Beirut: Following today's cabinet session, Prime Minister Dr. Nawaf Salam emphasized the critical need to support the Lebanese Army and enhance its capabilities for the next phase of its strategic plan. He praised the army's leadership, officers, and personnel for their significant efforts in completing the first phase of the plan, which aims to ensure exclusive state control of weapons and extend governmental authority across all Lebanese territories. Dr. Salam also paid tribute to the martyrs of the Lebanese army who sacrificed their lives in fulfilling these national objectives.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Dr. Salam stressed the necessity of providing both logistical and financial support to the Lebanese army to bolster its capabilities for the second phase of the plan. This phase will focus on the area between the Litani River and the Awali River, with subsequent phases to follow as swiftly as possible. He highlighted the priority of facilitating the return of residents to the South Litani region following the successful completion of the first phase's objectives.
Dr. Salam announced that the government plans to accelerate reconstruction efforts in southern Lebanon in the upcoming weeks, contingent upon Parliamentary approval of a World Bank loan designated for this purpose. He reiterated the Lebanese state's commitment to rallying Arab and international support to pressure Israel into withdrawing from five occupied points, ceasing ongoing attacks, and ensuring the return of Lebanese prisoners. These actions are deemed essential for stabilizing the region and reasserting the state's authority over its entire territory.