Overnight Israeli airstrikes and artillery on the south culminated in a large detonation in Khiam, with raids on Ali al-Taher and brief detention of the Kfarchouba council head. Coverage debated Israel’s next move after its withdrawal from Ali al-Taher, from imposing presence to redeployment behind a grey line.
President Aoun marked the 44th anniversary of Bashir Gemayel’s assassination by vowing a strong state with sovereignty over all territory, echoed by Patriarch Rahi’s solidarity with Nabatieh and Nadim Gemayel’s rejection of Syrian tutelage and Wilayat al-Faqih, as outlets stressed expanded army deployment in Nabatieh.
By evening the U.S. said Lebanon-Israel talks would be held in Rome next month, with reports of a Washington ambassador-level meeting and anticipated withdrawal, tempered by Defence Minister Katz saying troops would not leave before Hezbollah’s disarmament and were preparing to take Ali al-Taher.