June
President Aoun departed for Baghdad in the early morning, conducting talks with Iraqi Prime Minister Sudani about establishing an "Arab common interest system" and thanking Iraq for wartime support. The visit produced agreements on forming joint commercial, political and security committees.

Israeli strikes resumed in southern Lebanon after relative quiet, targeting vehicles in Beit Lif and Arnoun, then hitting a checkpoint on the Aita al-Shaab road for the third time during the day. One person died and another was wounded.

Reports emerged that US envoy Morgan Ortega would soon leave her position, potentially affecting American mediation efforts. Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi was scheduled to arrive Monday, adding to diplomatic activity.

The Lebanese Army announced dismantling Captagon manufacturing facilities and arresting suspects in various regions. Dr. Elias Shalala won election as head of the Beirut Physicians' Syndicate, while Palestinian camps maintained their refusal to surrender weapons despite ongoing pressure.
President Aoun declared confidence in Lebanon was gradually returning while announcing imminent judicial appointments and plans to pursue corruption files, with customs reform as the next priority. This optimism contrasted sharply with Palestinian camp resistance, as Ain el-Hilweh residents maintained their refusal to surrender weapons despite the approaching June 16 disarmament deadline.

Israeli strikes resumed in southern Lebanon, killing two people in Aita al-Shaab and Arnoun, continuing the pattern from previous days. The Lebanese Army repositioned itself in Aita al-Shaab following these attacks.

US envoy Ortagus prepared for her final visit before replacement, with American sources insisting diplomatic momentum would continue. Prime Minister Salam met Speaker Berri, declaring neither heated nor cold relations while reaffirming commitment to weapon monopolization.

By evening, reports emerged of cooling tensions between Salam and Hezbollah following Berri's intervention, while a Hezbollah member was arrested in Harouf on suspicion of Israeli collaboration.
Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi conducted diplomatic visits across Beirut, promising Iranian companies' participation in reconstruction while reportedly telling officials that Hezbollah's disarmament remains a "Lebanese decision." The statement represented a significant shift from previous Iranian positions on the weapons question.

President Aoun told a French parliamentary delegation that Lebanon had fully implemented the ceasefire agreement, following yesterday's claims of gradual confidence return. Foreign Minister Raji conveyed to Araghchi that reconstruction could not proceed without disarmament, creating tension with Iran's reconstruction offers.

The cooling of tensions between Prime Minister Salam and Hezbollah, reported yesterday following Berri's intervention, continued as diplomatic meetings proceeded. Fuel prices increased again, adding to Lebanese economic pressures.

By evening, rockets fired from Syria toward Israel prompted Israeli threats of retaliation against Syrian leadership, while reports emerged suggesting US envoy Ortagus's departure might result from American-Iranian agreements.
Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi's diplomatic mission continued with expressions of pleasure at returning to Beirut and goals of opening a "new page." The day's central development came when Hezbollah MP Mohammad Raad visited the government palace, declaring his party's full cooperation with the Salam government they consider themselves part of.

Raad's statements marked a shift from previous tensions, telling reporters that arms discussions would proceed gradually with President Aoun and emphasizing national interest above all provocations. This followed yesterday's Iranian messages urging Hezbollah calm and cooperation with the state.

Meanwhile, a pharmaceutical scandal emerged with the arrest of Minister Ali Hassan Khalil's brother in a fake cancer drugs case. Administrative tensions surfaced as Minister Nassar ordered immediate evacuation of buildings adjacent to the Palace of Justice in Baabda.

UN Secretary-General Guterres appointed a new UNIFIL commander, while reports suggested explosives had entered Lebanon by air as part of Israeli operations.
The day began with continued diplomatic momentum from yesterday's Hezbollah-Salam reconciliation, as newspapers reported "ice-breaking" meetings and political truces. Prime Minister Salam concluded IMF negotiations with reported progress, while President Aoun signed a decree calling parliament to extraordinary session. Lebanon won membership in the UN Economic and Social Council, marking a rare diplomatic achievement.

