March
The dramatic confrontation between Trump and Zelensky dominated morning coverage, with reports detailing how a specific statement by Zelensky triggered his ejection from the White House. European leaders quickly rallied behind Ukraine, while Macron emphasized continued support.

In parallel, thousands gathered for mass funerals in southern Lebanon, burying nearly 100 casualties from recent hostilities. Prime Minister Salam visited the south, pledging reconstruction amid Israeli threats to strike Beirut's southern suburbs. The PKK's unexpected ceasefire declaration with Turkey emerged as a significant regional development.

By evening, Taymour Jumblatt proposed establishing a national committee to abolish political sectarianism, while President Aoun prepared for a pivotal Saudi visit aimed at rebuilding Arab relations. Reports surfaced of agricultural devastation in the south, with farmers unable to access their lands.
Morning reports focused on Hamas's rejection of extending the first phase of the Gaza agreement, while Israel halted aid shipments. The Israeli military chief's statement about Hezbollah's theoretical ability to reach Haifa generated significant coverage.

By midday, a gas tanker explosion in Akkar killed a mother and her three children, dominating local coverage. This occurred as Patriarch Al-Rahi called on President Aoun and Prime Minister Salam to build trust among Lebanese citizens.

Walid Jumblatt's warnings about Israeli attempts to exploit Druze communities for regional fragmentation emerged as a significant political development. Israeli forces fired towards civilians in Kfarkela, while gold prices continued breaking records. President Aoun's preparation for his Saudi visit proceeded against the backdrop of economic recovery discussions.
President Aoun's journey to Riyadh dominated coverage, representing Lebanon's first major attempt to rebuild Arab relations since recent regional shifts. Morning reports focused on Israeli actions, including drone propaganda broadcasts over Tyre and new military installations near Adaisseh. By midday, attention shifted to the gathering of Arab leaders in Cairo for an emergency summit on Palestine, while Netanyahu's statements about "maximum pressure" on Hamas generated significant coverage.

The Education Ministry's announcement of school closures for Teacher's Day offered brief domestic respite from security concerns. Evening coverage returned to Aoun's meeting with Crown Prince MBS, while reports emerged of Hezbollah official Mousawi acknowledging "shortcomings" in recent conflict management. The day's developments suggested evolving regional dynamics, with Lebanese media particularly focused on potential Saudi economic support and reconstruction funding.
04.03.2025
Tuesday

Day Lebanon Walked Two Paths

President Aoun's dual diplomatic mission dominated morning coverage, with a Saudi-Lebanese joint statement emphasizing state monopoly on weapons following his Riyadh visit. The statement's release coincided with Speaker Berri's rejection of linking reconstruction aid to Hezbollah's disarmament.

By midday, focus shifted to the Cairo emergency summit, where Egypt proposed a $53 billion Gaza reconstruction plan. The Israeli military's assassination of Radwan Force naval commander Khader Hashem in Qana marked a significant escalation, occurring as Arab leaders discussed Gaza's future.

Evening reports confirmed the US unfreezing $95 million in military aid to Lebanon, following a trilateral understanding between Washington, Tel Aviv, and Beirut regarding Israeli military presence. The media noted the emergence of a technical administration plan for Gaza, while coverage emphasized Lebanon's attempted balancing act between Arab reintegration and maintaining internal stability.
05.03.2025
Wednesday

Day Drone Hit Car in Naqoura

Morning coverage focused on Amnesty International's call for investigation into Israeli attacks on Lebanon's health sector, while President Aoun concluded his Cairo summit participation. By midday, Israeli drone strikes targeted a civilian vehicle in Ras al-Naqoura, wounding two people, marking an escalation in southern operations.

Reports emerged of a "quiet understanding" between Lebanon, Israel, and the US regarding five occupied hills, while discussions continued about central bank leadership appointments scheduled for this month. The agricultural ministry announced distribution of 166 tons of potato seeds in Bekaa, showing attempts at economic normalization.

Evening coverage shifted to US-Hamas secret talks revelation and flooding in Sin el-Fil following rainfall, with Minister Salam calling for investigation into infrastructure failures. The media noted increasing coverage of Israeli military's establishment of a buffer zone through fire in south Lebanon.
06.03.2025
Thursday

Day Cabinet Claimed Power from Sects

The cabinet's first session approved the 2025 budget by decree and launched administrative reforms, with President Aoun asserting cabinet authority over sectarian interests. This followed his recent Saudi-Egyptian diplomatic mission. The IMF announced a fact-finding delegation's visit for March 10-14, suggesting international engagement with Lebanon's reform promises.

