October
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Lebanese media on October 1 continued to prioritize discussions surrounding President Trump's Gaza peace plan, with French and local outlets debating its regional implications and potential for escalation. Concurrently, the looming parliamentary elections remained a central domestic concern. Morning reports highlighted ongoing parliamentary paralysis and a deepening rift between President Aoun and Prime Minister Salam. By midday, President Aoun and Prime Minister Salam both emphasized their commitment to holding elections on time in May, while some outlets raised concerns that disagreements over election law could threaten the process. Evening reports continued to link Trump's plan with Lebanon's future, alongside ongoing reports of the 'Rouache Rock' incident and an Israeli drone strike in southern Lebanon.
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Lebanese media on October 2 continued to prioritize parliamentary elections. Morning headlines discussed deliberate efforts to either amend or obstruct the process, with concerns about whether the elections would be salvaged from disruption. An Israeli drone strike targeting a car in southern Lebanon was also reported. By midday, President Aoun signed the 2026 budget bill, referring it to Parliament. Regional tensions persisted with discussions around a potential Israeli military escalation against Lebanon stemming from Trump's Gaza plan. Speaker Berri affirmed that elections would proceed as scheduled, and expatriate voting rights protected. In the evening, the US offered Lebanon $230 million in support for disarming Hezbollah.
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Lebanese media on October 3 predominantly focused on the unfolding developments surrounding President Trump's Gaza peace plan. In the morning, there was widespread reporting on Trump's ultimatum to Hamas to reach an agreement by Sunday evening, with several outlets highlighting the impending deadline. By the early evening, news broke that Hamas had officially delivered its response to Trump's plan. Later in the evening, major media outlets confirmed that Hamas had accepted elements of the plan, with President Trump subsequently urging Israel to immediately halt its bombardment of Gaza. This represented a significant shift from previous days' discussions, where the plan's viability and Hamas's response were still uncertain.
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Lebanese media on October 4 continued to prioritize the Gaza ceasefire negotiations, with early reports detailing Hamas's conditional acceptance of President Trump's peace proposal and Trump's call for Israel to cease bombing Gaza. As the day progressed, reports indicated Israel was advancing preparations for the first phase of Trump's plan, even as its operations continued in Gaza City. By early afternoon, Hezbollah official Qassem criticized Trump's plan, stating it served an "expanded Israel" project, and also attacked the government on sovereignty and electoral law. Later in the evening, Trump issued an ultimatum to Hamas, stating that if it did not act immediately, all options would be on the table.
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Lebanese media on October 5 continued to focus on President Trump's Gaza peace plan, with early reports discussing the possibility of a truce and the implications for Lebanon. By late morning, Naharnet and L'Orient-Le Jour reported on Hamas's conditional acceptance and a Hezbollah official's concerns, placing the ball in Trump's court. LBC and LBCI later highlighted Trump's ultimatum for Hamas to cede power or face "total annihilation." Domestically, there was significant attention on the army's announcement of Fadel Shaker's surrender, as reported by LBC, LBCI, and Lebanon Files. Discussions also intensified around the army's first report to the Council of Ministers, with outlets like Kataeb and Al Joumhouria highlighting its importance regarding Hezbollah's weapons.
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Lebanese media on October 6 focused early on domestic political tensions, particularly anticipating a "heated" cabinet session concerning the "Rawcheh Rock file" and Hezbollah's stance. Discussions also continued on President Trump's Gaza peace plan and its implications for the region. By late morning, reports shifted to an Israeli strike in Zabdine, Nabatieh, which resulted in two fatalities and one injury, dominating headlines across multiple outlets. Concurrently, news emerged of renewed Israeli airstrikes in Baalbek. In the afternoon, attention turned to ongoing Israeli-Hamas ceasefire talks in Egypt, with Hamas's demands being a key point of discussion. The cabinet meeting concluded with the suspension of "Risalat" association's activities and discussions remaining confidential regarding the army's report on disarmament. Trump later stated Hamas had agreed to important matters, expecting a Gaza deal soon.
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Lebanese media on October 7 prominently featured discussions around US President Trump and the Nobel Peace Prize, with reports focusing on his expectation of receiving it following a potential Gaza ceasefire. Concurrently, the Lebanese government's handling and containment of the "Risalat" crisis were widely reported, with attention on Prime Minister Salam's role and the army's report. By late morning, the ongoing Gaza conflict and its regional implications were highlighted, with UN Secretary-General Guterres calling for an immediate end to hostilities. The day also saw significant coverage of the Pope's anticipated visit to Lebanon, framed as a message of peace and support for the Christian presence in the Middle East, while also acknowledging the country's ongoing crises.