The political calm evaporated by evening when Israel issued sudden evacuation warnings for Beirut's southern suburbs on Eid al-Adha eve. Israeli strikes followed, targeting multiple sites in Dahieh in what Naharnet described as the biggest escalation since the war. Lebanese officials condemned the attacks as ceasefire violations, with the Lebanese Army attempting unsuccessfully to prevent the strikes.

The timing appeared deliberate, occurring as newspapers discussed whether the Hezbollah-Salam rapprochement had genuinely resolved their differences. Israeli Defense Minister Katz praised the "perfect execution" of the operation, while Lebanese leaders demanded international intervention to deter further Israeli aggression.
Israeli airstrikes on Beirut's southern suburbs during Eid al-Adha night, described as the most extensive since the ceasefire, prompted Lebanon's army to threaten freezing cooperation with the monitoring committee for the first time since the truce began. Military officials told AFP that Israel prevented Lebanese forces from inspecting the targeted site before bombing it, violating established protocols.

The strikes, which Israeli military called their "most important" operations, destroyed nine buildings according to L'Orient-Le Jour. Justice Minister Nassar declared that surrendering weapons to the state represents voluntary participation in a national project, not capitulation to external pressure. France demanded Israel's swift withdrawal from Lebanese territory and urged use of surveillance mechanisms.

The escalation occurred as newspapers had been reporting improving Hezbollah-government relations following recent diplomatic interventions, with the timing appearing to deliberately disrupt Eid celebrations and challenge the fragile post-war arrangements.
Following yesterday's army threat to withdraw from ceasefire monitoring, tensions escalated as Hezbollah youth physically blocked UNIFIL patrols in Sarepta. UN commander Tenenti responded by asserting that Resolution 1701 grants peacekeepers freedom of movement regardless of Lebanese Army presence, directly challenging the coordination protocols that had governed operations since the truce began.

The Lebanese Army simultaneously removed Israeli earth barriers in Mays al-Jabal, demonstrating continued implementation of ceasefire terms despite the monitoring crisis. Israeli media accused the Lebanese government of knowing about Hezbollah drone construction a week before the Dahieh strikes, while defense analyst Sayegh warned that the intensity of recent attacks indicated potential return to military operations.

Iran announced obtaining Israeli nuclear facility documents, calling it the "biggest intelligence blow in history." French envoy Lodrian arrived in Beirut amid diplomatic warnings that time was running out for Lebanon.
French envoy Lodrian and Israeli Defense Minister Barak arrived in Beirut as Lebanese sources issued warnings that "the current situation is no longer sustainable." The diplomatic visits occurred amid escalating military incidents - an Israeli drone crashed in Dahieh and a motorcycle strike killed one person on Kafardounin road.

The Lebanese Army conducted a surprise inspection in Marije, southern suburbs, following alerts from the ceasefire monitoring committee. Multiple outlets covered the operation throughout the afternoon and evening, with Janoubia eventually reporting that the army "found nothing" at the site.

The inspection followed yesterday's army threats to withdraw from ceasefire monitoring over blocked Israeli inspections. Reports emerged of Israeli-American agreement to end UNIFIL's mission in the south, though the US State Department later denied this. The military activity continued a pattern from recent days where ceasefire violations and monitoring disputes have intensified diplomatic pressure on Lebanon.
Lebanese media reported Israel's seizure of the Gaza-bound ship "Madeline" carrying activist Greta Thunberg, redirecting it to an Israeli port. The morning featured commemorations for Lebanese Internal Security Forces, with officials emphasizing that security requires institutions beyond weapons alone.

UNIFIL's future dominated afternoon coverage. Commander Tenenti stated the mission wants to transfer tasks to the Lebanese Army while denying coordination with Hezbollah. Reports suggested US-Israeli discussions about ending UNIFIL's presence entirely, though Lebanon seeks to develop a new vision for the peacekeeping force's role.

