Patriarch Al-Rahi's Christmas message calling for Lebanon's return to "positive neutrality" dominated morning coverage, occurring as PM Mikati conducted border inspections and demanded Israeli withdrawal compliance. The Foreign Ministry filed a UN Security Council complaint regarding ceasefire violations.
By afternoon, the technical committee for ceasefire monitoring convened at the Grand Serail, while reports emerged of Israeli demolitions near Kfarkila and Adeisseh. Syrian developments continued with the Defense Ministry absorbing various armed factions, while protests erupted in Damascus following Christmas tree burning incidents in Hama.
Evening brought news of Beirut Hospital's partial closure and continuing rescue operations in Tripoli's collapsed building. Syrian-Iranian tensions surfaced as Damascus warned Tehran against internal interference, marking a significant shift in regional dynamics following recent leadership changes.