By afternoon, reports emerged of Brigade General Ibrahim Huwaijeh's arrest for the 1977 Kamal Jumblatt assassination, reopening historical wounds as Lebanon attempts reconciliation. The military reported continued Israeli operations across Lebanese territory, while coverage noted evolving dynamics in Syria's coastal region with reports of clashes and curfews.

Trump's allies' secret negotiations with Ukrainian opposition and Hamas's rejection of his ultimatum received significant coverage, positioning Lebanon within broader regional and international transformations.
The Mikati cabinet's first session approved the 2025 budget by decree, with the World Bank subsequently announcing an $11 billion reconstruction cost estimate. Morning headlines focused on Israeli settlers entering Lebanese territory near Houla for a religious visit to Rabbi Ashi's tomb, prompting Lebanese Army statements about sovereignty violations.

By afternoon, Judge Bitar resumed port blast investigations, questioning three suspects despite procedural constraints. Reports emerged of Trump offering direct nuclear talks with Iran, while coverage continued of Syrian coastal region violence, including claims of 52 Alawite executions.

Evening brought a sharp escalation as Israel conducted 30 airstrikes across south Lebanon within 20 minutes, marking the most intense operations since November. Human Rights Watch released a report criticizing Hezbollah's targeting practices during recent confrontations.
Violence in western Syria dominated coverage, with reports of 250-600 civilian deaths, including executions of Alawites. Hezbollah officially denied involvement in these events as families fled to northern Lebanon. The Lebanese army intercepted $4 million being smuggled from Syria.

Following yesterday's intense bombardment, Israel continued operations in south Lebanon, with a fatal strike on a car near Khirbet Selm that killed one person. The Lebanese army also dismantled an Israeli surveillance device near Kfar Shouba.

On the political front, news emerged of Trump naming a Lebanese-American as US ambassador. The cabinet's recent budget approval continued to generate discussion about new taxes for 2025. Internal Hezbollah opposition surfaced regarding the appointment of an "Iraq escapee" as Naim Qassem's deputy. Released Hamas hostages pressured Netanyahu to fully implement their agreement, amid reports of US-Israeli tensions over direct talks with Hamas.
The death toll in Syria's coastal region exceeded 1,000, with former Vice President Farouk al-Sharaa characterizing the violence as "expected challenges." Assad formed a high committee to maintain civil peace and launched an investigation into the bloodshed. Christian churches condemned acts threatening civil peace while reports emerged of renewed clashes in Latakia with alleged Lebanese involvement.

In Lebanon, the army contained tensions in Tripoli after reports of a Syrian being stabbed nearly sparked sectarian violence, while Israeli violations continued with a drone strike in the south and military training near the border. A Lebanese soldier was reported missing in the evening.

Military appointments dominated political discussions, expected within days, while administrative appointments remain uncertain. Hezbollah Deputy Secretary-General Naim Qassem stated in an interview that the group supports building a "capable state" while maintaining that weapon "exclusivity" doesn't apply to them. Israel announced it would allow Syrian Druze workers to enter the Golan Heights.
The Syrian Defense Ministry announced the end of military operations in the coastal region that claimed over 1,000 lives, as a UN delegation arrived to assess the situation. Former Vice President Sharaa promised accountability for civilian bloodshed, while thousands of Syrian refugees continued fleeing into Lebanon's Akkar region, with 1,476 families reported. The Syrian presidency later announced an 8-point integration agreement with Kurdish forces.

The Lebanese Army confirmed an Israeli operation involving the shooting and capture of a Lebanese soldier in Kfar Shouba, describing it as a violation of Lebanese sovereignty. This incident follows yesterday's report of a missing soldier.

Domestically, the Beirut port explosion investigation resumed after procedural obstacles were removed. Political focus remained on upcoming security appointments expected at Thursday's cabinet session, while Finance Minister Metri announced plans to submit legislation reducing fees in the 2025 budget.
A breakthrough emerged with Lebanon and Israel agreeing to begin land border negotiations, facilitated by US mediation. Israel released four Lebanese prisoners with a fifth expected tomorrow, marking a diplomatic achievement credited to President Aoun. Israeli strikes continued in south Lebanon, with one killing a Hezbollah air defense commander Hassan Ezzeddine near Deir al-Zahrani, according to Israeli military claims.

