ALMARSAD Breaking News reported via WhatsApp that Syrian authorities took deterrent security measures after uncovering a cell allegedly linked to Hezbollah, which reportedly planned an operation in Homs. Sources the outlet did not name say Syria's judiciary has evidence that Hezbollah leaders in Lebanon activated sleeper cells in Syria.
On Lebanon, the outlet reports that security agencies studied the status of a group calling itself the "National Front", which held a protest outside the Ministry of Energy. According to the outlet, these agencies concluded that most members of the group act at the urging of Hezbollah and the Free Patriotic Movement. The outlet links this to the group's disputes with the energy minister's measures and its hostility toward the Lebanese Forces. This account is a claim that appeared in the outlet from a single source.
The outlet reports that Lebanese officials are in widespread confusion over who will fill the vacuum after the UN international force's mission in the south ends at the end of this year. It also says that a number of Lebanese postponed trips scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday out of fear of an expected war in the region, and that questions about whether such a war could occur soon have multiplied.
On domestic politics, the outlet reports that some northern MPs, especially in the Sunni community, are worried about the impact of former Prime Minister Saad Hariri's return on their constituency and electoral standing. It adds that some of them are considering supportive positions toward him if the balance of power changes. The outlet also reports that many people are upset at not being included in the commemoration of Rafik Hariri's birthday at Beit El-Wasat, and asks whether this was a deliberate policy or organisational disarray.
The outlet reports that the Lebanese Forces party is preparing to restructure its various media institutions as part of a medium-term renewal plan. It says that reports circulating on social media about a forgery network in one of the sensitive ministries provoked wide reactions. The outlet does not name the ministry and does not provide evidence for the reports.
In the energy market, the outlet reports that the global fuel market fell by more than $30 a barrel before rising again toward the $100 mark.
The outlet also includes analytical material. It says that questions are circulating behind the scenes about the fate of the "Lebanese lobby" after strong results against the Republican Party, to which it is linked. It quotes an unnamed Arab party leader as saying that the results of the US and Israeli elections expose the Arab forces that bet on war. He sees the confrontation as having turned into a war of attrition, and says Washington will negotiate in line with its interests. The outlet also quotes an unnamed European expert on strategic affairs as saying that Iran managed the conflict skilfully, controlling escalation and holding to difficult settlement terms despite pressure from mediators including Qatar, Pakistan and Russia. The quoted text from the expert is cut off mid-sentence.