On the southern front, there is no calm as the field situation remains unchanged, with Israeli shelling targeting southern villages and a response from Hezbollah on Israeli army positions. Politically, concurrent with the internal "Quint" movement, Barbara Leaf, Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, affirmed, during a parliamentary delegation's visit to Washington, the necessity for the Lebanese to elect a president, complete nation-building, and work on neutralizing the specter of comprehensive war from Lebanon.

Leaf emphasized in this context that "the Quint Committee seeks to assist Lebanon in finding a solution to its political crisis, but it cannot replace the Lebanese in reaching an internal solution and understanding among themselves," stressing that "ultimately, the solution is the responsibility of the Lebanese themselves."

In response to the visit of British Foreign Secretary David Cameron to Lebanon, the British Ambassador in Lebanon, Haimish Cowell, stated that "the visit of Lord Cameron, the Foreign Secretary, and Lord Ahmad, the Middle East Minister, yesterday confirms the United Kingdom's long-term support and commitment to the stability and security of Lebanon."

Regionally, as the war in Gaza enters its 119th day, anticipation prevails regarding the outcome of efforts aiming for a prisoner exchange deal that could pave the way for a ceasefire. Internal disagreements intensify within the Israeli war cabinet amid threats from Benjamin Netanyahu's partners to withdraw from the War Council.

The Israeli Channel 12 reported that army leaders and security officials will resign from their positions the moment the war on Gaza concludes.

Stefan Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, stated that Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani discussed with Guterres efforts to end the fighting in Gaza, release detainees, and support humanitarian operations.

In a separate context, Iranian media reported the death of a military advisor in the Israeli attack on south Damascus. Syrian TV reported an "Israeli aerial aggression targeting south Damascus" early today, with the Syrian air defenses intercepting several missiles.

Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi emphasized that Tehran won't initiate a war but will respond forcefully if attacked. The Iranian Intelligence Ministry claimed to have uncovered dozens of spies in 28 countries linked to the Israeli intelligence agency "Mossad" and announced dealing with them.

Meanwhile, Syrian TV reported another "Israeli aerial aggression targeting south Damascus" today, with the Syrian air defenses intercepting several missiles.

Media affiliated with the Houthi group reported that American and British planes conducted a new "aggression," launching four airstrikes on the Al-Jarah area in the Hodeidah province, northwest Yemen. Washington and London had carried out multiple airstrikes in Yemen, targeting missiles and drones intended for attacks on ships in the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and the Bab el Mandeb.

Internationally, Reuters cited an informed source stating that the French shipping company CMA CGM suspended the passage of its ships through the Bab el Mandeb strait in both directions due to security risks. 

The decision followed further targeting of ships this week near a convoy operated by the group.

In another development, the U.S. Treasury imposed sanctions on a border-crossing network supporting Iranian ballistic missile and drone programs. 

The Washington Post quoted a U.S. official saying that Washington reinforced its defenses in Jordan while preparing for a broad response to last Sunday's attack.

The U.S. official stated that the options being considered include targets in Syria, Yemen, and Iraq, indicating that the U.S. had attempted for months, through back channels with Iran, to compel it to restrain armed groups.

Moreover, NBC News reported that according to U.S.officials, the military response to the killing of three American soldiers might involve targets in various countries outside Iran, describing it as a stronger response after over 150 attacks on U.S. forces by militias.