Virar hospital fire: Health minister Rajesh Tope stokes controversy, says 'incident is not a national news'

A quiet but significant diplomatic push is unfolding as Saudi Arabia moves to slow any independent Lebanese engagement with Israel outside a broader Arab framework. During a visit to Beirut, Saudi envoy Yazid bin Farhan reportedly urged Lebanese leaders to stick to the Arab consensus and the long-standing conditions tied to the Arab Peace Initiative. The message from Riyadh signals a firm anti-normalisation posture, potentially complicating US-led efforts under President Donald Trump to expand regional recognition of Israel. As internal divisions persist within Lebanon’s leadership, Saudi Arabia appears determined to shape the timeline - and terms - of any future dialogue.