Netanyahu's office confirmed Israel would not withdraw from south Lebanon after the 60-day deadline, while the IDF intensified demolitions in border villages. The White House response called for urgent ceasefire extension, marking a shift from previous positions.
Saudi-Gulf diplomatic momentum continued with Kuwait's foreign minister joining the regional initiative. Bin Farhan's subsequent visit to Damascus, the first since Assad's fall, signaled broader regional realignment attempts.
Lebanese Army units deployed in Shiheen and Al-Jubbain in the western sector, while government formation efforts faced renewed obstacles over the finance portfolio allocation. UAE announced resumption of flights to Beirut starting February 1, part of widening Gulf re-engagement.
Evening brought reports of Merkava tank movements near Wadi Saluki, as Bloomberg noted increased international interest in Lebanese bonds.