Presidential maneuvering intensified as Samir Geagea formally requested Free Patriotic Movement's support for his candidacy. Gebran Bassil's surprising statement preferring Geagea over army chief or Franjieh shifted political calculations. French diplomats prepared for January 9 session while Washington signaled support for any consensus candidate.
Joint Lebanese Army-UNIFIL patrols entered Shemaa town following Israeli withdrawal, though IDF maintained presence in other border areas and conducted demolitions in Beni Hayyan. Emirates Airlines extended Beirut flight cancellations through January 2025.
Security forces implemented New Year's Eve measures across Lebanon, while religious authorities issued warnings against celebratory gunfire. Evening coverage shifted to astrologers' predictions for 2025, revealing media's transition from political reporting to holiday programming despite ongoing security concerns.