🇱🇧 CIS LEBANON SECURITY INDEX™ – Wednesday, Feb 18 2026

📊 TODAY’S LEBANON SECURITY INDEX READING

INDEX LEVEL: 🔴 CRITICAL
TODAY’S OVERALL INDEX: 87/100
TREND ANALYSIS: ⚡ RAMADAN BEGINS AMID FUEL CRISIS AND ISRAELI REFUSAL TO WITHDRAW

🚨 BREAKING: RAMADAN BEGINS AS FUEL PROTESTS ERUPT – ISRAEL REFUSES WITHDRAWAL

CRITICAL DEVELOPMENTS – WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2026:

RAMADAN BEGINS TODAY: The first day of Ramadan falls on February 18, 2026, as Lebanon faces multiple concurrent crises including fuel price hikes, Israeli occupation, and ongoing ceasefire violations during the holy month.

FUEL CRISIS PROTESTS: Lebanon government decision to hike fuel prices and VAT sparks road-blocking protests. Finance Minister Jaber defends gasoline tax and VAT hike amid popular anger and economic hardship during Ramadan.

ISRAELI REFUSAL TO WITHDRAW: Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stressed that Israel will not withdraw its forces from south Lebanon as long as Hezbollah has weapons, creating impossible framework where Israeli occupation continues regardless of disarmament progress.

US-REGIONAL DEAL NEGOTIATIONS: Report indicates US and regional actors seeking deal with Lebanon that would freeze Hezbollah arms rather than complete disarmament, potentially offering diplomatic breakthrough amid ongoing crisis.

TODAY’S ATTACK: Israeli occupation forces open fire at pickup truck in the outskirts of Al-Wazzani in south Lebanon, demonstrating continued military operations during first day of Ramadan.

STUN GRENADES ATTACK: Israeli gliders drop three stun grenades in the southern Lebanese border town of Ayta Al-Shaab, continuing harassment operations in civilian areas during holy month.

PM SALAM IN TRIPOLI: Prime Minister Nawaf Salam inspects bereaved city of Tripoli, demonstrating governmental engagement with northern regions affected by economic crisis and displacement.

CONFLICT-WEARY SOUTH: School bus driver Ali al-Dorr averts his gaze every time he passes the rubble of his son’s home — destroyed by an Israeli strike in south Lebanon, representing thousands of families saying war with Israel never ended despite November 2024 ceasefire.

CHEMICAL WARFARE CONCERNS: Israeli forces have been spraying land in southern Lebanon with unknown chemicals, with Lebanese president saying latest ‘aggression’ represents an environmental crime and violation of country’s sovereignty.

50+ RAIDS LAST MONTH: Israeli warplanes conducted more than 50 raids on Lebanon last month amid major surge in attacks, according to refugee NGO, demonstrating systematic intensification of violations.

LITTLE SUPPORT FOR DISPLACED: Many say they have received little support from government or Hezbollah, not enough to rebuild lives or homes destroyed, creating humanitarian crisis amid economic collapse.

🌡️ COMPREHENSIVE GOVERNORATE-BY-GOVERNORATE SECURITY ASSESSMENT

BEIRUT 🏙️

Index Reading: 82/100 🔴
Status: Critical with Ramadan Crisis Management. The capital begins Ramadan (first day today February 18) amid multiple crises: fuel price hikes sparking protests, Israeli refusal to withdraw, and negotiations over Hezbollah arms freeze deal.

President Joseph Aoun’s government faces impossible situation where Israeli Defense Minister Katz states “Israel will not withdraw its forces from south Lebanon as long as Hezbollah has weapons,” creating permanent occupation justification regardless of Lebanese compliance efforts.

Finance Minister Jaber defends gasoline tax and VAT hike despite road-blocking protests, creating economic hardship during Ramadan when families need resources for iftar meals and religious observances. The timing of fuel price increases on first day of Ramadan creates maximum popular anger.

Prime Minister Salam’s inspection of “bereaved city of Tripoli” demonstrates governmental engagement with regional crisis, though limited resources constrain response capacity during economic collapse.

Report of US and regional actors seeking deal that would “freeze Hezbollah arms” rather than complete disarmament offers potential diplomatic breakthrough, though implementation challenges remain amid Israeli refusal to withdraw and ongoing violations.

