Syria and Lebanon signed an agreement in Saudi Arabia on Friday to boost cooperation on border demarcation and security coordination. Watch this report for more details!

Syria, Lebanon sign border security deal

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-strike-hits-beirut-for-first-time-in-months-lebanon-hunts-those-behind-rocket-attack-on-israel-8900732">Netanyahu</a> on Friday (March 28) issued a strong warning, saying Israel would "strike everywhere in Lebanon against any threat", following the first air strike on south Beirut since a ceasefire with Hezbollah began in November.
"The equation has changed... we will not allow any fire on our communities," Netanyahu said in a statement. 
"We will continue to enforce the ceasefire with force, strike everywhere in Lebanon against any threat to the State of Israel, and ensure that all our residents in the north return safely to their homes," he added.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-strike-hits-beirut-for-first-time-in-months-lebanon-hunts-those-behind-rocket-attack-on-israel-8900732">Israeli strike hits Beirut for first time since Hezbollah ceasefire; Lebanon hunts those behind rocket attack on Israel</a>
The air strike on Friday came after rockets were launched from Lebanon into Israel. Israel responded by targeting an area in southern Beirut, a known Hezbollah stronghold.
<h2>'Dangerous escalation'</h2>
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the attack, calling it "a dangerous escalation" and criticising what he described as "Israeli attacks that target civilians and safe residential areas where schools and universities are located," according to a statement from his office.
The Lebanese army later reported it had located the rocket launch site, situated north of the Litani River, and said efforts were underway to identify those responsible.
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-to-start-meeting-candidates-to-replace-internal-intelligence-agency-chief-ronen-bar-8890568">Netanyahu to start meeting candidates to replace internal intelligence agency chief Ronen Bar</a>
Meanwhile, Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz issued a warning of his own. He said any future attacks on northern Israel would be met with strikes on Hezbollah&rsquo;s Dahieh stronghold in Beirut.
"Any attempt to harm the Galilee communities, the rooftops of the houses in the Dahieh neighbourhood in Beirut will tremble," Katz said in a video message. Addressing Lebanon&rsquo;s leadership directly, he added, "If you do not enforce the ceasefire agreement, we will enforce it."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanon-warns-of-new-war-after-israels-retaliatory-attacks-that-killed-two-8880073">Lebanon warns of &lsquo;new war&rsquo; after Israel&rsquo;s retaliatory attacks kill two</a>
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday issued a strong warning, saying Israel would "strike everywhere in Lebanon against any threat." middle east

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday (March 28) issued a strong warning, saying Israel would "strike everywhere in Lebanon against any threat", following the first air strike on south Beirut since a ceasefire with Hezbollah began in November. "The equation has changed... we will not allow any fire on our communities," Netanyahu said in a statement. "We will continue to enforce the ceasefire with force, strike everywhere in Lebanon against any threat to the State of Israel, and ensure that all our residents in the north return safely to their homes," he added. Also read: Israeli strike hits Beirut for first time since Hezbollah ceasefire; Lebanon hunts those behind rocket attack on Israel The air strike on Friday came after rockets were launched from Lebanon into Israel. Israel responded by targeting an area in southern Beirut, a known Hezbollah stronghold. 'Dangerous escalation' Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the attack, calling it "a dangerous escalation" and criticising what he described as "Israeli attacks that target civilians and safe residential areas where schools and universities are located," according to a statement from his office. The Lebanese army later reported it had located the rocket launch site, situated north of the Litani River, and said efforts were underway to identify those responsible. Also read: Netanyahu to start meeting candidates to replace internal intelligence agency chief Ronen Bar Meanwhile, Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz issued a warning of his own. He said any future attacks on northern Israel would be met with strikes on Hezbollah’s Dahieh stronghold in Beirut. "Any attempt to harm the Galilee communities, the rooftops of the houses in the Dahieh neighbourhood in Beirut will tremble," Katz said in a video message. Addressing Lebanon’s leadership directly, he added, "If you do not enforce the ceasefire agreement, we will enforce it." Also read: Lebanon warns of ‘new war’ after Israel’s retaliatory attacks kill two (With inputs from agencies)

‘Won’t allow any fire’: Netanyahu warns of strikes ‘everywhere in Lebanon’ after hitting Beirut

Israel is conducting strikes not just in Gaza, but also in Lebanon and Syria. Israeli troops are still stationed in the border region of Syria and Lebanon. Is there an end to Israel's multi-front warfare?