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Lebanese media on October 8 continued to focus on the Pope's anticipated visit and political tensions between President Aoun and Prime Minister Salam. Morning reports highlighted Aoun's request for EU participation in monitoring parliamentary elections and concerns about waste management. By midday, Aoun's demands for Israel's withdrawal from South Lebanon and the return of prisoners gained prominence, with discussions also centering on ongoing peace negotiations in Sharm el-Sheikh. The afternoon saw the Justice Minister appoint investigators for political assassinations, a development that drew attention alongside reports of potential Hamas leadership assassinations in Lebanon. The day concluded with continued emphasis on Aoun's election monitoring request and questions regarding Israeli escalation.
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Lebanese media on October 9 prominently featured Donald Trump's efforts to broker a peace agreement between Hamas and Israel, with early reports citing a signed deal and initial agreement on the first phase of a peace plan. Throughout the morning, the focus remained on the Gaza ceasefire, with official statements confirming its entry into force after Israeli government approval. By midday, attention expanded to include domestic security concerns, with reports of 32 arrests for alleged collaboration with Israel. Concurrently, discussions continued regarding the Gaza agreement's implications for Lebanon and regional tensions, alongside an ongoing political exchange between Prime Minister Salam and Parliament Speaker Berri regarding reconstruction efforts in the South.
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Lebanese media on October 10 centered on the Gaza ceasefire, with Israel confirming its implementation. The Israeli government approved the deal, leading to reports of troop withdrawals and a 200-strong US military team overseeing the agreement. Concurrently, a significant development was the visit of Syria's Foreign Minister to Lebanon. Discussions focused on rebuilding ties between the two nations, with particular attention to overcoming past obstacles and the planned return of Syrian refugees. Internal Lebanese political discussions continued, notably Speaker Berri's firm stance on law application. Later in the day, security concerns intensified with reports of Lebanese General Security dismantling an Israeli-linked spy network plotting terror attacks and assassinations.
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Lebanese media on October 11 focused extensively on renewed Israeli airstrikes in Msayleh, South Lebanon. Morning reports detailed severe damage to industrial facilities, with LBC and LBCI confirming one fatality and seven injuries, alongside claims of Hezbollah targets being hit. President Aoun condemned the aggression, linking it to the Gaza ceasefire, while Speaker Berri called it an attack on Lebanon. By midday, the Foreign Ministry denounced the strikes, stating they hindered the army's efforts to control weapons. Hezbollah also condemned the actions, urging the state to fulfill its national responsibilities. Later in the day, reports emerged of Israeli drone attacks forcing civil defense and army withdrawals from Kfarkila and causing casualties in Qlaileh, with some outlets describing the strikes as "economic warfare" aimed at pushing Lebanon towards negotiations.
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Lebanese media on October 12 continued to focus heavily on the Israeli airstrikes in Msayleh, with early reports interpreting them as a message to prevent reconstruction and push Lebanon toward negotiations. Condemnations were unanimous, and discussions about the post-Gaza agreement phase were prominent. By midday, attention shifted to Lebanon's official response, with Prime Minister Salam requesting an urgent complaint to the UN Security Council regarding the aggression in Msayleh. This initiative gained further traction throughout the afternoon, culminating in the Foreign Ministry issuing directives to formally file the complaint. Concurrently, the upcoming Sharm El Sheikh summit, including Lebanon's notable absence, and emerging discussions about a potential escalation on the "Lebanon front" after Gaza, also garnered media attention.
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Lebanese media on October 13 focused heavily on the Gaza agreement and its implications for the region. Early reports discussed potential direct negotiations with Israel for Lebanon and the reconstruction of southern villages following the Gaza agreement. US President Trump's arrival in Israel became a central theme, with outlets linking it to the end of the Gaza war and the sustainability of the ceasefire. As the day progressed, the release of hostages and prisoners was widely reported, with Trump celebrating the development. The afternoon saw the formal signing of the Gaza agreement by US, Egyptian, Turkish, and Qatari leaders in Sharm El Sheikh. Trump's vision for a "new Middle East" and his praise for Lebanese President Aoun's efforts to disarm Hezbollah were also prominent, alongside Aoun's call for negotiations with Israel.
