[86465] Lebanon sentences journalist to 15 years in prison for being interviewed by Israel; U.S. transfers one billion dollars to the UN

Regional Tension and Diplomatic Arena: News Summary June 17, 2026

Severe Sentence Against a Lebanese Journalist

According to the channel 🔞 Israel News | Uncensored Israel News - a channel presenting a line identified with sharp criticism of Hezbollah and anti-Israel elements - the military tribunal in Beirut sentenced journalist Maria Maalouf to 15 years in prison in absentia. Maalouf was convicted of "treason against the homeland" and "calling for the normalization of relations with Israel," following an interview she gave to the Kan 11 channel in 2021. The channel notes that she is the first Lebanese journalist to appear on Israeli television, and during the interview, she expressed support for ending the conflict. According to the channel, Maalouf claimed in response to the verdict that the Lebanese judicial system operates in the service of Hezbollah's interests and not for the benefit of the country.

U.S. Transfers Funds to the UN Despite Threats

In the international arena, the channel ynet News reports that the U.S. administration has decided to grant the UN organization financial aid amounting to over one billion dollars. According to the report, the decision was made despite threats and objections surrounding the move. It should be noted that the ynet channel sometimes adopts a critical line toward the policies of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and this report highlights the continuity of American policy in international institutions.