Israel ends truce with Lebanon

An Israeli air strike targeted a neighbourhood in southern Beirut on Friday (March 28), marking the first such attack since a ceasefire in November eased tensions between Israel and Hezbollah.
According to Lebanon&rsquo;s state-run National News Agency, &ldquo;Israeli warplanes struck the Hadath neighbourhood in Beirut's southern suburbs.&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanon-warns-of-new-war-after-israels-retaliatory-attacks-that-killed-two-8880073">Lebanon warns of &lsquo;new war&rsquo; after Israel&rsquo;s retaliatory attacks kill two</a>
The air strike came in response to rockets fired from Lebanon into Israel earlier in the day. No group has claimed responsibility for the rocket attack.
Following the incident, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam called on the military to take swift action to identify and apprehend those responsible for the rocket fire.
Salam spoke with the army commander and &ldquo;asked him to act quickly to undertake the necessary investigations to uncover those behind the irresponsible rocket fire that threatens Lebanon's stability and security,&rdquo; his office said in a statement. 
He also called for &ldquo;intensified efforts&rdquo; to bring the culprits to justice.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-to-start-meeting-candidates-to-replace-internal-intelligence-agency-chief-ronen-bar-8890568">Netanyahu to start meeting candidates to replace internal intelligence agency chief Ronen Bar</a>
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Following the incident, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam called on the military to take swift action to identify and apprehend those responsible for the rocket fire. Middle East

An Israeli air strike targeted a neighbourhood in southern Beirut on Friday (March 28), marking the first such attack since a ceasefire in November eased tensions between Israel and Hezbollah. According to Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency, “Israeli warplanes struck the Hadath neighbourhood in Beirut's southern suburbs.” Also read: Lebanon warns of ‘new war’ after Israel’s retaliatory attacks kill two The air strike came in response to rockets fired from Lebanon into Israel earlier in the day. No group has claimed responsibility for the rocket attack. Following the incident, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam called on the military to take swift action to identify and apprehend those responsible for the rocket fire. Salam spoke with the army commander and “asked him to act quickly to undertake the necessary investigations to uncover those behind the irresponsible rocket fire that threatens Lebanon's stability and security,” his office said in a statement. He also called for “intensified efforts” to bring the culprits to justice. Also read: Netanyahu to start meeting candidates to replace internal intelligence agency chief Ronen Bar (With inputs from agencies)

Israeli strike hits Beirut for first time since Hezbollah ceasefire; Lebanon hunts those behind rocket attack on Israel

#Gravitas The war that began in Gaza has now spilled across borders, leaving a trail of utter destruction and bloodshed. Israel has now widened its military campaign, targeting Syria and Lebanon with equal intensity.

Bloodbath as Israel takes war from Gaza to Syria and Lebanon

Israel has launched more airstrikes on Lebanon, targeting South Lebanon’s Tyre amid rising tensions along the border. The escalation follows Israel’s interception of three rockets from Lebanon. Meanwhile, the mayor of Israel’s Metula town is urging Netanyahu to return to war. The IDF has also released footage of the latest strikes.

Israel strikes Lebanon again as border tensions reach boiling point

Israel has launched new airstrikes on Lebanon, escalating tensions along the border after months of relative calm. The IDF has released footage of the latest attacks, while families of hostages accuse Netanyahu of prioritizing military action. Watch this report for more updates!

Israel-Lebanon conflict: Israel escalates airstrikes on Lebanon amid rising tensions

In a sudden and pretty sharp escalation between the state of Israel and Lebanon, rockets have been fired from Lebanon into Israel, prompting a very swift and devastating Israeli campaign of bombardment of the Lebanese territory. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu ordered bombings of what he describes as dozens of terror targets after vowing a forceful reaction to the cross-border attacks. Israel has hit multiple locations in Lebanon, killing at least two people, including a child, and injuring several others in southern Lebanon. The Lebanese army has said that it has dismantled three makeshift rocket batteries north of the Litani River. Meanwhile, In Gaza Strip, an Israeli bombing killed at least about nine more Palestinians...

Israel-Lebanon Tensions: Israel bombs 'multiple targets' in Lebanon after rocket attacks

Israel has vowed to hit back at Lebanon after it intercepted three rockets fired from its territory into northern Israel. Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that the Lebanese government will have to bear responsibility for any rocket launches towards Israel from its territory.

