Author: Joyce Houeiss

Written by Aline Barakat for JNews Lebanon Starting yesterday, a new financial measure officially took effect under the title “Eco-Tax” (Environmental Fee), imposing a 1% to 3% levy on a wide range of goods and products that fully or partially turn into waste after consumption. Although the proposed percentages appear limited in scope when viewed in isolation, the cumulative impact of the new eco-tax in Lebanon is raising widespread concerns among economic organizations and consumers alike—primarily due to its ill-timed strain on an already exhausted purchasing power. From Customs to Retail Shelves: How the Eco-Tax Compounds Across Supply Chains An…

Interviewed by Joyce houeiss for JNews Lebanon In light of the widespread debate and controversy surrounding the passage of Lebanon’s new Media Law, Member of Parliament Melhem Khalaf confirmed in an exclusive statement to Jnews Lebanon that passing the legislation was an urgent necessity at this stage. Khalaf noted that delaying its approval would have frozen the bill for years to come, stating: “It had to pass now; otherwise, it wouldn’t have seen the light of day for another ten years.” MP Khalaf addressed concerns regarding restrictions on press freedom and criticisms surrounding the regulation of journalists,…

Exclusive JNews Lebanon Between the cautious optimism voiced by U.S. Ambassador Michel Issa following meetings in Ain el-Tineh and the persistent military activity across southern border sectors, a complex diplomatic layer is unfolding ahead of early September. Strategic analysis indicates that the Ali al-Taher Hills Rome negotiations have become deeply intertwined, with military dynamics on the dominant high ground directly influencing technical preparations for the upcoming talks in Italy. Exclusive Jnews: The Strategic Weight of Ali al-Taher Hills and Political Timelines Diplomatic and military sources confirmed to “Jnews Lebanon” that persistent field focus on the strategic Ali al-Taher heights…

Written by khoder Farhat for JNews Lebanon As the countdown begins for early September, diplomatic and political circles in Beirut are witnessing intense preparatory activity ahead of the eighth round of Lebanese-Israeli negotiations in Rome. Contrary to suggestions that the September meeting will be purely ceremonial, a look behind the scenes Rome negotiations September reveals that consultations across Beirut, Jerusalem, and Washington have evolved into a race to establish field parameters before technical talks resume. Exclusive Jnews: What Is Lebanon Bringing to Rome? Detailed Maps and Expanding Pilot Zones Diplomatic sources informed “Jnews Lebanon” that recent meetings in Beirut, along…

Exclusive JNews Lebanon The recent parliamentary sessions concluded with the passage of a major legislative package, reflecting a broad political consensus among key parliamentary blocs. Facing ongoing uncertainties regarding the southern border situation and diplomatic talks in Rome, Parliament moved forward with crucial domestic measures. This legislative outcome brings to the forefront the implementation of the Lebanese Amnesty Law and Bank Restructuring framework alongside civil rights reforms, contrasting with debated amendments to press regulations. Legislative Outcomes: General Amnesty and Financial Reforms Sources informed “Jnews Lebanon” that Parliament officially enacted the General Amnesty Law as finalized by the joint committees.…

Exclusive JNews Lebanon Yesterday’s parliamentary session at Nejmeh Square proved to be a pivotal political milestone. While international attention remains focused on Rome—set to host the eighth round of Lebanese-Israeli negotiations in early September—domestic developments dominated local headlines. Key moments included a major human rights decision abolishing the death penalty, extensive debates surrounding the Lebanese Parliament Media Law, and procedural disagreements between Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Minister of National Defense Michel Menassa regarding the proposed General Amnesty Law. Cabinet Dynamics Surrounding the General Amnesty Debate Parliamentary sources informed “Jnews Lebanon” that the procedural dispute between Prime Minister Nawaf Salam…

Exclusive JNews Lebanon Sources within the banking sector reveal that Banque du Liban (BDL), in coordination with the Ministry of Finance, is preparing to release a structured loss-allocation model and a binding framework to address the funds of small depositors. This step is expected immediately following the conclusion of current parliamentary legislative sessions, aiming to avert potential judicial actions and public escalation.

Written by Joyce houeiss for JNews Lebanon As public administrations and official institutions shut their doors today, Monday, following a nationwide strike called by public sector employee unions, a glaring financial scandal has surfaced. While the state enforces severe fiscal austerity on civil servants and military personnel under the guise of protecting the currency, a specialized legislative mechanism has quietly shielded the political class. The unfolding Lebanese MPs salary increase scandal exposes how parliamentary benefits remain immune to the economic hardships imposed on ordinary taxpayers. Deconstructing the Numbers: How MP Pay Reaches $5,000 by September Public statements by…

Exclusive JNews Lebanon The trilateral talks in Rome have shifted from routine diplomatic sessions into direct political confrontation. In the final hours of the seventh negotiation round, heightened tension culminated in head of the Lebanese delegation Ambassador Simon Karam suspending the session and concluding talks two hours early in response to Israeli delays. This firm action aligns with a sovereign strategy in Beirut that refuses unconditional negotiations, establishing the Simon Karam walkout and September talks conditions as the primary framework for upcoming diplomatic engagements. Exclusive Jnews Insights: Full Details Behind Simon Karam’s Suspension of Rome Talks Sources close to the…

Exclusive JNews Lebanon Anticipating the upcoming arrival of senior US military envoy General David Clearfield in Beirut, Washington has presented Lebanese leadership with a detailed strategic framework. Members of the US Senate have introduced landmark legislation proposing $200 million in annual security assistance to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF). However, this legislative support explicitly conditions funding on verifiable progress regarding the state monopoly on weapons and anti-smuggling enforcement, positioning the General David Clearfield visit and US military aid bill at the center of upcoming political and security developments. Exclusive Jnews Insights: Details of the “Lebanon Sanctions, Stability, and Support…