The Day Naim Qassem Rejected the Arms Monopoly

Morning coverage focused on the arrival of German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Beirut, with editors highlighting his calls for ceasefire compliance and the withdrawal of Israeli forces. Concurrently, the Interior Ministry and Speaker Nabih Berri declared that the "electoral train" for the 2026 polls had officially departed, despite earlier allegations of sabotage. The editorial priority shifted sharply in the afternoon following a televised speech by Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem. Qassem explicitly warned the Mikati government against pursuing any agenda involving the "monopoly of arms" or the disarmament of the Litani region, labeling such state moves a "major sin." This rhetorical escalation directly challenged the Lebanese Army’s proposed 4-to-8-month deployment plan for the south. By evening, the cabinet bypassed Hezbollah's warnings to focus on fiscal stability. Editors prioritized the approval of six additional monthly salaries for public sector employees and the military, funded by a 1% VAT increase and higher fuel costs.