Lebanese government under pressure to exercise control over the whole country

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam made a political statement here that the state is present and will help them rebuild their homes and restore basic services. Zawtar al-Gharbiya has been totally destroyed. We haven’t been able to enter the town yet. The Lebanese army is still clearing the area from unexploded ordnances. However, this was not just a message to the people of south Lebanon. This was also a show to the international community as the Lebanese government is under pressure to exercise control over the whole country, to extend state authority across southern Lebanon.