More Lebanese Families Return Home
Another 100 members of families of former Southern Lebanese Army combatants returned to their homes on Thursday, bringing the total of those who have decided not to take advantage of Israeli hospitality to 600. Many of the Lebanese, preferring to return home to Lebanon rather than live in the Jewish State, blame the Israeli authorities for their lack of integration into Israeli society. Following Israel\'s unilateral withdrawal from Lebanon in May 2000, SLA fighters and their families were invited to live in Israel, including the offer of financial assistance. Seventeen of those who returned yesterday were placed under arrest and will face charges of collaborating with Israel.
About 1,500 Lebanese families escaped to Israel after the withdrawal, but only about 550 of them planned originally to stay in Israel. Of this number, many said only a short time later that they did not plan to remain here.
Another 100 members of families of former Southern Lebanese Army combatants returned to their homes on Thursday, bringing the total of those who have decided not to take advantage of Israeli hospitality to 600. Many of the Lebanese, preferring to return home to Lebanon rather than live in the Jewish State, blame the Israeli authorities for their lack of integration into Israeli society. Following Israel\'s unilateral withdrawal from Lebanon in May 2000, SLA fighters and their families were invited to live in Israel, including the offer of financial assistance. Seventeen of those who returned yesterday were placed under arrest and will face charges of collaborating with Israel.
About 1,500 Lebanese families escaped to Israel after the withdrawal, but only about 550 of them planned originally to stay in Israel. Of this number, many said only a short time later that they did not plan to remain here.