A judicial investigation into a sophisticated impersonation plot has sent shockwaves through Lebanon’s political establishment this week, as authorities peel back the layers of the “Abou Omar” scandal -- a years-long fraud that allegedly manipulated high-level government appointments and parliamentary votes.

The scandal peaked following the arrest of Mustafa al-Hassian by Lebanese Army intelligence agents. Al-Hassian, a car mechanic from the Akkar region, was apprehended while attempting to enter Lebanon from Syria.

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has stressed that Hezbollah’s weapons should be “under the command of all Lebanese and under the decision of the Lebanese government.”

Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri on Friday described as “alarming” the reports about figures from Syria’s former regime using Lebanon as a launchpad for activities hostile to Syria’s new rulers.

Israel conducted Friday a series of strikes on south Lebanon and West Bekaa, including on al-Rihan mountains, the Tabna area near al-Baysariyyeh and Ansar's outskirts.

The Israeli army said it targeted a training center used by elite al-Radwan force and arms depots in south Lebanon.

The Israeli Army is preparing options for action against Hezbollah, Israeli media reports said.

Israeli Maariv newspaper reported Friday that the options do not include an all-out war that would disrupt the ceasefire agreement, but a "limited offensive" or a series of high-intensity operations aimed at dismantling Hezbollah's long-range missile capabilities, which Israel claims are being rebuilt.

President Joseph Aoun on Wednesday hoped the Lebanese will enter the new year with a more stable and hopeful atmosphere.

The handover of Palestinian weapons resumed Tuesday as the Palestine Liberation Organization surrendered a fifth batch of heavy weapons at the Ain al-Hilweh refugee camp in the southeastern outskirts of the port city of Sidon.

During a visit to Beirut in May, Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun agreed that weapons in Lebanon's Palestinian camps would be handed over to the Lebanese authorities.

U.S. President Donald Trump said Monday that Hezbollah "has been behaving badly," following talks in Florida with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

President Joseph Aoun on Monday hoped the new year will witness “a new birth of Lebanon, so that it becomes a state of institutions, away from the state of sects.”

“History has proven that the Lebanese Army has saved Lebanon many times, and the future will prove that it is Lebanon's only savior, because it is the only institution that works in the country's best interests, free from political, partisan and sectarian considerations,” Aoun told an Army Command delegation that visited him to offer season’s greetings.

U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa has met with a number of Lebanese ministers in recent days, the U.S. Embassy said on Monday.

“Economic and financial reforms are critical – alongside peace and security -- to secure Lebanon’s stability and restore international confidence,” the Embassy said in a post on X about Issa’s meeting with Economy Minister Amer Bisat.