November 13, 2026, 8 a.m. Beirut time. Reading: about five minutes. A new Iranian claim to Bahrain dominates regional news this Friday. In Lebanon, the latest verified reports in the South still concern 12 November. Discussions with the IMF continue, with no announcement of agreement. The following are the facts established, the statements of the parties and the points that remain to be confirmed.
South Lebanon: Mansouri and Zawtar, facts of 12 November
An Israeli air strike targeted Mansuri on Thursday, according to the correspondent of an official Lebanese agency in Tyre. This report is distinct from artillery fire reported at dawn in this locality. The bulletin does not specify the exact time of the strike or the human or material balance.
In Zawtar al-Sharqiyah, another correspondent reported a significant detonation by Israeli forces on the river side in the afternoon of 12 November. Target is not specified. This operation must not be confused with the artillery bombardment reported on Thursday evening near the same town.
This information complements Thursday’s statement of operations. They do not describe new attacks on Friday. The hours on the dispatches are those of their publication, not necessarily those of the facts. No total of victims are deducted from these bulletins: the absence of a report does not mean that no person has been affected.
Bahrain: Iran claims radar strike
The Revolutionary Guards announced on Friday that they had targeted and destroyed an American early warning radar in Bahrain. Their communiqué number 22 describes the operation as a response to an air attack on a telecommunications tower in Sirik, in the Iranian province of Hormozgan.
The announced destruction is not independently confirmed in the items verified for this edition. The text does not name the site, does not specify the radar model and does not indicate the means used. It therefore does not permit the assertion that missiles, drones or aircraft have been used. There is no human balance to this claim.
The Guardians add a warning regarding air operations and oil transport in the Strait of Ormuz. This message does not prove another attack on a ship. The reality of the damage in Bahrain, the responsibility for the alleged attack on Sirik and the American or Bahraini responses remain to be established separately.
IMF: Banking negotiations continue, no agreement announced
Julie Kozack, Communications Director of the International Monetary Fund, confirmed on Thursday that a mission was under way in Beirut. Discussions focused on the strategy for restructuring the banking sector. They are part of the preparation of a reform programme to restore financial stability and support economic recovery.
When asked about the possibility of an imminent preliminary agreement, it did not confirm this deadline. IMF plans to provide relevant information at the end of the mission. This timetable must be distinguished from the hope expressed this week by Finance Minister Yassine Jaber to reach an agreement soon.
The distribution of losses between the state, central bank, banks and depositors remains an issue in the negotiations. The presence of experts in Beirut does not mean that a funding programme is approved or funds are released. The next point of the mission will measure the progress actually recognized by the Fund.
Parliament: what changes the vote on Turkish aid
The plenary vote of 12 November authorized the framework for military financial cooperation with Turkey, transmitted by Decree 1149. The instruments provide for 100 million Turkish pounds for military goods and services, as well as a separate protocol of 3.5 million for training, courses and visits.
This is not a dollar or payment immediately available for the Lebanese Treasury. Funding follows progressive allocations and agreed uses. The agreement favours Turkish production and governs subsequent transfers of equipment to third parties.
Parliamentary adoption is a legal step, not proof of delivery. It remains separate from the publication in the Official Journal and the diplomatic notifications provided for in the texts signed in 2022 and 2023.
Ukraine: a European place announced in the talks
After his discussions in Dublin with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Volodymyr Zelensky announced a greater involvement of Europeans in discussions on the end of the war. The Ukrainian Presidency reported on this in a communiqué issued on 13 November. This announcement concerns the organisation of negotiations, not the conclusion of a peace agreement.
The Ukrainian President also mentioned an exchange of prisoners. No number or actual release schedule is retained here. A forecast is not an accomplished exchange.
On another side, London registered Slavneft under sanctions on Thursday. The British government now claims to target the top ten Russian oil producers. Slavneft completed a series of earlier decisions: ten groups were not sanctioned simultaneously on 12 November. The new package also covers gas, coal and marine activities. Its stated objective is to reduce Moscow’s energy revenues; its real financial effect is not yet measured.
To be retained for consumers: two products withdrawn
The Lebanese Ministry of Economy suspends the marketing of the so-called « Czech » Akawi and the work of the manufacturer Hassan Ali al-Haq, based in Shuaghir, Hermel. The decision announced on November 12 distinguished two defects: a bacteriological non-conformity of cheese and the presence of vegetable oils in the labne.
The manufacturer must withdraw the products concerned and inventory the quantities within three days of the application of the decision. The press release does not provide a lot number or health record. The measure does not cover all akawis or labourers sold in Lebanon. Completion of withdrawal remains to be verified.
Cover: Khiam seen from Marjayoun, undated archival photograph. Geographical illustration, not representing the events of 12 and 13 November or Bahrain. Photo François el Bacha/Libnanews ; editorial dressing assisted by IA.
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