Editing History of Lebanon (section)

== Second Lebanese Republic ==
{{See also|Israeli occupation of Southern Lebanon|Syrian occupation of Lebanon|Second Lebanese Republic}}

Since the end of the war, the Lebanese have conducted several elections, most of the militias have been weakened or disbanded, and the [[Lebanese Armed Forces]] (LAF) have extended central government authority over about two-thirds of the country. Only Hezbollah retained its weapons, and was supported by the Lebanese parliament in doing so, as they had defended Lebanon against the Israeli occupation. Syria on the other hand kept its military presence in most of Lebanon, also holding various government institutions in the country, strengthening its occupation. The Israeli forces finally withdrew from south of Lebanon in May 2000, though the Syrian occupation of most Lebanon still continued.

By early November 1992, a new parliament had been elected, and Prime Minister [[Rafiq Hariri]] had formed a cabinet, retaining for himself the finance portfolio. The formation of a government headed by a successful billionaire businessman was widely seen as a sign that Lebanon would make a priority of rebuilding the country and reviving the economy. [[Solidere]], a private real estate company set up to rebuild downtown Beirut, was a symbol of Hariri's strategy to link economic recovery to private sector investment. After the election of then-commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces [[Émile Lahoud]] as president in 1998 following Hrawi's extended term as president, [[Salim al-Hoss]] again served as [[prime minister]]. Hariri returned to office as prime minister in November 2000. Although problems with basic infrastructure and government services persist, and Lebanon is now highly indebted, much of the civil war damage has been repaired throughout the country, and many foreign investors and tourists have returned.

Postwar social and political instability, fueled by economic uncertainty and the collapse of the Lebanese currency, led to the resignation of Prime Minister [[Omar Karami]], also in May 1992, after less than 2 years in office. He was replaced by former prime minister [[Rachid Solh]], who was widely viewed as a caretaker to oversee Lebanon's first parliamentary elections in 20 years.

If Lebanon has in part recovered over the past decade from the catastrophic damage to infrastructure of its long civil war, the social and political divisions that gave rise to and sustained that conflict remain largely unresolved. Parliamentary and more recently municipal elections have been held with fewer irregularities and more popular participation than in the immediate aftermath of the conflict, and Lebanese civil society generally enjoys significantly more freedoms than elsewhere in the Arab world. However, there are continuing sectarian tensions and unease about Syrian and other external influences.
[[File:Elie Hobeika.jpg|thumb|216x216px|Portrait of Elie Hobeika]]
In the late 1990s, the government took action against [[Sunni Islam in Lebanon|Sunni Muslim]] extremists in the north who had attacked its soldiers, and it continues to move against groups such as Asbat al-Ansar, which has been accused of being partnered with [[Osama bin Laden]]'s [[Al-Qaeda|al-Qaida]] network. On January 24, 2002, [[Elie Hobeika]], another former Lebanese Forces figure associated with the Sabra and Shatilla massacres who later served in three cabinets and the parliament, was assassinated in a car bombing in Beirut.

During Lebanon's civil war, Syria's [[Syrian occupation of Lebanon|troop deployment]] in Lebanon was legitimized by the Lebanese Parliament in the [[Taif Agreement]], supported by the Arab League, and is given a major share of the credit for finally bringing the civil war to an end in October 1990. In the ensuing fifteen years, Damascus and Beirut justified Syria's continued military presence in Lebanon by citing the continued weakness of a Lebanese armed forces faced with both internal and external security threats, and the agreement with the Lebanese Government to implement all of the constitutional reforms in the [[Taif Agreement]]. Under Taif, the [[Hezbollah]] militia was eventually to be dismantled, and the LAF allowed to deploy along the border with Israel. Lebanon was called on to deploy along its southern border by [[Wikisource:UN Security Council Resolution 1391|UN Security Council Resolution 1391]], urged to do so by UN Resolution [[Wikisource:UN Security Council Resolution 1496|UN Security Council Resolution 1496]], and deployment was demanded by [[UN Security Council Resolution 1559]]. The Syrian military and intelligence presence in Lebanon was criticised by some on Lebanon's right-wing inside and outside of the country, others believed it helped to prevent renewed civil war and discourage Israeli aggression, and others believed its presence and influence was helpful for Lebanese stability and peace but should be scaled back.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/D1460459-D7F5-490B-8622-380ED8282B85.htm |title=AJE |publisher=Al Jazeera English |date=2011-12-26 |access-date=2012-08-13 }}{{dead link|date=November 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Major powers [[United States]] and France rejected Syrian reasoning that they were in Lebanon by the consent of the Lebanese government. They insist that the latter had been co-opted and that in fact Lebanon's Government was a Syrian puppet.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/1280579.stm | work=BBC News | title=Syria: The power in Lebanon | date=April 16, 2001 | access-date=April 2, 2010 | archive-date=June 30, 2006 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060630130936/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/1280579.stm | url-status=live }}</ref>

Up to 2005, 14–15,000 Syrian troops (down from 35,000)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://hir.harvard.edu/articles/1408/ |title=1408 Articles &#124; Harvard International Review |publisher=Hir.harvard.edu |access-date=2012-08-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120721224806/http://hir.harvard.edu/articles/1408 |archive-date=2012-07-21 }}</ref> remained in position in many areas of Lebanon, although the [[Taif Agreement|Taif]] called for an agreement between the Syrian and Lebanese Governments by September 1992 on their redeployment to Lebanon's Bekaa Valley. Syria's refusal to exit Lebanon following Israel's 2000 withdrawal from south Lebanon first raised criticism among the Lebanese [[Maronite]] Christians<ref>{{cite news |url=http://dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=7981 |title=News :: Politics :: Lebanese presidential crisis boils over |newspaper=The Daily Star |access-date=2012-08-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101029040607/http://dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=7981 |archive-date=2010-10-29 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and Druze, who were later joined by many of Lebanon's [[Sunni Islam in Lebanon|Sunni Muslims]].<ref>{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4212973.stm | work=BBC News | title=Young in the Arab World: Lebanon | date=February 8, 2005 | access-date=April 2, 2010 | archive-date=March 22, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210322133434/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4212973.stm | url-status=live }}</ref> Lebanon's [[Shia Islam in Lebanon|Shiites]], on the other hand, have long supported the Syrian presence, as has the Hezbollah militia group and political party.
The [[United States|U.S.]] began applying pressure on Syria to end its occupation and cease interfering with internal Lebanese matters.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lebanonwire.com/0405/nnt040502.htm |title=U.S. Escalates 'Hands-Off-Lebanon' Pressure on Syria |publisher=Lebanonwire.com |access-date=2012-08-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120205193858/http://www.lebanonwire.com/0405/nnt040502.htm |archive-date=2012-02-05 }}</ref> In 2004, many believe Syria pressured Lebanese MPs to back a constitutional amendment to revise term limitations and allow Lebanon's two term pro-Syrian president [[Émile Lahoud]] to run for a third time. France, [[Germany]] and the [[United Kingdom]], along with many Lebanese politicians joined the U.S. in denouncing alleged Syrian interference.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/3608046.stm | work=BBC News | title=Move to bolster Lebanon president | date=August 28, 2004 | access-date=April 2, 2010 | archive-date=March 22, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210322173554/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/3608046.stm | url-status=live }}</ref>
On September 2, 2004, the [[UN Security Council]] adopted [[UN Security Council Resolution 1559]], authored by France and the U.S. in an uncommon show of cooperation. The resolution called "upon all remaining foreign forces to withdraw from Lebanon" and "for the disbanding and disarmament of all Lebanese and non-Lebanese militias".
[[File:Shebaa Farms.jpg|left|thumb|Map of the Shebaa farms]]
On May 25, 2000, Israel completed its withdrawal from the south of Lebanon in accordance with [[United Nations Security Council Resolution 425|UN Security Council Resolution 425]].<ref>[http://domino.un.org/UNISPAL.NSF/d744b47860e5c97e85256c40005d01d6/e25dae8e3ce54fb5852560e50079c708!OpenDocument]  {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090221084705/http://domino.un.org/UNISPAL.NSF/d744b47860e5c97e85256c40005d01d6/e25dae8e3ce54fb5852560e50079c708%21OpenDocument|date=February 21, 2009}}</ref> A 50-square-kilometre piece of mountain terrain, commonly referred to as the [[Shebaa farms]], remains under the control of Israel. The UN has certified Israel's pullout,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2000/20000618.sc6878.doc.html |title=[18 Jun 2000&#93; SC/6878 : SECURITY COUNCIL ENDORSES SECRETARY-GENERAL'S CONCLUSION ON ISRAELI WITHDRAWAL FROM LEBANON AS OF 16 JUNE |publisher=Un.org |access-date=2012-08-13 |archive-date=2014-08-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140826123201/http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2000/20000618.sc6878.doc.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and regards the Shebaa Farms as occupied Syrian territory, while Lebanon and Syria have stated they regard the area as Lebanese territory.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/763504.stm | work=BBC News | title=In focus: Shebaa farms | date=May 25, 2000 | access-date=April 2, 2010 | archive-date=August 26, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140826123201/http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2000/20000618.sc6878.doc.html | url-status=live }}</ref> The January 20, 2005, UN Secretary-General's report on Lebanon stated: "The continually asserted position of the Government of Lebanon that the Blue Line is not valid in the Shab'a farms area is not compatible with Security Council resolutions. The Council has recognized the Blue Line as valid for purposes of confirming Israel's withdrawal pursuant to resolution 425 (1978). The Government of Lebanon should heed the Council's repeated calls for the parties to respect the Blue Line in its entirety."<ref name="un.org">{{cite web |url=https://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2005/sc8299.doc.htm |title=SECURITY COUNCIL CONDEMNS VIOLENCE ALONG BLUE LINE BETWEEN ISRAEL AND LEBANON, EXTENDS MANDATE OF UNIFIL UNTIL 31 JULY |publisher=Un.org |access-date=2012-08-13 |archive-date=2012-10-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121007155652/http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2005/sc8299.doc.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>

