Israeli Withdrawal From Southern Lebanon Begins: Nawaf Salam Calls It a ‘National Moment’ as Residents Prepare to Return
Israeli withdrawal from Southern Lebanon has started and represents a historic turning point for the country, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said. Speaking from the southern town of Zawtar al-Gharbiya, Salam described the development as “a national moment with great political and moral dimensions,” but said Lebanon’s goal remains the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from all Lebanese territory. The statement comes as thousands of displaced residents are looking to return home after months of conflict, destruction and uncertainty. The withdrawal is under way, but Lebanese officials say it is still in the early stages.
Nawaf Salam: “This Is Only the Beginning”
In a message on X (formerly Twitter), Salam said the current withdrawal should be seen as the first step in reinstating Lebanon’s sovereignty. He repeated that the Lebanese government has always called for the complete evacuation of Israeli troops, and pledged to continue the diplomatic and political efforts until that goal is fully realized.“This is just the beginning,” Salam said, adding that Lebanon is determined to pursue full Israeli withdrawal through sustained international engagement. His comments highlight the government’s belief that the withdrawal process is not complete and that further negotiations and diplomatic efforts will be required.
Focus Shifts to the Safe Return of Southern Residents
In his second message, Salam addressed displaced residents of southern Lebanon who have been on the move for months because of the fighting. “The Lebanese state has already begun mobilizing resources to help families safely return to their towns and villages,” he said. “The Lebanese army and security forces have been deployed throughout the region to protect returning civilians and government agencies are trying to,” Salam said.
- Reopened damaged roads
- Clear rubble from impacted communities
- Restore water, power and telecommunications
- Temporary housing when necessary
- Reinstate essential public services
The government said the measures were to ensure residents could safely return and rebuild their lives with dignity.
Why the Israeli Withdrawal From Southern Lebanon Matters
The Israeli withdrawal from Southern Lebanon is not just about troop movements. For the thousands of families driven from their homes by the conflict, hope is that daily life can slowly return to normal. Schools, businesses, farms, local economies have been devastated and it will take months or even years to rebuild in heavily damaged areas. Politically, the withdrawal bolsters Lebanon’s long-standing argument that all occupied territory should eventually be returned to Lebanese state authority. Analysts, however, warn that stability after the withdrawal depends on continued security coordination, successful reconstruction, and continued diplomatic engagement.
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Rebuilding Will Be the Next Major Challenge
While the beginning of the withdrawal has been welcomed by many Lebanese, rebuilding Southern Lebanon remains a major national challenge. There will be a need to repair large sections of infrastructure, to restore public utilities, and to provide housing and financial support to displaced families. Reconstruction would remain a priority, as would efforts to restore normal public services and strengthen state institutions in the south, the government said. “The return of life to the South is not just a slogan but a national goal,” Salam said, adding that the return of the displaced is one of the strongest expressions of Lebanon’s unity and sovereignty.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What did Nawaf Salam say?
He declared the start of the Israeli withdrawal from Southern Lebanon and described it as an initial step towards a complete Israeli withdrawal from the entirety of Lebanese territory.
2. Where did Salam make his statement?
He spoke from the southern Lebanese town of Zawtar al-Gharbiya.
3. What support does Lebanon provide to returning residents?
The government says it is deploying the Lebanese Army, reopening roads, clearing rubble, restoring utilities and creating temporary housing for displaced families.
