Hassan Fadlallah calls for state protection in South Lebanon

Lebanese MP Hassan Fadlallah, a member of the Hezbollah Al-Wafa bloc, has called on the Lebanese state to establish a real presence in South Lebanon by fulfilling its duties of protection and care before discussing the restriction of weapons or decisions regarding war and peace.

Speaking at a memorial event for martyrs in the village of Douair, Fadlallah argued that the state must protect national sovereignty against aerial, maritime, and land violations. He stated that if the state is unable to protect its citizens, it has no right to prevent them from defending themselves. He expressed readiness for a dialogue on a national security strategy following an Israeli withdrawal.

Fadlallah also criticized the government's handling of reconstruction and development, alleging intentional delays in utilizing available funds, including a $250 million World Bank loan. He emphasized that while administrative and security institutions exist in the south, the decisive state decision to provide protection and development is what remains absent.