The Syrian crisis aftermath continued affecting Lebanon, with refugee displacement to Akkar reportedly receding amid tightened security measures. The Lebanese army freed kidnapped Syrians in the Tel-Hermel area who were held for ransom.

Domestically, security appointments were reportedly settled after resolution of Sunni and Shiite political objections, with announcements expected at Thursday's cabinet session. The Beirut port explosion investigation showed signs of revival, with Judge Bitar preparing to question security officials next week.
Israeli officials publicly stated their desire for normalization with Lebanon, suggesting the formation of three working committees to address outstanding issues. This follows yesterday's release of four Lebanese detainees by Israel, with multiple sources reporting diplomatic progress. The Lebanese army removed an Israeli barbed wire fence at Barket Risha in southern Lebanon, demonstrating assertion of sovereignty.

Security appointments continued dominating domestic news, with cabinet expected to formalize leadership positions Thursday after reported agreements. IMF discussions resumed with promises of a unified financial reform plan.

Syrian coastal violence aftermath continued reverberating, with reports of three new massacres and risks of mass burials. The Syrian presidency announced the formation of a National Security Council, while Lebanese media discussed Ahmad al-Sharaa's opportunity to unify Syria. Trump's potential message to Iran through an Arab intermediary attracted coverage amid nuclear discussions.
The Lebanese cabinet formalized key security appointments, naming Rodolphe Haykal as Army Commander along with new heads for Internal Security Forces and General Security. This followed days of negotiations between Lebanon's political factions.

Israel released soldier Ziad Shibli, the fifth Lebanese prisoner freed this week, marking continued progress in the prisoner exchange process that began Tuesday.

The Justice Minister requested adding Hezbollah's disarmament timeline to the next cabinet meeting agenda, while Prime Minister Salam emphasized no project supersedes restoring the state's exclusive authority over war and peace decisions.

Netanyahu vowed Israel would not withdraw from five control points in Lebanese territory, contradicting Lebanese sovereignty claims. Meanwhile, Lebanese officials clarified that talks with Israel remain indirect, explicitly rejecting normalization suggestions that emerged in yesterday's Israeli proposals.

IMF discussions resumed with Lebanon renewing its assistance request, as economic reform planning advanced.
Lebanese media focused intently on rejection of territorial concessions, with Speaker Berri emphatically stating Lebanon "will never give up any inch of land," responding to Netanyahu's claim Israel "won't give up" five hills in Lebanon. This diplomatic tension follows yesterday's security appointments and prisoner release.

Economic news gained prominence as gold crossed $3,000 for the first time, while IMF representatives visited Lebanon, expressing commitment to support following the government's reform requests.

Hamas announced it would release a US-Israeli hostage and return four bodies to maintain ceasefire negotiations momentum. Chinese-Iranian-Russian talks in Beijing called for lifting "unilateral illegal sanctions" against Iran.

The Justice Minister visited Bkerki, emphasizing the ministerial statement's commitment to restricting weapons to state control. Macron announced he had called to congratulate Prime Minister Salam and would receive President Aoun in Paris on March 28.
Morning headlines focused on US preparations to launch indirect negotiations between Lebanon and Israel, with Lebanon reportedly ignoring Israeli offers while the US seeks a path forward. This follows Berri's rejection of territorial concessions yesterday.

By midday, Israeli forces struck a car in Borj al-Malook village, killing two Hezbollah members, continuing targeted operations that have characterized recent weeks. The IDF later confirmed targeting a Hezbollah operative.

President Aoun addressed Lebanon's challenges at a Dar al-Fatwa iftar, emphasizing that "no project supersedes building a strong state" and noting Lebanon cannot stabilize while tensions persist on its southern border. His upcoming March 28 Paris visit was discussed as potentially impacting mediation efforts.

By evening, news shifted to US military strikes against Houthis in Yemen, described as part of a wider campaign with Trump threatening "hell like they've never seen."
Morning headlines focused on former President Aoun's upcoming visit to France, with Macron reportedly linking reconstruction funds to reforms. Media coverage highlighted American airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen, described as "hell strikes" with death tolls rising from 21 to 31 throughout the morning.

Israeli military actions continued with reports of a martyr in Yater after a nighttime car strike, while an Israeli force withdrew from Adaisseh after hours of incursion. The education ministry issued a clarification statement, though details weren't specified.

By afternoon, Reuters sources revealed unusual American involvement in Lebanon's central bank governor selection process. The day culminated with Walid Jumblatt's anticipated speech opening a "new page" with Damascus while rejecting normalization with Israel, a significant shift in his political positioning.