Israel-Lebanon tensions rise: Israel intercepts 3 rockets fired from Lebanon

After Israel carried out airstrikes on dozens of Hezbollah rocket launchers and a command centre in Lebanon, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam warned of a "new war" as he threatened to renew military operations on the southern border.&nbsp;
The Lebanese PM issued a stark warning, saying that his country is on the brink of a new conflict after Israel vowed to retaliate against rocket attacks launched from Lebanese territory.
"Salam warned of renewed military operations on the southern border, because of the risks they carry dragging the country into a new war, which will bring woes to Lebanon and the Lebanese people," he said in a statement.
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Two people, including a girl, were killed in the Israeli attack on the southern Lebanese town, according to state media.&nbsp;
&ldquo;The Israeli enemy strike on the town of Touline resulted&hellip; in the death of two people, including a girl, and the injury of eight others, including two children,&rdquo; the National News Agency cites the health ministry&rsquo;s emergency unit.&nbsp;
This comes after Israeli Army Chief Eyal Zamir pledged that the military would respond severely to intercepted rockets.&nbsp;
Zamir stressed that Lebanon bears the responsibility of upholding the agreement.&nbsp;
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The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) said that it carried out airstrikes on dozens of Hezbollah rocket launchers and a command center used by the terror group in Lebanon, in response to this morning&rsquo;s rocket attack on Metula.
The rocket attack is a "blatant violation of the understandings between Israel and Lebanon and a direct threat to Israeli citizens,&rdquo; the military says, adding that &ldquo;the State of Lebanon bears responsibility for upholding the agreement.&rdquo;
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Moreover, Metula Mayor David Azoulai said that eight per cent of the town's residents have returned since the November ceasefire with Lebanon, however, some left after this morning's rocket attack.&nbsp;
&ldquo;The return of residents to Metula under the current conditions is unreasonable. Metula residents won&rsquo;t be held hostage to a security compromise,&rdquo; he said in a statement.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-israeli-fighter-jets-fly-over-hezbollah-chief-nasrallahs-funeral-thousands-gather-in-beirut-8749811">Watch | Israeli fighter jets fly over Hezbollah chief Nasrallah&rsquo;s funeral as thousands gather in Beirut</a>
(With inputs from agencies)
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World: Lebanese PM warned that his country is on the brink of a new conflict after Israel vowed to retaliate against rocket attacks launched from Lebanese territory.

After Israel carried out airstrikes on dozens of Hezbollah rocket launchers and a command centre in Lebanon, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam warned of a "new war" as he threatened to renew military operations on the southern border. The Lebanese PM issued a stark warning, saying that his country is on the brink of a new conflict after Israel vowed to retaliate against rocket attacks launched from Lebanese territory. "Salam warned of renewed military operations on the southern border, because of the risks they carry dragging the country into a new war, which will bring woes to Lebanon and the Lebanese people," he said in a statement. Also read: Who is Raisha Alawieh? Professor deported from US over deleted ‘sympathetic photos’ of Hezbollah leaders Two people, including a girl, were killed in the Israeli attack on the southern Lebanese town, according to state media. “The Israeli enemy strike on the town of Touline resulted… in the death of two people, including a girl, and the injury of eight others, including two children,” the National News Agency cites the health ministry’s emergency unit. This comes after Israeli Army Chief Eyal Zamir pledged that the military would respond severely to intercepted rockets. Zamir stressed that Lebanon bears the responsibility of upholding the agreement. Also read: Mossad chief calls pager operation ‘turning point’ in fight against Hezbollah The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) said that it carried out airstrikes on dozens of Hezbollah rocket launchers and a command center used by the terror group in Lebanon, in response to this morning’s rocket attack on Metula. The rocket attack is a "blatant violation of the understandings between Israel and Lebanon and a direct threat to Israeli citizens,” the military says, adding that “the State of Lebanon bears responsibility for upholding the agreement.” Also read: Israel claims to have 'eliminated' Hamas surveillance chief Osama Tabash Moreover, Metula Mayor David Azoulai said that eight per cent of the town's residents have returned since the November ceasefire with Lebanon, however, some left after this morning's rocket attack. “The return of residents to Metula under the current conditions is unreasonable. Metula residents won’t be held hostage to a security compromise,” he said in a statement. Also read: Watch | Israeli fighter jets fly over Hezbollah chief Nasrallah’s funeral as thousands gather in Beirut (With inputs from agencies)

Lebanon warns of ‘new war’ after Israel’s retaliatory attacks kill two

Lebanese and Syrian defense officials reached an agreement on Monday for a ceasefire to halt two days of clashes along the border Watch this report for more details!

