December
French monitors documented 52 Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement, while southern Lebanese residents began returning to their homes. Israeli forces continued demolishing structures in Maroun al-Ras and conducting heavy machine gun fire on Bint Jbeil.

By midday, reports emerged of armed opposition groups taking control of Aleppo for the first time since 2011, followed by their capture of Idlib province. Assad promised a forceful response, while Iran pledged support. The Russian commander in Syria was reportedly dismissed.

Beirut Airport showed signs of recovery with Royal Jordanian Airlines leading the return of Arab carriers. The French Defense Minister scheduled a visit within 48 hours to discuss ceasefire implementation. Meanwhile, Pope Francis called for immediate presidential elections, as Trump appointed Lebanese-American Massad Boulos as his Middle East advisor.
02.12.2024
Monday

The Day Hezbollah Broke The Peace

Morning began with Israeli violations of the ceasefire, including a drone strike that wounded a Lebanese Army soldier near Hermel and killed a State Security officer in Nabatieh. The Lebanese Army announced the discovery of an officer's body in Naqoura, killed in previous Israeli strikes.

By afternoon, Hezbollah launched its first military action since the truce began, firing two missiles at Shebaa Farms. The group described it as an "initial defensive warning response." Netanyahu vowed a strong response, while the Pentagon maintained the ceasefire was "holding despite incidents."

Evening brought Israeli airstrikes across southern Lebanon, targeting 20 positions according to Israeli media. The Health Ministry reported nine deaths in Hariss and Taloussa. U.S. envoy Hochstein expressed concern to Israel about its continued strikes, while State Department officials attempted to downplay the escalation's significance.
Israeli forces entered Al-Khiam neighborhoods and conducted operations near Wata al-Khiam, breaking the ceasefire agreement that had held since November 27. A shepherd was killed by an Israeli drone in Shebaa, prompting Lebanese diplomatic protests.

The Lebanese Army appointed Brigadier Edgar Loundes to represent Lebanon in the ceasefire monitoring committee, while Israeli Defense Minister warned they would no longer distinguish between Lebanon and Hezbollah if the agreement collapsed.

By afternoon, Israel conducted a strike near Damascus, killing Hezbollah's liaison to the Syrian Army, Salman Nimer Jumaa. This marked a significant escalation in the regional conflict, occurring simultaneously with reports of opposition advances in northern Syria.

The monitoring committee's first meeting was scheduled for Friday in Naqoura, while parliamentary discussions continued regarding the January 9 presidential election session.
The morning started with Israeli warnings to South Lebanon residents not to return to specific villages, while the Lebanese Army announced plans to detonate unexploded ordnance in multiple locations. Macron revealed French-Saudi coordination on supporting the Lebanese Army, as the ceasefire monitoring committee prepared for its first meeting Friday.

By afternoon, intense battles erupted near Hama in Syria, with opposition forces claiming control of new territories and allegedly wounding Syrian Army commander Suheil al-Hassan. Meanwhile, Israeli violations continued with artillery fire targeting Rashaya al-Fakhar and Marjeyoun areas.

Evening brought news of Qatar resuming its role as lead mediator in Gaza negotiations, while the French parliament voted no confidence in their government. Lebanese officials reported progress in returning international airlines to Beirut Airport, with regular flights expected to resume by December 15.
05.12.2024
Thursday

The Day Hama Changed Hands

Syrian opposition forces seized control of Hama, marking a significant shift in Syria's civil war. The rebels captured the central prison and several neighborhoods, while communications went down in Aleppo. The Assad regime acknowledged losing the strategic city.

Lebanese Army conducted raids on refugee camps, arresting 30 Syrians, while strengthening its eastern border positions. French supervision mechanisms for the southern ceasefire were detailed, as PM Mikati met with French military delegation to discuss the implementation of Resolution 1701.

Hezbollah's Naim Qassem clarified that the ceasefire agreement applies only south of the Litani, while pledging support for Syria. Five Lebanese were wounded in an Israeli strike on Aitaroun, as cluster munition clearance operations continued in multiple locations.

Presidential election discussions intensified ahead of January 9 session, with Speaker Berri reportedly seeking to secure a president before potential Trump return to power.
06.12.2024
Friday

The Day Homs Gates Opened

Morning reports indicated armed groups gaining control of Rastan and Talbisah near Homs, prompting Hezbollah to send "supervisory forces" to the area. The Syrian Defense Ministry denied withdrawals from Homs while Reuters confirmed Hezbollah's elite unit deployment.