Late reports indicated a serious escalation at the Lebanese-Syrian border, with Damascus pointing to Hezbollah.
The Lebanon-Syria border became a flashpoint of violence after Syrian forces shelled Lebanese territory, accusing Hezbollah of killing three Syrian soldiers. Hezbollah immediately denied involvement in any Syrian internal matters. Fighting intensified throughout the day, with both armies mobilizing forces along their shared frontier.

Meanwhile, geopolitical developments continued as the EU hosted a donor conference for post-Assad Syria. Walid Jumblatt commemorated his father's anniversary by rejecting both Israeli influence over Druze communities and foreign control.

Israeli operations in Lebanon persisted with a drone strike in Yohmor al-Shaqif that killed one person. Israeli media reported internal tensions between Netanyahu and Bar bringing Israel closer to civil war.

The day concluded with reports that Lebanon and Syria had agreed to a ceasefire at the border after intense diplomatic efforts. A separate story emerged about Lebanese physician Rasha Alawiya being deported from the United States after attending "Al-Sayyid's" funeral.
Israel resumed heavy bombardment of Gaza, killing over 330 people according to media reports, with the Israeli Foreign Minister clarifying this was "not a one-day attack." Hamas announced four senior leaders were killed, including the head of its government in Gaza.

Following yesterday's border clashes, Lebanese media reported Syrian forces had occupied 5km of Lebanese territory in Housh al-Sayyed Ali despite the announced ceasefire. The Lebanese Army mobilized to enter the area, with ceasefire violations continuing throughout the day.

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam declared "the era of missed opportunities is over" and announced plans for an investment conference in autumn. The cabinet scheduled a Thursday meeting to finalize appointment mechanisms for key positions, including the Central Bank governor—an issue complicated by reported French-American influence competition.

A judicial corruption scandal emerged with one judge detained and another expected to follow, according to LBCI.
The Lebanese Army entered Housh al-Sayyed Ali and closed four illegal border crossings following yesterday's clashes with Syrian forces, meeting resistance from masked individuals who accused soldiers of treason. President Aoun called for reinforcing the ceasefire and border control while meeting with German Foreign Minister Baerbock, emphasizing Israel's rejection of Lebanese proposals to withdraw from the five hills.

Israel launched a "limited ground operation" in Gaza's Netzarim corridor after resuming heavy bombardment yesterday, which Hamas indicated openness to discuss despite continued fighting. A UN peacekeeper was wounded by a mine explosion in south Lebanon, raising concerns about conflict expansion.

Former President Michel Aoun reiterated that reforms are a Lebanese need, not merely an international demand. The U.S. Middle East envoy's office affirmed Lebanon as a sovereign state making its own decisions while expressing confidence in President Aoun and Prime Minister Salam's leadership.
The morning began with news of Houthis claiming a missile strike on Ben Gurion Airport that forced Netanyahu to seek shelter. By midday, Hamas fired rockets at Tel Aviv for the first time since the war's resumption, disrupting airport operations. The Lebanese Army closed illegal border crossings in Al-Qaa and Al-Hermel, continuing yesterday's border security operations.

The cabinet approved an appointments mechanism emphasizing competency over sectarian allocation, though consensus on the Central Bank governor remained elusive. Former President Aoun emphasized the diaspora's right to parliamentary representation at a Baabda iftar, where President Joseph Aoun stressed national unity's importance for liberating territory.

Evening brought Israeli airstrikes targeting the Bekaa Valley (Al-Shaara and Shamsatar) and South Lebanon's Al-Tuffah region, marking a significant escalation. Media reports questioned whether Gaza's scenario might repeat in Lebanon, with some outlets suggesting American pressure contains a two-week ultimatum for the Lebanese leadership.
Early reports covered Israel's dismissal of Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, creating what media described as a constitutional crisis with warnings of potential civil war. Investigations into former Central Bank Governor Riad Salameh concluded after seven months, with a ruling expected shortly.

By midday, an Israeli official declared they would remain at the five contested points in Lebanon until the Lebanese Army takes full control, rejecting observation-only measures. Finance Minister Mansouri revealed offers from international banks to invest Lebanon's gold reserves.

Prime Minister Salam made two significant statements: banking deposits are "sacred" and must be fully restored, and Hezbollah's weapons issue was settled in the ministerial statement, declaring the "people, army, resistance" slogan as history.

