Ministerial sources indicated to Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper the dangerous atmosphere that prevailed in the past hours, especially in terms of the military escalation and Israeli military movements on the ground, and the subsequent information that there was an Israeli decision to expand ground operations. The sources told the newspaper, “The President of the Republic stressed during his meeting with US Ambassador Michel Issa the need for the US administration to convey a clear message to Israel that there must be a ceasefire before Thursday’s meeting,” warning “that the continuation of the military escalation will lead to more tension and pressure, not only on Lebanon, but also on the path of negotiations and existing political contacts.” According to the sources, the President of the Republic asked the US Ambassador to convey Lebanon’s position to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and to confirm that Lebanon considers a ceasefire to be the primary gateway to the success of any negotiating or political path.