The day's dominant story was the escalating dispute between Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Defense Minister Michel Menassa, which reached the cabinet. Menassa was absent from the session, while the army command expressed support for him. Salam asserted government unity, but the rift dominated headlines. Concurrently, reports suggested Israel may be preparing a ground operation in Lebanon, with new tactics observed in the southern town of Al-Taybeh. US criticism of Israel's refusal to withdraw from South Lebanon and continued demolitions also featured prominently.