The unusually direct U.S. intervention in Lebanon's sectarian politics appears aimed at capitalizing on shifts in the power balance.

Complaints lodged by Israel with committee overseeing its cease-fire with Lebanon allege the militant group is being propped up by the infusion of U.S. currency.

Hezbollah and Israel reached a ceasefire in late November, ending a deadly conflict that began with the Gaza war in 2023. The U.S. confirmed on Sunday that the agreement, which includes a 60-day period for Israeli troop withdrawal, will remain in effect until Feb. 18, extending the original Jan. 26 deadline.

Israel has raised concerns with the US-led committee monitoring the Lebanon ceasefire, alleging that Iran is sending suitcases filled with US dollars to Hezbollah through Beirut’s international airport,

Hezbollah, one of Lebanon's most powerful political players, has been significantly weakened by its conflict with Israel.

A key opportunity lies in Mediterranean natural gas deposits, which could provide economic relief and energy security for Lebanon and the world as a whole.

The Lebanese army took over an underground Hezbollah military complex in southern Lebanon, local media said on Wednesday. Images published by the Al-Jadeed news channel showed underground tunnels containing military vehicles, missile launching platforms, and ammunition manufacturing equipment.

Washington is pressuring top Lebanese officials not to allow Hezbollah or its allies to nominate the country's next finance minister, five people with knowledge of the matter said, in an attempt to limit the Iran-backed group's sway over the state.

The IDF (Israel Defense Forces) reported that Israel Air Force (IAF) fighter jets attacked during the night targets of the Hezbollah terrorist organization in the Bekaa region of Lebanon that the IDF said posed a threat to the Israeli home front and its forces.

The organization representing families of hostages held in the Gaza strip is celebrating the news that three male hostages would be released Saturday as part of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.

Long lines of Palestinians -- some kneeling to kiss the soil as they stepped into the northern part of the strip -- were making their way home on Monday.