Israeli violations continued in the south with earthwork operations between Markaba and Houla, plus targeting of a vehicle in Nabatieh that killed one person. Sources told broadcasters that Israel would work to disrupt any state-Hezbollah weapons agreement. The coverage built on recent days' ceasefire monitoring disputes while diplomatic contacts continued addressing strike fallout.
UNIFIL faced escalating physical confrontations as locals attacked peacekeepers in multiple southern locations, with video footage showing slapping incidents and clashes requiring Lebanese Army intervention to separate the parties. The attacks prompted condemnation from Lebanese officials and UNIFIL's assertion that movement restrictions violate Resolution 1701.

Prime Minister announced disarming over 500 weapon storage sites in the south during a reconstruction conference, while President Aoun traveled to Jordan for consultations with King Abdullah II. French envoy Le Drian conducted meetings with Speaker Berri and other officials, with France reportedly opposing any suspension of UNIFIL's mandate despite growing pressure.

A violent assault on Sheikh Yasser Odeh in Haret Hreik highlighted internal tensions, with reports describing how attackers prevented him from defending himself. The European Union added Lebanon to its financial risk list, and Israeli forces conducted a ground incursion in Krom al-Marah, continuing the pattern of violations that have defined recent weeks.
Prime Minister Mikati called on Hezbollah to "clean up its environment" as pressure mounted from multiple directions. The statement came amid continuing confrontations between southern residents and UNIFIL forces, with officials like Ali Fayad calling for calm while Speaker Berri insisted Lebanon wants the peacekeepers to stay.

The morning brought reports of Israeli forces breaching the Lebanese border in Krum al-Marah. By afternoon, Army Commander Joseph Aoun visited UNIFIL headquarters, emphasizing their "essential role" in the south - a gesture that followed yesterday's violent attacks on peacekeepers.

Lebanon landed on the EU's money laundering blacklist, though officials clarified this related to FATF requirements rather than government performance. French envoy Le Drian continued his meetings, with Kataeb leader warning that attacks on UNIFIL send negative signals Lebanon will pay for unless the state shows accountability. The day ended with reports of American security alerts across Middle Eastern embassies.
Lebanon's Agriculture Minister announced government preparations to disarm Palestinian camps, marking an escalation from previous days' focus on Hezbollah weapons. The International Atomic Energy Agency declared Iran in violation of nuclear commitments, setting the stage for Sunday's US-Iran negotiations in Oman.

Lebanese officials called for UNIFIL mandate renewal without modifications, reversing the confrontational stance seen in recent days. President Aoun departed for Vatican meetings while tensions mounted over potential Israeli strikes on Iran.

By afternoon, Trump intervened decisively, stating Israel should not strike Iran given proximity to a nuclear agreement. Wall Street Journal reported Israeli officials suggesting attacks could come "as soon as Sunday," creating a timeline collision between diplomatic and military tracks. Lebanese media examined three military scenarios if Iran were attacked, while coverage questioned whether the "axis of resistance" curtain was falling on the Iran-Hezbollah relationship.
Israel executed strikes against Iran during pre-dawn hours, reportedly killing at least 20 senior Iranian commanders including Revolutionary Guard aerospace chief and nuclear scientists. Lebanese media provided extensive coverage of what outlets termed a "preemptive strike" targeting nuclear facilities and military leadership.

Lebanon's government moved quickly to distance itself from escalation. The state delivered a message to Hezbollah that "the time of bypassing the state in declaring war has ended," while President Aoun cut short his Vatican visit. Foreign Minister Salam monitored developments and called for stability measures.

By afternoon, Iran prepared retaliation with 100 ballistic missiles as Netanyahu warned of "several waves" of attacks. Lebanon closed its airspace as missiles were detected over Lebanese territory. Airlines canceled flights while the government sought to spare Lebanon from conflict repercussions. The strikes represented a dramatic escalation from yesterday's diplomatic efforts, with Trump's earlier restraint giving way to major military action.
Early morning headlines focused on Lebanon distancing itself from the Israel-Iran confrontation that emerged from yesterday's nuclear strikes. Lebanese officials maintained communication between the army and Hezbollah while Middle East Airlines suspended flights to Beirut due to security concerns.

