Beirut Wire

Lebanon Launches Ferry Routes from Jounieh to Cyprus, Turkey, and Syria 🇱🇧⛴️

Lebanon has officially launched new ferry routes from Jounieh connecting passengers to Larnaca, Mersin, and Latakia aboard the “Cedar Waves” ferry.

The vessel can carry up to 350 passengers, with one-way ticket prices starting at $95 to Larnaca, $165 to Mersin, and $135 to Latakia.

The ferry also features onboard seating areas, reclining upper-deck seats, and dining services as Lebanon expands regional maritime transport links.

Lebanese Mothers Granted Right to Open Bank Accounts for Children 🏦🇱🇧

Banque du Liban has approved new measures allowing Lebanese mothers to independently open bank accounts for their minor children, marking a significant change in Lebanon’s banking and guardianship procedures.

Lebanon Plans New High-Denomination LBP Banknotes 🏦🇱🇧

Banque du Liban is preparing higher-denomination Lebanese pound banknotes as inflation continues to erode the currency’s value, with reports pointing to potential 500,000, 1 million, and possibly 5 million LBP notes entering circulation.

Lebanon Launches Public Electric Bus Service 🚌⚡️

Lebanon has launched a new public electric bus network aimed at improving transportation infrastructure, lowering costs for commuters, and reducing reliance on fuel-powered transit amid the country’s ongoing economic crisis.

Starlink Could Launch in Lebanon by Mid-June 📡🇱🇧

Lebanese officials say Starlink could begin operating in Lebanon by mid-June pending final regulatory and technical approvals, as the country pushes to improve internet connectivity and digital infrastructure.

Patriarch al-Rahi Calls for Amnesty for Lebanese Who Fled to Israel After 2000 Withdrawal 🇱🇧⚖️

Maronite Patriarch Bechara al-Rahi has called for Lebanese who fled to Israel following the 2000 Israeli withdrawal from South Lebanon to be included in the country’s proposed general amnesty law, arguing that previous legislation addressing their status was never properly implemented.

French Bac Exams Canceled in Lebanon and Parts of the Region Amid Security Concerns 🇱🇧🇫🇷

France’s Education Ministry has canceled French brevet and baccalaureate exams in Lebanon and several countries across the Middle East due to ongoing security concerns, with affected students to be graded based on their annual averages instead.

Pope Leo XIV Surprises Priests in South Lebanon with Video Call 🇱🇧🇻🇦

Pope Leo XIV made a surprise video call from Rome to priests serving in South Lebanon near the Israeli border, offering prayers, encouragement, and blessings amid ongoing tensions in the region!

Lebanon Takes Steps Toward Digitalizing Taxes and Public Fees 📲📈

Lebanon’s Ministry of Finance has begun digitizing income tax declarations and stamp duty payments as part of a broader push toward e-government, backed by $150 million in World Bank funding. President Joseph Aoun has framed digital transformation as a “sovereign decision” to fight corruption and modernize public services.

However, experts and analysts caution that true full digitalization remains far off, most government agencies still lack standardized procedures, and previous reform attempts spanning decades have repeatedly stalled due to political gridlock and infrastructure gaps.

Free Tuition for Lebanese Students in France’s Public Universities 🇫🇷🇱🇧

France is set to offer free tuition for Lebanese students in its public universities, easing financial pressure on those seeking higher education abroad. The move reflects growing support for Lebanon amid ongoing economic challenges, with many students expected to benefit from the policy.