said during a joint press conference with his German counterpart Frank-Walter Steinmeier at the Baabda Palace.

Speaker Nabih Berri stressed Monday that the May parliamentary elections will be held on time and that even a “technical” delay is not possible.

“There is a law that is in force,” Berri said of the electoral law.