Peace from the South.. sovereignty messages to complete the extension of Lebanese state authority
During an extensive tour of southern Lebanon, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam stressed that asserting state authority cannot be reduced to military deployment or territorial control alone, but requires an effective state presence in people’s daily lives through essential services, reconstruction, and the provision of conditions enabling residents to return.
Speaking from the city of Tyre, in remarks reported by the National News Agency, Salam stated that the South is not a temporary issue but a “shared national concern,” emphasizing that its residents’ right to security, housing, employment, and a dignified life is an “indivisible right.”
He said that ongoing Israeli attacks constitute a direct violation of Lebanese sovereignty and civilian lives, noting, however, that the state’s presence on the ground today sends a clear message that the government is determined to consolidate its role and not leave the region hostage to aggression or neglect.
The Prime Minister explained that, despite limited resources, the state has begun taking practical steps to support the South, including the approval of financial allocations for its population. He added that daily attacks, the detainees’ file, and continued security tensions will not serve as a pretext to suspend government action or delay commitments.
He noted that the state will not wait for the attacks to cease before beginning remedial action, but will move forward simultaneously on both the security and development tracks.
A pivotal role for the army
Salam pointed out that the Lebanese Army plays a pivotal role in enforcing stability, stressing that the extension of state authority cannot be complete without reopening schools, restoring health centers, ensuring water, electricity and telecommunications services, and rehabilitating roads, as these elements are essential to residents’ return and to preventing the depopulation of border villages.
Regarding the displaced persons file, he emphasized that “dignity” is the primary guiding principle of government action, explaining that efforts focus on supporting returnees, maintaining relief assistance, providing free healthcare, ensuring continuity of education, and adopting direct cash support in place of rent subsidies, thereby easing burdens and offering families greater stability.
Salam also revealed a comprehensive plan to rebuild infrastructure and public property, based on modern urban planning aimed at reconstructing villages in a stronger and more resilient manner, with priority given to the agricultural sector and support for local livelihoods.
In this context, he announced the securing of funding packages including 250 million dollars in concessional loans from the World Bank, 75 million euros from the French Development Agency, and an additional 35 million euros in grants from the European Union, France and Denmark to support economic and social recovery.
The Prime Minister concluded by affirming that the state “is not on a symbolic or seasonal visit,” but engaged in a sustained process of follow-up, accountability and implementation. He announced his intention to return to the South soon to oversee the launch of projects on the ground, reaffirming the government’s commitment to making the South a central pillar of the comprehensive national recovery path.