By mid-morning, Israeli military claimed killing nine Iranian nuclear scientists, with Iranian media confirming three deaths. Lebanon reopened its airspace after temporary closure, though flights to Iraq remained canceled. President Aoun convened security meetings while emphasizing readiness to maintain stability.

The afternoon brought Netanyahu's declaration that Israel would bomb "every site and every target of the ayatollah regime," followed by reports of Ali Shamkhani's death. Iran's president stated nuclear negotiations would cease if Israeli attacks continued.

Evening coverage showed Israeli jets targeting fuel tanks in western Tehran, with Defense Minister Katz declaring "Tehran is burning." Lebanon closed its airport from 2-6 AM as Iranian television promised "violent and destructive attacks" within hours.
Iranian missiles continued striking Tel Aviv and Haifa for the third consecutive day, with reports of hundreds of rockets targeting Israeli cities. Lebanese media described fires in Haifa and explosions near Tehran's parliament building as the exchange intensified beyond the nuclear facilities initially targeted.

Lebanon maintained its distance from the conflict, with Hezbollah reportedly communicating its intention to spare Lebanon from another war. The government arranged repatriation flights for Lebanese stranded in Sharm el-Sheikh while canceling Middle East Airlines flights to Iraq.

Trump's intervention marked a potential turning point, declaring that Israel and Iran would achieve peace "soon" and later expressing hope for a ceasefire. This diplomatic statement contrasted sharply with Netanyahu's threats that Iran would pay a "very heavy price" and his suggestion that regime change in Iran could result from the war.

Lebanese outlets reported Israel's assassination of 14 Iranian nuclear scientists, some through car bombs, as the military dimension expanded beyond the initial strikes on nuclear infrastructure.
Israeli forces claimed to have killed four senior Iranian intelligence officials including the Revolutionary Guard intelligence chief, escalating beyond the previous days' nuclear facility strikes. Netanyahu declared Israeli control over Tehran's airspace and issued the first evacuation warning for a specific Tehran district.

Lebanon's cabinet approved diplomatic formations while reducing ambassador positions, as officials emphasized keeping the country away from conflicts. President Aoun and Prime Minister Salam stressed neutrality efforts amid questions about whether Lebanon could remain outside the expanding war.

Israeli strikes targeted Iranian state television infrastructure, with footage showing live broadcasts interrupted by explosions. Iran's Revolutionary Guard advised Tel Aviv residents to evacuate immediately, while Trump suggested Iranians wanted a deal. By evening, Iran launched what it called a "double strike" promising to "turn night into day," with attacks continuing until morning according to Iranian sources.
Lebanese outlets reported Israel's claim of assassinating Iran's army chief of staff in the morning, marking the fifth day of escalation. The coverage emphasized Lebanon's precarious position, with Western sources warning against distraction from Hezbollah's weapons issue while the government sought American envoy Barak's intervention.

By afternoon, Trump's statements dominated headlines as he declared American control over Iranian airspace and later demanded Iran's "unconditional surrender," threatening Khamenei's life while stating "we won't kill" him "for now." Israeli forces launched what reports described as 60-aircraft strikes on Revolutionary Guard headquarters in Tehran.

Lebanon's domestic concerns surfaced through President Aoun's declaration that the state had "begun working" and Middle East Airlines' repeated flight schedule adjustments. The Kataeb party called for sovereign measures to neutralize Lebanon from regional conflicts, while Hezbollah's Qmati claimed Iran was "strong enough" without external military support.
Lebanese media tracked the sixth day of Israel-Iran confrontations through Trump's escalating involvement. Morning coverage focused on Israeli strikes targeting centrifuge facilities near Tehran, with Defense Minister Katz declaring a "hurricane" sweeping the Iranian capital.

