December
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Lebanese media maintained overwhelming focus on Pope Leo XIV's visit throughout December 1st. Morning reports detailed his reception in Annaya, emphasizing messages of hope and resilience, with particular attention to a white dove accompanying him. By early afternoon, the narrative shifted to his engagements in Martyrs' Square, where he called for peace, dialogue, and overcoming violence, noting expressions of 'concern and frustration.' Concurrently, discussions continued regarding the controversy surrounding Samir Geagea's absence from the papal reception, a topic that emerged on November 30th. In the evening, the Pope addressed the youth in Bkerke, highlighting their historical opportunity to change the future through love and dialogue. Separately, reports of a potential Israeli operation against Hezbollah continued to circulate, having been a recurring theme since November 28th.
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Lebanese media overwhelmingly focused on Pope Leo XIV's final day and departure from Lebanon. Morning reports detailed his visit to the Sisters of the Cross Hospital, emphasizing messages of hope and healing, followed by an emotional visit to the Beirut port memorial where he offered a silent prayer for explosion victims. By early afternoon, media highlighted his celebration of the divine liturgy on Beirut's waterfront, urging Lebanon to be a "sign of peace" and calling on the international community for support. His farewell remarks at Beirut Airport underscored that "Lebanon is more than a country; it is a message," alongside prayers for peace in the South. Concurrently, reports emerged of the Pope addressing Hezbollah, urging dialogue and disarmament. Amidst the papal visit, concerns about potential Israeli escalation and a multi-front war involving Lebanon continued to circulate.
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Following Pope Leo XIV's departure, Lebanese media shifted focus to heightened regional tensions. Morning headlines detailed the appointment of Simon Karam, a non-military civilian, to lead the Lebanese delegation in the "Mechanism" meetings in Ras Naqoura, a move perceived as strategically designed to internationally embarrass Israel. By late morning, reports indicated Netanyahu's decision to send an Israeli representative to these talks, describing it as an "economic meeting." Early afternoon coverage included Lebanese President Aoun emphasizing that the country was not seeking peace negotiations and would not be drawn into a new war, despite receiving messages of potential Israeli escalation. Throughout the day, discussions continued regarding Hezbollah's weapons and calls for the state to reclaim decisions of war and peace, alongside reports of potential British proposals for disarmament.
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The day began with continued focus on the 'Mechanism' meetings and the appointment of Simon Karam to lead the civilian delegation, signaling hopes for diplomatic relief. By late morning, Iraq's corrected classification of Hezbollah as a terrorist entity, followed by a reversal, drew significant attention. The early afternoon saw a dramatic shift as Israeli forces issued urgent evacuation warnings to residents in Jebaa and Mahrouna, southern Lebanon, followed by immediate airstrikes. These warnings expanded to include Majadel and Baraachit, also targeted by airstrikes. Concurrently, President Aoun emphasized the importance of negotiation over war and affirmed Lebanon's sovereignty in any talks with Israel, amidst reports of the Lebanese army's counter-terrorism successes.
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The day's headlines revolved around the ongoing 'Mechanism' talks, specifically the controversial appointment of Simon Karam, a civilian, to lead the Lebanese delegation. Morning reports from L'Orient-Le Jour and El Nashra indicated President Aoun's defense of Karam's nomination, with some suggesting Speaker Berri's awareness. Concurrently, new Israeli airstrikes in the south were reported by Lebanon24 as attempts to force negotiations.
By early afternoon, Hezbollah's Sheikh Naim Qassem strongly criticized the civilian appointment, labeling it a "setback" and a "free concession" (Al-Manar, Naharnet, L'Orient-Le Jour). President Aoun, during a visit by a UN Security Council delegation, reiterated that the decision to negotiate was irreversible and served Lebanon's interests.
Later in the evening, the Pentagon's approval of a potential $90.5 million arms deal to Lebanon also emerged as a significant development, as reported by Kataeb and LBCI, alongside the continued debate surrounding the civilian appointment.
By early afternoon, Hezbollah's Sheikh Naim Qassem strongly criticized the civilian appointment, labeling it a "setback" and a "free concession" (Al-Manar, Naharnet, L'Orient-Le Jour). President Aoun, during a visit by a UN Security Council delegation, reiterated that the decision to negotiate was irreversible and served Lebanon's interests.
Later in the evening, the Pentagon's approval of a potential $90.5 million arms deal to Lebanon also emerged as a significant development, as reported by Kataeb and LBCI, alongside the continued debate surrounding the civilian appointment.
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Lebanese media on December 6th continued to heavily focus on negotiations with Israel, particularly the diplomatic and security dimensions. Early reports from L'Orient-Le Jour and El Nashra discussed negotiating as a strategic choice for Lebanon, with a perceived emerging consensus on technical and security aspects. Concurrently, an American warning for Lebanon to immediately disarm Hezbollah was reported by MTV Lebanon.
The UN Security Council expressed support for Lebanon and encouraged the negotiation process, as noted by Lebanon24 and Addiyar. However, Hezbollah's Sheikh Qassem reiterated his opposition to civilian participation in the 'Mechanism' committee, terming it a "setback." Later in the day, Nawaf Salam's meetings in Doha with the Emir of Qatar and Bill Gates garnered significant attention, alongside Qatar's commitment to new support projects for Lebanon.
The UN Security Council expressed support for Lebanon and encouraged the negotiation process, as noted by Lebanon24 and Addiyar. However, Hezbollah's Sheikh Qassem reiterated his opposition to civilian participation in the 'Mechanism' committee, terming it a "setback." Later in the day, Nawaf Salam's meetings in Doha with the Emir of Qatar and Bill Gates garnered significant attention, alongside Qatar's commitment to new support projects for Lebanon.
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Lebanese media on December 7th began with reports of Israeli actions in southern Lebanon and discussions around reducing UNIFIL troops, alongside calls for exclusive weapons control. Diplomatic efforts intensified with Trump and the Vatican engaging in Lebanon diplomacy to stabilize negotiations. Israeli intelligence then issued prominent warnings of anticipated escalation with Lebanon, even as reports of reduced US pressure on Lebanese disarmament emerged. By late morning, Iran denied intervention in Lebanon, stating Hezbollah's autonomy in weapon decisions, and Patriarch Al-Rahi made humanitarian appeals for compassion across all levels of Lebanese politics. Later, discussions focused on the army's plan for full weapons control and Prime Minister Salam addressing upcoming parliamentary elections. The day concluded with Walid Jumblatt rejecting normalization and advocating for a ceasefire, while the UNIFIL commander warned of a very fragile situation in Lebanon.
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Lebanese media on December 8th primarily focused on the ongoing 'Mechanism' committee and the broader implications of diplomacy versus conflict. In the morning, American intervention was noted to give the 'Mechanism' a chance, with an Israeli-American deadline for disarmament by year-end, drawing protests from the Lebanese Communist Party against direct negotiations with Israel. Internal political clashes continued, particularly from Geagea against Aoun.
Later in the day, Patriarch Al-Rahi from Baabda prominently dismissed the likelihood of war, advocating for negotiations over threats and emphasizing a shift towards diplomatic solutions and an era of peace. This stance was echoed by President Aoun, who received French envoy Le Drian, affirming Lebanon's support for any verification by the Mechanism Committee regarding the army's role south of the Litani River.
Later in the day, Patriarch Al-Rahi from Baabda prominently dismissed the likelihood of war, advocating for negotiations over threats and emphasizing a shift towards diplomatic solutions and an era of peace. This stance was echoed by President Aoun, who received French envoy Le Drian, affirming Lebanon's support for any verification by the Mechanism Committee regarding the army's role south of the Litani River.
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