By noon, opposition forces captured the Nasib border crossing with Jordan. The Lebanese General Security closed northern border crossings, maintaining only Masnaa open. Bloomberg cited Kremlin sources stating Russia had no plans to rescue Assad's government.

Evening brought reports of Israeli military reinforcements to the Golan Heights, with Golani and Nahal brigades deployed. Channel 12 claimed Israeli strikes on chemical weapons storage facilities in Syria. The UN reported 370,000 people displaced by recent fighting.

Opposition forces claimed control of Daraa city through a negotiated withdrawal agreement, while Syrian state media reported Russian air support in Homs operations.
07.12.2024
Saturday

The Day Damascus Ring Crumbled

Morning reports focused on Lebanese cabinet's meeting in Tyre to discuss army deployment south of Litani, while monitoring developments in Syria. By noon, opposition forces reached within 20km of Damascus, prompting Iranian denial of embassy evacuation reports. Turkish-Russian-Iranian meetings in Doha sought diplomatic solutions.

Evening brought reports of Homs central prison falling to opposition forces, with claims of 3,500 prisoners released. Hezbollah's Radwan force reportedly retreated from Homs alongside Syrian army units, marking significant shift in territorial control. Israeli sources indicated preliminary dialogue with Syrian Democratic Forces, while closing diplomatic channels suggested Assad's position weakening.

Celebrations erupted in Tripoli and Saadnayel as news of Homs capture spread. Five Arab foreign ministers and Astana track countries called for immediate cessation of military operations, highlighting regional powers' shifting stance toward Syrian conflict resolution.
08.12.2024
Sunday

The Day Damascus Changed Hands

Pre-dawn reports indicated Syrian opposition forces entering Damascus as Assad's forces withdrew from the airport. By morning, multiple sources reported Assad's departure on a flight that disappeared near Homs. Syrian Prime Minister announced readiness to work with opposition leadership.

Israel mobilized its 98th Division to the Golan Heights, while declaring the collapse of the disengagement agreement. Netanyahu ordered military control of the buffer zone, citing security concerns. Russian bases maintained presence but announced non-interference policy.

Lebanese officials focused on border control and detainee files, with reports of Syrian refugees beginning return movement through Masnaa crossing. By evening, Moscow confirmed granting asylum to Assad and family, while Syrian opposition provided security guarantees to Russian military bases. U.S. Central Command reported strikes against ISIS targets in central Syria, indicating continued Western military presence.
Pre-dawn reports focused on Lebanese military discovering unexploded ordnance in Nabatieh. Morning brought news of an Israeli strike near a Lebanese army checkpoint in Bint Jbeil, killing one civilian and wounding four soldiers. By mid-morning, Israel acknowledged losing four soldiers in a tunnel collapse.

Border pressure mounted at Masnaa crossing, with 340 Syrians detained attempting illegal entry. The first Lebanese detainee returned home to Chekka after 33 years in Syrian prisons, while crowds gathered at Sednaya prison seeking information about missing relatives.

Evening reports detailed extensive Israeli strikes on Syrian air bases, with Reuters citing destruction of helicopters and fighter aircraft. Qatar opened communications with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, while UN agencies called for patience regarding refugee returns. Lebanese General Security denied rumors about lifting restrictions on Syrian entry.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister confirmed Assad's presence in Russia, while Mohammad Al-Bashir announced his interim leadership of Syria until March 2025. Israeli forces reported completing 480 strikes across Syria within 48 hours, targeting military infrastructure including the Damascus Scientific Research Center.

Lebanese Army reported armed individuals crossing from Syria, while Speaker Berri maintained the January 9 presidential election date. Nine Lebanese detainees returned from Syrian prisons, prompting formation of crisis committee. Bassil declared Syrian displacement cause "completely eliminated."

By evening, U.S. State Department announced no immediate plans to reopen Damascus embassy, while Netanyahu expressed interest in relations with Syria's new regime conditional on preventing Iranian presence. The EU voiced concerns about sectarian violence risks, as opposition forces reportedly conducted uncontrolled executions in liberated areas.
Morning reports focused on Lebanese Army deployment in Al-Khiam, marking first implementation of ceasefire arrangements. UNIFIL forces preceded army units to verify Israeli withdrawal from northern and western sectors.