French envoy Barak arrived in Beirut carrying what outlets described as warning messages, while Lebanese officials maintained calls for neutrality. Patriarch Raii questioned why Hezbollah wouldn't surrender its weapons, and Speaker Berri emphasized Lebanon's commitment to keeping UNIFIL forces in the south.

Trump's statements dominated afternoon headlines as he issued ultimatums demanding Iran end its nuclear program or face regime change, telling Khamenei "good luck" while maintaining ambiguity about potential strikes.

The day concluded with Wall Street Journal reporting that Trump had approved military plans to attack Iran without issuing execution orders. Lebanese outlets noted Iranian warnings that American intervention would bring Hezbollah into the conflict, while Macron opposed regime change citing Iraq's chaos as precedent.
Israeli Defense Minister Katz called for Khamenei's assassination, declaring he should not be allowed to remain alive. This followed Iran's hospital strike in southern Israel and the seventh day of mutual bombardment between the countries.

American envoy Barak arrived in Beirut carrying what Lebanese outlets described as a firm prohibition against Hezbollah entering the conflict. President Aoun told Barak that communications continued toward achieving state weapons monopoly, while the envoy described Hezbollah participation as "a very bad decision."

Hezbollah's Qassem responded by stating the group would express solidarity with Iran and act as it sees fit, directly challenging American warnings. Lebanese media reported Iranian missiles crossing Lebanese airspace toward Israel.

By evening, outlets reported Israel expecting an American decision on striking Iran within two days, while Iran reportedly sent Washington acceptance of some Trump demands through back channels, suggesting diplomatic movements alongside military escalation.
Iran's Foreign Minister Araghchi declared no negotiations would occur while "aggression continues," as the conflict entered its second week. Iranian missile strikes resumed targeting southern Israel, with at least 23 missiles fired in afternoon barrages that wounded 10 people. Israel responded by striking military infrastructure in southwestern Iran.

Lebanese officials intensified neutrality declarations. President Aoun stated "no one wants war in Lebanon" at a Beirut event, while former President Suleiman met with Aoun emphasizing the necessity of keeping Lebanon away from the Iran-Israel conflict. Speaker Berri claimed to be "200 percent certain" Hezbollah would not join the war.

American envoy Barak's mission continued, with reports he would return in three weeks and carried Trump's message of wanting to help Lebanon. The Cabinet postponed the Qlaiaat Airport project for legal review, while security forces intercepted agricultural smuggling worth over 750 million pounds. Trump reportedly set a two-week maximum deadline for deciding on Iran military action.
Iranian Supreme Leader Khamenei reportedly named potential successors while hiding in underground bunkers, with outlets identifying Habib Allah Sayari for a "basic military mission." This followed Israel's strikes on southwestern Iran, including the Ahvaz region and targets near the Isfahan nuclear facility, where Iran arrested 22 people on espionage charges.

Morning coverage emphasized Lebanese neutrality declarations, with Speaker Berri asserting Hezbollah would not enter the war despite internal government tensions over statements from Hezbollah's Qassem. European diplomatic momentum emerged as Macron announced accelerated negotiations with Tehran, contrasting with yesterday's Iranian rejection of diplomacy.

Military preparations intensified with America relocating B-2 bombers to Guam and Britain warning Lebanon of serious consequences if it intervened. Reuters reported Israel might act unilaterally without waiting for Trump's two-week deadline. Middle East Airlines canceled flights to Iraq, while Israeli forces struck Hezbollah positions in Naqoura after questioning a member.
22.06.2025
Sunday

The Day Trump Bombed Fordow

Trump announced successful strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities, including the Fordow enrichment site, which he declared "finished." Netanyahu thanked Trump for the "bold decision" that would "change history," claiming his promise to destroy Iran's nuclear program was fulfilled. Iran responded with scattered missile launches toward Israel and warned of "permanent consequences," while denying radiation contamination from the strikes.

