Key Takeaways

• The rate of Israeli air strikes in southern Lebanon nearly doubled in September compared to August. Meanwhile, Tel Aviv accused Hezbollah of launching six attacks on Israeli troops in Lebanese territory during the month, although the group has not claimed responsibility. After reporting earlier in September that they had captured a Hezbollah tunnel complex below the Ali al-Taher ridge in Nabatieh, Israeli forces demolished it. 
• At the 81st UN General Assembly, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam reiterated his call for Lebanon to not become embroiled in regional conflicts. In a meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Salam requested that the Islamic Republic name a new ambassador to Lebanon. Salam also met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington, with talks focusing on implementation of the Trilateral Framework.    
• As the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon’s (UNIFIL) mandate nears its end on January 31, Lebanese officials are seeking commitments to replace the multinational force. In an effort to bolster the capacity of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) – one of UNIFIL’s key missions – Lebanese President Joseph Aoun met with Jordanian King Abduallah and French President Emanuel Macron in Paris. 
• The Ministry of Finance submitted the 2027 draft budget, which introduces a Medium-Term Fiscal Framework and enhanced tax compliance measures. Critics argue that it lacks meaningful salary adjustments and relies heavily on indirect taxes like value-added tax for revenues. It is slated to be submitted to Parliament in early October.
• An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission visited Lebanon to assess macroeconomic conditions and reform progress. The mission reviewed the amended Bank Resolution Law and discussed the pending Financial Stabilization and Deposits Recovery Law. While mission head Ernesto Ramirez Rigo hailed August’s banking law amendments, the IMF continues to urge fiscal discipline and emphasize that reforms must ensure shareholders absorb losses before depositors.
• Private-school tuition fees for the 2026-2027 school year have increased by as much as 30%. These increases come as the Consumer Price Index rose by 15.7% between July 2025 and July 2026, and transport costs by around 68% for the same period.

By Crisis Analytics Team, Mercy Corps Lebanon