The Day of the Financial Gap Definition

On December 23, Lebanese editors focused on the cabinet's attempt to formalize the 'Financial Gap Law.' Morning headlines highlighted a 'field of mines' as ministers debated the distribution of bank losses, with banking sectors and opposition outlets criticizing the state’s evasion of debt. By midday, reports shifted to the army's progress, as General Rudolf Haykal announced the near completion of the first phase of disarmament and southern deployment, framing it as a meticulous transition toward the Awali River. Afternoon coverage was dominated by security developments, specifically the alleged Mossad abduction of retired General Security officer Ahmad Shukur and the death of a Lebanese soldier in an Israeli strike, whom Israel claimed was a Hezbollah member. By evening, the focus returned to the Grand Serail, where the government announced a preliminary agreement on defining the 'financial gap' and authorized monthly $1,500 withdrawals for depositors, a move met with skepticism by financial analysts.