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Lebanese media on October 14 prominently featured President Aoun's advanced stance on negotiations with Israel, advocating for direct talks in the current peace dynamic, a position seemingly endorsed by Trump. This follows earlier reports of a decrease in fuel prices. As the day progressed, the focus shifted to developments surrounding the Gaza truce, with reports of Israeli strikes and Hamas accusing breaches. Prime Minister Salam urged international pressure on Israel regarding violations in Lebanon. The afternoon saw continued discussion of a developing judicial agreement between Lebanon and Syria, with commitments from the Syrian side and an initial draft ready. Some outlets also discussed the positive repercussions of the Sharm El Sheikh peace on Lebanon. Late in the day, media continued to highlight the judicial agreement with Syria, alongside an Israeli drone strike.
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Lebanese media on October 15 focused heavily on legislative changes concerning expatriate voting rights. Morning reports highlighted the Foreign Ministry's urgent move to abolish articles related to expat voting, sparking significant political discussion on election law reform. This development connected to ongoing analyses of regional shifts and Lebanese political forces. Discussions intensified in the early afternoon with L'Orient-Le Jour and Kataeb specifically addressing the abrogation of these electoral law articles, with one outlet questioning the potential for political unrest. Concurrently, international attention was drawn to Russia's commitment to Syria, and new details emerged regarding Israeli hostages in Gaza.
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Lebanese media on October 16 began with discussions around settlement participation and presidential consultations (Lebanon24), alongside reports of a new plan for Beirut (L'Orient-Le Jour). Early morning outlets also covered statements regarding Hezbollah's weapons as a "red line" (Al Joumhouria) and President Aoun's confidence that war would not return (Lebanon24).
As the day progressed, parliamentary session calls emerged (LBC, LBCI), and Prime Minister Salam emphasized the government's commitment to state restoration and reconstruction (Al Joumhouria, Kataeb). In the afternoon, President Aoun reiterated his readiness to prevent war (Kataeb) and rejected any delay to elections (Al Joumhouria).
The evening saw a major focus on Israeli military actions, with widespread reporting of Israeli strikes targeting south and east Lebanon, specifically Hezbollah's underground infrastructure (Naharnet, LBC, LBCI, Kataeb). President Aoun condemned these strikes, stating they aimed to destroy productive infrastructure (LBC, LBCI). The US reaffirmed its support for the Lebanese army in disarming Hezbollah (Kataeb).
As the day progressed, parliamentary session calls emerged (LBC, LBCI), and Prime Minister Salam emphasized the government's commitment to state restoration and reconstruction (Al Joumhouria, Kataeb). In the afternoon, President Aoun reiterated his readiness to prevent war (Kataeb) and rejected any delay to elections (Al Joumhouria).
The evening saw a major focus on Israeli military actions, with widespread reporting of Israeli strikes targeting south and east Lebanon, specifically Hezbollah's underground infrastructure (Naharnet, LBC, LBCI, Kataeb). President Aoun condemned these strikes, stating they aimed to destroy productive infrastructure (LBC, LBCI). The US reaffirmed its support for the Lebanese army in disarming Hezbollah (Kataeb).
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Lebanese media on October 17 extensively covered ongoing Israeli airstrikes targeting South Lebanon, with reports of an incursion into Yaroun and the destruction of an uninhabited building in the morning. This continued from previous days' focus on Israeli military actions, with Iran attributing aggression against Lebanon to the failure of guarantor states to uphold the ceasefire agreement. Discussions in the early afternoon also centered on the future options for Hezbollah post-Gaza peace, and challenges facing a Gaza peace agreement.
Later in the day, the primary focus shifted to the release of Hannibal Gaddafi on bail, costing eleven million dollars, sparking widespread coverage and discussion among Lebanese outlets. Trump's anticipation of more Abraham Accords and his peace plan's impact on Lebanon were also noted. The UN Security Council adopted a statement urging Lebanon and Israel to respect the ceasefire agreement.
Later in the day, the primary focus shifted to the release of Hannibal Gaddafi on bail, costing eleven million dollars, sparking widespread coverage and discussion among Lebanese outlets. Trump's anticipation of more Abraham Accords and his peace plan's impact on Lebanon were also noted. The UN Security Council adopted a statement urging Lebanon and Israel to respect the ceasefire agreement.
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On October 18, Lebanese media initiated discussions on potential new Israeli aggression or an escalation of the war of attrition, with concerns about Israel preventing reconstruction in Gaza (Lebanon24, Al Joumhouria). Early morning reports explored a unified presidential stance post-Gaza and proposed a division of South Lebanon into three security zones (Al Joumhouria). There was also attention to former President Aoun's initiative to place Lebanon at the center of regional dynamics (Kataeb).