Khamenei accused a "neighboring country" of involvement in Assad's fall, while Russian Foreign Ministry maintained communication with all Syrian political forces. World Bank warned of deepening Lebanese economic contraction. US outlined conditions for recognizing new Syrian government.

By afternoon, Lebanese Army confirmed positions in five locations around Al-Khiam-Marjayoun area. Israeli strikes continued in south Lebanon, causing casualties in Bint Jbeil. Evening brought news of Baath Party suspending operations in Syria and transferring assets to authorities.

Presidential election discussions continued, with Speaker Berri receiving Quintet Committee messages emphasizing need for consensus candidate capable of implementing reforms.
12.12.2024
Thursday

The Day Khiam Changed Guards

Israeli forces withdrew from Al-Khiam in the morning, with Lebanese Army units taking positions in five locations around the town. The transition occurred under CENTCOM supervision, marking the first implementation of the ceasefire arrangement. By afternoon, two fatalities were reported in Al-Khiam following Israeli operations, prompting PM Mikati to declare this a violation of US-French mediated commitments.

Neemat Frem officially announced his presidential candidacy, while Speaker Berri reported positive signals from Quintet ambassadors regarding the January 9 session. The Syrian interim government's decision to freeze constitution and parliament for three months received coverage, alongside reports of US citizen Travis Timmerman's release from Syrian detention.

Evening reports focused on Interior Minister Mawlawi's denial of former Syrian security officials entering Lebanon through legal crossings, while the Money Changers Syndicate issued warnings about counterfeit $50 notes in circulation.
Morning papers focused on reports about Lebanese detainees potentially released from Syrian prisons, though Red Cross confirmed no official information. The Egyptian ambassador highlighted positive developments in the Quintet-Berri talks regarding January 9 presidential session.

Midday brought reports of Mikati's Vatican meeting with Pope Francis, while Lebanese Army began clearing operations in Al-Khiam. IDF continued claiming discoveries of weapons caches in South Lebanon, publishing footage of alleged Kornet missiles.

By afternoon, attention shifted to diplomatic movements, with Turkey announcing embassy reopening plans in Syria, while Russia suspended grain supplies. Blinken emphasized protection of Syrian minorities, as Erdogan outlined Turkish involvement in Syria's stabilization. Evening reports detailed new Israeli strikes near Damascus and Al-Suweida, while Lebanese truckers remained stranded at border crossings amid transition uncertainty.
14.12.2024
Saturday

The Day Vatican Met Army Return

PM Mikati's Vatican visit coincided with Lebanese Army's implementation of Resolution 1701 in southern regions. Morning papers focused on secured quorum for January 9 presidential session, though Lebanese Forces maintained potential veto power.

By midday, Israeli forces conducted new strikes near Khardali road, resulting in one fatality. Lebanese Army continued unexploded ordnance clearing operations across multiple southern locations. Reports emerged of a civilian abduction across the technical fence near Majidiyeh.

Evening brought confirmation of Russian troop withdrawals from Syrian frontlines while maintaining main bases. Hezbollah's Qassem addressed supply route losses through Syria while claiming victory in preventing Israeli objectives. Israeli military chief Halevi spoke from Golan about preemptive measures, while reports indicated 60 Israeli strikes across Syria during final evening hours.
Morning reports focused on the emerging power vacuum in Damascus, with details emerging about Assad's final hours and escape route to Moscow. The media documented Syrian military personnel surrendering weapons in Tartous, while diplomatic missions from France and Qatar prepared to reopen their embassies. French delegation announced first visit to Damascus in 12 years.

By afternoon, Israel conducted 60 strikes across Syria, particularly targeting areas near Hama and Homs. HTS leader Al-Jolani made public statements about centralizing weapons under state control and proposed 400% salary increases. British Foreign Office confirmed diplomatic contacts with HTS.

Evening brought reports of Iranian embassy preparations to resume operations in Damascus, while Qatar announced Tuesday reopening. Lebanese coverage remained split between Syrian transition implications and preparations for January 9 presidential session, with Frangieh's potential withdrawal emerging as discussion point.
Greek PM's Beirut visit intersected with post-Assad diplomatic reshuffling, as Lebanon navigated regional transitions. Morning reports documented Israeli military movements near Naqoura, while Justice Ministry recovered 6 billion Lebanese pounds from Riad Salameh.