In Resolution 425, the UN had set a goal of assisting the Lebanese government in a "return of its effective authority in the area", which would require an official Lebanese army presence there. Further, [[UN Security Council Resolution 1559]] requires the dismantling of the Hezbollah militia. Yet, Hezbollah remains deployed along the [[Blue Line (Lebanon)|Blue Line]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.un.org/News/ossg/sgcu0500.htm |title=Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General |publisher=Un.org |date=2011-12-20 |access-date=2012-08-13 |archive-date=2010-06-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100618091714/http://www.un.org/News/ossg/sgcu0500.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> Both Hezbollah and Israel have violated the Blue Line more than once, according to the UN.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.un.org/apps/sg/offthecuff.asp?nid=202 |title=Press conference following meeting with President Emile Lahoud of Lebanon, (unofficial transcript) &#124; Secretary General's Off-the-Cuff Remarks |publisher=Un.org |date=2011-11-30 |access-date=2012-08-13 |archive-date=2009-12-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091231181415/http://www.un.org/apps/sg/offthecuff.asp?nid=202 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>[http://domino.un.org/UNISPAL.NSF/22f431edb91c6f548525678a0051be1d/bb095796d02d589785256b910058cc00!OpenDocument]  {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090221231503/http://domino.un.org/UNISPAL.NSF/22f431edb91c6f548525678a0051be1d/bb095796d02d589785256b910058cc00%21OpenDocument|date=February 21, 2009}}</ref> The most common pattern of violence have been border incursions by the Hezbollah into the Shebaa Farms area, and then Israeli air strikes into southern Lebanon.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/3414431.stm | work=BBC News | title=Israeli jets hit Lebanon targets | date=January 20, 2004 | access-date=April 2, 2010 | archive-date=February 14, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210214003210/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/3414431.stm | url-status=live }}</ref> The UN Secretary-General has urged "all governments that have influence on Hezbollah to deter it from any further actions which could increase the tension in the area".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=449 |title=United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's Statements |publisher=Un.org |date=2011-11-30 |access-date=2012-08-13 |archive-date=2009-12-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091231181242/http://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=449 |url-status=live }}</ref> Staffan de Misura, Personal Representative of the Secretary-General for Southern Lebanon stated that he was "deeply concerned that air violations by Israel across the Blue Line during altercations with Hezbollah are continuing to take place",<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.escwa.org.lb/information/press/un/2003/feb/3_2.html |title=United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia |publisher=Escwa.org.lb |access-date=2012-08-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060514041329/http://www.escwa.org.lb/information/press/un/2003/feb/3_2.html |archive-date=2006-05-14 }}</ref> calling "upon the Israeli authorities to cease such violations and to fully respect the Blue Line".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.escwa.org.lb/information/press/un/2002/jan/02.html |title=United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia |publisher=Escwa.org.lb |access-date=2012-08-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041204072456/http://www.escwa.org.lb/information/press/un/2002/jan/02.html |archive-date=2004-12-04 }}</ref> In 2001 de Misura similarly expressed his concern to Lebanon's prime minister for allowing Hezbollah to violate the Blue Line, saying it was a "clear infringement" of UN Resolution 425, under which the UN certified Israel's withdrawal from south Lebanon as complete.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/1279456.stm | work=BBC News | title=Hezbollah condemned for attacking Israel | date=April 15, 2001 | access-date=April 2, 2010 | archive-date=September 13, 2007 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070913101740/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/1279456.stm | url-status=live }}</ref> On January 28, 2005, [[UN Security Council Resolution 1583]] called upon the Government of Lebanon to fully extend and exercise its sole and effective authority throughout the south, including through the deployment of sufficient numbers of Lebanese armed and security forces, to ensure a calm environment throughout the area, including along the Blue Line, and to exert control over the use of force on its territory and from it.<ref name="un.org"/>
On January 23, 2006, The UN Security Council called on the Government of Lebanon to make more progress in controlling its territory and disbanding militias, while also calling on Syria to cooperate with those efforts. In a statement read out by its January President, [[Augustine Mahiga]] of Tanzania, the council also called on Syria to take measures to stop movements of arms and personnel into Lebanon.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=17263&Cr=middle&Cr1=leban |title=Security Council calls on Lebanon to assert control over all its territory |publisher=Un.org |date=2006-01-23 |access-date=2012-08-13 |archive-date=2016-04-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160401034900/http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=17263&Cr=middle&Cr1=leban |url-status=live }}</ref>

On September 3, 2004, the [[National Assembly]] voted 96–29 to amend the constitution to allow the pro-Syrian president, Émile Lahoud, three more years in office by extending a [[statute of limitations]] to nine years. Many regarded this as a second time Syria had pressured Lebanon's Parliament to amend the constitution in a way that favored Lahoud (the first allowing for his election in 1998 immediately after he had resigned as commander-in-chief of the LAF.)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.carnegieendowment.org/files/PO14.Choucair.FINAL.pdf|title=Lebanon's New Political Moment|format=117&nbsp;KB PDF|publisher=a study from [[Carnegie Endowment]]|access-date=2007-04-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070411164440/http://www.carnegieendowment.org/files/PO14.Choucair.FINAL.pdf|archive-date=2007-04-11|url-status=dead}}</ref> Three cabinet ministers were absent from the vote and later resigned. The USA charged that Syria exercised pressure against the National Assembly to amend the constitution, and many of the Lebanese rejected it, saying that it was considered as contradictive to the constitution and its principles.<ref>{{cite web |title=Al-Ahram Weekly &#124; Region &#124; the limits of loyalty |url=http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2004/707/re1.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070413144403/http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2004/707/re1.htm |archive-date=2007-04-13 |access-date=2007-04-02}} The limits of loyalty from [[Al-Aharam]] weekly.com, retrieved at April 2, 2007.</ref> Including these is the Maronite Patriarch [[Nasrallah Boutros Sfeir|Mar Nasrallah Boutros Sfeir]]—the most eminent religious figure for Maronites—and the Druze leader [[Walid Jumblatt]].

To the surprise of many, [[List of Prime Ministers of Lebanon|Prime Minister]] [[Rafiq Hariri]], who had vehemently opposed this amendment, appeared to have finally accepted it, and so did most of his party. However, he ended up resigning in protest against the amendment. He was assassinated soon afterwards, triggering the [[Cedar Revolution]]. This amendment comes in discordance with the [[UN Security Council Resolution 1559]], which called for a new presidential election in Lebanon.

