The day was split between two dominant stories: a devastating double earthquake in Venezuela and Iran's ultimatum to Israel over Lebanon. Early headlines focused on the quake, with fears of thousands dead and buildings collapsed in Caracas, while Israel considered sending aid. By morning, a US official claimed Israel had partially withdrawn from southern Lebanon, which Israel and Lebanon denied, triggering Iranian threats that Israel must withdraw or flee in defeat. The Iran story gained momentum through the afternoon, with outlets covering the unprecedented CENTCOM-IRGC communication channel announced by Vice President Vance. Domestic news included the death of reservist Bassel Sweid in a vehicle accident in Lebanon, Netanyahu's associates threatening he would split from Likud, and the declassification of Gilad Shalit abduction logs on its 20th anniversary.