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1974 Disengagement Agreement A UN-backed agreement between Syria and Israel after the 1973 war, establishing a buffer zone in the Golan Heights. Its repeated violations affect stability in southern Syria and Lebanon.

Abraham Accords Normalization agreements between Israel and Arab states signed in 2020. They are now discussed as a possible framework for more countries, with Lebanon mentioned among candidates. Al-Qard Al-Hasan A financial institution affiliated with Hezbollah providing interest-free loans. It is under US sanctions and accused of funding Hezbollah's activities. Al-Maashiq Presidential Palace The temporary presidential headquarters in the Yemeni city of Aden, used as the seat of the internationally recognized Yemeni government. It has been targeted by Houthi missile attacks. Advocate General at the Court of Cassation The highest position in the Lebanese Public Prosecution. He supervises judicial investigations and issues decisions in sensitive cases.

Biosimilars Biologic medicines similar to approved originals, regulated by the Health Ministry to ensure their quality and safety in the Lebanese market. Bab al-Mandab A strategic strait between Yemen and Djibouti linking the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. Any tension there threatens global shipping and trade. Bank Saderat Iran An Iranian state-owned bank whose license to operate in Lebanon was revoked by the Central Bank of Lebanon. The move comes amid a US campaign to isolate Tehran financially. Balad Party An Arab-Israeli leftist party advocating equality and opposing occupation; its candidates face challenges before Israel's Supreme Court. Banking Reform and Reorganization Law A Lebanese law aimed at restructuring the banking sector and addressing losses after the financial crisis; it is debated over central bank powers and deposit protection. Baabda Palace The official residence of the Lebanese president in Baabda. It is mentioned in the news as a venue for official meetings and political statements. Basij Forces A paramilitary force under Iran's Revolutionary Guard, used for internal mobilization and suppressing protests, and sometimes involved in external operations. Banque du Liban Lebanon's central bank, responsible for monetary policy and financial stability; its independence is central to banking reform debates. Ben Gurion Airport Israel's main international airport, located near Tel Aviv. It is a potential target in any regional conflict, and its disruption affects air travel.

Court of Audit Lebanon's supreme audit institution, monitoring public spending and holding officials accountable for waste. Its reports and rulings are central to corruption cases and fines on ministers. Cabinet decision of March 2 A cabinet decision banning Hezbollah's security and military activities, requiring it to hand over its weapons and limit itself to political work. It sparked wide debate over its implementation and legality. Ceasefire Agreement An agreement to halt hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, effective November 2024, stipulating an Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon and deployment of the Lebanese Army. CICA Summit An intergovernmental forum to promote security and cooperation in Asia. Its summit was held in Baku, where delegations withdrew in protest against the Israeli president's speech. Camp Bucca A former U.S. detention camp in Iraq known for holding thousands of detainees, including figures who later became jihadist leaders.

EU Support Mission in Lebanon A new EU security mission to train the Lebanese Army and Internal Security Forces and support monitoring and anti-smuggling efforts. It matters to Lebanese readers because it comes as UNIFIL's mission nears its end. Erbil Air Base A military base in Iraq's Kurdistan Region used by U.S.-led coalition forces. It saw a U.S. withdrawal as part of ending Operation Inherent Resolve.

Framework Agreement The Framework Agreement is a diplomatic understanding aimed at regulating relations between Lebanon and Israel, focusing on Israel's withdrawal from southern Lebanon and restricting weapons to the Lebanese state. Lebanon is following up on its implementation with the US. Framework Agreement A US-brokered understanding between Lebanon and Israel aimed at security arrangements in the south, presented as a path to support implementation of Resolution 1701. Financial Gap Law A law aimed at determining and distributing the financial losses of Lebanon's central bank, a key IMF requirement. Financial Action Task Force (FATF) An international body that sets standards against money laundering and terrorist financing. Its assessments affect Lebanon's financial rating and its ties with international banks.

Gulf of Oman A gulf between Iran and Oman at the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz, through which a large share of global oil exports passes. It sees maritime tensions and incidents that affect energy markets and the region. Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) A massive dam Ethiopia is building on the Blue Nile, sparking a crisis with Egypt and Sudan over water shares. It is a major source of tension in the Horn of Africa. Glilot Base An Israeli military base near Tel Aviv housing intelligence and command units, considered a sensitive site in Israel. General Amnesty Law A law that drops penalties for categories of convicts or detainees. In Lebanon it sparks debate over which crimes it covers and its distinction between civilians and military personnel. General Amnesty Law No. 70/2026 A Lebanese law issued in 2026 granting amnesty for certain crimes. It sparked wide debate between supporters seeing it as a solution to prison overcrowding and opponents fearing impunity. Guardian Council An Iranian body that reviews legislation and vets election candidates. Any Iranian law needs its approval to take effect. Gaza City Gaza City is the largest city in the Gaza Strip and one of its main urban centers. In this article, it refers to the location where the airstrike targeting Shadi Abu Hasira's car took place.