By late morning, a significant focus emerged on the question of Lebanon engaging in indirect negotiations with Israel, with discussions on whether Hezbollah would accept such talks (Lebanon24, L'Orient-Le Jour, Al Joumhouria). Iran's declaration of no longer being bound by nuclear program restrictions was also noted (Naharnet).
The afternoon saw further emphasis on the possibility of indirect talks between Aoun and Berri with Israel (Naharnet), with General Security advising caution against scam calls impersonating official entities (Al Joumhouria, LBC, LBCI). The evening highlighted Netanyahu's statements on disarming Hamas to end the Gaza war (Al Joumhouria) and his claims of destroying Hezbollah's weapons (Kataeb), alongside Lebanon's efforts to enhance its regional presence post-Gaza (Addiyar).
By late morning, a significant focus emerged on the question of Lebanon engaging in indirect negotiations with Israel, with discussions on whether Hezbollah would accept such talks (Lebanon24, L'Orient-Le Jour, Al Joumhouria). Iran's declaration of no longer being bound by nuclear program restrictions was also noted (Naharnet).
The afternoon saw further emphasis on the possibility of indirect talks between Aoun and Berri with Israel (Naharnet), with General Security advising caution against scam calls impersonating official entities (Al Joumhouria, LBC, LBCI). The evening highlighted Netanyahu's statements on disarming Hamas to end the Gaza war (Al Joumhouria) and his claims of destroying Hezbollah's weapons (Kataeb), alongside Lebanon's efforts to enhance its regional presence post-Gaza (Addiyar).
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Lebanese media on October 19 prominently covered the prospect of an impending truce deal between Lebanon and Israel, following a prior day's focus on indirect negotiations. Morning reports detailed vast Israeli military maneuvers at the border (L'Orient-Le Jour, Naharnet), which appeared to precede these discussions. Throughout the day, the potential for an agreement and its initial terms were debated (Kataeb, Lebanon24).
Later, discussions touched on Hezbollah's potential demands for an Arab guarantee before any disarmament, especially after a French report on the group following Nasrallah's assassination (Kataeb, Lebanon24). This built on previous reports of Hezbollah's weapon as a "red line." The day concluded with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri's reported visit to Baabda Palace to meet President Joseph Aoun, possibly to discuss the negotiation file and southern concerns (LBC, LBCI, Kataeb).
Later, discussions touched on Hezbollah's potential demands for an Arab guarantee before any disarmament, especially after a French report on the group following Nasrallah's assassination (Kataeb, Lebanon24). This built on previous reports of Hezbollah's weapon as a "red line." The day concluded with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri's reported visit to Baabda Palace to meet President Joseph Aoun, possibly to discuss the negotiation file and southern concerns (LBC, LBCI, Kataeb).
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Lebanese media on October 20 continued to focus on the ongoing pressures for Beirut to engage in negotiations with Tel Aviv. Morning reports highlighted President Aoun's initiative to prompt Washington's intervention to salvage the Naqoura negotiations, which Hezbollah rejected as a surrender. Discussions also focused on the need for Lebanon to act regarding Hezbollah's disarmament and the prevailing chaos.
By late morning, Israeli military actions intensified, with violent strikes on the Jezzine district and aerial overflights in Beirut and Dahieh. In the early afternoon, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri announced the collapse of the proposed negotiation path between Lebanon and Israel, emphasizing a "mechanism" as the only current option. This development positioned negotiations awaiting Washington's involvement, with Lebanon caught between war and diplomacy.
By late morning, Israeli military actions intensified, with violent strikes on the Jezzine district and aerial overflights in Beirut and Dahieh. In the early afternoon, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri announced the collapse of the proposed negotiation path between Lebanon and Israel, emphasizing a "mechanism" as the only current option. This development positioned negotiations awaiting Washington's involvement, with Lebanon caught between war and diplomacy.
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On October 21, Lebanese media continued to focus on the stalled negotiations with Israel. Morning reports highlighted Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri's statement that Israel rejected a US proposal, leading to warnings of potential war if disarmament was not pursued. Some outlets reported presidential efforts to unify stances post-rejection. Later, discussions emphasized Israeli military actions, including the destruction of Hezbollah positions in Jabal Rous, and the increasing pressure for direct negotiations with Tel Aviv. Hezbollah's communications were also noted as "insecure." In the afternoon, French diplomatic sources revealed Hezbollah still possessed weapons in the South, while the Lebanese cabinet convened amidst warnings of an imminent "explosion" and a crossroads for Hezbollah's fate.