Lebanese officials intensified neutrality appeals as regional alignment pressures reached Beirut. President Aoun declared Lebanon "unwilling to pay more" after costly regional wars, while Prime Minister Salam urged avoiding entanglement in the confrontation. Reports emerged of high-level Iranian figures planning Khamenei's removal following the nuclear strikes.

A suicide bomber killed 20 people at a Damascus church, prompting Lebanese condemnation. Congress accused Trump of constitutional violations over the Iran strikes. By evening, Lebanon mobilized diplomatic efforts to avoid regional spillover as Iran reportedly threatened closing the Strait of Hormuz.
23.06.2025
Monday

The Day the Twelve-Day War Ended

The morning began with Lebanese officials emphasizing neutrality as Iranian missiles struck Israeli cities and Israel responded with attacks on Iranian airports. Patriarch Rai condemned the Damascus church bombing that killed 25 people, while Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi coordinated with Russia on the escalation.

By midday, Lebanese sources reported the state had obtained guarantees from Hezbollah to stay out of the Iran-Israel war, marking concrete progress in neutrality efforts. Parliament approved World Bank loans and military salary increases.

The afternoon brought Iranian retaliation for American strikes, with missiles targeting US bases in Qatar and Iraq. Israel escalated operations in southern Lebanon, striking Hezbollah positions north of the Litani River for the first time since the conflict began.

Evening headlines shifted dramatically when Trump announced Iran and Israel had agreed to a "complete ceasefire" and "official end" to the twelve-day war, concluding the regional escalation that began with Israel's June 13 strike on Iran's nuclear facilities.
24.06.2025
Tuesday

The Day the Ceasefire Almost Broke

The twelve-day Iran-Israel war officially ended at dawn as Trump announced the ceasefire, with Netanyahu claiming Israel achieved its goal of eliminating Iran's nuclear threat. Middle East Airlines immediately scheduled exceptional flights to compensate for canceled routes during the conflict.

Confusion emerged within hours as Iranian missiles were reportedly fired toward Israel despite the truce, prompting Israeli threats of retaliation. Iran then denied launching any rockets, leaving the ceasefire's status unclear. Iranian officials claimed their responses had forced Israel to halt attacks while maintaining full readiness.

Lebanese officials used the moment to advance domestic agendas. Kataeb leader Gemayel declared they would resolve unauthorized weapons "amicably" but would not accept living under arms outside state control. From Doha, Prime Minister Salam emphasized Lebanon's neutrality success in avoiding war entanglement.

By evening, Trump told Netanyahu "our mission is finished," while Lebanese forces arrested a senior ISIS leader, suggesting security operations continued despite regional calm.
Lebanese media conducted extensive analysis of the twelve-day war's aftermath, with El Nashra identifying "many winners and one loser" while debating whether the ceasefire would hold. The World Bank approved $250 million for Lebanon's reconstruction, targeting debris removal and infrastructure repair.

Iran admitted its nuclear facilities were "severely damaged" from recent strikes, while Israeli forces claimed they eliminated Iran's financial transfer mechanism to Hezbollah. Hezbollah responded by reaffirming "decisive support" for Iran's leadership.

Lebanese Army Intelligence arrested ISIS's Lebanon leader, with confessions revealing planning and financing operations. A Syrian suspect was also detained in Kesrouan for receiving ISIS-linked training.

Communications Minister called on Hezbollah to begin weapons handover, while Trump announced nuclear talks with Iran would resume next week. Travelers began returning to Beirut despite the fragile truce, and Middle East Airlines resumed Iraq flights.
26.06.2025
Thursday

The Day Musk Called Lebanon

Elon Musk contacted President Aoun expressing interest in establishing his companies in Lebanon, marking an unexpected diplomatic development as the country emerged from regional conflict. Kataeb sources suggested Starlink would arrive first, with Tesla potentially following.