Syria, Lebanon agree on a ceasefire after tense border clashes

The Syrian army fired rockets and artillery into northern Lebanon after accusing Iran-backed Hezbollah of kidnapping, and killing three of its soldiers, a charge denied by Hezbollah,

Syria strikes Lebanon, blames Hezbollah for killing its troops

Even though Israel has agreed to speak to Lebanon on border security and control, it continues to conduct strikes across southern posts. Not to mention, Israeli troops are still deployed in 5 key strategic points in Lebanon.

Israel & Lebanon agree to hold border demarcation talks

Lebanon's newly elected President, Joseph Aoun, made his first foreign trip to Saudi Arabia. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman and the Lebanese President discussed ways to revive Lebanon's economy. In our next report, we tell you why this Saudi trip is crucial for Lebanon.

Lebanon president makes first foreign visit to Saudi

The Lebanese president landed in Riyadh on his first trip abroad after taking office. Joseph Aoun met with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and a joint statement was issued following their summit. The statement emphasized that Israel should withdraw from all parts of Lebanon. Watch in for more details!

Lebanon President Joseph Aoun visits Saudi, marks his first trip abroad

Israel has withdrawn from southern Lebanese villages but maintains troops in five strategic positions under a ceasefire deal with Hezbollah. Watch this report for more details!

Lebanon: Israel's continued presence in 5 places an 'occupation'.

Israel withdraws from Lebanon border villages, holds five positions

Israel army pulls out of border villages in South Lebanon

An Israeli airstrike in the southern Lebanese city of Sidon on Monday (Feb 17) killed a senior Hamas military commander, according to a Lebanese security source.
"Mohammed Shahine... a Hamas military unit commander," was killed "in the Israeli strike in Sidon," the source told AFP.
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<h2>Israel confirms strike, says Shahine was planning attacks</h2>
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the strike, stating that it had targeted and killed Shahine in a joint operation involving the Israeli Air Force, Shin Bet, Aman (Military Intelligence), and Northern Command.
According to an IDF statement, "Muhammad Shahine was thwarted after recently engaging in promoting terror plots directed and funded by Iran from Lebanese territory against Israeli citizens."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gates-of-hell-will-be-opened-israeli-prime-minister-netanyahu-warns-hamas-on-hostage-release-8727978" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">&lsquo;Gates of hell will be opened&rsquo;: Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu warns Hamas on hostage release</a>
The statement further described Shahine as "a central knowledge hub in the organisation," adding that during the ongoing conflict, he had played a key role in coordinating rocket attacks on Israel.
<h2>Hezbollah demands Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon</h2>
Meanwhile, the head of the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah said on Sunday (Feb 18) that Israeli forces must withdraw completely from Lebanese territory by the end of the day. He argued that Israel had "no pretext" to maintain a military presence in southern Lebanon.
An Israeli official, speaking to The Times of Israel on condition of anonymity, said that Israel intends to withdraw from Lebanon by the February 18 deadline. However, Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer previously said that the IDF plans to maintain control over five strategic locations in southern Lebanon.
The current ceasefire agreement brokered by Washington between Israel and Hezbollah mandates a full Israeli withdrawal by February 18. In return, Hezbollah is also required to vacate the region, leaving the Lebanese army as the sole military force in the south.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the strike, stating that it had targeted and killed Shahine in a joint operation involving the Israeli Air Force, Shin Bet, Aman (Military Intelligence), and Northern Command. Middle East

