People fish and relax at Corniche Beirut, in Beirut, Lebanon, May 16, 2026. (Credit: Raghed Waked/AFP)
A year ago, they would have settled into a summer rental and no one would have batted an eye. They would have blended in, coming as they did from the same world: the wealthy Beiruti bourgeoisie, from the same schools, frequenting the same neighborhoods, the same private beaches and ski resorts. This spring, they thought it wiser to head north, away from Israeli threats. Off to an upscale village in the Metn, surrounded by pines and far from everything. Their ID papers had been sent to the municipality as per new procedures. They saw no issue with this — even thought it made sense. They hadn't lost their home or sought to flee a threatened area. The multi-month lease was signed, the city hall had given its green light. The children had chosen their rooms and the cleaning was done. More about Hezbollah Trump and contacts with...
A year ago, they would have settled into a summer rental and no one would have batted an eye. They would have blended in, coming as they did from the same world: the wealthy Beiruti bourgeoisie, from the same schools, frequenting the same neighborhoods, the same private beaches and ski resorts. This spring, they thought it wiser to head north, away from Israeli threats. Off to an upscale village in the Metn, surrounded by pines and far from everything. Their ID papers had been sent to the municipality as per new procedures. They saw no issue with this — even thought it made sense. They hadn't lost their home or sought to flee a threatened area. The multi-month lease was signed, the city hall had given its green light. The children had chosen their rooms and the cleaning was done. More about Hezbollah Trump and contacts with...