Houthis An armed group controlling parts of Yemen, launching missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia, Israel, and ships in the Red Sea. Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham An armed faction in Syria formed in 2017 from a merger of groups; designated a terrorist organization by several countries.

Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) A major Iranian military branch separate from the regular army, playing a central role in politics and regional security. It has wide influence in Lebanon and the region through proxies and military ties. Iranian rial The Iranian rial is Iran's official currency, which has sharply depreciated due to sanctions and economic pressures. Its decline raises prices and reduces purchasing power. Islamic holy sites Sites holy to Muslims; in this article it refers to places like Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Ibrahimi Mosque in the West Bank that settlers enter. India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) A trade corridor linking India to the Gulf and Europe via rail, roads and ports. It matters to Lebanon because including Beirut and Tripoli ports could boost its trade position. International Monetary Fund (IMF) An international financial institution that provides loans to countries in exchange for economic reforms; Lebanon has been negotiating with it for years. Israel Boycott Law A Lebanese law issued in 1955 that prohibits dealing or communicating with Israel. It sparks debate over its impact on Lebanon's international relations. Internal Security Forces The Internal Security Forces are Syria's police force. They are tasked with maintaining security and counterterrorism, and play a role in sensitive security files such as Daraa. International Finance Corporation (IFC) The World Bank Group's private-sector investment arm. It participates in financing reform projects in Lebanon within financial support negotiations. Israeli Political-Security Cabinet Israel's Political-Security Cabinet is a small ministerial forum that makes sensitive security and political decisions, chaired by the prime minister. It matters because it decides war and peace issues affecting Lebanon and the region. Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding A preliminary agreement between Iran and the IAEA regarding its nuclear program, announced in 2021. It is referenced in ongoing nuclear negotiations. International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) A UN agency setting civil aviation standards and auditing airports; its report flagged shortcomings at Beirut airport that could affect direct flights.

Knesset elections Elections for the Israeli parliament, held roughly every four years. Their timing affects war and peace decisions in the region, including Lebanon. King Khalid International Airport The main international airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia's capital, and one of the largest airports in the region.

Lindsey Graham Act A US law imposing sanctions on Russia and Iran; President Trump has suspended implementation of some of its provisions. Lebanese Judges' Association A professional body representing Lebanese judges and defending judicial independence. It intervenes in debates over laws affecting justice.

MOAB (Mother of All Bombs) A massive non-nuclear conventional bomb, officially GBU-43/B. Used in Afghanistan, it is mentioned in reports about U.S. plans against fortified Iranian sites. Makkah Joint Defense Agreement A joint defense agreement between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey aimed at military and security coordination. It matters to Lebanon as it reflects regional alliances that may affect the balance of power. Midterm elections U.S. elections held midway through a president's term, renewing the House and a third of the Senate, with impact on foreign policy. Mount Pickaxe (Kuh-e Kolang) An Iranian nuclear site also known as Mount Pickaxe, considered a fortified underground facility. US and Israeli threats to strike it raise fears of regional escalation. Mecca Alliance A defense alliance announced in 2025 between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey, aimed at collective deterrence. It matters to Lebanon as it reshapes regional power balances. Ma'ashiq Presidential Palace A presidential and government headquarters in the Yemeni city of Aden. It was targeted by missiles, highlighting the fragile security situation in Yemen. Marine Corps A US military force specialized in amphibious and rapid operations. Its deployment to the Middle East reflects military escalation and affects regional security.

National Social Security Fund (NSSF) Lebanon's official body providing health coverage and benefits to employees. Its decisions on consultation fees directly affect patients and doctors. Nabatieh A city in southern Lebanon and the capital of the Nabatieh Governorate. In the article, it is the area covered by black smoke from burning plastic and scrap in the Toul area. Non-refoulement A principle of international law prohibiting the return of anyone to a country where they face risk of torture or persecution. National Security Council Iran's top security and defense policy body, central to decisions on nuclear talks and military responses.

