🌳 Toxic spraying
Marhaba, habibi! Israel just added chemical warfare to its repertoire by spraying toxic substances on southern Lebanese farms—because apparently bullets and bombs weren't enough. Meanwhile, Lebanon's proving that even environmental crimes can't distract from the usual political theater. Here's what's happening while you're probably dealing with your own drama abroad.
TOP STORIES
Israel Sprays Toxic Chemicals on Southern Lebanese Farms
- Israeli aircraft sprayed toxic pesticides across agricultural lands and orchards in several southern border villages
- President Aoun condemned the act as an "environmental and health crime" and ordered diplomatic and legal measures to respond to this "blatant violation" of Lebanon's sovereignty
- The Farmers' Union warned of "catastrophic long-term effects" on soil, groundwater, and environmental life, calling for practical steps beyond condemnation to protect farmers
Why it matters: This marks Israel's escalation from traditional warfare to environmental terrorism, directly targeting Lebanon's food security and the livelihoods of southern farmers who've already endured months of bombardment.
Fake Prince Investigation Reaches Lebanon's Political Elite
- Investigating judge Rola Othman questioned former PM Fouad Siniora, ex-minister Mohammad Chqair, and Sheikh Khaldoun Araimat for the second time in the "Abu Omar" or "phantom prince" case
- The investigation aims to determine the nature of communications and information surrounding "Abu Omar's" claims during a specific time period
- High-level political and religious figures continue to be summoned as the court unravels the threads of this controversial file
Why it matters: The expanding investigation shows Lebanon's judiciary actually functioning for once, methodically peeling back layers of what could be a major fraud case involving prominent political figures.
Interior Minister Praises Civil Defense Heroes After Building Collapse
- Interior Minister Ahmad Hajjar visited Civil Defense headquarters in Furn al-Shubbak and met with teams who participated in search and rescue operations in Tripoli's Qubba area
- Hajjar praised their "efforts and sacrifices" despite working under difficult conditions with modest resources, saying "the country sees good through your hands"
- The minister acknowledged they "always answer the call" despite limited capabilities and emphasized the Civil Defense deserves "all support and recognition"
Why it matters: In a country where infrastructure crumbles and the state often fails, Civil Defense volunteers represent the best of Lebanon—risking their lives for others while receiving minimal official support.
QUICK HITS
- Government holiday declared: PM Nawaf Salam issued a memo closing public institutions, municipalities, and educational establishments on February 14 to commemorate the assassination anniversary of former PM Rafiq Hariri.
- Security arrests continue: Information Branch arrested a man in Doha Aramoun for impersonating security personnel to rob passersby, with viral videos documenting his crimes.
- Drug dealers nabbed: Beirut Investigation Unit arrested two suspects in Corniche al-Nahr for drug trafficking, including one wanted for arms dealing and another for human trafficking.
- Electoral campaign begins: Saeb Salam announced his candidacy for parliamentary elections in Beirut's second district, promising to be "a deputy from the people, not on the people".
- Weather warning issued: Meteorological service forecasts strong winds and high waves this weekend, with temperatures rising above seasonal averages through Friday.
INTERNATIONAL
Nuclear Arms Control Treaty Between US and Russia Expires
- The New START treaty, signed by Barack Obama and Dmitry Medvedev in 2010, expired today, ending the last nuclear arms control agreement between the world's largest nuclear powers
- The treaty capped deployed strategic warheads at 1,550 on each side, with no more than 700 deployed ground- or submarine-launched missiles and bombers
- Relations between Washington and Moscow have deteriorated significantly since the treaty was originally signed during the Obama administration's "reset" period
Why it matters: Without arms control limits, both superpowers are now free to expand their nuclear arsenals, potentially triggering a new arms race at a time when global tensions are already running high.
Israeli Strikes Kill 18 in Gaza Amid Ceasefire Violations
- Israeli tank shelling and airstrikes killed 18 people, including 4 children, in Gaza City and Khan Younis after a gunman shot at Israeli soldiers, seriously injuring a reservist
- Israel halted patient evacuations through the Rafah border crossing to Egypt, just 2 days after it reopened, leaving patients prepared for treatment stranded at Khan Younis hospital
- Since the October ceasefire, Israel has killed 529 Palestinians, bringing the total death toll to 71,803 since the war began on October 7, 2023
Why it matters: The second phase of Trump's ceasefire plan appears increasingly fragile as both sides accuse each other of violations, with civilian casualties continuing to mount.
Libya Investigates Killing of Gadhafi's Son
- Seif al-Islam Gadhafi, son of former Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi, was shot dead at his residence in the western city of Zintan
- Libyan prosecutors opened an investigation and sent forensic teams to identify suspects, with the victim dying from wounds by gunfire
- Seif was the second-eldest son of Libya's late strongman and had been seeking a return to public life in a country still split between rival governments and armed groups
Why it matters: The assassination eliminates a potential political player in Libya's ongoing power struggle and highlights the country's continued instability more than a decade after his father's fall.
GHER HEK
- Lebanese art takes Milan: Artist Mona Hatoum unveiled her exhibition "Over, Under and in Between" at Milan's Fondazione Prada, featuring a towering kinetic sculpture that "zigzagged and lurched, buckled and straightened" while exploring themes of conflict and displacement.
- Premier League action heats up: Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola reaffirmed his support for Palestine ahead of the League Cup match against Tottenham, saying he will "continue to speak out" to help bring justice and peace.
- Westminster Dog Show winner: A Doberman pinscher named Penny claimed Best in Show at the 150th annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, giving veteran handler Andy Linton his second victory nearly 40 years after his first.
- Cricket World Cup guide: The tenth ICC Men's T20 World Cup begins February 7 in India and Sri Lanka, with 20 teams competing in 55 matches for cricket's most prestigious T20 trophy—here's your beginner's guide to the sport beloved by nearly 2 billion people.