Key Factor: Ramadan begins today amid fuel crisis protests, Israeli withdrawal refusal, and arms freeze negotiations creating complex political and humanitarian challenges.

MOUNT LEBANON 🏞️

Index Reading: 79/100 🔴
Status: Critical with Economic Protests. The governorate experiences severe tension as fuel price hikes on first day of Ramadan spark road-blocking protests affecting movement and economic activities during holy month.

Business operations face extreme challenges as VAT hike and gasoline tax increases during Ramadan create impossible economic conditions for families and businesses. Road-blocking protests disrupt supply chains and commercial activities.

Tourism sector remains impossible as 11,000+ Israeli violations, chemical warfare allegations, and continued military operations (50+ raids last month) eliminate international confidence despite Ramadan period traditionally attracting visitors.

The region manages displaced populations receiving little support from government or Hezbollah, creating humanitarian crisis as families struggle to rebuild during economic collapse and Ramadan period requiring additional resources.

Key Factor: Fuel crisis protests on Ramadan’s first day creating economic and humanitarian challenges while displaced populations receive insufficient support.

NORTH LEBANON 🌊

Index Reading: 81/100 🔴
Status: Critical with Prime Ministerial Visit. Tripoli receives PM Salam’s inspection as “bereaved city” facing economic devastation from displacement, economic crisis, and now fuel price hikes on first day of Ramadan.

The port city experiences road-blocking protests against fuel price increases affecting commercial operations and daily life. Economic conditions deteriorate as families face increased costs during Ramadan when expenses traditionally rise for religious observances and family gatherings.

PM Salam’s visit demonstrates governmental awareness of northern crisis, though limited resources constrain meaningful assistance. The timing of fuel price hikes on Ramadan’s first day creates maximum popular anger in economically devastated regions.

Key Factor: PM inspects “bereaved Tripoli” as fuel protests erupt on Ramadan’s first day amid economic devastation and displacement crisis.

AKKAR 🌲

Index Reading: 82/100 🔴
Status: Critical with Border and Economic Crisis. The Syrian border situation faces additional pressure as fuel price hikes create economic hardship affecting border communities during Ramadan’s beginning.

Lebanese Armed Forces border operations continue despite fuel crisis potentially affecting transportation and patrol capabilities. Road-blocking protests may disrupt border crossing operations and humanitarian coordination.

The region’s economic challenges intensify as fuel price and VAT increases hit during Ramadan when families require additional resources for religious observances and traditional hospitality.

Key Factor: Border operations amid fuel crisis and Ramadan beginning creating economic and operational challenges.

BEQAA VALLEY 🍇

Index Reading: 85/100 🔴
Status: Critical – Active Targeting with Chemical Warfare. The valley faces extreme danger as Israeli forces spray land with unknown chemicals while continuing military operations (50+ raids last month) during Ramadan’s beginning.

Lebanese president calls chemical spraying an “environmental crime” and sovereignty violation, creating additional humanitarian crisis during agricultural season. Farmers face land contamination affecting livelihoods and food security.

The report of US-regional deal seeking to “freeze” rather than fully disarm Hezbollah creates political uncertainty for valley residents, while Israeli Katz’s statement that withdrawal depends on disarmament creates impossible framework.

Agricultural operations face multiple crises: chemical contamination, Israeli strikes (50+ last month), economic collapse from fuel price hikes, and Ramadan beginning when farming communities need resources for religious observances.

Key Factor: Chemical warfare allegations and 50+ raids last month creating environmental and security crisis while Ramadan begins amid fuel price increases.

BAALBEK-HERMEL 🕌

Index Reading: 86/100 🔴
Status: Critical – Maximum Alert for Ramadan. This region faces extreme challenges as Ramadan begins during active Israeli operations (50+ raids last month), chemical warfare allegations, and economic crisis from fuel price hikes.

Infrastructure remains severely compromised while families need resources for Ramadan observances amid economic collapse. Fuel price increases on first day of holy month create maximum hardship for already struggling communities.

The region’s strategic significance creates ongoing targeting vulnerability while report of arms “freeze” deal creates uncertainty about future security arrangements and Hezbollah presence.