On October 1, 2004, one of the main dissenting voices to Émile Lahoud's term extension, the newly resigned Druze ex-minister [[Marwan Hamadeh]] was the target of a car bomb attack as his vehicle slowed to enter his Beirut home. Mr. Hamadeh and his bodyguard were wounded and his driver killed in the attack. Druze leader [[Walid Jumblatt]] appealed for calm, but said the car bomb was a clear message for the opposition.<ref>The quote is: "The police state ... has proven its efficiency in targeting one of the symbols of the nation... ", see {{cite web |title=Al-Ahram Weekly &#124; Region &#124; Lebanon at the crossroads |url=http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2004/711/re4.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130327120950/http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2004/711/re4.htm |archive-date=2013-03-27 |access-date=2013-04-19}} Lebanon at the crossroads, [[Al-Aharam]] Weekly, retrieved at April 2, 2007</ref> [[UN Secretary General]] [[Kofi Annan]] expressed his serious concern over the attack.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2004/sgsm9515.doc.htm |title=Secretary-General Expresses Abhorrence Over Beirut Car Bombing |publisher=Un.org |access-date=2012-08-13 |archive-date=2012-10-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121017124729/http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2004/sgsm9515.doc.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>

On October 7, 2004, UN Secretary General [[Kofi Annan]] reported to the Security Council that Syria had failed to withdraw its forces from Lebanon. Mr. Annan concluded his report saying that "It is time, 14 years after the end of hostilities and four years after the Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon, for all parties concerned to set aside the remaining vestiges of the past. The withdrawal of foreign forces and the disbandment and disarmament of militias would, with finality, end that sad chapter of Lebanese history.".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=12147&Cr=lebanon&Cr1= |title=Syria has not withdrawn troops from Lebanon, Annan reports |publisher=Un.org |date=2004-10-07 |access-date=2012-08-13 |archive-date=2016-04-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160401095100/http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=12147&Cr=lebanon&Cr1= |url-status=live }}</ref> On October 19, 2004, following the UN Secretary General's report, the UN Security Council voted unanimously (meaning that it received the backing of Algeria, the only Arab member of the Security Council) to put out a statement calling on Syria to pull its troops out of Lebanon, in accordance with [[UN Security Council Resolution 1559|Resolution 1559]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=12263&Cr=lebanon&Cr1=syria |title=Security Council urges Syria to withdraw troops from Lebanon |publisher=Un.org |date=2004-10-19 |access-date=2012-08-13 |archive-date=2016-03-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160331194548/http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=12263&Cr=lebanon&Cr1=syria |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:Rafik hariri memorial shrine.jpg|thumb|The funeral of the assassinated Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri]]
On October 20, 2004, Prime Minister [[Rafiq Hariri]] resigned; the next day former prime minister and loyal supporter of Syria [[Omar Karami]] was appointed prime minister.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/3763120.stm | work=BBC News | title=Lebanon appoints prime minister | date=October 21, 2004 | access-date=April 2, 2010 | archive-date=May 18, 2006 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060518163207/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/3763120.stm | url-status=live }}</ref> On February 14, 2005, former prime minister Hariri [[Assassination of Rafic Hariri|was assassinated in a car-bomb attack which killed 21 and wounded 100]]. On February 21, 2005, tens of thousand Lebanese protestors held a rally at the site of the assassination calling for the withdrawal of Syria's peacekeeping forces and blaming Syria and the pro-Syrian president Lahoud for the murder.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/4283543.stm | work=BBC News | title=Beirut protesters denounce Syria | date=February 21, 2005 | access-date=April 2, 2010 | archive-date=May 12, 2006 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060512154457/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/4283543.stm | url-status=live }}</ref>

Hariri's murder triggered increased international pressure on Syria. In a joint statement U.S. President [[George W. Bush|Bush]] and French president [[Jacques Chirac|Chirac]] condemned the killing and called for full implementation of [[UN Security Council Resolution 1559|UNSCR 1559]]. UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan announced that he was sending a team led by Ireland's deputy police commissioner, [[Peter FitzGerald (Garda Síochána)|Peter FitzGerald]], to investigate the assassination.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4279593.stm | work=BBC News | title=UN to investigate Hariri killing | date=February 19, 2005 | access-date=April 2, 2010 | archive-date=February 26, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226100041/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4279593.stm | url-status=live }}</ref> And while [[Arab League]] head [[Amr Moussa]] declared that Syrian president [[Bashar al-Assad|Assad]] promised him a phased withdrawal over a two-year period, the Syrian Information Minister [[Mahdi Dakhlallah]] said Mr Moussa had misunderstood the Syrian leader. Mr Dakhlallah said that Syria will merely move its troops to eastern Lebanon. Russia,<ref>{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4315107.stm | work=BBC News | title=Syria looks to Riyadh for support | date=March 3, 2005 | access-date=April 2, 2010 | archive-date=August 15, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230815160934/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4315107.stm | url-status=live }}</ref> Germany,<ref name="dailystar.com.lb">{{cite news |url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=13156 |title=News :: Politics :: Saudi ruler demands rapid Syrian withdrawal |newspaper=The Daily Star |date=2005-03-04 |access-date=2012-08-13 |archive-date=2009-02-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090221062644/http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=13156 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and Saudi Arabia<ref name="dailystar.com.lb"/> all called for Syrian troops to leave.

Local Lebanese pressure mounted as well. As daily protests against the Syrian occupation grew to 25,000, a series of dramatic events occurred. Massive protests such as these had been quite uncommon in the Arab world, and while in the 90s most anti-Syrian demonstrators were predominantly Christian, the new demonstrations were Christian and [[Sunni Islam in Lebanon|Sunni]].<ref>{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4315223.stm | work=BBC News | title=Lebanon finds unity in street rallies | date=March 3, 2005 | access-date=April 2, 2010 | archive-date=June 22, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230622234516/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4315223.stm | url-status=live }}</ref> On February 28 the government of pro-Syrian prime minister [[Omar Karami]] resigned, calling for a new election to take place. Mr Karami said in his announcement: "I am keen the government will not be a hurdle in front of those who want the good for this country." The tens of thousands gathered at Beirut's Martyrs' Square cheered the announcement, then chanted "Karami has fallen, your turn will come, Lahoud, and yours, Bashar".<ref>{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4305927.stm | work=BBC News | title=Lebanese ministers forced to quit | date=February 28, 2005 | access-date=April 2, 2010 | archive-date=August 27, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190827124130/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4305927.stm | url-status=live }}</ref> Opposition MPs were also not satisfied with Karami's resignation, and kept pressing for full Syrian withdrawal. Former minister and MP [[Marwan Hamadeh]], who survived a similar car bomb attack on October 1, 2004, said "I accuse this government of incitement, negligence and shortcomings at the least, and of covering up its planning at the most... if not executing". Two days later Syrian leader [[Bashar al-Assad]] announced that his troops will leave Lebanon completely "in the next few months". Responding to the announcement, opposition leader Walid Jumblatt said that he wanted to hear more specifics from Damascus about any withdrawal: "It's a nice gesture but 'next few months' is quite vague—we need a clear-cut timetable".<ref>{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4310699.stm | work=BBC News | title=Assad pledges Lebanon withdrawal | date=March 2, 2005 | access-date=April 2, 2010 | archive-date=August 15, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230815180926/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4310699.stm | url-status=live }}</ref>

On March 5 Syrian leader Assad declared in a televised speech that Syria would withdraw its forces to the [[Bekaa Valley]] in eastern Lebanon, and then to the border between Syria and Lebanon. Assad did not provide a timetable for a complete withdrawal of Syrian forces from Lebanon—14,000 soldiers and intelligence agents.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4322477.stm | work=BBC News | title=Syria sidesteps Lebanon demands | date=March 6, 2005 | access-date=April 2, 2010 | archive-date=December 3, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121203171910/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4322477.stm | url-status=live }}</ref> Meanwhile, Hezbollah leader Nasrallah called for a "massive popular gathering" on Tuesday against UN Resolution 1559 saying "The resistance will not give up its arms ... because Lebanon needs the resistance to defend it", and added "all the articles of UN resolution give free services to the Israeli enemy who should have been made accountable for his crimes and now finds that he is being rewarded for his crimes and achieves all its demands".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&ncid=721&e=1&u=/nm/20050306/wl_nm/lebanon_hizbollah_dc |title=Yahoo! News - Latest News & Headlines |publisher=Story.news.yahoo.com |date=2011-04-20 |access-date=2012-08-13 }}{{dead link|date=July 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> In opposition to Nasrallah's call, Monday, March 7 saw at least 70,000 people—with some estimates putting the number at twice as high—gathered at central Martyrs' Square to demand that Syria leave completely.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&e=1&u=/ap/20050307/ap_on_re_mi_ea/syria_lebanon |title=Yahoo! News - Latest News & Headlines |publisher=Story.news.yahoo.com |date=2011-04-20 |access-date=2012-08-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050404094500/http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&e=1&u=%2Fap%2F20050307%2Fap_on_re_mi_ea%2Fsyria_lebanon |archive-date=2005-04-04 }}</ref>

