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Israeli PM says ‘we will restore security’ to border area with Lebanon amid cross-border attacks with Hezbollah. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel is “prepared for a very intense operation” along its border with Lebanon, where Israeli troops have exchanged near daily fire with Hezbollah fighters for almost eight months. Hezbollah said later that it launched several attacks on Israeli …

Lebanon PM renews call for minister in Gulf Arab row to quit

BEIRUT — Lebanon’s prime minister on Thursday again urged the information minister to “do what needs to be done,” an apparent appeal for him step down over an unprecedented diplomatic rift with Saudi Arabia. He called Kordahi’s decision would be a “priority and the natural road map to get out of the crisis,” and preserve relations with the Gulf. On …

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Lawyers for former ministers Ali Hassan Khalil and Ghazi Zeaiter register new legal complaint against Judge Tarek Bitar. Beirut, Lebanon – The probe into the Beirut port explosion has been suspended after two former ministers facing charges lodged a new legal complaint against the lead investigator. The development came moments after Judge Tarek Bitar issued an arrest warrant for ex-finance …

BEIRUT — The lead judge investigating last year’s massive blast in Beirut’s port had to suspend his work in the case Monday after a former Cabinet minister demanded his dismissal. The development comes amid a growing campaign by Lebanon’s political class against Bitar, who took over the job in February after his predecessor, Fadi Sawwan, was removed following similar legal …

France pledges support for Lebanon’s new prime minister

PARIS — French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed Friday Lebanon’s new prime minister at the presidential palace, wishing him success and promising France would continue to support the crisis-struck country. “We will do everything to help you succeed.” Throughout Lebanon’s crisis, France had taken the lead among the international community in helping the small Mideast country, a former French protectorate. On …

Lebanon judge seeks arrest of ex-minister charged in Beirut blast

Judge issues arrest warrant after former public works minister Youssef Fenianos fails to appear for questioning. The lead judge investigating Lebanon’s massive port explosion last year has issued an arrest warrant for a former government minister who failed to appear for questioning, state media has reported. Youssef Fenianos, the former public works minister, is one of several former government officials …

BEIRUT — Lebanon’s former prime minister left the country for the United States on Tuesday, his advisor said, despite a subpoena from the judge investigating last year’s devastating explosion at Beirut port. Diab was caretaker prime minister until last week, when Najib Mikati successfully formed a new government, ending months of political haggling. As caretaker prime minister, Diab was summoned …

Lebanese legislators on Friday held up an investigation into the Beirut port blast, less than a month before its first anniversary, demanding more proof before they lift immunity for ex-ministers wanted for questioning. Earlier this month, the lead judge in the case, Tareq Bitar, said he had demanded that parliament lift the immunity of ex-finance minister Ali Hasan Khalil, former …