Lebanon-Army Backing: France’s Macron met Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun in Paris with Jordan’s King Abdullah II to push international support for the Lebanese Armed Forces and plan a post-UNIFIL replacement force, with talks also focused on ending Israeli attacks and strengthening state authority across Lebanon. Regional Security Talks: The “Aqaba Process” brought in senior military officials from Lebanon, France, Jordan, the UK and Italy, plus US and Saudi officials, aiming for a “clear, credible and realistic” LAF deployment framework tied to aid for equipment and training. US Politics & Arms: A senior US House Democrat put a hold on a proposed $2.8bn Israel bomb package (including 40,000 one-ton-class munitions), citing insufficient assurances on civilian protections. Energy & Shipping Risk: Turkey condemned Houthi actions and warned that Red Sea/Bab al-Mandab threats are harming international maritime trade and regional stability. Local Governance (Lebanon, Ohio): A petition campaign is gathering signatures ahead of a city council vote on whether to keep Flock Safety automated license plate reader cameras paused.