The following day a pro-Syrian demonstration set a new record when Hezbollah amassed 400,000–500,000 protestors at Riad Solh square in Beirut, most of them bussed in from the heavily [[Shia Islam in Lebanon|Shi'ite]] south Lebanon and eastern Beka'a valley. The show of power demonstrated Hezbollah's influence, wealth and organization as the sole Lebanese party allowed to hold a militia by Syria. In his speech Nasrallah blasted UN Security-Council Resolution 1559, which calls for Hezbollah's militia to be disbanded, as foreign intervention. Nasrallah also reiterated his earlier calls for the destruction of Israel saying "To this enemy we say again: There is no place for you here and there is no life for you among us. Death to Israel!". Though Hezbollah organized a very successful rally, opposition leaders were quick to point out that Hezbollah had active support from Lebanon's government and Syria. While the pro-democracy rallies had to deal with road blocks forcing protestors to either turn back or march long distances to Martyr's Square, Hezbollah was able to bus people directly to Riad Solh square. Dory Chamoun, an opposition leader, pointed out that "the difference is that in our demonstrations, people arrive voluntarily and on foot, not in buses". Another opposition member said the pro-Syrian government pressured people to turn out and some reports said Syria had bused in people from across the border. But on a mountain road leading to Beirut, only one bus with a Syrian license plate was spotted in a convoy of pro-Syrian supporters heading to the capital and Hezbollah officials denied the charges.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&e=3&u=/ap/20050309/ap_on_re_mi_ea/lebanon_syria |title=Yahoo! News - Latest News & Headlines |publisher=Story.news.yahoo.com |date=2011-04-20 |access-date=2012-08-14 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050309061702/http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&e=3&u=%2Fap%2F20050309%2Fap_on_re_mi_ea%2Flebanon_syria |archive-date=2005-03-09 }}</ref>
Opposition MP [[Akram Chehayeb]] said "That is where the difference between us and them lies: They asked these people to come and they brought them here, whereas the opposition's supporters come here on their own. Our protests are spontaneous. We have a cause. What is theirs?".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=13261 |title=News :: Politics :: Opposition offers subtle salute to Hizbullah |newspaper=The Daily Star |date=2005-03-09 |access-date=2012-08-14 |archive-date=2009-02-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090221235651/http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=13261 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
[[File:Cedar Revolution Demonstrators.jpg|thumb|Anti-Syrian protesters heading to Martyrs' Square in Beirut on foot and in vehicles, 13 March 2005]]
One month after Hariri's murder, an enormous anti-Syrian rally gathered at Martyr's Square in Beirut. Multiple news agencies estimated the crowd at between 800,000 and 1 million—a show of force for the [[Sunni Islam in Lebanon|Sunni Muslim]], Christian and Druze communities. The rally was double the size of the mostly [[Shia Islam in Lebanon|Shi'ite]] pro-Syrian one organized by Hezbollah the previous week.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/03/15/international/middleeast/15lebanon.html | work=The New York Times | title=Huge Demonstration in Lebanon Demands End to Syrian Control | first=Neil | last=MacFarquhar | date=March 15, 2005 | access-date=April 2, 2010 | archive-date=November 7, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107083719/http://www.nytimes.com/2005/03/15/international/middleeast/15lebanon.html | url-status=live }}</ref> When Hariri's sister took a pro-Syrian line saying that Lebanon should "stand by Syria until its land is liberated and it regains its sovereignty on the<ref>Israeli-</ref> occupied Golan Heights" the crowd jeered her.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4346613.stm | work=BBC News | title='Record' protest held in Beirut | date=March 14, 2005 | access-date=April 2, 2010 | archive-date=May 6, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506131605/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4346613.stm | url-status=live }}</ref> This sentiment was prevalent among the rally participants who opposed Hezbollah's refusal to disarm based on the claim that Lebanese and Syrian interests are linked.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/4348129.stm | work=BBC News | title=Who's who in Lebanon | date=March 14, 2005 | access-date=April 2, 2010 | archive-date=October 11, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171011181316/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/4348129.stm | url-status=live }}</ref>

===Cedar Revolution and 2006 War (2005–2006)===
{{Main|Cedar Revolution}}
{{See also|2005 Lebanon bombings|2006 Lebanon War}}

[[Jamil Al Sayyed]], a Syrian ally in the Lebanese security forces, resigned on 25 April, just a day before the final Syrian troops pulled out of Lebanon.

On 26 April 2005, the last 250 Syrian troops left Lebanon. During the departure ceremonies, Ali Habib, Syria's chief of staff, said that Syria's president had decided to recall his troops after the Lebanese army had been "rebuilt on sound national foundations and became capable of protecting the state."

UN forces led by Senegalese Mouhamadou Kandji and guided by Lebanese Imad Anka were sent to Lebanon to verify the military withdrawal which was mandated by Security Council resolution 1559.

Following the Syrian withdrawal a series of assassinations of Lebanese politicians and journalists with the anti-Syrian camp had begun. Many bombings have occurred to date and have triggered condemnations from the UN Security Council and UN Secretary General.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite web|url=https://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=16905&Cr=middle&Cr1=leban|title=Security Council receives Mehlis report; Annan condemns new assassination in Lebanon|publisher=UN|date=12 December 2005|access-date=14 August 2012|archive-date=22 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160422203330/http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=16905&Cr=middle&Cr1=leban|url-status=live}}</ref>

Eight months after Syria withdrew from Lebanon under intense domestic and international outrage over the assassination of Lebanese prime minister Rafiq Hariri the UN investigation has yet to be completed. While UN investigator [[Detlev Mehlis]] has pointed the finger at Syria's intelligence apparatus in Lebanon he has yet to be allowed full access to Syrian officials who are suspected by the [[United Nations International Independent Investigation Commission]] (UNIIIC) as being behind the assassination.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.un.org/Docs/journal/asp/ws.asp?m=S/2005/775|title=Links to documents|publisher=UN|date=9 September 2002|access-date=14 August 2012|archive-date=17 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121017124851/http://www.un.org/Docs/journal/asp/ws.asp?m=S/2005/775|url-status=live}}</ref> In its latest report UNIIIC said it had "credible information" that Syrian officials had arrested and threatened close relatives of a witness who recanted testimony he had previously given the commission, and that two Syrian suspects it questioned indicated that all Syrian intelligence documents on Lebanon had been burned.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=16952&Cr=Middle&Cr1=Leban|title=Security Council demands full Syrian cooperation in probe into Hariri murder|publisher=UN|date=15 December 2005|access-date=14 August 2012|archive-date=5 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170205231402/http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=16952&Cr=Middle&Cr1=Leban|url-status=live}}</ref>
A campaign of bomb attacks against politicians, journalists and even civilian neighborhoods associated with the anti-Syrian camp has provoked much negative attention for Syria in the UN<ref name="ReferenceA"/> and elsewhere.

On December 15, 2005, the UN Security Council extended the mandate of the UNIIIC.

On December 30, 2005, Syria's former vice-president, [[Abdul Halim Khaddam]], said that "Hariri received many threats" from Syria's President Bashar Al-Assad.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/4570652.stm|work=BBC News|title=Hariri 'threatened by Syria head'|date=30 December 2005|access-date=2 April 2010|archive-date=27 May 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060527000240/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/4570652.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> Prior to Syria's withdrawal from Lebanon Mr Khaddam was in charge of Syria's Lebanon policy and mainly responsible for Syria's abuse of Lebanon's resources. Many believe that Khaddam seized the opportunity to clear his history of corruption and blackmail.

Parliament voted for the release of the former [[Lebanese Forces]] warlord [[Samir Geagea]] in the first session since election were held in the spring of 2005. Geagea was the only leader during the civil war to be charged with crimes related to that conflict. With the return of [[Michel Aoun]], the climate was right to try to heal wounds to help unite the country after former prime minister Rafik Hariri was assassinated on 14 February 2005. Geagea was released on 26 July 2005 and left immediately for an undisclosed European nation to undergo medical examinations and convalesce.

