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Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam reaffirmed the government’s commitment to southern Lebanon during a field visit to the region, emphasizing the Lebanese army’s role in extending state authority. During his tour of Marjayoun in southern Lebanon, Salam stated that the south is an essential part of the Lebanese state and praised the army for asserting control in the area. The prime minister’s two-day inspection tour comes amid ongoing Israeli violations and aims to assess security conditions, humanitarian needs, and damage levels in border towns.
According to Salam, the state had been absent from the region for an extended period, making its return both necessary and urgent. He stressed that the government will mobilize all available resources and capabilities to rebuild southern Lebanon, beginning with infrastructure rehabilitation. The prime minister described the south as a miniature representation of Lebanon, reflecting the country’s diversity and national importance.
Lebanese Army Role in Southern Stability
The visit underscores the government’s focus on restoring state presence in areas previously affected by conflict. Salam’s tour of border villages and damaged areas highlights the administration’s commitment to supporting local residents and launching the reconstruction process. However, the mission faces challenges due to continuing Israeli incursions that complicate security and humanitarian efforts in the region.
Meanwhile, Lebanon’s Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Nizar Hani, provided an assessment of the country’s food security situation. According to the minister, agricultural production in both crops and livestock is showing gradual monthly improvement. The ministry anticipates further enhancement in farming conditions during the coming period, though significant obstacles remain.
Agricultural Challenges in Border Regions
In a statement, Minister Hani warned about the serious impact of Israeli violations on agricultural activities in southern regions. The ongoing breaches have negative consequences for crops, particularly olive groves in border areas. The minister noted that conditions in southern Lebanon remain difficult, with farming operations facing multiple challenges due to security concerns.
The Ministry of Agriculture is coordinating with UNIFIL forces and the Lebanese army to protect farmers and facilitate harvesting operations. Additionally, the ministry works to support agricultural activities in areas affected by airstrikes and violations, which exacerbate the suffering of southern villages both agriculturally and security-wise. These efforts aim to maintain food production despite the challenging environment farmers face daily.
Reconstruction Plans and Agricultural Support
According to Minister Hani, the Lebanese government is making considerable efforts in areas away from the border, within available resources, to support farmers. The volume of assistance is expected to increase in the upcoming phase as conditions stabilize. Lebanon plans to launch a broader program to rebuild and rehabilitate approximately 1,500 plastic greenhouses, representing additional activity for the agricultural sector.
The minister revealed that this year’s olive season production falls significantly below previous years. In southern regions, output has not exceeded 40 to 50 percent of usual levels due to rainfall scarcity and neglect of many fields over the past two years. This production decline affects both local consumption and export potential for Lebanese agricultural products.
Export Markets and Economic Recovery
Minister Hani indicated that 45 percent of Lebanese agricultural exports traditionally went to Gulf Arab states. Reopening these markets will be a fundamental step toward revitalizing the agricultural sector and supporting the resilience of Lebanese farmers. The restoration of trade relationships represents a key component of the country’s broader economic recovery strategy.
The government’s reconstruction timeline and the scope of international support for southern Lebanon remain uncertain. Authorities have not confirmed specific deadlines for infrastructure projects, though the commitment to begin with essential services has been established. The success of these initiatives will largely depend on security stabilization and the cessation of cross-border violations.
