An Israeli drone targeted a car in Nabatieh, Lebanon, injuring two and allegedly aiming to assassinate a Hezbollah commander responsible for missile launches on Kiryat Shimona. The strike adds to a series of Israeli actions against Hezbollah and Palestinian allies, including the killings of Salah al-Arouri and Wissam Tawil. Clashes have escalated over the past four months, with regional observers concerned about potential full-scale war. Despite mediation efforts, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected a ceasefire proposal from Hamas, and the ongoing military operation in Gaza since October 7 has resulted in over 27,000 deaths, predominantly women and children.

Analysis of munition fragments in the border village of Deira indicates that Israel used white phosphorus munitions during an October attack in southern Lebanon, injuring at least nine civilians. The Washington Post journalist found remnants of 155mm artillery shells, which according to residents burned at least four houses. The use of white phosphorus near civilian areas should be prohibited under international humanitarian law. The munitions were identified as being of American origin, produced in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The incident has raised concerns about the use of such munitions and their compliance with international law, with calls for the U.S. to reassess military aid to Israel.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his wife visited the coastal provinces of Latakia and Tartous, areas of traditional support, during a time of increasing economic discontent. The visit coincided with protests in Suweida province demanding the regime's fall. Despite no notable protests in the coastal areas, arrests have been made for online statements against economic conditions. Assad's visits to the coast are seen as attempts to appease his core support base amidst crises. Syria faces severe economic challenges, with the majority of the population living in poverty and food insecurity. Criticism has arisen from within the regime's supporters, exemplified by the arrest of journalist Ali Daoud for questioning fuel price hikes.

Jordan's General Intelligence Directorate is accused of targeting the LGBTQ+ community by outing individuals to conservative families, leading to harassment and forced closure of LGBTQ+ organizations. Activists report abductions, bank account freezes, and threats, with some seeking asylum due to the risks. Despite decriminalization of same-sex relationships, Jordan lacks legal protections against homophobic discrimination. Human Rights Watch notes a broader decline in civil rights in Jordan since 2015. The government denies targeting LGBTQ+ individuals, attributing allegations to asylum-seeking motives.

Lebanon's central bank chief Riad Salameh did not attend a scheduled hearing in Paris on May 16, where French prosecutors were expected to press preliminary fraud and money laundering charges against him. Salameh, his brother Raja, and assistant Marianne Hoayek are under investigation in Lebanon and five European countries for allegedly embezzling funds from the central bank. Despite the hearing, Salameh remained in Beirut, and Lebanon's judiciary was unable to deliver the summons as he was unavailable at the Central Bank. Defense attorneys have objected to the French case, arguing that France should not try a case already under investigation in Lebanon. Riad and Raja Salameh have denied the charges, while Hoayek has not publicly commented.

The New Arab Voice podcast has launched a three-part series focusing on the recent transformative crises in Lebanon. The first part revisits the October 2019 uprisings triggered by the country's economic collapse and the government's attempt to pass financial burdens onto the citizens. It explores the failure of the protests to move beyond Lebanon's traditional political and sectarian structures. The episode also delves into the central bank's Ponzi scheme, highlighting the corruption that led to the economic meltdown, the profiteers of the system, and the devastating impact on the Lebanese people. The podcast features discussions with Ronnie Chatah, Faten Jebai, Yazan al-Saadi, and Dina Abu Zour, providing insights into the situation.

The New Arab Voice podcast has launched a three-part series focusing on the recent transformative crises in Lebanon. The first part revisits the October 2019 uprisings triggered by the country's economic collapse and the government's attempt to pass financial burdens onto the citizens. It explores the failure of the protests to move beyond Lebanon's traditional political and sectarian structures. The episode also delves into the central bank's Ponzi scheme, highlighting the corruption that led to the economic meltdown, the profiteers of the system, and the devastating impact on the Lebanese people. The podcast features discussions with Ronnie Chatah, Faten Jebai, Yazan al-Saadi, and Dina Abu Zour, providing insights into the situation.

The European Parliament has adopted a motion urging EU member states to designate Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corp (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, in response to Iran's crackdown on protests and its support to Russia with drones. While the EU foreign ministers agreed on new sanctions, they have not yet labeled the IRGC as terrorists. The UK is also considering a similar designation. The IRGC, formed after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, is Iran's most powerful military force and has a significant economic presence. An EU terror designation would freeze IRGC assets and ban travel to the EU, potentially impacting Iran's aviation and shipping industries. However, experts suggest that sanctions alone are not enough and should be accompanied by diplomatic isolation. The move could escalate tensions and provoke retaliatory actions from Iran, potentially affecting European nationals and interests.

