Lebanese President Joseph Aoun called for state institutions to return to southern Lebanon, urging ministries to provide their capabilities to support residents and ensure the conditions for their resilience, during a Cabinet session held amid an Israeli escalation that affected several southern towns.
At the start of the session, addressing residents of the south, Aoun said the state had listened to their appeals and would make every effort to support them. He added that the state’s return to the area had become a collective responsibility and a duty toward its residents, stressing that the south was an essential part of Lebanon.
Salam proposes army deployment and prefabricated homes
The information minister quoted Prime Minister Nawaf Salam as saying during the session that the presence of the army and state institutions in the south would provide residents with confidence and reassurance. Salam said prefabricated homes needed to be provided as a first step to facilitate citizens’ return to their villages.
The Cabinet also discussed other issues, including administrative appointments, and approved allocating an account to Lebanese Radio to enable it to attract advertising. It also approved a ban on real estate sales in areas occupied by the Israeli army.
Israeli strikes kill 19
Tensions also escalated around Ali al-Taher Hill near Nabatieh. Israel said it had imposed what it described as “operational control” over the area and that it had cleared Hezbollah tunnels. The Lebanese army, meanwhile, announced its readiness to take control of the hill, which is considered one of the disputed points in the south.
Aoun held Israel responsible for the escalation, calling on the United States and the international community to intervene to halt the violations. Hezbollah says the continuation of Israeli strikes is intended to pressure the Lebanese government during US-mediated negotiations, while Israel says its operations target the group’s military infrastructure.
