With Nasrallah’s speech, is war around the corner? Follow our LIVE coverage

Dear reader,

Lebanon is holding its breath today, ahead of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah’s speech scheduled for 3 p.m. Beirut time — his first public address since the Hamas-Israel war began nearly a month ago.

Meanwhile, the public is making provisions for war, just in case: hospitals are stocking medicine and preparing basement wards ; caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati announced measures to boost the « stocks of wheat, basic supplies, fuel and medical materials » ; the government approved plans to keep essential services and infrastructure running, including Beirut’s international airport, operational ; Lebanese telecoms operators announced war-readiness measures.

And regular people have prepared bags packed with essentials, ready to head to safer areas in case of a larger conflict. The lucky few who have another passport are keeping them handy.

We are living in what feels like a pivotal moment in the war, and in Lebanon.

At L’Orient Today and L’Orient-Le Jour, the whole newsroom is mobilized to provide you with live coverage of Nasrallah’s speech today, as well as analysis, explainers and on-the ground reactions.

Visit our website starting 2:30 p.m., to follow what’s happening.

And stay safe.

L’Orient Today,