France repatriated 15 women and 32 children from jihadist prison camps in Syria, marking the third major return of French citizens since the Islamic State was ousted in 2019. Rights groups have long urged France to take back the families of IS fighters, but the government has been cautious, citing security risks. The repatriation follows a UN Committee Against Torture ruling that France was violating the UN Convention against torture by not repatriating women and minors. The children were placed with social services, and the mothers will face judicial authorities. France has been more reticent than other European countries to repatriate citizens from Syria, with many returned women being charged with terrorism crimes.

Lebanon's caretaker cabinet met to allocate funds for fuel imports and power plant maintenance, despite a boycott by the Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) over the legality of such a meeting during a presidential vacancy. The country has been without a president since November and in a caretaker capacity since May 2022. Political blocs have been unable to agree on a president, with Suleiman Frangieh and Joseph Aoun as likely candidates. Tensions between Hezbollah and its ally FPM are rising, with potential worsening as Gebran Bassil's ambitions may conflict with Hezbollah's priorities. Meanwhile, Lebanon's currency has hit an all-time low, exacerbating the living conditions.

Lebanon saw protests following the arrest of activist William Noun by State Security forces. Noun, who lost his brother in the Beirut port blast, has been advocating for an investigation into the incident. His detention sparked outrage and was seen as indicative of a judiciary protecting the powerful. Despite his release, the incident highlighted the struggle for a fair judiciary and the ongoing obstruction of the port blast investigation. Politicians and rights groups have called for an international investigation, which Lebanese authorities have rejected. The fight for justice in Lebanon continues amidst a backdrop of political tension and calls for accountability.

A stampede outside Palm Tree Trunk Stadium in Basra, Iraq, resulted in at least one death and over 70 injuries hours before the Gulf Cup final between Iraq and Oman. The incident occurred as thousands of ticketless fans gathered, hoping to watch the match. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani visited Basra to discuss the situation, and Basra Governor Asaad Al-Eidani indicated that the Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation might move the game out of the country if conditions did not improve. The tournament, hosting its first event in Iraq since 1979, includes GCC countries and Yemen.

Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails may engage in 'mass disobedience' against prison authorities, according to Qadri Abu Baker, head of the Palestinian Commission of Detainees and Ex-Detainees' Affairs. Dozens, including those involved in the 2021 Gilboa jailbreak and the mentally ill Ahmed Manasra, are in solitary confinement. Abu Baker warns of potential deaths or injuries if the situation escalates, especially with the use of solitary confinement and transfers as punitive measures. This announcement coincides with a 'general alert' issued by Fatah-affiliated prisoners.

Wasim al-Assad, cousin of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, posted a photo with Lebanese drug trafficker Nouh Zeitar, sparking controversy due to Zeitar's notoriety in drug trafficking, particularly captagon. The Fourth Division, led by Maher al-Assad, is implicated in Syria's captagon trade, which is estimated to generate over US$5 billion annually. The Assad regime, along with Hezbollah and Iranian militias, are accused of being major players in the production and smuggling of captagon, affecting countries like Jordan. The US has enacted legislation to counter the Assad regime's alleged drug activities, while Lebanon's inability to control captagon smuggling has led to bans on its exports to Gulf countries.

Jordanian MP Salah Armouti from the Muslim Brotherhood-affiliated Islah bloc was censored in parliament after questioning why King Abdullah II is exempt from taxes on land and property. His question was struck from the parliamentary record, and the topic of the king's wealth is considered taboo. The incident reflects ongoing economic grievances and political dissent in Jordan.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that the number of refugees returned to Syria will increase following successful diplomatic talks with Russia and Syria. Erdogan's statement came during the International Ombudsman Conference in Ankara, highlighting that stability in northern Syria would accelerate returns. Turkey claims to have already returned around 500,000 Syrians to safe zones, despite international law prohibiting forced returns. Human Rights Watch has reported on the arbitrary arrest, detention, and deportation of refugees by Turkey, with accounts of torture and abuse. The issue of refugee returns has become prominent ahead of Turkey's June elections, as Syrian refugees face increasing racism and xenophobia. High-level talks between the foreign ministers of Russia, Syria, and Turkey are expected to take place, potentially leading to a meeting between Erdogan and Assad.