The following are summaries of today's major stories published in the Arabic press. LBCI does not edit press digest articles for content, giving English-language readers insight into the various views expressed in newspapers across the Arab world.
Sources told An-Nahar newspaper on Monday that the file of the kidnapped Lebanese troops was now at a standstill after Syrian officials refused to respond to the kidnappers' demand regarding the release of prisoners from Syrian jails.
The abductors also rejected a Lebanese proposal to release two or three captives as a good will gesture in the negotiation process, the sources said.
They added that the Qatari mediator was in Arsal's barren range on Sunday and did not return to Beirut, saying the Arsal captives dossier is likely to be discussed in Thursday's cabinet session.
Prime Minister Tammam Salam said it was normal to be wary of the transfer of military tension from Syrian regions adjacent to the Lebanese border amid the current Syrian crisis.
"This tension is expected to take place but what matters is to maintain security and stability in Lebanon while avoiding the transfer of such unrest into our regions," Salam told As-Safir daily on Monday.
PM Salam also stressed that the Lebanese Armed Forces are on alert across the border so as to protect citizens, adding "we have done everything we could as a cabinet and army".
Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea said residents of Tripoli in particular and the North in general have proved that Lebanon's Sunni community supports both the state and the army.
"They backed their military institution and responded to all those who accused Tripoli residents of harboring terrorists," Geagea told Al-Joumhouria daily on Monday.
Geagea also said he was not surprised by the stance of the Future Movement and its leader MP Saad Hariri in the wake of the latest incidents that erupted in northern towns.
"MP Hariri has proved that he remains Lebanon's top Sunni leader and his popular base is still committed to his policy and concepts in terms of upholding the country's unity and abiding by the Lebanese institutions, mainly the military institution," LF leader Geagea added.
Sources with knowledge of negotiations being held to release the kidnapped Lebanese troops revealed on Monday that the Qatari mediator has not returned to Arsal's barren range since he left the area last Saturday.
"The Qatari mediator had left after he met with members of the Nusra Front and the Islamic State and handed their three proposals to the Lebanese state," the sources told Al-Hayat newspaper.
"The Lebanese cabinet has introduced an amendment to the third proposal that calls for the release of 5 inmates from Lebanese prisons as well as 50 female prisoners from Syrian jails for each captive soldier," the same sources added.