Israeli airstrikes intensified against Hezbollah targets in Nabatieh region, with reports emerging around 9:00 AM of 15-20 strikes on what Israel described as a "military complex." These "bunker buster" raids reportedly killed Hezbollah commander Abu Hussein Shahrour and destroyed underground facilities. Reports indicated Israel dropped leaflets in Naqoura urging locals to "burn resistance dollars."
Meanwhile, Gulf diplomacy advanced with UAE tourists' arrival being hailed as a "sign of wellness and stability." French archival documents regarding the Lebanese-Syrian border were delivered to Lebanon, while President Aoun stressed the need for Central Bank independence.
By afternoon, global attention shifted to the Vatican where white smoke signaled Cardinal Robert Prévost's election as Pope Leo XIV - the first American pope in history. Aoun quickly congratulated the new pontiff, expressing hope this would mark "an important turning point in Church history."
Regionally, India-Pakistan border violence and Russia's attacks on Ukraine despite a self-declared ceasefire dominated international coverage.