During the Cedar Revolution Hezbollah organized a series of pro-Syrian rallies. Hezbollah became a part of the Lebanese government following the 2005 elections but is at a crossroads regarding the [[United Nations Security Council Resolution 1559|UNSCR 1559]] call for its militia to be dismantled. On 21 November 2005, Hezbollah launched an attack along the entire border with Israel, the heaviest in the five and a half years since Israel's withdrawal. The barrage was supposed to provide tactical cover for an attempt by a squad of Hezbollah special forces to abduct Israeli troops in the Israeli side of the village of [[Al-Ghajar]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Harel|first=Amos|url=http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=648271&contrassID=1&subContrassID=5|title=11 Israelis injured, at least 4 Hezbollah gunmen killed in failed kidnap attempt|newspaper=Haaretz|date=22 November 2005|access-date=14 August 2012|archive-date=12 January 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080112213009/http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=648271&contrassID=1&subContrassID=5|url-status=dead}}</ref> The attack failed when an ambush by the IDF [[Paratroopers]] killed 4 Hezbollah members and scattered the rest.<ref>{{cite news|last=Ashkenazi|first=Eli|url=http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/objects/pages/PrintArticleEn.jhtml?itemNo=648771|title='I'm not the hero of the day'|newspaper=Haaretz|date=23 November 2005|access-date=14 August 2012|archive-date=12 January 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080112114159/http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/objects/pages/PrintArticleEn.jhtml?itemNo=648771|url-status=dead}}</ref> The UN Security Council accused Hezbollah of initiating the hostilities.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=16671&Cr=middle&Cr1=east|title=Security Council calls for respect of entire Lebanon-Israel Blue Line|publisher=UN|date=23 November 2005|access-date=14 August 2012|archive-date=21 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160821050525/http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=16671&Cr=middle&Cr1=east|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:Bombed commercial centre.jpg|thumb|300px|A building in [[Ghazieh]], near [[Sidon]], [[Ghaziyeh airstrikes|bombed]] by the [[Israeli Air Force]] (IAF), 20 July 2006]]
On 27 December 2005, [[Katyusha rocket launcher|Katyusha rockets]] fired from Hezbollah territory smashed into houses in the Israeli village of [[Kiryat Shmona]] wounding three people.<ref>[https://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20051228/wl_nm/mideast_attack_dc_6] {{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> UN Secretary General Kofi Annan called on the Lebanese Government "to extend its control over all its territory, to exert its monopoly on the use of force, and to put an end to all such attacks".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=17049&Cr=Middle&Cr1=Lebanon |title=Annan deplores rocket attack from Lebanon into Israel |publisher=Un.org |date=2005-12-28 |access-date=2012-08-14 |archive-date=2016-04-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160401110658/http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=17049&Cr=Middle&Cr1=Lebanon |url-status=live }}</ref> Lebanese Prime Minister [[Fuad Saniora]] denounced the attack as "aimed at destabilizing security and diverting attention from efforts exerted to solve the internal issues prevailing in the country".<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/663101.html |title=Title |access-date=2005-12-28 |archive-date=2006-01-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060110035732/http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/663101.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> On December 30, 2005, the Lebanese army dismantled two other Katyusha rockets found in the border town of [[Naqoura]], an action suggesting increased vigilance following PM Saniora's angry remarks. In a new statement Saniora also rejected claims by Al-Qaeda that it was responsible for the attack and insisted again that it was a domestic action challenging his government's authority.<ref>{{cite web|last=Associated |first=The |url=http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/664445.html |title=Lebanese army sappers defuse rockets intended for Israel - Israel News &#124; Haaretz Daily Newspaper |publisher=Haaretz.com |date=2005-12-30 |access-date=2012-08-14}}</ref>

The [[2006 Lebanon War]] was a 34-day [[war|military conflict]] in Lebanon and northern Israel. The principal parties were Hezbollah [[paramilitary]] forces and the [[Israel Defense Forces|Israeli military]]. The conflict started on 12 July 2006, and continued until a [[United Nations]]-brokered [[ceasefire]] went into effect in the morning on 14 August 2006, though it formally ended on 8 September 2006 when Israel lifted its naval [[blockade]] of Lebanon.

===Instability and Syrian War spillover===
{{main|Syrian Civil War spillover in Lebanon|2011 Lebanese protests}}
In 2007, the [[Nahr al-Bared]] refugee camp became the center of the [[2007 Lebanon conflict]] between the Lebanese Army and [[Fatah al-Islam]]. At least 169 soldiers, 287 insurgents and 47 civilians were killed in the battle. Funds for the reconstruction of the area have been slow to materialize.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.irinnews.org/Report.aspx?ReportId=81306 |title=Life set to get harder for Nahr al-Bared refugees |publisher=UN IRIN newsg |date=5 November 2008 |access-date=17 January 2013 |archive-date=22 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110922104134/http://www.irinnews.org/Report.aspx?ReportId=81306 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Between 2006 and 2008, [[2006–2008 Lebanese political protests|a series of protests]] led by groups opposed to the pro-Western Prime Minister [[Fouad Siniora]] demanded the creation of a national unity government, over which the mostly Shia opposition groups would have veto power. When Émile Lahoud's presidential term ended in October 2007, the opposition refused to vote for a successor unless a power-sharing deal was reached, leaving Lebanon without a president.

