Salam visits army's South Litani headquarters in Tyre
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Defense Minister Michel Menassa visited Friday the Lebanese Army's South Litani headquarters in the southern city of Tyre.
Salam urged the army to maintain its unity, assuring the soldiers that his government is mobilizing all available Arab and international support to enhance human capabilities, modernize equipment, and improve living conditions for military personnel.
He said the army's presence in the south represents the state itself and with every new military position, the state restores its sovereignty.
"We want the South, as with all of Lebanon, to fall under the authority of one unified state," Salam said, adding that strengthening the army is "a strategic choice" at the heart of the government's mission to rebuild the state.
The visit comes after a violent night of strikes and demolitions in the border villages of Mayfadoun, Zawtar al-Sharqiyeh, Ali al-Taher, Taybeh, Mays al-Jabal, al-Mansouri, Hadatha, Teereh, and al-Khiam.
While Salam was delivering his speech, explosions from detonations in nearby al-Mansouri were heard and Israeli artillery was shelling al-Mansouri and Majdalzoun. A strike also targeted a house on the outskirts of Baraashit.
Defense Minister Menassa reaffirmed Lebanon's commitment to full sovereignty over every inch of its territory, adding that negotiations with Israel remain the best path out of the current crisis. "We will not rest until the South returns to Lebanon," he said.
Source: Naharnet
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