Parliament Speaker Berri called for a presidential election session on Thursday, prompting intense diplomatic activity. Morning reports centered on U.S. envoy Hochstein's meetings with opposition MPs and monitoring of Lebanese Army deployment in Naqoura. The U.S. announced redirection of $95 million in military aid from Egypt to Lebanon.
By afternoon, Cabinet approved PM Mikati's planned visit to Damascus and the deportation of Al-Qardawi to UAE. The Constitutional Council invalidated the law extending judicial council members' terms. Civil Defense reported recovery of three martyrs' bodies in Khayyam.
Evening developments saw Bassil expressing preference for Azour while remaining open to alternatives, as Israeli media claimed intention to maintain long-term presence in certain Lebanese areas. Reports emerged of Syrian funds being transferred to Moscow, while German-led EU initiative to ease Damascus sanctions surfaced.