היום שישראל התכוננה לתקיפה ועאון ניהל משא ומתן

Lebanese media on December 17 opened with intense diplomatic anticipation surrounding a "Mechanism" meeting to stabilize the region, with discussions of Hezbollah's strategic dilemma between confrontation and patience, and external pushes to centralize the Lebanese Army's role in stability efforts. Reports also surfaced regarding a potential return of international forces and a secret Hezbollah visit to Saudi Arabia.

By mid-morning, the focus shifted to escalating Israeli aggressions and the looming threat of war. Reports indicated Israel preparing for a strike against Hezbollah despite US reservations, with online betting emerging on Israeli strikes. This coincided with a rise in oil prices following Trump's actions against Venezuela.

In the afternoon, internal political maneuvers took prominence, particularly Speaker Berri's role in the upcoming parliamentary session, facing accusations of blackmail and calls for boycotts. President Aoun's statements that negotiations do not equate to surrender were prominently featured amidst these discussions, as the investigation into the Beirut port explosion continued with new developments.