Morning papers focused on reports about Lebanese detainees potentially released from Syrian prisons, though Red Cross confirmed no official information. The Egyptian ambassador highlighted positive developments in the Quintet-Berri talks regarding January 9 presidential session.
Midday brought reports of Mikati's Vatican meeting with Pope Francis, while Lebanese Army began clearing operations in Al-Khiam. IDF continued claiming discoveries of weapons caches in South Lebanon, publishing footage of alleged Kornet missiles.
By afternoon, attention shifted to diplomatic movements, with Turkey announcing embassy reopening plans in Syria, while Russia suspended grain supplies. Blinken emphasized protection of Syrian minorities, as Erdogan outlined Turkish involvement in Syria's stabilization. Evening reports detailed new Israeli strikes near Damascus and Al-Suweida, while Lebanese truckers remained stranded at border crossings amid transition uncertainty.