By midday, Assad issued denial of planned departure from Moscow, while Kremlin discussed future of Russian bases with new Syrian leadership. EU representatives indicated readiness to negotiate base arrangements with Damascus's emerging authority. Lebanese embassy preparations for Damascus reopening proceeded.

Evening brought reports of Israeli technical team arriving in Doha for hostage negotiations, while US forces conducted strikes against ISIS positions in Syria. Israeli operations expanded near Latakia, with reported landing operations near Damascus military sites. Lebanese coverage remained split between presidential session preparations and monitoring Syrian transition implications.
French and German diplomatic delegations arrived in Damascus, marking the first high-level Western engagement with Syria's new leadership. France raised its flag at its Damascus embassy while Germany conducted talks with transitional government representatives.

Lebanese Army announced controlled detonations of unexploded Israeli ordnance in Khiam-Marjeyoun and Zaghrin-Hermel, while reports emerged of continued Israeli operations in Naqoura. Internal Security Forces issued warnings against using the Waze navigation application, citing Israeli connections.

By evening, the Swiss Parliament approved measures to ban Hezbollah, despite government opposition. Reports surfaced of Walid Jumblatt's planned Damascus visit, while Iranian Foreign Minister discussed Assad's departure and regional implications in an interview. The UN migration chief advised against large-scale Syrian refugee returns, even as Jordan announced reopening of border crossing for commercial traffic.
Damascus airport resumed domestic flights, marking first aviation activity since regime change. European Commission President announced intensified contact with Syria's new leadership, while France scheduled January meeting with Arab, Turkish, and Western partners regarding Syria's future.

Israeli civilians crossed into Lebanon's Maroun al-Ras area, setting up tents in early December - an incident confirmed by IDF. The tripartite commission met in Ras Naqoura to discuss ceasefire implementation, while Israeli operations continued in border villages.

Mikati visited Ankara, receiving Turkish support amid regional transitions. Walid Jumblat's planned Damascus visit generated media attention, particularly regarding potential meeting with HTS leadership. By evening, Frangieh maintained his presidential candidacy while expressing openness to alternatives, as Democratic Gathering announced support for Army Commander's nomination.
Israeli strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen's western coast marked morning coverage, with reported casualties in Hudaydah and damage to oil facilities. Meanwhile, Walid Jumblatt confirmed his Sunday visit to Damascus, linking it to his support for the Army Commander's presidential candidacy.

Afternoon brought news of EgyptAir resuming Cairo-Beirut flights after three months, while IMF expressed readiness to assist Syria's reconstruction. Prime Minister Mikati continued his diplomatic tour in Cairo, meeting with President Sisi.

Evening reports revealed Pentagon's admission of maintaining 2,000 troops in Syria - higher than previously declared 900 - while Israeli military faced internal challenges with officer departures. Kurdish SDF commander indicated willingness to withdraw forces from Syria conditional on Turkish ceasefire, marking potential shift in northern Syria's power dynamics.
Morning coverage focused on U.S. diplomatic engagement with HTS leadership in Damascus, discussing power transition and potential removal from terrorism lists. The U.S. State Department later confirmed plans to cancel rewards for information about al-Jolani.

Presidential race dynamics intensified as Berri confirmed the January 9th election session would proceed, while regional actors positioned themselves around Joseph Aoun's candidacy. The Bitar investigation resurfaced with port blast victims' families visiting the judge, who indicated investigations would resume after holidays.

Evening coverage shifted to Germany as a Saudi doctor rammed his vehicle into a Christmas market in Magdeburg, initially reported as causing 80 injuries. Meanwhile, Netanyahu told WSJ he would not end Gaza operations until Hamas removal, while UN Security Council renewed UNDOF mandate in Golan for six months.
Morning coverage centered on Yemen's claimed hypersonic missile strike near Tel Aviv, receiving support from Palestinian factions. The Lebanese Army continued implementing Resolution 1701, taking control of former PFLP and Fatah al-Intifada positions in the Bekaa region.

By afternoon, attention shifted to Israel's destruction of Naqoura's citrus orchards, which Lebanon's Agriculture Minister characterized as a threat to food security. Hamas and Islamic Jihad indicated proximity to a ceasefire agreement, conditional on Israel ceasing new demands.