On 9 May 2008, Hezbollah and [[Amal Movement|Amal]] forces, sparked by a government declaration that Hezbollah's communications network was illegal, seized western Beirut,<ref name="Global Politician">{{Cite news|url=http://www.globalpolitician.com/24841-lebanon|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628234738/http://www.globalpolitician.com/24841-lebanon|archive-date=28 June 2011|title=Lebanon back to Normalcy?|last=Ruff|first=Abdul|date=1 June 2008|work=Global Politician|access-date=19 October 2009}}</ref> leading to the [[2008 conflict in Lebanon]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Beirut street clashes turn deadly |url=http://www.france24.com/en/20080509-beirut-street-clashes-turn-deadly-lebanon-hezbollah?navi=MONDE |publisher=[[France 24]] |access-date=9 May 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101204041825/http://www.france24.com/en/20080509-beirut-street-clashes-turn-deadly-lebanon-hezbollah?navi=MONDE |archive-date=4 December 2010 }}</ref> The Lebanese government denounced the violence as a coup attempt.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tni.org/article/walking-tight-wire|title=Walking the tight wire – Conversations on the May 2008 Lebanese crisis|last=Martínez|first=Beatriz|author2=Francesco Volpicella|date=September 2008|publisher=Transnational Institute|access-date=9 May 2010|archive-date=23 March 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100323224102/http://www.tni.org/article/walking-tight-wire|url-status=live}}</ref> At least 62 people died in the resulting clashes between pro-government and opposition militias.<ref name="Doha NYT" /> On 21 May 2008, the signing of the [[Doha Agreement (2008)|Doha Agreement]] ended the fighting.<ref name="Global Politician"/><ref name="Doha NYT" /> As part of the accord, which ended 18 months of political paralysis,<ref name = "Doha">{{Cite news|url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=92308|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090305232232/http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=92308|archive-date=5 March 2009|title=Lebanese rivals set to elect president after historic accord|last=Abdallah |first=Hussein|date=22 May 2008|work=[[Daily Star (Lebanon)|The Daily Star]]|access-date=19 October 2009}}</ref> [[Michel Suleiman]] became president and a national unity government was established, granting a veto to the opposition.<ref name="Global Politician"/> The agreement was a victory for opposition forces, as the government caved in to all their main demands.<ref name="Doha NYT">{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/16/world/middleeast/16lebanon.html|title=Feuding Political Camps in Lebanon Agree to Talk to End Impasse|last=Worth|first=Robert|author2=Nada Bakri|date=16 May 2008|work=The New York Times|access-date=19 October 2009|archive-date=11 December 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081211002146/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/16/world/middleeast/16lebanon.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In early January 2011, the [[Lebanese government of November 2009|national unity government]] collapsed due to growing tensions stemming from the [[Special Tribunal for Lebanon]], which was expected to indict Hezbollah members for the Hariri assassination.<ref name="BBC collapse">{{cite news|title=Hezbollah and allies topple Lebanese unity government|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12170608|access-date=12 January 2011|publisher=BBC|date=12 January 2011|archive-date=13 January 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110113042200/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12170608|url-status=live}}</ref> The parliament elected [[Najib Mikati]], the candidate for the Hezbollah-led [[March 8 Alliance]], Prime Minister of Lebanon, making him responsible for forming a new government.<ref name="NYT collapse">{{cite news|last=Bakri|first=Nada|author-link=Nada Bakri|title=Resignations Deepen Crisis for Lebanon|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/13/world/middleeast/13lebanon.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1|access-date=12 January 2011|newspaper=The New York Times|date=12 January 2011|archive-date=10 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110084949/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/13/world/middleeast/13lebanon.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1|url-status=live}}</ref> Hezbollah leader [[Hassan Nasrallah]] insists that Israel was responsible for the assassination of Hariri.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://articles.cnn.com/2010-08-09/world/lebanon.nasrallah.israel_1_hezbollah-leader-hassan-nasrallah-israelis?_s=PM:WORLD |title=Hezbollah chief: Israel killed Hariri |publisher=CNN |date=9 August 2010 |access-date=17 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116235714/http://articles.cnn.com/2010-08-09/world/lebanon.nasrallah.israel_1_hezbollah-leader-hassan-nasrallah-israelis?_s=PM%3AWORLD |archive-date=16 January 2013 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref> A report leaked by the [[Al Akhbar (Lebanon)|Al-Akhbar]] newspaper in November 2010 stated that Hezbollah has drafted plans for a takeover of the country if the Special Tribunal for Lebanon issues an indictment against its members.<ref>{{cite web|title=Hezbollah Threatens an 'Explosion' in Beirut Over Tribunal|url=http://www.stratfor.com/sample/analysis/hezbollah-threatens-explosion-beirut-over-tribunal|publisher=Stratfor|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110160410/http://www.stratfor.com/sample/analysis/hezbollah-threatens-explosion-beirut-over-tribunal|archive-date=2013-11-10}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Lebanese Daily: Hizbullah Drills Takeover of Lebanon|url=http://www.memri.org/report/en/0/0/0/0/0/0/4725.htm|publisher=Middle East Media Research Institute|date=3 November 2010|access-date=15 November 2015|archive-date=7 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121007224427/http://www.memri.org/report/en/0/0/0/0/0/0/4725.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2012, the [[Syrian Civil War]] threatened to spill over in Lebanon, causing more [[Syrian civil war spillover in Lebanon|incidents of sectarian violence]] and armed clashes between [[Sunni Islam in Lebanon|Sunnis]] and [[Shia Islam in Lebanon|Alawites]] in Tripoli.<ref>{{cite news|title=Syrian War Plays Out Along a Street in Lebanon|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/24/world/middleeast/syrian-war-plays-out-along-a-street-in-lebanon.html?ref=middleeast|work=The New York Times|last=Cave|first=Damien|date=23 August 2012|access-date=19 February 2017|archive-date=1 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701041958/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/24/world/middleeast/syrian-war-plays-out-along-a-street-in-lebanon.html?ref=middleeast|url-status=live}}</ref> As of 6 August 2013, more than 677,702 Syrian refugees are in Lebanon.<ref name=refugees>{{cite web|title=Syria Regional Refugee Response – Lebanon|url=http://data.unhcr.org/syrianrefugees/country.php?id=122|publisher=UNHCR|access-date=2015-11-15|archive-date=2013-06-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130626091416/http://data.unhcr.org/syrianrefugees/country.php?id=122|url-status=dead}}</ref> As the number of Syrian refugees increases, the [[Lebanese Forces|Lebanese Forces Party]], the [[Kataeb Party]], and the [[Free Patriotic Movement]] fear the country's sectarian based political system is being undermined.<ref>{{cite web|last=Kverme|first=Kai|title=The Refugee Factor|url=http://carnegieendowment.org/2013/02/14/refugee-factor/fgl0|publisher=SADA|access-date=14 February 2013|date=14 February 2013|archive-date=29 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029192335/http://carnegieendowment.org/2013/02/14/refugee-factor/fgl0|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===2019 Protests due to liquidity Crisis===
[[File:Mohammed al Amin 20.jpg|right|thumb|Protesters in [[Beirut]]. [[Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque]], 20 October 2019]]
In October 2019 [[2019–20 Lebanese protests|a series of country-wide protests began]] in response to many of the government's failures and malfeasances. In the months leading up to the protests there was an [[Lebanese liquidity crisis|ever deepening foreign reserves liquidity crisis]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2019/10/11/lebanese-petrol-stations-shudder-to-a-halt-amid-nationwide-strike|title=Lebanese petrol stations shudder to a halt amid nationwide strike|access-date=2021-03-20|archive-date=2019-12-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191226083441/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/10/lebanese-petrol-stations-shudder-halt-nationwide-strike-191011171626159.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailystar.com.lb/Business/Local/2019/Sep-25/492238-lebanese-millers-say-wheat-reserves-fall-due-to-ongoing-dollar-problem.ashx|title=Lebanese millers say wheat reserves fall due to ongoing 'dollar problem' &#124; Business, Local &#124; THE DAILY STAR|access-date=2021-03-20|archive-date=2019-11-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191107032715/http://www.dailystar.com.lb//Business/Local/2019/Sep-25/492238-lebanese-millers-say-wheat-reserves-fall-due-to-ongoing-dollar-problem.ashx|url-status=dead}}</ref> Days before protests broke out, a series of about 100 major wildfires in Chouf, Khroub and other Lebanese areas displaced hundreds of people and caused enormous damage to Lebanese wildlife. The Lebanese government failed to deploy its firefighting equipment due to lack of maintenance and misappropriation of funds. Lebanon had to rely on aid from neighboring Cyprus, Jordan, Turkey and Greece.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/10/hellish-scenes-wildfires-engulf-lebanon-191015191252866.html|title=Lebanon wildfires: Hellish scenes in mountains south of Beirut|access-date=2021-03-20|archive-date=2020-08-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807142241/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/10/hellish-scenes-wildfires-engulf-lebanon-191015191252866.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://en.annahar.com/article/1049862-lebanons-wildfires-call-for-an-appropriate-disaster-risk-management-plan|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191018103327/https://en.annahar.com/article/1049862-lebanons-wildfires-call-for-an-appropriate-disaster-risk-management-plan|archive-date = 2019-10-18|title = Lebanon's wildfires call for an appropriate disaster risk management plan}}</ref> In November 2019, commercial banks responded to the liquidity crises by imposing illegal capital controls to protect themselves, despite there being no official law by the BDL regarding banking controls.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://english.alarabiya.net/features/2020/11/15/Lebanon-economy-Lebanon-s-informal-capital-controls-explained|title=Lebanon's informal capital controls explained: Why can't Lebanese access their money?|date=15 November 2020|access-date=4 April 2021|archive-date=20 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210620045921/https://english.alarabiya.net/features/2020/11/15/Lebanon-economy-Lebanon-s-informal-capital-controls-explained|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url = https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-11-17/lebanese-banks-to-impose-first-joint-measures-in-face-of-crisis| title = Lebanon's Banks Set Limits They Won't Call Capital Controls - Bloomberg| website = [[Bloomberg News]]| date = 17 November 2019| access-date = 2021-04-04| archive-date = 2020-09-02| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200902040044/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-11-17/lebanese-banks-to-impose-first-joint-measures-in-face-of-crisis| url-status = live}}</ref>

The protests created a political crisis in Lebanon, with Prime Minister [[Saad Hariri]] tendering his resignation and echoing protesters' demands for a government of [[Independent politician|independent]] specialists.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.the961.com/news/lebanese-protesters-addressed-president-aoun-with-an-urgent-demand/|title=Lebanese Protesters Addressed President Aoun with an Urgent Demand/|author=Staff |date=1 November 2019|website=the961.com|language=en-EN|access-date=24 November 2019|archive-date=31 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191231143854/https://www.the961.com/news/lebanese-protesters-addressed-president-aoun-with-an-urgent-demand|url-status=dead}}</ref> A [[Cabinet of Hassan Diab|cabinet]] headed by [[Hassan Diab]] was formed in 2020.

