January
01.01.2025
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Wednesday
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Second Life of Assad's Mount Qasyun

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Morning coverage focused on world capitals' New Year celebrations, with particular attention to Damascus's response to Assad's departure. Reports emerged of Mount Qasyun's transformation from tourist site to military installation under the previous regime. By mid-morning, Israeli media acknowledged September operations against Hezbollah missile facilities in Syria, while Iranian nuclear talks were scheduled for January 13 in Geneva.

The New Orleans vehicle attack dominated afternoon coverage, initially reported as a traffic incident before FBI classified it as potential terrorism. Evening reports identified the perpetrator as Shams al-Din Jabbar.

Lebanese presidential maneuvering continued with French diplomatic pressure regarding the January 9 session. Saudi momentum appeared to build, with Syrian officials visiting Riyadh. Reports emerged of house burnings in Aytaroun despite the theoretical ceasefire, while IDF maintained presence in border areas.
02.01.2025
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Thursday
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Day of Assad's Russian Poison

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Morning reports focused on British newspaper The Sun's claims of Assad's poisoning attempt in Russia, which dominated Lebanese media coverage throughout the day. The story appeared alongside news of Syrian curriculum changes removing Assad-era content and Qatar Airways resuming Damascus flights.

Saudi diplomatic engagement shifted, with Foreign Minister cancelling his Beirut visit while meeting Syria's new administration in Riyadh. French ministers met with Berri as presidential election dynamics intensified ahead of January 9th session.

Israeli military operations expanded from morning border movements in Beit Lief to evening airstrikes against alleged Hezbollah missile sites in Iqlim al-Tuffah. IDF claimed these strikes followed Lebanese Army's inaction. Evening tensions rose at Beirut Airport over Iranian diplomatic baggage inspection, while Houthi forces claimed 22 operations against Israeli targets during the past week.
03.01.2025
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Friday
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The Day Syria Closed Its Gates

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Syrian authorities implemented restrictions on Lebanese entry, triggering border clashes that wounded four Lebanese Army personnel near Maaraboun. This development coincided with French and German foreign ministers' visits to Damascus, signaling European reengagement with Syria's new administration.

Israeli military activities continued along the southern border, with house demolitions in Naqoura and Houla, while US General Jeffers toured Khiam area. Yemen's Houthis claimed two operations against Israeli targets in Jaffa, while Hamas attempted to down an Israeli helicopter with surface-to-air missiles in Gaza.

Presidential election maneuvering intensified ahead of January 9 session, with Egyptian ambassador announcing efforts to narrow candidates to two or three names. Saudi diplomatic engagement shifted as Yazid bin Farhan arrived in Beirut, while Syrian Foreign Minister al-Sharaa extended invitation to Mikati to visit Damascus.
04.01.2025
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Saturday
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Day of Israel's Withdrawal Decision

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Israeli media disclosed early morning that Israel would inform Washington of its refusal to withdraw from Lebanon after the 60-day period, while Yedioth Ahronoth reported no final decision had been made. The ICRC warned of civilian costs if the ceasefire collapses.

Damascus airport announced resumption of international flights starting January 7, while border tensions intensified with Israeli forces conducting operations near Maroun al-Ras and Bint Jbeil. The Lebanese Army closed three intersections in Burj al-Muluk amid smuggling concerns.

Saudi diplomatic movement continued quietly in Beirut, with discussions focusing on presidential specifications ahead of Thursday's session. Hezbollah's Qassem stated the resistance's patience might run out before the 60-day period, while emphasizing the group's commitment to consensus-based presidential election through open sessions.
05.01.2025
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Sunday
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Day of Hezbollah's Veto Dance

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Early morning coverage focused on Saudi diplomatic efforts in Beirut, with newspapers reporting on ongoing presidential election dynamics. By mid-morning, Hezbollah's Wafiq Safa made significant statements clarifying the party's position on presidential candidates, declaring no veto on army commander while maintaining opposition to Geagea.

