Lebanon's Reply, State's Arms Path

The day in Lebanese media centered on US envoy Thomas Barrack's visit and the Lebanese response to the American proposal. Early reports highlighted ongoing deliberations, particularly "sticking points" in the reply, amid heightened Israeli airstrikes preceding Barrack's arrival. Upon his landing, media extensively covered Barrack's statements expressing satisfaction and gratitude for the Lebanese response, which he described as thoughtful. However, this positive reception was immediately nuanced by internal reports questioning US conviction and emphasizing disarmament. Lebanese officials, notably Speaker Berri and Minister Salam, publicly reaffirmed the state's exclusive authority over decisions of war and peace, and over all weaponry, rejecting any "troika" in negotiations – a direct continuation of the previous day's focus on state control of arms. Some outlets also noted Berri focused on border escalations rather than proposal specifics during his meeting. By evening, the overall editorial portrayal depicted Lebanon navigating a complex "balancing act" between external pressures and internal sovereignty assertions.