===2020 meltdown of Banque du Liban===
Concurrently with the [[COVID-19 pandemic|COVID–19 pandemic]], the [[Banque du Liban]] (BdL) in March 2020 defaulted on $90 billion of [[sovereign debt obligations]], triggering a collapse in the value of the [[Lebanese pound]].<ref name=default>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/ajimpact/lebanon-default-debt-time-200307182500108.html|title=Lebanon will default on its debt for the first time ever|last=Azhari|first=Timour|website=www.aljazeera.com|access-date=2020-03-09|archive-date=2020-09-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200918203614/https://www.aljazeera.com/ajimpact/lebanon-default-debt-time-200307182500108.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="ftimf">{{cite news |last1=Cornish |first1=Chloe |title=IMF reports $49bn losses at Lebanon central bank as bailout talks drag |url=https://www.ft.com/content/5c0b7447-d495-49d9-9317-e32755b2c0c2 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221210/https://www.ft.com/content/5c0b7447-d495-49d9-9317-e32755b2c0c2 |archive-date=2022-12-10 |url-access=subscription |newspaper=[[The Financial Times]] |publisher=The Financial Times Ltd |date=25 June 2020}}</ref> The decision was taken unanimously at a cabinet meeting under the chairmanship of [[Hassan Diab]] on 7 March. That in turn caused the complex and opaque [[financial engineering]] with which the BdL maintained the nation's tenuous stability to crash and burn.<ref name="ftimf"/> Simultaneously, commercial banks imposed "informal capital controls limiting the amount of dollars depositors can withdraw as well as transfers abroad."<ref name=default/> [[Capital controls]] were expected to remain in place until at least 2025.<ref name=default/> It was remarked at the time that Lebanon, whose population is under 7 million, "produces little and imports about 80 percent of the goods it consumes."<ref name=default/> Debt servicing had consumed 30 percent of recent budgets.<ref name=default/>

On 25 June the [[IMF]] estimated the losses at $49 billion, equivalent "to 91 per cent of Lebanon’s total economic output in 2019, according to [[World Bank]] figures... almost equal to the total of value of the deposits held by the Banque du Liban from the country’s commercial banks."<ref name="ftimf"/> The government of Lebanon concurred with the IMF estimates.<ref name="ftimf"/> The value of the pound, which had been artificially pegged at [[Lebanese pound|£L]]1,507.5 per U.S. dollar by the BdL, traded on the informal market in June 2020 at £L5,000 to the dollar, and concurrently the BdL welcomed in an official publication the involvement of the IMF.<ref name="ftimf"/>

It came to light in an audit of 2018 BdL finances whose results were revealed on 23 July that the governor of the BdL, [[Riad Salameh]], had fictionalized assets, used [[creative accounting]] and cooked the books.<ref name="lcbrr">{{cite news |last1=Nakhoul |first1=Samia |title=Lebanese central bank governor inflated assets as liabilities grew-audit |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/lebanon-crisis-centralbank/lebanese-central-bank-governor-inflated-assets-as-liabilities-grew-audit-idUSL5N2ET1QD |publisher=Reuters |date=23 July 2020 |access-date=7 August 2020 |archive-date=10 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210110113821/https://www.reuters.com/article/lebanon-crisis-centralbank/lebanese-central-bank-governor-inflated-assets-as-liabilities-grew-audit-idUSL5N2ET1QD |url-status=live }}</ref> Two days earlier the government had announced its contract with New York-based [[Alvarez & Marsal]] to conduct "a forensic audit" of BdL finances.<ref name="forensic">{{cite news |title=Lebanon Contracts New York Firm for Forensic Audit of Central Bank |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/middle-east_lebanon-contracts-new-york-firm-forensic-audit-central-bank/6193184.html |publisher=VOA News |date=21 July 2020 |access-date=7 August 2020 |archive-date=8 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201008152657/https://www.voanews.com/middle-east/lebanon-contracts-new-york-firm-forensic-audit-central-bank |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Beirut port explosion and state of emergency===
[[File:Aftermath of the 2020 Beirut explosions august 10 2020 6.jpg|thumb|Aftermath of the 4 August 2020 Beirut explosion]]
On 4 August 2020, the [[2020 Beirut explosion|Beirut explosion]] occurred in the port sector of the city, destroying hectares of buildings and killing over 200 people. It was felt throughout the country. 4 days later on 8 August, a peaceful protest was organized starting from the port of Beirut and destined for the parliament building.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/08/world/middleeast/Beirut-explosion-protests-lebanon.html|title=Clashes Erupt in Beirut at Blast Protest as Lebanon's Anger Boils over|newspaper=The New York Times|date=8 August 2020|last1=Hubbard|first1=Ben|last2=El-Naggar|first2=Mona|access-date=4 April 2021|archive-date=9 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809192640/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/08/world/middleeast/Beirut-explosion-protests-lebanon.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The demonstrators were faced with brutal, deadly, and extreme excessive force including the use of live-ammunition by the security apparatus to oppress and subdue demonstrators. 728 demonstrators were injured during the 8 August protests and at least 153 injuries were severe enough to be treated in surrounding hospitals.<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://www.hrw.org/news/2020/08/26/lebanon-lethal-force-used-against-protesters|title = Lebanon: Lethal Force Used Against Protesters|date = 26 August 2020|access-date = 4 April 2021|archive-date = 27 August 2020|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200827100147/https://www.hrw.org/news/2020/08/26/lebanon-lethal-force-used-against-protesters|url-status = live}}</ref> Amid much popular unrest, the entire [[cabinet of Hassan Diab]] resigned on 10 August, and a state of emergency, which gave "the army broad powers to prevent gatherings, censor media and arrest anyone deemed to be a security threat", was declared on 13 August by the caretaker government. On 14 August, Hezbollah leader [[Hassan Nasrallah]] "referred to the possibility of civil war" were the anti-government protestors to force an early election. Meanwhile, [[Iran]]ian foreign minister [[Javad Zarif]] complained about the presence of "French and [[United Kingdom|British]] warships that were deployed to assist in the delivery of medical assistance and other aid."<ref name="lpmm">{{cite news |last1=MacKinnon |first1=Mark |title=Lebanese protesters fight to bring down the system |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/article-lebanese-protesters-fight-to-bring-down-the-system/ |publisher=The Globe and Mail Inc |date=15 August 2020 |access-date=17 August 2020 |archive-date=22 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022103218/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/article-lebanese-protesters-fight-to-bring-down-the-system/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="lfcgm">{{cite news |last1=MacKinnon |first1=Mark |title=Leaders fear crisis sparked by Beirut blast could lead to civil war |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/article-leaders-fear-crisis-sparked-by-beirut-blast-could-lead-to-civil-war/ |publisher=The Globe and Mail Inc |date=16 August 2020 |access-date=17 August 2020 |archive-date=22 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122155817/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/article-leaders-fear-crisis-sparked-by-beirut-blast-could-lead-to-civil-war/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Also on 14 August, the [[United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs]] (UNOCHA) launched a $565 million appeal for donors of aid to victims of the explosion. The UN effort was to focus on: meals, first aid, shelters, and repair of schools.<ref name="emlap">{{cite news |last1=Lederer |first1=Edith M. |title=UN launches $565-million appeal for Beirut explosion victims |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/article-un-launches-565-million-appeal-for-beirut-explosion-victims/ |agency=The Associated Press |publisher=The Globe and Mail Inc |date=14 August 2020 |access-date=17 August 2020 |archive-date=20 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020171032/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/article-un-launches-565-million-appeal-for-beirut-explosion-victims/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Following the resignation of Prime Minister [[Hassan Diab]] in August 2020, both [[Mustapha Adib (diplomat)|Mustafa Adib]] and [[Saad Hariri]]  failed to form a government. [[Najib Mikati]] was designated to fill the role on 26 July 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Chehayeb|first=Kareem|title=Lebanese Sunni leaders endorse Mikati to form new government|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/7/25/lebanese-sunni-leaders-endorse-najib-mikati-to-form-new-government|access-date=2021-07-26|website=www.aljazeera.com|language=en|archive-date=2021-07-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210727230558/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/7/25/lebanese-sunni-leaders-endorse-najib-mikati-to-form-new-government|url-status=live}}</ref> He received 72 votes out of 128 MPs.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-07-26|title=Lebanese billionaire Najib Mikati picked as new PM-designate|url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20210726-lebanese-mps-pick-najib-mikati-as-new-prime-minister|access-date=2021-07-26|website=France 24|language=en|archive-date=2021-07-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210726145434/https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20210726-lebanese-mps-pick-najib-mikati-as-new-prime-minister|url-status=live}}</ref> On September 10, 2021, Mikati was able to form a government.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Après 13 mois, un gouvernement enfin formé au Liban|url=https://libnanews.com/apres-13-mois-un-gouvernement-enfin-forme-au-liban/|language=fr|website=Libnanews|date=2021-09-10|access-date=2021-10-15|archive-date=2021-10-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211018180457/https://libnanews.com/apres-13-mois-un-gouvernement-enfin-forme-au-liban/|url-status=live}}</ref> He announced that he wanted to ask for help from Arab countries to try to get Lebanon out of the crisis it is going through.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-09-10|title=Liban: le premier ministre Najib Mikati annonce la composition du nouveau gouvernement|url=https://information.tv5monde.com/info/liban-le-premier-ministre-najib-mikati-annonce-la-composition-du-nouveau-gouvernement-423875|access-date=|website=TV 5 Monde|language=fr|archive-date=2021-10-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211018182008/https://information.tv5monde.com/info/liban-le-premier-ministre-najib-mikati-annonce-la-composition-du-nouveau-gouvernement-423875|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 14 October 2021, [[2021 Beirut clashes|clashes erupted in Beirut]] between the Christian militia [[Lebanese Forces]] and [[Hezbollah]] fighters supported by the [[Amal Movement]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Deadly clashes erupt over judge investigating Beirut blast |url=https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20211014-live-at-least-one-dead-in-shooting-at-protest-against-beirut-blast-judge |work=France 24 |date=14 October 2021 |language=en |access-date=31 May 2022 |archive-date=5 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220805013454/https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20211014-live-at-least-one-dead-in-shooting-at-protest-against-beirut-blast-judge |url-status=live }}</ref>