Morning headlines focused on mounting pressure for Hezbollah's disarmament, with Israel conditioning its withdrawal from occupied positions on weapon removal. Jumblatt announced his Progressive Socialist Party had surrendered its weapons to the state three weeks earlier, calling on other parties to follow suit.

Iranian Supreme Leader Khamenei claimed victory over Israel, warning of severe costs for future aggression. American military officials described their recent Iran strike as "historic" and "complex," while reports indicated Israel suffered $12 billion in war losses.

Security incidents continued despite the ceasefire, with a weapons-smuggling pickup truck exploding in Hermel and Israeli strikes targeting locations in southern Lebanon. Parliamentary debates resumed over expatriate voting rights expansion.
Walid Jumblatt announced his Progressive Socialist Party had surrendered its weapons to the state, calling on others to follow suit in what media portrayed as opening a "soft exit" for Hezbollah's disarmament. The gesture came as Israeli strikes resumed in southern Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah positions in Nabatieh and killing one person with 21 injured.

President Aoun called for international action to halt Israeli violations while the army intercepted weapons smuggling attempts in Hermel. The cabinet approved raising the minimum wage by over 50% to 28 million Lebanese pounds monthly, effective next month.

Regional dynamics shifted as reports emerged that Iran had urged Hezbollah not to intervene during the recent twelve-day war. Trump indicated he would consider bombing Iran again over nuclear enrichment, while Lebanese media speculated about internal warfare within Iran's regime. By evening, Bassil criticized the government's inability to control weapons or implement reforms.
The newspapers focused on the ongoing debate surrounding state control over weapons, evolving from Jumblatt's disarmament gesture the previous day. Early morning reports noted busted terror cells and security tensions, forming a backdrop for initial discussions on a US proposal for a weapons withdrawal mechanism. By midday, the debate intensified as Lebanon prepared a formal response to US proposals, though President Aoun resisted foreign interference. However, Lebanese Forces leader Geagea criticized Aoun's disarmament approach for lacking timely progress. In the afternoon, a cabinet session on weapon restriction was initially reported for 10 days, but later headlines presented conflicting reports on whether such a discussion was truly on the table. Sheikh Qassem warned against Hezbollah remaining silent, underscoring persistent tensions over armed groups. Statements emphasized the state's weapon exclusivity as an urgent national need, amidst continuing Israeli strikes and regional security concerns, including captagon smuggling.
29.06.2025
Sunday

The Day Barak Offered His Paper

The day's headlines centered on the unfolding negotiations concerning Hezbollah's weaponry and the proposals brought by US envoy Barak. Lebanon reportedly urged an Israeli withdrawal in exchange for a Hezbollah declaration to hand over its arms, a direct continuation of the previous days' focus on state arms monopoly. Hezbollah, responding to "Barak's paper," firmly asserted it would not accept deadlines and priorities should not be reversed. Sheikh Naim Qassem reiterated the group's capacity to confront Israelis and refusal to remain silent. Amidst these discussions, public administration employees initiated a warning work stoppage, and national conversations emerged regarding a new agricultural model aimed at food security. Reports also noted a US warning to Lebanon that "playtime is over."
30.06.2025
Monday

Barak Waited For Hezbollah

US diplomatic pressure surrounding the "Barak paper" dominated Lebanese headlines, intensifying discussions around a potential peace deal with Israel, often linked to a Gaza agreement. Urgency from the Trump administration was noted, with a US envoy emphasizing the need for a Lebanon-Israel peace accord. However, a Lebanese official clarified that normalization was not among the US envoy's explicit demands. The core of the negotiations continued to be Hezbollah's weaponry, following previous days' focus on state arms monopoly. The day culminated in significant anticipation for Hezbollah's official response to the US proposal, encapsulated by the headline "Barak awaits Hezbollah." Concurrently, parliament experienced a heated legislative session marked by MP walkouts, particularly over the 2025 budget and the contentious expatriate voting bill, leading to its suspension. Regional implications of the "12-day war" aftermath persisted in the media landscape.
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