Key Factor: Ramadan begins amid chemical warfare, 50+ monthly raids, and fuel crisis creating humanitarian emergency in strategic region.

KESERWAN-JBEIL 🏛️

Index Reading: 76/100 🔴
Status: Critical with Economic Crisis. The coastal governorate faces severe challenges as fuel price hikes on Ramadan’s first day create economic hardship affecting tourism and business sectors.

Tourism activities during Ramadan traditionally attract visitors for religious and cultural experiences, but ongoing violations (11,000+), chemical warfare, and fuel crisis eliminate viability. Road-blocking protests disrupt movement and economic activities.

Business operations face extreme pressure as VAT hike and gasoline tax increases create impossible cost structures while families require additional resources for Ramadan observances and traditional hospitality.

Key Factor: Fuel crisis protests on Ramadan’s first day eliminating economic viability while tourism sector faces continued impossibility.

SOUTH LEBANON 🌴

Index Reading: 92/100 🔴
Status: Critical – Active Operations During Ramadan. The south experiences maximum danger as today’s attack on pickup truck in Al-Wazzani and stun grenades in Ayta Al-Shaab demonstrate continued military operations during Ramadan’s first day.

School bus driver Ali al-Dorr’s story represents thousands: averting gaze passing his son’s destroyed home while saying “war with Israel never ended” despite November 2024 ceasefire. Conflict-weary residents face daily Israeli attacks making ceasefire meaningless.

Israeli Defense Minister Katz’s statement that “Israel will not withdraw as long as Hezbollah has weapons” creates permanent occupation as five strategic points remain under Israeli control blocking civilian return and reconstruction.

Chemical warfare as Israeli forces spray unknown substances over agricultural land creates environmental disaster during Ramadan when families prepare for holy month observances. 50+ raids last month demonstrate intensification rather than de-escalation.

Many residents receive “little support from government or Hezbollah, not enough to rebuild lives or homes destroyed,” creating humanitarian crisis as Ramadan begins with families lacking resources for basic needs and religious observances.

Key Factor: Today’s Al-Wazzani and Ayta Al-Shaab attacks during Ramadan’s first day while Israeli withdrawal refusal and chemical warfare creating humanitarian catastrophe.

NABATIEH ⛪

Index Reading: 90/100 🔴
Status: Critical – Ramadan Under Fire. The governorate faces severe challenges as Ramadan begins amid ongoing Israeli operations, chemical warfare, and economic crisis from fuel price hikes.

Civilian populations experience “war never ended” conditions as represented by school bus driver passing destroyed homes daily. Little support from government or Hezbollah leaves families struggling to rebuild while Ramadan requires additional resources.

Infrastructure devastation combined with fuel crisis creates impossible conditions for Ramadan observances as families lack resources for iftar meals, religious activities, and traditional hospitality during holy month.

Key Factor: Ramadan begins amid devastation, little reconstruction support, and fuel crisis creating humanitarian emergency.

🎯 CRITICAL SECURITY INTELLIGENCE BRIEF – RAMADAN CRISIS

🔥 IMMEDIATE HIGH-RISK AREAS:

Priority Level 1 – Today’s Attacks:

1. Al-Wazzani Outskirts – Today’s Israeli fire on pickup truck during Ramadan’s first day
2. Ayta Al-Shaab – Today’s three stun grenades dropped by Israeli gliders
3. All Road Protest Areas – Fuel price protests blocking roads on Ramadan’s first day
4. Chemical Spraying Zones – Unknown substances creating environmental crime
5. Five Israeli-Occupied Points – Permanent occupation blocking civilian return

Priority Level 2 – Ongoing Threats: 6. All South Lebanon – 50+ raids last month, conflict-weary residents saying war never ended 7. Agricultural Areas Bekaa – Chemical warfare affecting farming and food security 8. Destroyed Homes – Thousands like Ali al-Dorr passing rubble daily, little reconstruction support 9. Displacement Accommodation – Families receiving insufficient support during Ramadan 10. Fuel Supply Points – Protests and price hikes creating crisis on holy month’s first day

🚨 RAMADAN CRISIS CONVERGENCE:

Critical Factors:

• First Day of Ramadan Today – Holy month begins amid multiple crises
• Fuel Crisis Protests – Price hikes and VAT increase sparking road blocks on first day
• Israeli Withdrawal Refusal – Katz states no withdrawal while Hezbollah armed
• Arms Freeze Negotiations – US-regional actors seeking deal versus full disarmament
• Today’s Attacks – Al-Wazzani and Ayta Al-Shaab during Ramadan’s first day
• Chemical Warfare – Unknown substances sprayed creating environmental crime
• 50+ Raids Last Month – Systematic intensification of violations
• Little Reconstruction Support – Families struggling without government/Hezbollah assistance

⚠️ RAMADAN PERIOD CONSIDERATIONS:

Holy Month Challenges:

• Fuel price hikes creating economic hardship for iftar meals and religious observances
• Israeli attacks continuing during Ramadan (today’s Al-Wazzani, Ayta Al-Shaab incidents)
• Displaced families lacking resources for Ramadan hospitality and traditions
• Economic crisis preventing proper religious observances and family gatherings
• Road-blocking protests disrupting movement during holy month

📱 RAMADAN SECURITY GUIDANCE

🏠 GUIDANCE FOR RESIDENTS:

RAMADAN BEGINS AMID CRISIS: The holy month starts today (February 18) amid fuel crisis protests, Israeli attacks, chemical warfare, and economic collapse creating unprecedented challenges for religious observances.

CURRENT RAMADAN CONDITIONS:

• Economic Crisis: Fuel price and VAT hikes on first day creating maximum hardship
• Israeli Operations: Today’s Al-Wazzani and Ayta Al-Shaab attacks during holy month
• Protests: Road-blocking demonstrations affecting movement and commerce
• Chemical Warfare: Unknown substances sprayed affecting health and agriculture
• Little Support: Families receiving insufficient assistance for reconstruction and Ramadan needs

RAMADAN PROTECTIVE MEASURES:

• Southern Areas: Avoid due to today’s attacks and ongoing operations (50+ raids last month)
• Road Travel: Monitor protests blocking roads on Ramadan’s first day
• Chemical Zones: Avoid areas where unknown substances sprayed
• Economic Planning: Budget carefully amid fuel and VAT increases during Ramadan
• Community Support: Rely on extended family and community networks for Ramadan observances

🏢 BUSINESS OPERATIONS DURING RAMADAN:

RAMADAN ECONOMIC CRISIS:

• Fuel Costs: Increased gasoline prices affecting transportation and operations
• VAT Hike: Additional tax burden during traditionally high-expense Ramadan period
• Protests: Road blocks disrupting supply chains and customer access
• Reduced Hours: Traditional Ramadan schedules amid economic crisis conditions

OPERATIONAL CONSIDERATIONS:

• Adjust operations for Ramadan hours while managing fuel crisis impact
• Monitor protests affecting transportation and delivery operations
• Plan for reduced economic activity during holy month amid crisis conditions
• Consider community support initiatives for struggling families during Ramadan

🚗 TRAVEL ADVISORY – RAMADAN PERIOD:

RAMADAN TRAVEL STATUS: Mixed conditions with holy month observances amid fuel crisis, protests, and continued Israeli operations creating challenging environment.

RAMADAN TRAVEL CONSIDERATIONS:

• Southern Lebanon: Avoid due to today’s attacks and ongoing violations
• Protest Areas: Road blocks on Ramadan’s first day affecting movement
• Chemical Zones: Areas with unknown substance spraying requiring avoidance
• Economic Challenges: Fuel price increases affecting transportation costs
• Holy Month Respect: Consider Ramadan observances in travel planning

📊 RAMADAN SECURITY ANALYSIS

Today’s Assessment: Ramadan Begins Amid Fuel Crisis and Israeli Operations
First Day: February 18, 2026 – Holy month starts with multiple crises
Fuel Protests: Price hikes and VAT increases sparking road blocks
Israeli Position: Katz refuses withdrawal while Hezbollah armed
Today’s Attacks: Al-Wazzani and Ayta Al-Shaab during Ramadan’s first day
Diplomatic Activity: US-regional deal seeking arms freeze versus full disarmament

Critical Analysis: Ramadan begins today amid perfect storm of crises: fuel price hikes sparking protests, Israeli attacks continuing (today’s Al-Wazzani, Ayta Al-Shaab), chemical warfare allegations, and economic collapse affecting families’ ability to properly observe holy month.

