Overview

• Tom Barrack told reporters in Beirut to "act civilized" and warned against "animalistic" chaos during a briefing at the presidential palace.
• In a Thursday interview, he said using "animalistic" was inappropriate and expressed regret, adding that the media were just doing their job.
• Lebanese state media reported he cancelled planned stops in Khiam and Tyre after protests, with troops deployed for his arrival in Marjayoun.
• The Lebanese presidency voiced regret over remarks from its podium, as press unions demanded a public apology and discussed boycotts.
• His visit is tied to U.S. efforts to link phased Hezbollah disarmament to Israeli pullback and Gulf‑funded projects, a plan Hezbollah rejects without Israeli withdrawal.