An Israeli airstrike in the southern Lebanese city of Sidon on Monday (Feb 17) killed a senior Hamas military commander, according to a Lebanese security source. "Mohammed Shahine... a Hamas military unit commander," was killed "in the Israeli strike in Sidon," the source told AFP. Also read: 'Israel can't do a thing': Tehran slams Netanyahu for vowing to 'finish the job' against Iran with Trump's help Israel confirms strike, says Shahine was planning attacks The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the strike, stating that it had targeted and killed Shahine in a joint operation involving the Israeli Air Force, Shin Bet, Aman (Military Intelligence), and Northern Command. According to an IDF statement, "Muhammad Shahine was thwarted after recently engaging in promoting terror plots directed and funded by Iran from Lebanese territory against Israeli citizens." Also read: ‘Gates of hell will be opened’: Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu warns Hamas on hostage release The statement further described Shahine as "a central knowledge hub in the organisation," adding that during the ongoing conflict, he had played a key role in coordinating rocket attacks on Israel. Hezbollah demands Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon Meanwhile, the head of the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah said on Sunday (Feb 18) that Israeli forces must withdraw completely from Lebanese territory by the end of the day. He argued that Israel had "no pretext" to maintain a military presence in southern Lebanon. An Israeli official, speaking to The Times of Israel on condition of anonymity, said that Israel intends to withdraw from Lebanon by the February 18 deadline. However, Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer previously said that the IDF plans to maintain control over five strategic locations in southern Lebanon. The current ceasefire agreement brokered by Washington between Israel and Hezbollah mandates a full Israeli withdrawal by February 18. In return, Hezbollah is also required to vacate the region, leaving the Lebanese army as the sole military force in the south. (With inputs from agencies)

West Asia crisis: IDF strike kills Hamas military unit commander for 'planning terror attacks'

Hezbollah said on Sunday that Israeli troops must withdraw from Lebanese territory in full by a February 18 deadline, saying it had "no pretext" to maintain a military presence in any post in southern Lebanon. Watch this report for more details!

Hezbollah demands withdrawal of Israeli troops from Lebanon by February 18

Hezbollah calls on Lebanon to enforce Israel's Feb 18 withdrawal

Hezbollah threatens Israel, demands complete withdrawal from Lebanon by Feb 18

Hezbollah supporters blocked all roads to Lebanon’s only commercial airport with burning tires on Thursday after a passenger plane from Iran wasn’t allowed to fly to Beirut. Watch this report for more details!

Hezbollah supporters stage protest in Beirut

Israel has further extended its deployment in Southern Lebanon until February 28, raising questions about whether it will ever fully pull out. Watch this report for more details!

Israel to keep troops in Lebanon until Feb 28: Reports

Beirut: Protests outside Lebanon's only commercial airport

What does the US have to say about Lebanon's government? And why is Hezbollah opposed to Washington, we tell you more.

America vs Hezbollah over Lebanese government formation

Hezbollah may be reeling from the aftermath of its devastating war with Israel, but it's not showing any signs of slowing down.  According to reports, The group is deploying a vast patronage network to strengthen its base, Even after being weakened by war. How is it doing that? Watch this report to find out.

