Mayyas Competes in America’s Got Talent Finals Tonight, the Lebanese dance troupe, Mayyas, will compete on the America’s Got Talent television program for the $1 million prize. They are up against ten other acts in the final round. [The National]
PM Mikati Calls for ‘Positive Cooperation’ Ahead of Critical Budget Talks Speaking on the eve of an important parliamentary discussion addressing the 2022 national budget, caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, called for ‘positive cooperation’, saying, “we do not have the luxury of time amid the numerous issues we are facing.” [Arab News]
Israeli Defense Minister Keen on Making a Deal with Lebanon In a meeting with UN Diplomats yesterday, Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz said, “The state of Israel is interested in progressing maritime border negotiations with Lebanon . . . In the end, there will be two gas rigs, one Israeli and one Lebanese. The question is whether we can reach this scenario without an unnecessary escalation as a result of Hezbollah threats . . . Establishing a rig on the Lebanese side is in the interest of Lebanon, whose residents do not have a regular electricity supply and are experiencing a devastating economic crisis.” [L’Orient Today]
Interior Ministry Announces Security Plan Addressing Violence in the North According to L’Orient Today, “Caretaker Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi announced on Tuesday a “sustainable” security plan had been devised for North Lebanon, following two deadly shootings in Tripoli that raised fears of more violence, the state-run National News Agency reported.” [L’Orient Today]
OPINION & ANALYSIS
L’Orient Today Efforts To Find A Consensus Candidate Kick Off Yara Abi Akl
Abi Akl writes, “While only seven weeks separate Lebanon from the end of President Michel Aoun’s term in office, a local and international effort is underway to find his successor. On the local scene, the 13 Forces of Change MPs began visits Monday with political actors from all parties in hopes of reaching common ground on the future head of state. At the same time, France and Saudi Arabia seem invested in Lebanon’s ability to find a consensus candidate and avoid a presidential vacancy.”
L’Orient Today Lebanon Is Turning To Solar Energy, But Are There Risks? Philippe Hage Boutros
Hage Boutros writes, “Faced with simultaneous energy, economic and financial crises, and with little to no provision of state electricity, many people in Lebanon are rushing to install solar panels. Between 2021 and the end of 2022, $350 million were invested in the private sector for new 250 megawatt-maximum solar energy systems, in addition to existing 100-megawatt systems, according to Pierre Khoury, president of the government’s Lebanese Center for Energy Conservation (LCEC). These include small residential backup installations as well as larger solar panel projects equipping industrial sites, farms and even shopping centers.”
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in these articles are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of the American Task Force on Lebanon, a non-profit, nonpartisan leadership organization of Lebanese-Americans.