Evening brought U.S.-British airstrikes on Houthi targets in Sanaa, responding to Red Sea shipping threats. Meanwhile, presidential discussions intensified around the January 9th session, with Berri maintaining optimism despite complex negotiations. The Syrian transition narrative continued developing, with Ahmed al-Sharaa announcing plans to integrate all military factions into a unified defense structure.
Morning coverage focused on Walid Jumblatt's visit to Damascus after 13 years, meeting with Ahmed Al-Sharaa to discuss Lebanese-Syrian relations normalization. The visit aligned with broader regional shifts following recent Syrian leadership changes.

By midday, Israeli forces released seven Lebanese detainees through UNIFIL at Ras Naqoura, while the Lebanese Army continued implementing Resolution 1701, taking control of Palestinian positions in Kfar Zabad. The Maronite Patriarch called for ending the "shameful" presidential vacancy.

Evening brought reports of Mossad chief recommending strikes on Iran rather than Houthis in response to Red Sea attacks. Trump announced plans to reclaim Panama Canal and expressed readiness to meet Putin over Ukraine. Meanwhile, Israeli forces reportedly established concrete barriers on the Bint Jbeil-Aitroun road, conducting demolitions in Yaroun.
Prime Minister Mikati conducted his second southern tour in recent days, visiting military positions with Army Commander Aoun. The visits emphasized military readiness and included stops at UNIFIL's eastern sector command in Abel El-Saqi and Al-Khiam.

Israeli forces raised their flag at Naqoura's main entrance and conducted demolitions in various southern areas, while warning residents of several villages against returning home. Electricity supply increases were announced for the holiday period.

Following Walid Jumblatt's Damascus visit, focus shifted to Syrian-Lebanese relations, with the Kremlin confirming ongoing diplomatic and military communication with Syria's new authorities. Hezbollah's Qmati reaffirmed support for Frangieh's presidential candidacy, while discussions continued regarding Joseph Aoun's potential nomination.

Evening brought reports of Israeli drone strikes in Taybeh resulting in casualties, while regional attention turned to narrowing gaps in Gaza ceasefire negotiations.
Patriarch Al-Rahi's Christmas message calling for Lebanon's return to "positive neutrality" dominated morning coverage, occurring as PM Mikati conducted border inspections and demanded Israeli withdrawal compliance. The Foreign Ministry filed a UN Security Council complaint regarding ceasefire violations.

By afternoon, the technical committee for ceasefire monitoring convened at the Grand Serail, while reports emerged of Israeli demolitions near Kfarkila and Adeisseh. Syrian developments continued with the Defense Ministry absorbing various armed factions, while protests erupted in Damascus following Christmas tree burning incidents in Hama.

Evening brought news of Beirut Hospital's partial closure and continuing rescue operations in Tripoli's collapsed building. Syrian-Iranian tensions surfaced as Damascus warned Tehran against internal interference, marking a significant shift in regional dynamics following recent leadership changes.
Israeli forces conducted their first strike in the Bekaa Valley since the ceasefire, targeting a building in Taraya, while continuing demolitions in southern border villages. The military activity expanded beyond the traditional conflict zones, with reports of Israeli drones over Beirut.

Religious leaders used Christmas platforms to advocate for Lebanon's neutrality, with Patriarch Al-Rahi emphasizing how Syrian changes reinforced this necessity. The first official contact between Lebanese and Syrian foreign ministers occurred, focusing on regional stability efforts.

Hamas and Netanyahu exchanged accusations over failed negotiations, while Yemeni forces claimed strikes on Israeli targets in Jaffa and Ashkelon. By evening, Israeli media reported preparations for extended military presence in south Lebanon beyond the 60-day window, while Syrian territories witnessed protests following attacks on Alawite shrines, leading to curfews in Latakia and Homs.
Israeli forces entered Wadi al-Hujeir and Al-Qantara in the morning, causing civilian displacement and briefly detaining a Lebanese citizen who was later released through UNIFIL mediation. The Lebanese Army strengthened its positions in response, while UNIFIL issued statements condemning Israeli destruction of civilian infrastructure as violations of Resolution 1701.

By afternoon, Israeli airstrikes targeted Yemen's infrastructure, including Sanaa airport and Hodeida port, marking an escalation in response to Houthi maritime operations. Netanyahu declared these strikes as just the beginning of a campaign against "Iran's proxies."