Hezbollah's Post-War Playbook: Cash, compensation, & control

Lebanon's premier named a new government Saturday, the presidency announced, with the weakening of long-dominant Hezbollah following a war with Israel bringing to a close more than two years of caretaker authorities.
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said he hoped to head a "government of reform and salvation", pledging to rebuild trust with the international community after years of economic collapse blamed on corruption and mismanagement.
His new government faces the daunting task of implementing reforms needed to unlock funding from international donors after years of crisis, overseeing a fragile Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire and rebuilding the country.
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"I hope this will be a government of reform and salvation," Salam said in a televised statement moments after his cabinet was announced.
His government will strive to "restore trust between citizens and the state, between Lebanon and its Arab surrounding, and between Lebanon and the international community," he said.
President Joseph Aoun signed a decree "to form a government of 24 ministers", the presidency said in a post on X.
Before the new government can exercise its powers, it needs to draft a ministerial statement that must be submitted to a confidence vote in parliament within 30 days.
Lebanon's 128-seat parliament is mostly dominated by traditional, sectarian-based parties.
The government will hold its first session on Tuesday morning, the presidency said in a post on X.
<h2>'Reformist agenda'</h2>
The new government includes five women, among them Tamara Elzein, who has been secretary-general of Lebanon's National Council for Scientific Research, and Haneen Sayed, who has worked as a specialist for the World Bank.
It also includes well-known figures like Ghassan Salame, a former United Nations envoy to Libya.
Former lawmaker Yassine Jaber, who has close ties to Hezbollah ally the Amal movement, was named finance minister -- a strategic portfolio long dominated by the two parties.
His naming had been leaked and criticised by some as a boon for powerful parliament speaker Nabih Berri, who heads Amal.
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Long the dominant force in Lebanese politics, Hezbollah suffered staggering losses in a war with Israel that saw its leader Hassan Nasrallah killed in a massive air strike in September.
Hezbollah suffered another seismic blow with the ouster on December 8 of Bashar al-Assad in Syria, which it had long used as its weapons lifeline from Iran.
After more than two years of political stalemate, the weakening of Hezbollah allowed former army chief Aoun, widely believed to be Washington's preferred candidate, to be elected president and Salam approved as his premier.
The US embassy in Beirut welcomed the government formation, adding that "the Lebanese people deserve a government that will rebuild Lebanese state institutions, fight corruption, and implement needed reforms".
A day earlier, US Deputy Special Envoy for the Middle East Morgan Ortagus warned against any Hezbollah presence in Lebanon's new government &nbsp;after meeting Aoun in Beirut, saying the group was "defeated" in its war with Israel.
European Union ambassador to Lebanon Sandra De Waele welcomed Salam's "commitment that it (the government) will have a reformist agenda," which she said is "necessary for Lebanon's future".
<h2>'Brighter chapter'</h2>
The international community has long demanded reforms to unlock financial aid after Lebanon's economic meltdown began in 2019.
Political deadlock had left Lebanon without a president for more than two years until Aoun's election.
Salam formed a government in less than a month in a country where such endeavours often take months of political horse trading.
The office of UN special coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert said "today's government formation heralds a new and brighter chapter for Lebanon".
Salam said he named his ministers after consulting with leaders in a country where power has long been shared according to sectarian quotas.
The new government will have to review agreements including with the International Monetary Fund and prepare for parliamentary elections scheduled for next year.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

World: Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said he hoped to head a "government of reform and salvation", pledging to rebuild trust with the international community after years of economic collapse blamed on corruption and mismanagement.

Lebanon's premier named a new government Saturday, the presidency announced, with the weakening of long-dominant Hezbollah following a war with Israel bringing to a close more than two years of caretaker authorities. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said he hoped to head a "government of reform and salvation", pledging to rebuild trust with the international community after years of economic collapse blamed on corruption and mismanagement. His new government faces the daunting task of implementing reforms needed to unlock funding from international donors after years of crisis, overseeing a fragile Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire and rebuilding the country. Also read: Woman arrested for tearing down US flag, replacing it with Mexican flag at California park "I hope this will be a government of reform and salvation," Salam said in a televised statement moments after his cabinet was announced. His government will strive to "restore trust between citizens and the state, between Lebanon and its Arab surrounding, and between Lebanon and the international community," he said. President Joseph Aoun signed a decree "to form a government of 24 ministers", the presidency said in a post on X. Before the new government can exercise its powers, it needs to draft a ministerial statement that must be submitted to a confidence vote in parliament within 30 days. Lebanon's 128-seat parliament is mostly dominated by traditional, sectarian-based parties. The government will hold its first session on Tuesday morning, the presidency said in a post on X. 'Reformist agenda' The new government includes five women, among them Tamara Elzein, who has been secretary-general of Lebanon's National Council for Scientific Research, and Haneen Sayed, who has worked as a specialist for the World Bank. It also includes well-known figures like Ghassan Salame, a former United Nations envoy to Libya. Former lawmaker Yassine Jaber, who has close ties to Hezbollah ally the Amal movement, was named finance minister -- a strategic portfolio long dominated by the two parties. His naming had been leaked and criticised by some as a boon for powerful parliament speaker Nabih Berri, who heads Amal. Also read: Indian man arrested by US immigration authorities over sexual assault charges Long the dominant force in Lebanese politics, Hezbollah suffered staggering losses in a war with Israel that saw its leader Hassan Nasrallah killed in a massive air strike in September. Hezbollah suffered another seismic blow with the ouster on December 8 of Bashar al-Assad in Syria, which it had long used as its weapons lifeline from Iran. After more than two years of political stalemate, the weakening of Hezbollah allowed former army chief Aoun, widely believed to be Washington's preferred candidate, to be elected president and Salam approved as his premier. The US embassy in Beirut welcomed the government formation, adding that "the Lebanese people deserve a government that will rebuild Lebanese state institutions, fight corruption, and implement needed reforms". A day earlier, US Deputy Special Envoy for the Middle East Morgan Ortagus warned against any Hezbollah presence in Lebanon's new government after meeting Aoun in Beirut, saying the group was "defeated" in its war with Israel. European Union ambassador to Lebanon Sandra De Waele welcomed Salam's "commitment that it (the government) will have a reformist agenda," which she said is "necessary for Lebanon's future". 'Brighter chapter' The international community has long demanded reforms to unlock financial aid after Lebanon's economic meltdown began in 2019. Political deadlock had left Lebanon without a president for more than two years until Aoun's election. Salam formed a government in less than a month in a country where such endeavours often take months of political horse trading. The office of UN special coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert said "today's government formation heralds a new and brighter chapter for Lebanon". Salam said he named his ministers after consulting with leaders in a country where power has long been shared according to sectarian quotas. The new government will have to review agreements including with the International Monetary Fund and prepare for parliamentary elections scheduled for next year. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Lebanon forms new government, PM Nawaf Salam vows ‘reform and salvation’