Israeli Defense Minister issued warnings about Hezbollah's withdrawal beyond the Litani River as a condition for agreements, while reports emerged of continued Israeli military operations in Taybeh and Aitaroun. The Lebanese Army later reopened three roads in the Taybeh-Marjayoun area that Israeli forces had closed at dawn.

Evening reports revealed Hamas's acceptance of an Israeli-proposed list of 34 prisoners for a potential exchange deal, while Egyptian ambassador announced no presidential candidate currently commands the required 86 votes, contradicting earlier speculation about consensus building.
06.01.2025
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Monday
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Day of Naqoura's Return Dance

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US envoy Hochstein's arrival coincided with Israeli forces' partial withdrawal from western Lebanon, particularly Naqoura. The Lebanese Army began deploying in evacuated areas, marking the first phase of territorial restoration. Saudi diplomatic pressure surfaced through leaked conditions demanding unauthorized weapons surrender.

Presidential dynamics intensified with speculation about Army Commander-Geagea meeting, which sources later denied. Macron emphasized presidential election's importance for Lebanese sovereignty, while reports emerged of French diplomat Lodrian's planned attendance at Thursday's session.

Evening developments included US announcement of $95 million military aid transfer from Egypt to Lebanon, while Netanyahu claimed regional transformation and Houthis reported attacks on US carrier Truman. Syrian-related coverage focused on Damascus residents' security concerns and Turkish threats of military action against Kurdish militants.
07.01.2025
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Tuesday
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Dance of the Thursday Presidency

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Parliament Speaker Berri called for a presidential election session on Thursday, prompting intense diplomatic activity. Morning reports centered on U.S. envoy Hochstein's meetings with opposition MPs and monitoring of Lebanese Army deployment in Naqoura. The U.S. announced redirection of $95 million in military aid from Egypt to Lebanon.

By afternoon, Cabinet approved PM Mikati's planned visit to Damascus and the deportation of Al-Qardawi to UAE. The Constitutional Council invalidated the law extending judicial council members' terms. Civil Defense reported recovery of three martyrs' bodies in Khayyam.

Evening developments saw Bassil expressing preference for Azour while remaining open to alternatives, as Israeli media claimed intention to maintain long-term presence in certain Lebanese areas. Reports emerged of Syrian funds being transferred to Moscow, while German-led EU initiative to ease Damascus sanctions surfaced.
08.01.2025
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Wednesday
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The Day Commander Became President

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Lebanese Army Commander Joseph Aoun emerged as consensus presidential candidate, with morning reports showing growing parliamentary support across political lines. Former candidate Sleiman Frangieh withdrew, endorsing Aoun. The French envoy Le Drian conducted meetings at Pine Palace, while Saudi envoy Prince Farhan arrived in Beirut for consultations.

By afternoon, Parliamentary blocs announced their positions, with the Democratic Gathering, Independent MPs, and Change MPs declaring support for Aoun. Opposition forces meeting in Maarab also backed his candidacy. Speaker Berri indicated possible session suspension after first round for "consensus-building."

Israeli military operations continued along the border, with reported movements in Aita al-Shaab and Meis al-Jabal. A fire incident at Sin el-Fil fuel station briefly diverted attention from political developments. Former minister Ziad Baroud withdrew his candidacy, further consolidating support for Aoun.
09.01.2025
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Thursday
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Day of Commander's Ascent

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Army Commander Joseph Aoun became Lebanon's 14th president after two rounds of voting, securing 99 votes in parliament after initial 71 votes fell short. Morning session witnessed procedural disputes and heated exchanges between MPs. The two-hour break between rounds allowed for final negotiations, particularly with the Shiite duo who received reported Saudi guarantees.

Aoun's inaugural speech emphasized state monopoly over weapons and commitment to Arab relations, marking distance from previous political alignments. International recognition followed swiftly, with US, French, and Iranian statements highlighting different aspects of the transition. The defense ministry appointed Army Chief of Staff as interim commander.

