Defense and public works ministers inspect southern towns

Lebanon's Public Works and Transport Minister Fayez Rasamny and Defense Minister Michel Menassa conducted a field visit to southern Lebanon, inspecting towns including Qaqaaiyet al-Jisr and Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh. Their objective was to evaluate the extensive damage inflicted by Israeli attacks on infrastructure, roads, and bridges, and to oversee repair efforts aimed at facilitating the return of displaced residents.

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The South "paid a heavy price in defense of the homeland, but the will of its people has not been broken, and the state will remain by their side until the reconstruction of what was destroyed is complete."

The ministers observed significant destruction in neighborhoods of Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh, where Israeli forces reportedly destroyed most homes and severely damaged infrastructure, particularly the road network. They met with residents who had returned to the town, now secured by army units. From a distance, they also viewed towns and sites within what Israel designates the "yellow zone."

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Our visit today embodies the state's commitment to extending its authority over all Lebanese territory. This makes us even more determined to prove to the world that the state returns not only through security but also through the concerted efforts of all ministries concerned with providing essential services for the return of citizens to their land.

Minister Rasamny addressed reporters, stating that the South had "paid a heavy price in defense of the homeland" but affirmed that the people's resolve remained unbroken. He assured that the state would support reconstruction until destroyed areas were rebuilt. Rasamny detailed an emergency action plan approved by the Cabinet to rehabilitate roads and rebuild bridges, emphasizing the ministry's role in reopening main and secondary roads, securing temporary crossings, and ensuring continuous movement for citizens and emergency services.

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This sacred land, which we will never abandon, is returning to the state to provide all the services and requirements that will expedite the return of residents to their towns and villages.

Defense Minister Menassa highlighted the visit as a symbol of the state's commitment to extending its authority over all Lebanese territory. He stressed the determination to demonstrate that the state's return is achieved not only through security but also through the coordinated efforts of ministries providing essential services. Menassa reiterated that the land belongs to its people and pledged to expedite the return of residents by providing necessary services, stating, "The army is always ready to reclaim the land."

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The army is always ready to reclaim the land. This land is ours and no one else's. Our goal is one: to reclaim our land. How we will do that is our business, and for that reason, I have left the outcome to the ongoing negotiations. But rest assured that the land of the South will return to its people as long a