Energy Security in the Eastern Mediterranean: Cyprus and Lebanon agreed with the World Bank to study connecting their electricity grids, using a phased feasibility approach to assess supply-demand balance and economic scenarios. War’s Environmental Cost: Lebanon’s environmental damage from the conflict was put at over $512 million, with officials linking the toll to destruction and contamination. South Lebanon “Pilot Zones” Talks: Lebanon and Israel reported progress in Rome on the mechanism for withdrawing Israeli forces from two initial pilot zones and deploying the Lebanese Army, with disarmament and verification steps on the agenda. Agriculture Under Fire: Lebanon’s farmers say recovery is slow because damaged land, unexploded ordnance, and contamination keep people away from fields; the agriculture sector is estimated at about 13% of GDP, with a large share of farmland hit. Water and Waste Management Funding: EU aid planning for Gaza highlights water supply and waste management as priorities, underscoring how water systems become a frontline issue. Human Rights Milestone: Lebanon’s parliamentary committees approved a draft law to abolish the death penalty, moving the country toward ending capital punishment.