Border dynamics continued in parallel, with Israeli media reporting Netanyahu's plan to maintain presence in three key locations in South Lebanon, while drones were observed over Beirut.
10.01.2025
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Friday
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Day of Six Strikes

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The morning began with international recognition of Joseph Aoun's presidency, including statements from Biden, EU, and UN. PM Mikati's visit to Baabda set government formation in motion, with consultations scheduled for Monday. Cyprus's president became the first foreign leader to visit.

By afternoon, Israeli drone strikes in Tyr-Debba killed five people, while joint US-UK-Israeli strikes targeted Houthi positions in Yemen. French sources indicated a "new dynamic" in ceasefire negotiations for South Lebanon.

Evening developments centered on President Aoun's visit to Patriarch Rahi in Bkerke, where the oath speech was framed as Lebanon's rescue roadmap. Reports emerged of Mikati's likely nomination as PM, while banking associations pledged support for reform efforts. Israeli forces conducted two demolition operations in Kfarkila, maintaining pressure despite diplomatic developments.
11.01.2025
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Saturday
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Damascus Gate Opens Again

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Najib Mikati's visit to Damascus marked Lebanon's first official presence in Syria since 2010, meeting with Ahmad Al-Sharaa at the People's Palace. The visit coincided with President Joseph Aoun's announcement of Saudi Arabia as his first foreign destination, signaling a dual-track diplomatic approach.

Israeli forces continued operations in southern Lebanon, demolishing houses in Aita al-Shaab while Lebanese Army units deployed in Qouzah and Ramia areas. A drone strike in Kounine resulted in two injuries.

The UAE announced plans to reopen its Beirut embassy, while Syrian authorities claimed to have thwarted an ISIS attack on the Sayyida Zeinab shrine. By evening, opposition forces announced their support for Fouad Makhzoumi as prime minister candidate, challenging Mikati's expected nomination in Monday's consultations.
12.01.2025
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Sunday
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Day of Mikati's Eighty

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Parliamentary consultations for PM nomination crystallized around Najib Mikati, with reports indicating support from over 63 MPs, potentially reaching 80 with Free Patriotic Movement backing. Opposition forces rallied behind Fouad Makhzoumi, while Ibrahim Mneimneh withdrew in favor of Nawaf Salam.

The Riyadh conference on Syria dominated diplomatic news, with Saudi Foreign Minister calling for lifting sanctions. UAE humanitarian aid arrived at Beirut port, signaling renewed Gulf engagement following President Aoun's election.

Israeli operations continued in the south, with forces withdrawing from Al-Dhahira while maintaining presence at its outskirts. Evening brought escalation with four airstrikes between Deir al-Zaharani and Houmine al-Fouqa, followed by strikes near Janta in the Bekaa Valley. Security forces meanwhile conducted raids in Arsal, seizing weapons cache.
13.01.2025
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Monday
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Day Salam Rose From Court to Power

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Parliamentary consultations for Prime Minister designation produced an unexpected outcome as Judge Nawaf Salam secured 85 votes, surpassing Najib Mikati's previous momentum. The morning sessions showed initial support for Salam, with 12 votes against Mikati's 7. By afternoon, both the Strong Lebanon bloc and Democratic Gathering joined the support for Salam, marking a shift from previous calculations.

Hezbollah's parliamentary bloc expressed concerns about exclusion and requested postponement of their consultation, only to reverse the decision hours later. The group's abstention, along with Amal Movement's, highlighted tensions over what they termed lack of "Shiite legitimacy."

President Joseph Aoun engaged with media, expressing hope for swift cabinet formation. French President Macron and the White House issued statements viewing Salam's designation as a historic opportunity, while outgoing PM Mikati called to congratulate his successor.
14.01.2025
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Tuesday
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Day State Returns to Baabda

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Newly designated PM Nawaf Salam arrived at Baabda Palace, where he pledged to extend state authority across Lebanon's territory. His morning statements emphasized unity and partnership while addressing concerns about exclusion. The Shiite duo's response evolved from initial boycott threats to a more nuanced position, with Speaker Berri's office denying reports about closing parliament.