By evening, Israel announced the assassination of Hamas military intelligence chief Osama Tabash in southern Gaza, followed by Israeli airstrikes on Syria's Tadmur Military Airport. Lebanese media mourned the death of journalist Huda Shedid after a long illness.
Morning reports focused on Israeli interception of three rockets fired from Lebanon toward Metula, prompting Israel's Foreign Minister to threaten Beirut with retaliation. President Aoun condemned the incident as continuous aggression against Lebanon and requested military vigilance.

By midday, Israeli airstrikes hit southern Lebanon, killing two people and injuring eight. Hezbollah issued a denial of involvement with the rocket fire, stating they "stand behind the state." Parliament Speaker Berri claimed Israel benefits from dragging Lebanon into wider conflict.

By evening, Israeli air raids intensified across southern Lebanon, with the death toll rising to eight. Janoubia reported that senior Hezbollah military figure Radwan Awada was assassinated in a strike on Tyre. Media analysis questioned whether the ceasefire agreement was collapsing, while L'Orient-Le Jour suggested Washington had given Israel freedom to act as it wished.
Following yesterday's "orphaned rockets" incident, Israel intensified bombardment across southern Lebanon, with Lebanese outlets reporting guided missile strikes on a car in Aita al-Shaab killing one person. The Lebanese Army issued a statement condemning Israel for escalating attacks under various pretexts.

Hezbollah denied responsibility for the rocket launches, positioning itself "behind the state," while President Aoun's diplomatic communications reportedly succeeded in shielding Beirut from Israeli strikes. Media speculation centered on three scenarios about who launched the rockets, with some suggesting they were deliberately used to justify escalation.

By afternoon, Arab League Secretary General Abu al-Gheit expressed support for Lebanon against Israeli aggression. Evening reports highlighted Trump's deployment of a second aircraft carrier against Iran while maintaining pressure across multiple fronts against Hezbollah, Hamas and the Houthis. A French report emerged detailing Israel's alleged plan against Lebanon.
The fallout from the "orphaned rockets" incident continued as diplomatic efforts intensified to prevent Israeli targeting of Beirut. Lebanese media debated who launched these "mystery rockets," with speculation about strategic motives behind the attacks. By midday, Interior Minister Hajjar announced municipal election dates would proceed as scheduled in May, despite the security situation.

President Aoun declared government machinery was restarting with security appointments completed, with Central Bank Governor, judicial, and diplomatic appointments to follow. The Lebanese Army removed Israeli installations from Lebanese territory in Ramish, signaling continued border tensions.

By evening, Israeli forces struck a vehicle in Qa'qa'iyat al-Jisr, killing one person identified as Hassan Halawi. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Salam suggested banking secrecy laws must be lifted to achieve financial reform and restore depositors' funds, addressing the economic crisis parallel to security concerns.
Following the mysterious rockets incident, Israel announced killing Hezbollah's anti-tank missile system chief Hassan Halawi in Qaqaiet al-Jisr. This assassination continues the pattern of targeted strikes against Hezbollah's military infrastructure. Reports indicate Israeli airstrikes also hit Syrian bases at Tadmur and T-4 despite EU warnings.

Prime Minister Salam toured northern Lebanon, promising to reopen Kleiat Airport within a year while emphasizing government commitment to maintaining security in Tripoli. Security forces reported arresting 31 suspects across northern regions.

On the financial front, three candidates emerged for Central Bank Governor position: Karim Said, Jamil Baz, and Eddie Gemayel, with Finance Minister notably excluding Jihad Azour. Electoral alliances formed for upcoming municipal elections, with Efram announcing a coalition with Lebanese Forces, Kataeb, and Mansour El Boun.

Tragedy struck in Hermel when a fire at a fuel station claimed three lives.
French envoy Le Drian began his visit to Lebanon meeting President Aoun, who emphasized reforms alongside reconstruction. The Finance Ministry announced public sector salaries had been transferred and could be collected the following day. Prime Minister Salam declared that normalization with Israel was "rejected by all Lebanese," as Israel reportedly pushed for an agreement "larger than a truce but less than normalization."

The Lebanese Army reported closing two roads and removing Israeli barbed wire from Lebanese territory, continuing border assertion following previous days' confrontations. The planned Lebanese defense delegation visit to Syria was postponed at Syria's request, indicating complications in the Lebanese-Syrian relationship that had been strained by recent border incidents.