Lebanese Army Commander's visit to Saudi Arabia coincided with reports of Syrian security operations against various armed groups, including claimed clashes with Hezbollah elements in Talkalakh. Speaker Berri announced he would keep parliament in continuous session until a president is elected, as January 9th approaches.
Yemen's hypersonic missile strike on Ben Gurion Airport forced temporary closure and caused 18 injuries, marking significant escalation beyond the Red Sea shipping confrontation. Israel responded with strikes on Sanaa airport.

Meanwhile, Lebanese State Security arrested the main weapons smuggling facilitator between Syria and Lebanon, while Assad family members were detained at Beirut airport attempting to flee with forged passports. Israel's air force commander claimed strikes on eight border crossings, specifically mentioning the Janta crossing.

Central Bank issued new circulars requiring banks to advance two monthly payments to beneficiaries by January 2025. Reports emerged of US promises to pressure Israel for withdrawal from Lebanese territory within the 60-day window, though Israeli sources dismissed this timeframe as "not sacred."

Snow blocked mountain roads by evening as winter conditions intensified across Lebanon.
Lebanese authorities handed over 70 Syrian military officers to Damascus, marking a shift in Lebanon's handling of Assad regime figures. This followed the previous day's airport arrests of Rifaat Assad's associates attempting to flee with forged documents.

Israeli forces withdrew from Al-Qantara after Lebanese Army deployment, though demolitions continued. An Israeli surveillance device was discovered in Wadi Saluki, planted during previous day's operations. The military presence expanded to Naqoura port, where fishermen reported harassment.

Yemen's conflict spilled into Lebanon's news cycle as Houthis claimed downing a US drone while Israeli interceptors engaged missiles targeting Jerusalem. French diplomatic activity intensified with announcements of ministerial visits, while Iraq scheduled resumption of flights to Beirut. Presidential election dynamics showed opposition groups considering delay tactics until potential Trump return.
29.12.2024
Sunday

The Day Sixty Deadlines Scattered

France intensified diplomatic pressure regarding Lebanon's presidential election, with Macron making direct statements and announcing ministerial visits. Israeli forces conducted demolition operations in Meis al-Jabal, while warning UNIFIL to avoid specific border areas, suggesting preparation for extended presence beyond the 60-day ceasefire window.

By afternoon, Israeli media revealed plans to allocate 1.3 billion shekels for extending northern residents' evacuation through February, contradicting earlier diplomatic signals about withdrawal timeframes. Church leaders warned against "playing" with the January 9 presidential election date, as diplomatic sources indicated Qatar-Saudi coordination on Lebanese security arrangements.

Evening reports focused on US-French pressure regarding the presidential deadline, while Israeli operations continued in border areas despite the theoretical countdown to withdrawal, suggesting military preparations inconsistent with diplomatic messaging.
30.12.2024
Monday

The Day Damascus Found Gulf Roads

Syrian diplomatic reorientation dominated morning headlines as Kuwait's Foreign Minister and GCC Secretary General arrived in Damascus. By early afternoon, Syria's Foreign Minister announced plans to visit Saudi Arabia in early January, marking the first official foreign visit under the new leadership structure. This coincided with German announcement of €60 million in Syrian development projects.

French, US and Saudi diplomats prepared visits to Lebanon regarding presidential deadlines, while Israel's military presence continued despite theoretical withdrawal countdown. Netanyahu's statement about continuing Gaza operations regardless of hostage deals received coverage alongside reports of air raid sirens in Tel Aviv responding to Yemen-launched missiles.

Evening coverage focused on US Treasury reports of Chinese hackers accessing documents, while Lebanese security forces announced the arrest of 31 individuals across the country under enhanced security measures.
31.12.2024
Tuesday

The Day Geagea Asked Aoun

Presidential maneuvering intensified as Samir Geagea formally requested Free Patriotic Movement's support for his candidacy. Gebran Bassil's surprising statement preferring Geagea over army chief or Franjieh shifted political calculations. French diplomats prepared for January 9 session while Washington signaled support for any consensus candidate.

Joint Lebanese Army-UNIFIL patrols entered Shemaa town following Israeli withdrawal, though IDF maintained presence in other border areas and conducted demolitions in Beni Hayyan. Emirates Airlines extended Beirut flight cancellations through January 2025.

Security forces implemented New Year's Eve measures across Lebanon, while religious authorities issued warnings against celebratory gunfire. Evening coverage shifted to astrologers' predictions for 2025, revealing media's transition from political reporting to holiday programming despite ongoing security concerns.
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