Government formation consultations were scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, while France announced Macron's visit for Friday. The UAE ambassador expressed support for Lebanon's institutional revival, marking continued Gulf re-engagement following Joseph Aoun's election.

By evening, reports emerged of potential academic and youth-focused government composition outside traditional political quotas. Hamas-Israel ceasefire negotiations in Qatar received extensive coverage, with Trump claiming a deal was "very close" while Netanyahu consulted with Mossad chief in Doha.
15.01.2025
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Wednesday
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Day Shiite Duo Stepped Aside

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PM-designate Nawaf Salam began non-binding parliamentary consultations amid the Shiite duo's boycott, marking their first coordinated absence from such proceedings. By morning, Speaker Berri's office confirmed he would not attend his scheduled 10:00 AM consultation, though arrangements were made for a Friday meeting with Salam.

Parliamentary blocs presented varying demands throughout the day, with the Free Patriotic Movement notably softening its traditional stance on cabinet representation. By afternoon, Biden claimed Lebanon had selected its first PM "free from Hezbollah influence in years."

The Gaza ceasefire agreement dominated evening coverage, with celebrations reported across Lebanese territories, including some injuries from celebratory gunfire. Israeli forces meanwhile conducted their first advance into central Bint Jbeil, establishing earthen barriers between Aitaroun and Ainata.
16.01.2025
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Thursday
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Day Bitar Returned to Port Case

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Judge Tarek Bitar resumed the Beirut port explosion investigation, scheduling interrogations for February 7 and filing charges against 10 new suspects. This development coincided with PM-designate Nawaf Salam completing his non-binding consultations amid the Shiite duo's boycott.

The French-Saudi axis emerged prominently, with Macron and bin Salman expressing support for "strong government formation." UN Secretary-General Guterres arrived in Beirut, pledging economic recovery support. Qatar and Jordan extended presidential visit invitations to Joseph Aoun.

Gaza ceasefire implementation discussions dominated international coverage, with Netanyahu claiming "last-minute crisis" while Hamas denied backtracking. By evening, Blinken suggested the agreement would take effect Sunday, though Israeli cabinet approval remained pending for Thursday.
17.01.2025
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Friday
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Day France Opens Recovery Gate

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French President Macron's visit to Beirut marked a shift in international engagement with Lebanon's new administration. After morning meetings with Mikati, Macron announced France's airlines would resume flights to Beirut in February and pledged an international conference for Lebanon's reconstruction.

The day saw intense diplomatic activity at Baabda Palace, where President Aoun emphasized the restoration of global confidence in Lebanon. A private meeting between Macron and Speaker Berri addressed government formation prospects, with Berri showing unexpected flexibility regarding Shiite participation in the new cabinet.

PM-designate Salam, continuing his consultations, indicated he would soon announce cabinet compositions. By evening, the presidency reported "positive atmosphere" in government formation talks, while Macron insisted on state monopoly over arms and Israeli withdrawal from southern territories within agreed timeframes.
18.01.2025
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Saturday
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Day Truce Clock Started Ticking

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The Gaza ceasefire agreement dominated morning coverage, with implementation set for Sunday 8:30 AM. Egypt announced Israel would release 1,890 Palestinian prisoners in the first phase, while Netanyahu demanded prior verification of prisoner lists. UN Secretary-General Guterres's Beirut visit affirmed the January 26 deadline for Israeli withdrawal from South Lebanon.

Government formation accelerated as PM-designate Salam met with Shiite representatives, suggesting a shift in the duo's previous boycott stance. Walid Jumblatt declared no government could form without Shiite participation.

