Envoy's Persistent Path, Arms Unyielding

Lebanese media on July 23 continued its extensive focus on US Envoy Tom Barrack's diplomatic mission. Early reports highlighted a perceived lack of breakthroughs and a potential US policy of "buying time," with concerns raised about future conflict without American guarantees. Hezbollah's firm stance against disarming, even with an Israeli withdrawal, and its readiness for confrontation became a central editorial theme, alongside President Aoun's assertion of the state's irreversible decision on arms monopoly. Barrack, while expressing optimism for his return, underscored the complexity and a need for Lebanese government action. He later clarified the arms deadline as Israeli, not American. Regional diplomatic efforts saw Bahrain announce a permanent mission, while local reports detailed alleged Israeli violations and the dismantling of an Israeli espionage device.