Weekly Update: Lebanon (July 18 - 24, 2025)

Key Weekly Highlights:

• Escalated Israeli Incursions and Aerial Strikes: Israeli forces significantly intensified their crossborder operations, including ground incursions, drone strikes, and artillery shelling, particularly in Nabatieh and South Lebanon towards the end of the week, leading to multiple civilian fatalities and extensive property damage.

• Persistent Internal Security Challenges: Lebanon continued to grapple with high levels of criminality, including organized crime, theft, and drug trafficking, alongside localized civil unrest and violent altercations, often involving firearms and escalating rapidly.

• Heightened Scrutiny on Syrian Nationals: Lebanese authorities conducted numerous largescale raids and arrests targeting Syrian displaced persons across various governorates for illegal entry, presence, and alleged involvement in criminal activities and even affiliation with extremist groups.

• Arrest of ISIS-Linked Individuals: Several individuals linked to ISIS were arrested during the reporting period, highlighting a continuation in increased ISIS activity as observed in the country since the start of the year.

• Diplomatic Engagements Amidst Domestic Tensions: The visit of U.S. envoy, Tom Barrack, highlighted ongoing international pressure regarding armed group disarmament while Lebanese political actors emphasized national sovereignty and regional stability, underscoring the complex interplay between internal and external pressures.

Weekly Overview:

SARI Global Weekly Update: Lebanon (July 18 - 24, 2025) The reporting period, July 18-24, 2025, witnessed a notable escalation in security and conflict dynamics across Lebanon, particularly in its southern regions. Israeli forces conducted numerous incursions, aerial strikes, and shelling incidents in Nabatieh and South Lebanon, resulting in civilian casualties and property destruction. Key incidents included drone strikes targeting vehicles and residences in Al-Kfour, Naqoura, Qabrikha, Mays al-Jabal, Yahmar al-Shaqif, Al-Tairi, Aita al-Shab, Tebnine, and Mahmudiyah, leading to at least eight fatalities and several injuries. Ground incursions with military vehicles and bulldozers were also reported in Mays al-Jabal and Rmeish, violating UN Resolution 1701. Beyond the southern border, Israeli reconnaissance aircraft and drones were frequently observed over the Bekaa region, Mount Lebanon, and even Beirut, indicating a broadened scope of surveillance activities.

In the political and civil sphere, domestic concerns intertwined with regional developments. Protests occurred in the West Bank and Beirut, advocating for Gaza and condemning the Rafah crossing closure, highlighting ongoing solidarity with Palestinian grievances. Internally, there were significant discussions around the disarmament of armed groups, notably Hezbollah, with Barrack pressing for a rapid government decision. Lebanese officials, while engaging with international diplomacy, underscored the necessity of addressing Israeli actions and national sovereignty. The Minister of Justice and Minister of Foreign Affairs made statements affirming judicial independence and a commitment to restoring ties with Arab nations like Bahrain, indicating efforts to stabilize the political landscape amidst complex internal and external pressures.

[[{"type":"media","fid":"105273","view_mode":"default","instance_fields":"override","link_text":"lebanon_weekly_update_july_18-24_2025.pdf"}]]