By evening, news emerged of Saudi Foreign Minister's planned Thursday visit to Beirut, marking the first high-level Saudi engagement since Nawaf Salam's designation. The U.S. announced $117 million in aid to Lebanese security forces, while Israeli troops initiated withdrawal from specific Gaza sectors ahead of the truce.
19.01.2025
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Sunday
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Day Hostages Walked Through Gaza Dust

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The Gaza ceasefire implementation faced initial delays as Israel demanded hostage lists from Hamas. Despite scheduled 8:30 AM start, fighting continued through morning hours. By early afternoon, Hamas named three female hostages for release, prompting Israel to officially begin the truce at 11:15 AM.

First aid trucks entered Gaza as the Red Cross facilitated the hostage transfer. Biden declared a "promising phase in Lebanon" citing Hezbollah's weakened capabilities, while the Lebanese Army expanded deployment in the south. Israeli forces conducted limited operations in Houla despite the broader regional de-escalation.

Government formation talks continued as Salam met with the Shiite duo, suggesting movement toward a 24-minister cabinet. The Finance Ministry portfolio appeared settled by evening, though details remained undisclosed. The Army reported securing additional positions in Bint Jbeil following Israeli withdrawals.
20.01.2025
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Monday
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Day Trump's Return Cast Shadow Over Lebanon Talks

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Morning headlines focused on expectations for rapid government formation, with PM Miqati scheduled for a farewell address. By mid-morning, attention shifted to Trump's imminent inauguration and its potential impact on regional dynamics. The French PM warned of Europe being "crushed" under Trump's policies.

Israeli operations continued in South Lebanon despite the approaching January 26 withdrawal deadline, with reported demolitions in Meis al-Jabal and tank fire near Maroun al-Ras. UN Secretary-General Guterres emphasized the importance of Lebanese Army control over all territories.

By evening, Arab leaders rushed to congratulate Trump, with Netanyahu expressing confidence about "defeating the Iranian terror axis." The EU reportedly considered gradually lifting Syria sanctions, while Kuwait's Foreign Minister confirmed his upcoming Friday visit to Beirut. Mikati announced his support for Nawaf Salam's premiership, suggesting movement in government formation talks.
21.01.2025
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Tuesday
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Day Chief of Staff Falls on His Sword

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Morning media focused on PM-designate Nawaf Salam's emerging technocratic cabinet and negotiations with the Shiite duo. Coverage shifted dramatically with Israeli Army Chief Halevi's resignation announcement, taking responsibility for October 7 failures and planning departure for March 6. This coincided with escalating Israeli operations in Jenin, resulting in six Palestinian casualties.

Saudi Foreign Minister announced plans to visit Lebanon, signaling renewed Gulf engagement following presidential elections. The deadline crisis for Israeli withdrawal from South Lebanon intensified, with President Aoun reporting international diplomatic support. Hezbollah official Abu Zeinab issued ultimatum for Sunday withdrawal.

Evening brought reports of Hezbollah Sheikh Mohammed Hamadeh's assassination in Mashghara, Western Bekaa, while fuel prices increased by 10,000-13,000 LBP across categories.
22.01.2025
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Wednesday
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Day Salam Marked His Red Lines

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PM-designate Nawaf Salam declared he is "not a mailbox" and rejected treating government formation as "cake distribution," marking his strongest stance yet against political pressure. This coincided with the Quintet ambassadors' meeting supporting his position against imposed conditions.

Israeli forces conducted extensive operations in Taybeh, demolishing eight houses, while the Lebanese Army completed deployment in Kfarchouba amid local celebrations. UN chief Guterres expressed cautious optimism about Lebanon while warning about ceasefire sustainability.

Saudi Foreign Minister's planned visit - the first in 15 years - dominated evening coverage, while reports emerged of Israeli cabinet meeting to discuss extending their southern presence beyond the 60-day deadline. UNIFIL personnel were injured during Israeli demolitions in Markaba, highlighting escalating tensions before the withdrawal deadline.
23.01.2025
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Thursday
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Day Saudi Minister Walked Through Ruins

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Israeli forces intensified demolitions along the Wazzani River while negotiating with the Trump administration to extend their presence beyond Sunday's withdrawal deadline. Lebanese State Security announced the arrest of an alleged Israeli collaborator who had been active since the Gaza war began.

