Yassin Jaber Warns Central Bank Attack in Nabatieh Threatens State Relief Capacity

Finance Minister Yassin Jaber issued a statement addressing the Israeli assaults that caused extensive damage to buildings and infrastructure in Nabatieh and its surroundings, including the destruction of the Central Bank of Lebanon's branch in Nabatieh. He stated, "It is true that nothing is more precious than human lives, which Israel takes daily by the dozens, and no justification can compensate for their loss. All excuses for targeting the elderly and destroying homes remain invalid in the face of crimes committed against both people and property. What intensifies Israeli hostility is that these actions occur at a time when a ceasefire was expected to be in place, so how could it be otherwise?"

Jaber added, "Although the Lebanese government is officially engaged in direct negotiations under American sponsorship, the ongoing systematic destruction, which has extended to official institutions—from the former Nabatieh Serail to targeting members of State Security and the Lebanese Army—culminated today in the destruction of the Central Bank branch in Nabatieh city. Until recently, this branch was the sole financial lifeline managing the minimal relief requirements. This act sends a message to the Lebanese state that can only be interpreted in one of two ways: either to increase pressure on the Lebanese negotiator ahead of the fourth round in Washington to maintain occupation of the infiltrated areas, or to sabotage the entire negotiation process and impose its ambitions by force."

He concluded, "Therefore, it is required that the state sponsoring the agreement intervene decisively to compel Israel to immediately cease fire and ensure its enforcement. Otherwise, we face a new aggressive trajectory that not only displaces the southern residents but also undermines state institutions, making all state facilities and institutions vulnerable and incapable of fulfilling their required roles, especially in this particular circumstance."