Ogero Lebanon's state telecommunications authority, managing phone and internet infrastructure. Audit reports hold it responsible for illegal internet networks and state losses. Oslo Accords Peace agreements signed between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization in the 1990s. They established the Palestinian Authority and outlined self-rule arrangements in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Operation Inherent Resolve A U.S.-led international coalition military operation against ISIS in Iraq and Syria. The completion of the U.S. troop withdrawal was announced as part of ending it. Operation Peace for Galilee An Israeli military operation that invaded Lebanon in 1982. It led to the occupation of Beirut and the withdrawal of the PLO. Operation Al-Aqsa Flood An attack launched by Hamas on Israel on October 7, 2023. It matters to Lebanon as it led to an Israeli war on Gaza and Lebanon and wide regional repercussions. Ovda Airbase An Israeli airbase in southern Israel near Eilat, sometimes used to host U.S. forces. Operation Aspides A European naval mission to protect navigation in the Red Sea. It aims to deter attacks on commercial ships.

Pretoria Agreement The Pretoria Agreement is a 2022 peace deal that ended the war in Ethiopia's Tigray region between the Ethiopian government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front. It ended a deadly conflict, but its implementation has stalled and fighting has resumed in some areas. Patriot A US advanced air-defense system that intercepts missiles and aircraft. Its deployment in the region is tied to tensions with Iran and affects the balance of deterrence. Presidential Leadership Council An internationally recognized Yemeni governing body leading the legitimate government against the Houthis. It matters to Lebanon as part of the regional conflict linked to tensions.

Quds Force A unit of Iran's Revolutionary Guard responsible for foreign operations and supporting Iran's allies in the region. It has wide influence in Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen.

Ramat David Airbase An Israeli airbase in northern Israel used for military operations. It has been targeted by Iranian missile attacks, highlighting its role in regional confrontations. RAF Fairford A British airbase used by U.S. forces, from which American bombers launch missions in the Middle East. RAF Fairford A British airbase hosting US forces. It witnessed a security incident that London linked to Iranian coordination, escalating West-Tehran tensions.

Shadow Fleet An unofficial network of ships used by Iran to transport oil away from international oversight. It was targeted by new US sanctions. Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) Israel's internal security agency, responsible for counter-espionage and counter-terrorism inside Israel and the West Bank, and involved in assassinations of Palestinian leaders. Southern Suburb (Dahieh) A southern Beirut area considered a Hezbollah stronghold, frequently targeted by Israeli airstrikes. State of Emergency An exceptional measure granting authorities expanded powers to restrict freedoms and impose restrictions. It matters to Lebanon as it is being considered amid security and economic tensions. Separation Line A line separating the occupied Syrian Golan from the buffer zone, around which Israeli-Syrian tensions and violations occur. Suez Canal An Egyptian waterway connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea. Vital for global trade and navigation; any threat affects the region. State Consultative Council Lebanon's highest administrative court, hearing appeals against state and ministerial decisions. Its rulings are binding and can annul or suspend administrative decisions. Strait of Hormuz A narrow waterway between the Gulf and the Gulf of Oman through which a large share of global oil exports passes. Any tension there raises energy prices and affects Lebanon and the region. Shanghai Cooperation Organisation A regional organization for political, security, and economic cooperation founded in 2001. It includes countries like China, Russia, and Iran, and focuses on counterterrorism. Special Investigation Commission (SIC) An independent body within Lebanon's central bank tasked with combating money laundering and terrorism financing. Its decisions to freeze accounts are subject to legal conditions.

Taif Agreement The agreement that ended the Lebanese Civil War in 1989 and established the framework of Lebanon's political system; often cited in debates on arms control and reform. Training and Support Mission for the Army and Internal Security Forces A proposed European mission to train and support the Lebanese Army and Internal Security Forces. It aims to enhance the capabilities of Lebanese security institutions. Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) An international treaty aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons. Iran's potential withdrawal could escalate Middle East tensions and affect Lebanon.

Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) Shells and bombs that did not explode after bombardment and remain a lethal hazard. They threaten farmers and returning displaced people in southern Lebanon and disrupt the olive harvest. United States Central Command (CENTCOM) A U.S. military command responsible for the Middle East and Central Asia, conducting operations and coordinating with Washington's allies in the region. UNIFIL The UN Interim Force in Lebanon, tasked with peacekeeping and monitoring the Lebanon-Israel border. Its presence is central in south Lebanon, and its mandate is ending soon, raising fears of a security vacuum. UN Security Council Resolution 1701 A 2006 Security Council resolution that ended the July war between Israel and Hezbollah and remains the framework for security arrangements in south Lebanon and UNIFIL's role. UN Security Council One of the main UN bodies responsible for maintaining international peace and security. Its resolutions are binding, and Lebanon is affected by its discussions on UNIFIL and the southern border. UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) A British body that monitors and reports maritime incidents, especially in the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, and is a key source of warnings to ships. US Department of the Treasury The US body responsible for imposing economic sanctions. Its sanctions affect Lebanon, Iran, and the region.