Saudi Foreign Minister bin Farhan's arrival in Beirut - the first such visit in 15 years - dominated afternoon coverage. His meetings at Baabda emphasized reform requirements for renewed Saudi support. Meanwhile, President Aoun requested UN assistance in organizing Syrian refugee returns.

By evening, Geagea's televised appearance signaled opposition flexibility regarding the finance portfolio, offering conditional acceptance of a Shiite minister outside the traditional duo. Trump's team confirmed they wouldn't start their term with an Iran confrontation, while Syrian authorities announced new entry conditions for Lebanese citizens.
24.01.2025
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Friday
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Day Israel's Clock Stopped

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Netanyahu's office confirmed Israel would not withdraw from south Lebanon after the 60-day deadline, while the IDF intensified demolitions in border villages. The White House response called for urgent ceasefire extension, marking a shift from previous positions.

Saudi-Gulf diplomatic momentum continued with Kuwait's foreign minister joining the regional initiative. Bin Farhan's subsequent visit to Damascus, the first since Assad's fall, signaled broader regional realignment attempts.

Lebanese Army units deployed in Shiheen and Al-Jubbain in the western sector, while government formation efforts faced renewed obstacles over the finance portfolio allocation. UAE announced resumption of flights to Beirut starting February 1, part of widening Gulf re-engagement.

Evening brought reports of Merkava tank movements near Wadi Saluki, as Bloomberg noted increased international interest in Lebanese bonds.
25.01.2025
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Saturday
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Day of Israel's Border Dance

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Israel's refusal to withdraw from south Lebanon dominated morning headlines, as Washington signaled support for extending the Israeli presence beyond the 60-day deadline. The Lebanese Army's deployment plans faced obstacles, with IDF forces advancing in five areas of Marjayoun district and conducting demolitions near Kfarchouba.

By midday, attention shifted to the Hamas-Israel prisoner exchange, with four female Israeli soldiers released in exchange for 200 Palestinian detainees. Macron's intervention with President Aoun regarding ceasefire maintenance highlighted international concern.

Evening brought reports of an IED attack on an Israeli military vehicle in south Lebanon, while the White House directed the Pentagon to lift restrictions on providing Israel with 2000-pound bombs. Gulf states expressed support for Lebanon's stability, with Kuwait's foreign minister making explicit commitments.
26.01.2025
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Sunday
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Day South Walked Home Through Fire

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As the 60-day withdrawal deadline expired, thousands of southern Lebanese residents attempted returning to their villages, defying Israeli warnings. Morning saw the first casualties as Israeli forces fired on civilians in Kfarkela, with casualties mounting throughout the day to 15 dead and 83 wounded.

The Lebanese Army coordinated entries into 18 border towns, while President Aoun called for restraint and trust in armed forces. One Lebanese soldier was killed by Israeli fire. UNIFIL and UN representatives declared the south unsafe for civilian return, while Macron demanded Netanyahu withdraw Israeli forces.

By evening, the White House announced an extension of the ceasefire agreement until February 18, marking a shift from previous days' uncertainty. Hezbollah supporters' victory motorcades through Beirut's suburbs sparked sectarian tensions, while Israel canceled flights to Cyprus citing security concerns.
27.01.2025
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Monday
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Day South Walked Back Through Sound Bombs

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The second day of southern returns brought escalating Israeli responses, with sound bombs and live fire meeting civilians attempting to reach their villages. By noon, the Ministry of Health reported two deaths and 17 injuries, including a child and medic. The Lebanese Army expanded deployments into new areas including Marwahin, while Israeli forces maintained positions in strategic locations.

The White House-brokered ceasefire extension until February 18 gained Lebanese government approval, though Miqati accused Israel of stalling implementation. Meanwhile, thousands of displaced Gazans began returning north, marking the first such movement since the truce.