The Israeli Air Force On Benjamin Netanyahu's Order conducted a precise strike in Lebanese territory on two military sites that contained Hezbollah weapons, which were in violation of the ceasefire agreement. The IDF continues to operate to remove any threat to the State of Israel and will prevent any attempt by the Hezbollah terrorist organization to rebuild its forces, in accordance with the ceasefire understandings.

Israel-Lebanon war: IDF destroys Hezbollah's newly built military sites, truce at risk?

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has named Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem as his "representative" in Lebanon, Iranian media reported Wednesday.&nbsp;
"The leader of the revolution in a decree introduced Sheikh Naim Qassem, secretary general of Hezbollah, as his representative in Lebanon," Tasnim news agency said.&nbsp;
Tasnim carried a copy of the official decree which said Qassem will represent Khamenei in handling "non-litigious matters" and "managing religious affairs" in Lebanon.&nbsp;
The news agency recalled that Qassem's predecessor Hassan Nasrallah -- who was killed in an Israeli air strike on south Beirut in September 27 -- had held the same title.&nbsp;
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Hezbollah is part of the "axis of resistance", an alliance of Iran-backed armed groups opposed to Israel and its ally US.
Khamenei, who has the final say in all matters of state in Iran, has representatives in all of Iran's provinces with a mandate to collect religious funds and perform other duties.&nbsp;
Qassem was named Hezbollah leader in October after heir apparent Hashem Safieddine was killed in an Israeli strike shortly after Nasrallah's death.&nbsp;
Hezbollah is to hold a public funeral for both Nasrallah and Safieddine on February 23. It had put off public commemorations for safety reasons until after a fragile ceasefire with Israel came into effect on November 27.&nbsp;
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

World | Middle East: Qassem was named Hezbollah leader in October after heir apparent Hashem Safieddine was killed in an Israeli strike shortly after Nasrallah's death. 

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has named Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem as his "representative" in Lebanon, Iranian media reported Wednesday. "The leader of the revolution in a decree introduced Sheikh Naim Qassem, secretary general of Hezbollah, as his representative in Lebanon," Tasnim news agency said. Tasnim carried a copy of the official decree which said Qassem will represent Khamenei in handling "non-litigious matters" and "managing religious affairs" in Lebanon. The news agency recalled that Qassem's predecessor Hassan Nasrallah -- who was killed in an Israeli air strike on south Beirut in September 27 -- had held the same title. Also read | Iran looking for quick ways to build nuclear weapon, says US: Report Hezbollah is part of the "axis of resistance", an alliance of Iran-backed armed groups opposed to Israel and its ally US. Khamenei, who has the final say in all matters of state in Iran, has representatives in all of Iran's provinces with a mandate to collect religious funds and perform other duties. Qassem was named Hezbollah leader in October after heir apparent Hashem Safieddine was killed in an Israeli strike shortly after Nasrallah's death. Hezbollah is to hold a public funeral for both Nasrallah and Safieddine on February 23. It had put off public commemorations for safety reasons until after a fragile ceasefire with Israel came into effect on November 27. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Iran's leader Khamenei appoints Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem as his Lebanon representative

Lebanon's officials said Israeli fire killed two people Monday and wounded dozens in the south, in a second day of violence as residents tried again to return to border villages. Watch this report for more details!

Lebanon: Israel kills two as people return home

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