Arab League Secretary-General Nabil Fahmy on Tuesday toured south Lebanon, accompanied by Lebanon’s Minister of Social Affairs, Haneen Sayed.
He visited the Benoit Barakat Barracks in the city of Tyre, where he met with the Commander of the South Litani Sector, Brigadier General Nicolas Tabet, and senior Lebanese Army officers.
Prior to a closed-door meeting, Brigadier General Tabet delivered a speech and warned that "the continuation of the occupation and security threats still prevent the safe return of residents to their villages and the restoration of their normal lives.” He warned that it also “hinders the deployment of the Lebanese Army across the entirety of southern territory up to the internationally recognized borders."
Accordingly, Tabet emphasized "the need for effective Arab and international action to ensure an end to Israeli attacks, a complete withdrawal from Lebanese territories, and respect for Lebanon's sovereignty and international legitimacy resolutions." He noted that "non-compliance with agreements and understandings related to the cessation of hostilities and the ceasefire warrants serious action to ensure stability and protect Lebanon."
For his part, Arab League chief Fahmy affirmed that "the Israeli attacks and violations suffered by citizens in southern Lebanon are unacceptable," stressing "the responsibility of the Arab and international communities to support Lebanon, enhance the capabilities of its institutions, empower it to face challenges, and facilitate the return of its people to their homes."
Fahmy noted that he intentionally made his visit to Lebanon one of his first official trips abroad after assuming office due to the special status Lebanon holds with him, and to observe firsthand the scale of the challenges faced by the Lebanese people and their capacity for resilience and reconstruction under difficult circumstances.
He stated that his choice to visit the South “carried a political message to its people: that the Arab world, alongside the international community, recognizes the extent of the suffering they endure and stands ready to support them through positive and concrete steps."
He also affirmed that his presence in the South aims to “send a clear message externally that what citizens face in this region, along with Israeli violations against them, is unacceptable, and that there is a political, moral, and security responsibility requiring action to address these developments, strengthen the capabilities of Lebanese institutions, and facilitate the return of citizens to their villages and homes so they can build their present and future."
Fahmy announced that "the Arab League's commitment toward Lebanon marks the beginning of an ongoing process, not the end of the road," asserting that "the League will build on what has been achieved and continue consultations and cooperation with Lebanese authorities to empower the government, people, and army to perform their duties to the fullest extent possible despite regional difficulties and challenges."
Commenting on the situation on the ground in Zawtar and the city of Nabatieh, Fahmy described what he saw as "regrettable," considering that it "reflects an Israeli methodology aimed at destroying residential areas, seizing land, and attempting to displace citizens to pave the way for potential Israeli occupation."
He expressed confidence in "the Lebanese people's adherence to their land," highlighting "the importance of supporting the Lebanese Army," and added: "The League of Arab States is monitoring developments and studying what can be done in cooperation with the Lebanese government to rebuild Lebanon, consolidate security and stability, and enhance the capabilities of the Lebanese Army."
Regarding the reconstruction file, Fahmy clarified that "this issue involves multiple commitments and requires action across various sectors," emphasizing that "this does not diminish the Arab League's responsibility nor alter its commitment toward Lebanon."