Finance Minister Khalil projected a 27 trillion Lebanese pound surplus for 2024, while the EU agreed on a roadmap to ease Syrian sanctions. By evening, Sheikh Qassem asserted Hezbollah's right to respond to continued Israeli presence, as reports emerged of seven Hezbollah fighters in Israeli custody.
28.01.2025
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Tuesday
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Day Nabatieh Burned Through Ceasefire

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The Lebanese Army expanded deployments into 21 southern border towns following Israeli withdrawals, marking progress in the restoration of state authority. One soldier and three civilians were wounded by Israeli fire near Yaroun-Maroun Al-Ras road during the morning operations.

PM-designate Nawaf Salam maintained his position on cabinet formation criteria while negotiations continued, though no final decisions on portfolios emerged. Al-Habtor's announcement of liquidating all Lebanese investments highlighted growing economic concerns.

By evening, Israeli airstrikes hit Nabatieh, initially wounding 7 people, with casualties rising to 24. Israel claimed the strikes targeted Hezbollah arms vehicles, characterizing them as responses to "agreement violations." Nine Lebanese detainees were released, with Mikati seeking the release of nine more. The German Chancellor rejected Trump's Gaza population transfer proposal, while Cyprus granted Israel priority access to military bases.
29.01.2025
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Wednesday
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Day Salam Walked Through Crossfire

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The morning began with Israeli forces advancing toward Al-Taybeh-Qantara road and conducting demolitions in Kfarkila. PM-designate Nawaf Salam maintained his position on cabinet formation criteria while facing pressure from multiple factions. The World Bank affirmed support for Lebanon's reform commitments.

By afternoon, thousands of displaced Palestinians continued returning to northern Gaza despite US and Israeli threats, while the Lebanese Army completed its deployment south of the Litani. Air France announced resumption of Beirut flights.

Evening developments centered on Syria, with reports of Al-Shara being appointed transitional president and Qatar's Emir planning a Damascus visit. Israeli drones struck Yhmor Al-Shqif as violations continued. The Health Ministry reported 8 wounded in the day's Israeli attacks, while US Congress members urged Lebanese officials to exclude Hezbollah from the new government.
30.01.2025
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Thursday
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Day Washington Fell From Sky While Gaza Released Hostages

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A civilian aircraft carrying 60 passengers collided with a military helicopter near Reagan Airport in Washington, with no survivors reported. The incident dominated morning coverage and drew attention from Trump, who claimed it could have been prevented.

Hamas delivered a third batch of Israeli hostages to the Red Cross in Jabalia camp, while Israel temporarily suspended Palestinian prisoner releases over objections to the handover footage. The process resumed by afternoon.

The Lebanese Army established a checkpoint in Khardali amid continued Israeli operations in the south. PM-designate Salam maintained his position on cabinet formation criteria while requesting new ministerial nominations from Speaker Berri. Syria's interim president Al-Shara announced plans for a transitional government following meetings with Qatar's Emir in Damascus.

The Health Ministry issued a report detailing 237 Israeli attacks on the health sector since October, with 201 casualties and 177 ambulances targeted.
31.01.2025
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Friday
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Day Bekaa Valley Joined South's Fire

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Israeli strikes expanded to Lebanon's Bekaa Valley overnight, killing two people near Janta al-Shaara on the Syrian border, marking a significant expansion of the conflict zone. The strikes followed Hezbollah drone activities, with Israel threatening Beirut airport over alleged Iranian cash transfers.

Egypt's Foreign Minister visited Beirut, delivering Sisi's message pledging support for Lebanese state institutions and army deployment. PM-designate Salam met with Ali and Hussein Khalil to discuss Shiite representation in the cabinet, while facing US pressure against Hezbollah participation.

Hamas announced the fourth prisoner exchange operation for Saturday, planning to release three Israeli hostages in exchange for 90 Palestinian detainees. Reports emerged of a potential deal to release Israeli prisoner Elizabeth Tsurkov from Iraq in exchange for Hezbollah prisoners. By evening, Israeli forces targeted Kfarkila area with machine gun fire after launching flares over Tel Nahas.
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