Israeli Defense Minister Katz’s statement that “Israel will not withdraw forces as long as Hezbollah has weapons” creates impossible framework where occupation continues regardless of disarmament efforts. Five strategic points remain under Israeli control, blocking civilian return and reconstruction.

Report of US and regional actors seeking deal to “freeze” rather than fully disarm Hezbollah offers potential diplomatic breakthrough, though implementation faces challenges including Israeli withdrawal refusal and Hezbollah’s position.

School bus driver Ali al-Dorr represents thousands of families: passing destroyed homes daily while saying “war with Israel never ended” and receiving “little support from government or Hezbollah, not enough to rebuild lives or homes.” Ramadan begins with families lacking resources for proper observances.

Chemical warfare as Israeli forces spray unknown substances creates environmental crime affecting agriculture and health during Ramadan preparation period. Lebanese president condemns as sovereignty violation, but operations continue with 50+ raids last month demonstrating systematic intensification.

Fuel crisis timing on Ramadan’s first day creates maximum hardship as families need resources for iftar meals, religious observances, and traditional hospitality. Road-blocking protests disrupt movement and commerce during critical period.

Ramadan Implications: Holy month traditionally provides pause for reflection and community support, but multiple crises prevent proper observances: economic collapse limiting iftar meals, Israeli attacks continuing, families displaced without reconstruction support, and fuel price hikes creating additional hardship.

🛡️ CIS SECURITY: RAMADAN CRISIS RESPONSE

🌙 RAMADAN BEGINS – COMPREHENSIVE PROTECTION AMID MULTIPLE CRISES

CIS Security provides enhanced protection as Ramadan begins today amid fuel crisis protests, Israeli attacks (today’s Al-Wazzani, Ayta Al-Shaab), and economic collapse affecting religious observances.

RAMADAN PERIOD SPECIALIZED SERVICES:

Holy Month Security:

• Community Protection: Enhanced security for mosques, iftar gatherings, religious activities
• Economic Crisis Response: Professional coordination during fuel protests and road blocks
• Israeli Operations Monitoring: Real-time tracking of attacks during Ramadan (today’s incidents)
• Chemical Warfare Assessment: Professional evaluation of environmental crime impact

Ramadan Family Support:

• Displacement Assistance: Enhanced security for families lacking reconstruction support
• Community Coordination: Professional services enabling safe Ramadan observances
• Economic Hardship Response: Security during fuel crisis affecting iftar preparations
• Religious Activity Protection: Comprehensive security for holy month gatherings

Crisis Management:

• Protest Monitoring: Real-time tracking of road blocks affecting Ramadan movement
• Israeli Attack Response: Professional coordination during today’s Al-Wazzani, Ayta Al-Shaab incidents
• Arms Freeze Deal Tracking: Monitoring US-regional negotiations for security implications
• Withdrawal Refusal Assessment: Analysis of Israeli position affecting reconstruction

RAMADAN SPECIALIZED PROTECTION:

Holy Month Community Security:

• Professional protection for iftar gatherings and Ramadan prayers
• Enhanced mosque security during heightened attendance
• Community event coordination during economic crisis conditions
• Family protection during Ramadan visitations and traditions

Economic Crisis Response:

• Security during fuel protests and road blocks on Ramadan’s first day
• Professional coordination for supply chain protection during holy month
• Alternative routing during demonstrations affecting movement
• Emergency response during economic hardship protests

Israeli Operations During Ramadan:

• Real-time monitoring of attacks during holy month (today’s Al-Wazzani, Ayta Al-Shaab)
• Professional assessment of chemical warfare during Ramadan preparations
• Evacuation coordination from high-risk areas during holy month
• International coordination for Ramadan civilian protection

📞 RAMADAN SECURITY SERVICES

RAMADAN PROTECTION HOTLINE: +961-3-539900
Professional security enabling safe holy month observances amid multiple crises

