Aoun from the South: Israel's withdrawal, the return of displaced persons, and reconstruction are national constants to which we are committed

Beirut – Mansour Shaaban

Residents of Nabatieh and western Zoutar were surprised to find President of the Republic General Joseph Aoun among them, inspecting the situation and confirming that negotiations with Israel are currently halted.

The visit provided an opportunity for residents to ask President Aoun to intervene with the Ministry of Education to reduce fees at public schools, which have been valued at $1,000.

The visit took place in an area engulfed by massive explosions and shelling, amid negotiations whose eighth round has yet to be scheduled. President Aoun affirmed that “Israel’s withdrawal, the return of prisoners and displaced persons, and reconstruction constitute national constants that the state is committed to implementing.” He told the residents, “Your steadfastness is the greatest medal on our chests, and your staying here with your families despite the war is the greatest message to the world, namely that this community and this people are capable of rising again and standing firm forever,” emphasizing that “there are no new negotiations with Israel at this time.”

He added, “We came here with the heads of security agencies to confirm our standing by your side. The South is at the heart of the state and the heart of Lebanon.” President Aoun expressed hope that “the wound of the South will be closed once and for all, and that a son of the South has the right to live in safety and build his home, assured that it will not be demolished or destroyed.”

President Aoun visited Nabatieh accompanied by the Commander of the Lebanese Army, General Rodolphe Haddad, and heads of security agencies. He inspected the Nabatieh government building and assessed the significant damage caused by Israeli air raids. He also inspected the Central Bank of Lebanon building, which was destroyed by military aircraft, and then walked to the Nabatieh municipality building, which has been destroyed since the 66-day war. He also visited the Shqif Municipalities Union, then toured the Nabieh Bri Government Hospital, and visited the town of western Zoutar.

The visit was accompanied by massive Israeli explosions targeting homes in Mansouriye, in the Sidon district, and in the town of Einata, in the Bint Jbeil district. An Israeli drone dropped explosive materials on some homes in Al-Khayyam, in addition to shelling Arnon, Wadi Al-Salouqi, and Doha Kafr Rumman. The town of Mansouriye was subjected to violent explosions, with residents of Sidon and its surroundings feeling the strong tremors.

In political reactions, MP Saida Joujou said during the annual dinner of the former Artillery Brigade at the “Kataeb” party in Al-Qleiatat, “The real struggle is not limited to the ability to bear arms, but lies in knowing when to bear arms in defense of the homeland and when to lay them down, as the homeland now has a state.” Joujou added, “Lebanon is today undergoing the final labor pains to reach the desired state,” noting, “We will reach the state of Lebanon, a Lebanon with no two states, no two decisions, and no two weapons. A Lebanon where the law is above all and the state is the sole reference.”