Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon. (Continuous)

Here are 5 major news items up to five o’clock Beirut time.

1- Hassan Al-Rifai: ‘Guardian of the Republic’ from the Constitution to Parliament and Government

The constitutional authority Hassan Al-Rifai has passed away after witnessing the major transformations experienced by the Lebanese Republic, but he did not live to see the critical transformation that began last year.

Just two years before his death, nearing 100 years old, the son of Baalbek chose to leave a written testimony in his book “Guardian of the Republic,” serving as a political, constitutional, and historical testament revealing hidden foundational moments in modern Lebanese history.

This testament stems from a life full of constitutional, legal, and political work, where he became a reference for the Lebanese Republic, moving between the Lebanese Parliament and the Council of Ministers, leaving his mark everywhere he worked.

2- Israeli Airstrikes Hit Yater and Kharayeb in Southern Lebanon (Photos – Video)

Israeli drone aircraft targeted a citizen near his home in the town of Yater in southern Lebanon, injuring him and transferring him to the hospital.

Later, the Ministry of Public Health’s Emergency Operations Center announced that the targeted citizen died from his injuries.

The Israeli warplanes also struck the outskirts of Kharayeb town and another strike on Kawthariyat Al-Razz.

3- After UNIFIL Attack in Southern Lebanon… France Demands Security Guarantees for Its Forces

On Wednesday, France condemned an Israeli drone attack near the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), calling for the protection of peacekeeping forces.

The Foreign Ministry statement said, “The protection of peacekeeping forces and the security of UN personnel, equipment, and premises must be ensured.” It added that the UN force “plays a fundamental role in stabilizing Lebanon and the region.”

UNIFIL forces in southern Lebanon revealed they were subjected to “one of the most serious attacks” since the ceasefire agreement last November.

4- UAE: Israeli Annexation of Occupied West Bank a ‘Red Line’

An Emirati official confirmed on Wednesday that Israel’s attempts to annex lands in the occupied West Bank constitute a “red line” for the UAE.

Assistant Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Lana Nusseibeh stated in a statement that “Annexation of lands in the West Bank will be a red line for the UAE.”

The UAE called on Israel to halt annexation plans in the occupied West Bank, warning that it would seriously undermine the Abraham Accords that established relations between the two sides in 2020, according to Nusseibeh.

5- Shin Bet: Foiled Assassination Attempt on Minister Ben Gvir

Israel’s Shin Bet announced today that, in cooperation with the Israeli army, it arrested in recent weeks a Hamas cell from the Hebron area suspected of acting under Hamas leadership in Turkey to carry out an assassination attempt against National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir.

Investigations revealed the suspects had purchased several drones intending to equip them with explosives to carry out the operation. The drones were seized during their arrest.