Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi called Tuesday for Lebanon's return to "positive neutrality."

In a Christmas speech, al-Rahi called for one army "instead of two armies" and for distancing Lebanon from wars, conflicts, and alliances. "Lebanon must protect its sovereignty and defend itself against any occupier, without interfering in the affairs of other states."

The Lebanese Army on Monday took over an empty military post that was being used by the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command, in the Qousaya area near Zahle.

As he visited Damascus on Saturday, Druze leader Walid Jumblat discussed with Syrian rebel leader Abou Mohammad al-Jolani thirteen points that would help pave the way for a new era in relations.

A longtime critic of the old Syrian regime, Jumblat expressed hope that Lebanese-Syrian relations "will return to normal" as he reportedly discussed with Jolani, who now prefers to be called by his real name Ahmad al-Sharaa, many Lebanese-Syrian issues, including the abolition of the Syrian-Lebanese Supreme Council - a joint council supervising a 1992 cooperation and coordination treaty between Syria and Lebanon.

The deputy head of Hezbollah's political council, Mahmoud Qmati, has said that his party will do everything it can to facilitate the election of a new Lebanese president.

Israeli forces on Monday raised the Israeli flag at entrance of the southern Lebanese border town of Naqoura.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, during a visit to an Israeli military position in southern Lebanon, threatened Sunday to “crush Hezbollah’s head” if the group violates the ceasefire agreement.

Druze leader Walid Jumblat and an accompanying delegation on Sunday met in Damascus with Syrian rebel leader-turned-interim political leader Abou Mohammad al-Jolani, who now prefers to be called by his real name Ahmad al-Sharaa.

Efforts are ongoing to secure the success of the January 9 presidential election session, Speaker Nabih Berri said.

Kataeb leader Sami Gemayel said Friday that Hezbollah should know that the Lebanese will not accept to stay "under its guardianship" or to be "second-degree citizens" anymore.

"We are neither willing to take revenge nor to isolate or exclude anyone," he said, talking about Hezbollah, Amal, and their supporters.

Former Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblat has announced along with the Democratic Gathering bloc that they would endorse Army chief Gen. Joseph Aoun in a presidential vote scheduled for January 9.

The bloc and Jumblat were the first to announce their official candidate. But why did Jumblat decide to support Aoun?