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Lebanese media on October 22 emphasized ongoing calls for Hezbollah's disarmament, with figures like Salam advocating for the group to become an unarmed political party. Early reports noted US pressure on Lebanon, the state's inability to resolve the "Hezbollah" issue, and the possibility of an Israeli strike. Mid-morning, discussions centered on President Aoun's push for national revival and calls to expedite the expatriate voting law, a consistent theme throughout the day. In the afternoon, media continued to highlight internal divisions and external demands for Lebanon to reclaim its sovereignty, alongside French warnings of Israeli escalation. The day concluded with renewed focus on Hezbollah's disarmament as a national imperative and the critical role of expatriate elections.
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Lebanese media on October 23 began with heightened warnings of dangerous escalation and a critical phase, amidst reports of Israeli maneuvers and ongoing diplomatic efforts. Western reassurances of "no widespread war" were noted, even as some outlets questioned if war was imminent. The morning saw President Aoun appealing to the new head of the "Mechanism" committee to restore stability in the South and halt Israeli aggressions, emphasizing a collective desire to avoid a return to war. By late morning, Lebanon reiterated its commitment to disarming south of the Litani River to the "Mechanism" committee. In the afternoon, a significant development was the government's approval of the maritime border demarcation agreement with Cyprus.
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Lebanese media on October 24 focused on political tensions surrounding parliamentary elections, with Kataeb and LBCI reporting on Gemayel's strong rebuke of Berri's attempts to isolate a sect and prevent parliamentary debate, asserting such actions undermine the state. Meanwhile, Berri reaffirmed that elections would be held on time, with "no delay, no postponement, no extension" (Naharnet). Separately, State Security uncovered forgery operations and manipulation of grades at the Lebanese University's Faculty of Law (LBC, LBCI). Additionally, Al Joumhouria reminded citizens about the upcoming daylight saving time change, and UN Special Coordinator Blaskhart urged Lebanese for patience amid uncertain times.
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Lebanese media on October 25 centered on escalating war warnings and discussions surrounding a papal visit. Morning reports highlighted international concerns about war risks and internal political clashes over expatriate voting. Accusations against Berri of confessionalizing the debate surfaced (L'Orient-Le Jour). By late morning, the Pope's impending visit was announced (Kataeb), though caution was advised against unofficial reports. Throughout the day, fears of Israeli aggression intensified, with reports of a potential "food for corpses" blockade in Gaza (Lebanon24) and an Israeli drone strike (Naharnet). Evening coverage underscored US pressure to avert wider conflict and serious warnings conveyed to Hezbollah (Addiyar, Kataeb). Discussions also touched on a maritime agreement with Cyprus (L'Orient-Le Jour) and the Central Bank's role in IMF negotiations.
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Lebanese media on October 26 focused heavily on escalating Israeli actions in the south and Bekaa, with multiple reports detailing strikes and casualties throughout the day (Al Joumhouria, Kataeb, Lebanon24). This coincided with the anticipated visits of a US delegation, including Ortagus and Barrack, and an Egyptian security delegation to Beirut to de-escalate tensions and discuss a Gaza ceasefire monitoring center (Naharnet, Kataeb, L'Orient-Le Jour). Meanwhile, internal political deadlock persisted, with a majority bloc threatening to boycott Tuesday's parliamentary session due to Speaker Berri's perceived intransigence (Kataeb, Addiyar). Discussions also emerged about the possibility of direct negotiations with Israel, with some figures like Bassil expressing openness (Al Joumhouria).
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Lebanese media on October 27 primarily focused on a wave of international diplomatic activity and ongoing domestic political debates. The early morning highlighted the anticipated visit of Ortagus to Beirut, carrying a "decisive message" from Egyptian intelligence, alongside a Egyptian effort to replicate Gaza understandings in Lebanon. Calls for transparency regarding border demarcation and deposits also surfaced. By midday, reports confirmed Ortagus's arrival for talks and a Mechanism meeting, with an Egyptian ambassador clarifying their message as one of "precaution," not threat. Concurrently, discussions continued about an upcoming cabinet session with the election law as the primary agenda item. The Kataeb party announced a boycott, citing the exclusion of expatriates from political participation.
