The Day Ortagus Explored Mediation and Legislative Session Failed

Lebanese media on October 28 focused on diplomatic maneuvers and internal political struggles. The morning highlighted intensive diplomatic visits and pressure from Ortagus amidst the risk of deterioration. Discussions included a potential Egyptian mediation attempt between Lebanon and Israel, following a "Sharm el-Sheikh" meeting. Concurrently, a parliamentary session was threatened by a "battle of arm-twisting" over quorum, particularly concerning expatriate voting. By midday, the session failed due to lack of quorum, attributed to Speaker Berri's intransigence. Ortagus's low-profile visit and her proposals for indirect talks, possibly involving civilians, became a central theme, as did Egyptian "exploratory" mediation efforts. The US State Department expressed support for Lebanon's decision to disarm Hezbollah, while an Israeli warning of a "concentrated and specific operation" under certain conditions persisted into the evening.