Former pro-Israel Lebanese soldiers ask Patriarch to help them return to Lebanon

Remnants of the former South Lebanon Army (SLA) in Israel on Wednesday asked the Maronite Patriarch Bechara Al-Rai to secure their return to Lebanon, according to the Arabs 48 news website.

The members of SLA were known as the army of Antoine Lahad, a Lebanese General who led the militia from 1984 until it was dissolved by the Israeli withdrawal from South Lebanon in 2000.

Members of this factional army often fought beside the Israeli occupation army against the PLO and Hezbollah. When the army dissolved, many fled to Israel.

Al-Rai pledged to study the issue of their return to Lebanon. He expressed his hope for “this open wound to recover by the stability of Lebanon and the region.”

The news website reported that the Lebanese are asking help from the Patriarch because Israel has neglected them and Israeli Jews and Arabs have rejected them. Hundreds of former SLA members and their families reportedly met with Al-Rai in the Church Tabgha close to Tiberius.

SLA spokesperson Sameer Issa told Arabs 48 that: “We suggested returning to our country, Lebanon. I think the Patriarch has the power to do it.”

Responding to a question about Israel’s rejection of them, Issa said: “This is understood, but the most important issue now is returning to our country. We trust the Patriarch as he is effective in influencing the Lebanese decision.”

One of the participants in the meeting said: “I came here [to Israel] when I was 22. I left my home and family, and I want to return back.”

Another, whose name is Shirpel Tomah, pointed out: “I did not commit any crime against Lebanon, my homeland. I want to return back and I want guarantees to stay safe.”

A Palestinian youth, who met many of the former soldiers, said that they feel they have been neglected by Israel, which has given up on them. “They want to return at any price,” he said.