By evening, American and European officials indicated there would be no veto on Central Bank Governor candidates, as controversy continued over banking secrecy laws. Hezbollah's Qassem reaffirmed the organization would not accept continued occupation.
Morning headlines focused on continued Israeli operations against Hezbollah, with reports of a Radwan Force commander killed in southern Lebanon. President Aoun stated Hezbollah was "cooperating on weapons issues" while emphasizing normalization with Israel was not on the table.

By midday, Lebanon's Cabinet appointed Karim Souaid as Central Bank Governor with 17 votes, despite Prime Minister Salam and six ministers abstaining. The appointment marks a significant step in Lebanese financial reforms demanded by international stakeholders. Salam publicly called on Souaid to adhere to the government's financial reform policy.

Additional cabinet decisions included canceling the Brevet exams for 2025 and judicial appointments.

Israeli strikes continued throughout the day, killing two Lebanese citizens in Beit Lif according to health authorities. By evening, Lebanese-Syrian defense meetings began in Jeddah, reportedly focusing on border security, smuggling and territorial sovereignty. Macron, Aoun and Al-Sharaa scheduled meetings for the following day on Lebanese-Syrian border issues.
Two rockets were fired from southern Lebanon toward Israel in the early morning, prompting extensive Israeli retaliation. Israel first bombed southern Lebanon, then escalated by striking Beirut's southern suburbs (Dahieh) for the first time since the ceasefire, targeting what they claimed was Hezbollah drone infrastructure.

Both Hezbollah and Army Commander Aoun denied responsibility for the rocket launches, with Aoun stating "from our previous experience, it wasn't Hezbollah." The Lebanese Army announced it had identified the launch site and begun investigating.

President Aoun met with French President Macron in Paris, who condemned the Israeli strikes as "unjustified." Simultaneously, Saudi Arabia mediated a Lebanese-Syrian agreement emphasizing the strategic importance of border demarcation.

Washington imposed new sanctions on five individuals and three entities linked to Hezbollah, while U.S. envoy Ortagus insisted Lebanon must disarm Hezbollah as per "agreement." The day ended with American airstrikes targeting Houthis.
The Eid al-Fitr moon sighting dominated evening headlines as Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, and Lebanon's Dar al-Fatwa announced Sunday as the first day of Eid. Meanwhile, Iraq agreed to supply Lebanon with fuel for six months following contact between Iraq's Prime Minister and Speaker Berri.

Tensions continued as Lebanese Army Commander warned that rocket launches from Lebanese territory "serve the enemy," announcing arrests of suspects. UNIFIL issued a statement condemning actions endangering its peacekeepers, specifically responding to Israeli fire reportedly targeting French UNIFIL contingents.

Israeli aircraft maintained presence over Lebanese airspace, particularly in the south, with reports of damage to homes in Kfar Shouba from intensive combing operations. Hezbollah's Kassem warned that if the state fails to achieve necessary political results, "we will be obliged to return to other options."

Prime Minister Mikati departed for Saudi Arabia to perform Eid prayers in Mecca.
Lebanese celebrated Eid al-Fitr amid continued tensions with Israel. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam performed Eid prayers alongside Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Mecca, emphasizing Lebanon's commitment to reforms and extending state authority upon his return.

Religious leaders issued sobering statements during holiday sermons, with Archbishop Odeh lamenting that "devils who corrupted souls" continue to hinder reform, while Patriarch Al-Rahi called for Lebanon to adopt "positive neutrality."

Netanyahu asserted that the Lebanese government bears responsibility for attacks from its territory while claiming Israel "respects" Lebanon and its army. This statement follows Israeli strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs in response to mystery rocket launches the previous day.

Reports emerged about potential changes to UNIFIL's mission in southern Lebanon, possibly transforming it into an "UNDOF"-type force. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia and Jordan welcomed Syria's new cabinet formation, signaling potential regional normalization.
Lebanese authorities arrested three suspects in connection with the rocket launches from southern Lebanon that prompted Israeli strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs. Forensic evidence including fingerprints and DNA is being examined to determine responsibility.

The Lebanese Army and UNIFIL reportedly entered a major weapons storage facility in Eastern Zouter. Israeli aerial surveillance over southern Lebanon intensified, apparently seeking targets during Eid celebrations.

Diplomatic activity accelerated with US State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus expected in Beirut this week to discuss American proposals. Prime Minister Salam denied supporting postponement of municipal elections while preparing for a visit to Saudi Arabia during Eid.

Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei responded to Trump's letter with what newspapers described as a "green light" for talks with America, while promising a "firm response" if attacked. International concerns focused on disarming Hezbollah rather than establishing a defensive strategy.
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