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Lebanese media on October 28 focused on diplomatic maneuvers and internal political struggles. The morning highlighted intensive diplomatic visits and pressure from Ortagus amidst the risk of deterioration. Discussions included a potential Egyptian mediation attempt between Lebanon and Israel, following a "Sharm el-Sheikh" meeting. Concurrently, a parliamentary session was threatened by a "battle of arm-twisting" over quorum, particularly concerning expatriate voting. By midday, the session failed due to lack of quorum, attributed to Speaker Berri's intransigence. Ortagus's low-profile visit and her proposals for indirect talks, possibly involving civilians, became a central theme, as did Egyptian "exploratory" mediation efforts. The US State Department expressed support for Lebanon's decision to disarm Hezbollah, while an Israeli warning of a "concentrated and specific operation" under certain conditions persisted into the evening.
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Lebanese media on October 29 primarily focused on international diplomatic efforts and domestic political developments. In the morning, positive meetings for Ortagus in Beirut were reported, with a proposal to politically expand the "Mechanism" framework to include all Lebanese borders (Lebanon24, Kataeb). This diplomatic activity occurred amidst concerns about potential Israeli escalation (Lebanon24) and an ongoing internal debate between military confrontation and electoral solutions (Lebanon24, Kataeb).
By midday, discussions continued on the election law within the Council of Ministers, with calls for expatriates to vote for all 128 MPs (Kataeb). Ortagus emphasized the Lebanese Armed Forces' responsibility to control weaponry (Naharnet, Janoubia). In the afternoon, the army announced the handover of individuals involved in recent killings (Al Joumhouria, LBC, LBCI), while the Council of Ministers continued to deliberate on the election law report (Kataeb).
In the evening, Lebanese stability was framed as impacting Syria (Al Joumhouria), and an Israeli report discussed the potential for war in Lebanon (Lebanon24). The Kataeb party warned that escalating Lebanon was Iran's last bet to avoid a potential Israeli-American strike (Kataeb).
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Lebanese media on October 30 primarily focused on an Israeli incursion into the southern town of Blida, which resulted in the death of a municipal employee. Morning reports indicated the Israeli military entered the municipality building, killing a worker during sleep (LBC, LBCI). This act drew widespread condemnation as a blatant violation of sovereignty and UN Resolution 1701 from various officials and southern town unions (LBCI, Kataeb, Al Joumhouria).
By mid-morning, President Aoun directed the army to confront any Israeli incursions into the south, coinciding with reports of new Israeli airstrikes in the region targeting military infrastructure (Al Joumhouria, LBC, LBCI, Kataeb). Hezbollah later lauded Aoun's stance and urged the government to act decisively (Naharnet).
Throughout the day, discussions continued regarding the "mechanism" framework for negotiations, with a US proposal to expand its scope, potentially involving civilian experts (Lebanon24, Kataeb). Evening reports from Washington and Tel Aviv indicated harsh messages reaching Beirut, with concerns of a worsening situation and Israel considering intensifying its attacks in Lebanon (Janoubia, Kataeb, Addiyar). Debates on the election law and expatriate voting also persisted (Al Joumhouria).
By mid-morning, President Aoun directed the army to confront any Israeli incursions into the south, coinciding with reports of new Israeli airstrikes in the region targeting military infrastructure (Al Joumhouria, LBC, LBCI, Kataeb). Hezbollah later lauded Aoun's stance and urged the government to act decisively (Naharnet).
Throughout the day, discussions continued regarding the "mechanism" framework for negotiations, with a US proposal to expand its scope, potentially involving civilian experts (Lebanon24, Kataeb). Evening reports from Washington and Tel Aviv indicated harsh messages reaching Beirut, with concerns of a worsening situation and Israel considering intensifying its attacks in Lebanon (Janoubia, Kataeb, Addiyar). Debates on the election law and expatriate voting also persisted (Al Joumhouria).
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Lebanese media on October 31 focused intensely on the escalating situation in Southern Lebanon following recent Israeli incursions, particularly in Blida. In the morning, President Aoun directed the army to respond to Israeli aggressions, a stance supported by Hezbollah later in the day. Concurrently, Washington issued warnings to the Lebanese Army against altering "rules of engagement." Discussions also emerged regarding a US proposal for an international buffer zone, a development from the prior day's focus on the "Mechanism" framework. The visit of the German Foreign Minister further highlighted international involvement, with Germany pledging support for Lebanon and its army. Hezbollah's Qassem rejected America as an impartial mediator.