COMMUNITY SECURITY: Protection for mosques, iftar gatherings, religious activities
PROTEST MONITORING: Real-time tracking of road blocks affecting Ramadan movement
ISRAELI ATTACK RESPONSE: Professional coordination during holy month violations

Ramadan Service Centers:

• Community Protection Center: Enhanced security for religious gatherings and activities
• Economic Crisis Response: Professional coordination during fuel protests
• Israeli Operations Monitoring: Real-time tracking of Ramadan period attacks
• Family Support Services: Comprehensive protection for displaced families during holy month

As Ramadan begins today (February 18) amid fuel crisis protests, Israeli attacks (Al-Wazzani, Ayta Al-Shaab), chemical warfare, and economic collapse, CIS Security’s professional services enable safe religious observances and community support during holy month challenges.

⚠️ RAMADAN OPERATIONAL NOTICE

HOLY MONTH BEGINS: Ramadan’s first day falls on February 18, 2026, amid multiple crises: fuel price hikes sparking road-blocking protests, Israeli attacks continuing (today’s Al-Wazzani, Ayta Al-Shaab), chemical warfare allegations, and families receiving little support for reconstruction during economic collapse.

Israeli Position: Defense Minister Katz states Israel will not withdraw forces while Hezbollah armed, creating permanent occupation despite disarmament efforts.

Diplomatic Activity: US and regional actors seek deal to freeze rather than fully disarm Hezbollah, offering potential breakthrough amid impossible current framework.

Professional Ramadan Commitment: CIS Security provides comprehensive protection enabling safe religious observances during holy month amid fuel crisis, Israeli operations, and economic challenges affecting families’ ability to properly observe Ramadan traditions.

🔍 PROFESSIONAL SECURITY SERVICES – CIS SECURITY LEBANON

Trusted Security Excellence Since 1990 – “Because Your Safety Isn’t Optional”

As Ramadan begins today (February 18, 2026) amid fuel crisis protests, Israeli attacks (today’s Al-Wazzani, Ayta Al-Shaab incidents), chemical warfare, and economic collapse affecting families’ ability to observe holy month, trust CIS Security’s 35+ years of proven expertise. As Lebanon’s most reviewed security company, we provide comprehensive Ramadan protection including community security, economic crisis response, Israeli operations monitoring, and family support enabling safe religious observances during multiple concurrent crises.

CIS Security Ramadan Services:

• Community Protection – Enhanced security for mosques, iftar gatherings, Ramadan prayers
• Economic Crisis Response – Professional coordination during fuel protests on holy month’s first day
• Israeli Attack Monitoring – Real-time tracking of today’s Al-Wazzani, Ayta Al-Shaab incidents during Ramadan
• Chemical Warfare Assessment – Professional evaluation of environmental crime affecting communities
• Displacement Support – Enhanced security for families receiving little reconstruction assistance
• Religious Activity Protection – Comprehensive security enabling safe Ramadan observances

Why Choose CIS During Ramadan Crisis: ✓ 35+ Years Holy Month Experience – Proven security during Ramadan amid crisis conditions
✓ Community Protection Expertise – Professional services for religious gatherings and activities
✓ Economic Crisis Management – Coordination during fuel protests affecting Ramadan observances
✓ Israeli Operations Monitoring – Real-time tracking of attacks during holy month
✓ Family Support – Enhanced security for displaced families during Ramadan
✓ Comprehensive Protection – Security enabling proper religious observances amid multiple crises

Ramadan Security Support: 📞 Holy Month Hotline: +961-3-539900
💬 Community Protection: Enhanced security for Ramadan gatherings and activities
🌐 Crisis Response: www.cissecurity.net – Professional coordination during fuel protests and attacks
📧 Family Support: Enhanced security for displaced families observing Ramadan

Serving all Lebanese governorates as Ramadan begins (February 18) amid fuel crisis protests (price hikes on first day), Israeli attacks (today’s Al-Wazzani, Ayta Al-Shaab), chemical warfare, 50+ raids last month, and families receiving little support for reconstruction. CIS Security – Your trusted partner providing comprehensive protection enabling safe holy month observances when economic collapse, Israeli operations, and displacement crisis create unprecedented challenges for Ramadan traditions and community gatherings.