In May 2022, Lebanon held its first [[2022 Lebanese general election|election]] since a painful economic crisis dragged it to the brink of becoming a [[failed state]]. Lebanon's crisis has been so severe that more than 80 percent of the population is now considered poor by the [[United Nations]]. In the election Iran-backed Shia Muslim [[Hezbollah]] movement and its allies lost their parliamentary majority. Hezbollah did not lose any of its seats, but its allies lost seats. Hezbollah's ally, President [[Michel Aoun|Michel Aoun's]] [[Free Patriotic Movement]], was no longer the biggest Christian party after the election. A rival Christian party, led by [[Samir Geagea]], with close ties to Saudi Arabia, the [[Lebanese Forces]] (LF), made gains. Sunni [[Future Movement]], led by former prime minister [[Saad Hariri]], did not participate the election, leaving a political vacuum to other Sunni politicians to fill.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Chehayeb |first1=Kareem |title=After elections in Lebanon, does political change stand a chance? |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/5/19/what-stands-next-for-lebanon-after-key-elections |work=www.aljazeera.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Chehayeb |first1=Kareem |title=Hezbollah allies projected to suffer losses in Lebanon elections |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/5/16/hezbollah-allies-projected-to-lose-seats-lebanese-parliamentary-elections |work=www.aljazeera.com |language=en |access-date=2022-05-28 |archive-date=2022-10-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221005034800/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/5/16/hezbollah-allies-projected-to-lose-seats-lebanese-parliamentary-elections |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Chehayeb |first1=Kareem |title=Hariri's absence leaves Sunni voters unsure ahead of Lebanon poll |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/5/4/lebanon-sunni-vote |work=www.aljazeera.com |language=en |access-date=2022-05-28 |archive-date=2022-05-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220528120724/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/5/4/lebanon-sunni-vote |url-status=live }}</ref>

As of 2023, some consider Lebanon to have become a [[failed state]], suffering from chronic  poverty, economic mismanagement and a banking collapse.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/lebanon-struggles-to-emerge-from-financial-crisis-and-government-corruption |website=pbs.org |access-date=27 February 2024 |title=Lebanon struggles to emerge from financial crisis and government corruption |date=3 July 2023 |archive-date=13 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240213163019/https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/lebanon-struggles-to-emerge-from-financial-crisis-and-government-corruption |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Spillover of the Israel–Hamas war ===
{{main|Spillover of the Israel–Hamas war|Israel–Hezbollah conflict (2023–present)}}
The [[Gaza war]] sparked a renewed Israel–Hezbollah conflict. On October 8, 2023, Hezbollah began launching rockets at northern israel, displacing over 60,000 Israelis.<ref>{{cite news |title=Gallant warns: If Hezbollah isn't deterred, Israel can 'copy-paste' Gaza war to Beirut |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/gallant-warns-if-hezbollah-isnt-deterred-israel-can-copy-paste-gaza-war-to-beirut/ |work=The Times of Israel |date=8 January 2024}}</ref> Hezbollah has said it will not stop attacking Israel until Israel ceases [[Israeli bombing of the Gaza Strip|its attacks]] and [[Israeli invasion of the Gaza Strip|military operations in Gaza]],<ref>{{cite news |date=11 September 2024 |title=Mapping 11 months of Israel-Lebanon cross-border attacks |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/9/11/mapping-11-months-if-israel-lebanon-cross-border-attacks |work=Al Jazeera |access-date=18 September 2024 |archive-date=19 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919021145/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/9/11/mapping-11-months-if-israel-lebanon-cross-border-attacks |url-status=live }}</ref> where more than 1,600 Israelis and 40,000 Palestinians have been killed.<ref>{{cite news| title=The Hezbollah pager attacks prove that Israel has no strategy for peace| author=Maddox, B.| url=https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/israel-pager-explosions-walkie-talkies-hezbollah-b2615113.html| website=[[The Independent]]| date=19 September 2024| access-date=19 September 2024}}</ref> with the Israeli [[2024 Lebanon pager explosions|explosion of Hezbollah pagers and walkie talkies]] in September 2024,<ref>{{cite news |title=Do Lebanon explosions violate the laws of war? |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/9/18/do-lebanon-explosions-violate-the-laws-of-war |work=Al Jazeera |date=18 September 2024}}</ref> the conflict escalated severely,<ref>{{cite news |title=Israel rejects US-backed Lebanon ceasefire plan, hits Beirut again |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/lebanese-prime-minister-believes-ceasefire-between-israel-hezbollah-possible-2024-09-26/ |work=Reuters |date=26 September 2024}}</ref> with the [[September 2024 Lebanon strikes|23 September 2024 Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon]] killing at least 569 over September 23 and 24, and sparking a mass evacuation of Southern Lebanon.<ref>{{cite news |title=Israel bombs Lebanon updates: Hezbollah responds as Israeli raids kill 569 |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2024/9/24/israel-attacks-lebanon-live-global-calls-for-restraint-as-492-killed |work=Al Jazeera |date=24 September 2024}}</ref> On 27 September 2024, [[Hassan Nasrallah]], the longtime leader of Hezbollah, was killed in a massive Israeli air attack on Beirut. Nasrallah was often described as the most powerful person in Lebanon.<ref>{{cite news |author=Al Jazeera Staff |title=Who was Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollah leader killed in Israeli strike? |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/9/28/hassan-nasrallah-hezbollah-leader-killed-in-beirut-in-israeli-strike |work=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref>

In November 2024, a [[2024 Israel–Lebanon ceasefire agreement|ceasefire deal]] was signed between Israel and the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah to end 13 months of conflict. According to the agreement, Hezbollah was given 60 days to end its armed presence in southern Lebanon and Israeli forces were obliged to withdraw from the area over the same period.<ref>{{cite news |title=Lebanon ceasefire: What we know about Israel-Hezbollah deal |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2d3gj9ewxo |work=www.bbc.com |date=27 November 2024}}</ref> [[Fall of the Assad regime|The fall of Assad’s Baathist regime]] in Syria was  another blow to its Lebanese ally, Hezbollah, which was already weakened because of Israeli military actions.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Rebeiz |first1=Mireille |title=Assad’s fall in Syria will further weaken Hezbollah and curtails Tehran’s ‘Iranization’ of region |url=https://theconversation.com/assads-fall-in-syria-will-further-weaken-hezbollah-and-curtails-tehrans-iranization-of-region-245606 |website=The Conversation |date=11 December 2024}}</ref> The Syrian regime change in December 2024 was said to start a new chapter in Lebanese politics.<ref>{{cite web |title=What Assad’s Fall Means for Lebanon |url=https://www.usip.org/publications/2024/12/what-assads-fall-means-lebanon |website=United States Institute of Peace |language=en}}{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> In January 2025, [[Joseph Aoun]], the Lebanese army commander, was elected Lebanese 14th [[President of Lebanon|president]] after a two-year vacancy.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Staff |first1=Al Jazeera |title=Who is Joseph Aoun, the new president of Lebanon? |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/1/9/who-is-joseph-aoun-the-new-president-of-lebanon |work=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref> In February 2025, Prime Minister [[Nawaf Salam]], former president of the [[International Court of Justice]] (ICJ), formed a new government of 24 ministers after two-year caretaker cabinet.<ref>{{cite news |title=Lebanon names new government after two-year caretaker cabinet |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/2/8/lebanon-names-new-government-after-two-year-caretaker-cabinet |work=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref> On 26 February 2025,  Lebanon's government of  Nawaf Salam won a confidence vote in parliament.<ref>{{cite news |title=Lebanon’s government wins confidence vote in Parliament |url=https://english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-east/2025/02/26/lebanon-s-government-wins-confidence-vote-in-parliament |work=Al Arabiya English |date=26 February 2025 |language=en}}</ref>