Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi received a delegation from the Arkoub Municipalities Union, along with mukhtars and local figures from the region, who raised the issue of the Shebaa Farms, stressing their Lebanese identity and that the matter should be handled exclusively by the state. They expressed hope that the area would be returned to its residents and called on those concerned to stop exploiting the issue or using it for political gain.

Raggi welcomed the delegation, thanked them for their confidence, and affirmed that the Shebaa Farms are Lebanese “in the heart before they are on the map.” He stressed that the issue is the responsibility of the Lebanese state, which will not relinquish any part of the farms.

He added that the Shebaa Farms issue is a top priority for the Foreign Ministry, noting that the ministry had previously been absent from this file. He said it is now working through diplomatic channels, in line with international law and based on documents in Lebanon’s possession, as well as through communication with Syria, to prove their Lebanese sovereignty. Rajji also explained that the issue is not as complex as some try to portray it.