Ali Awadah

Unlike in 2006, when Iranian-backed compensation flowed swiftly, this time, even Hezbollah officials acknowledged that the Lebanese state must take the lead.

Moreover, some residents—particularly those from southern Lebanon—feel that returning to Lebanon is not an option given the ongoing conflict with Israel.

As the deadline approaches, Aitaroun remains off-limits, with Israeli tanks stationed in the area and ongoing shelling breaching the ceasefire.

"All US presidents are primarily supportive of Israel's interests. America is like a compassionate mother of Israel," said one displaced Lebanese.

The initiative is also seen as a push against Washington's pressures to capitalise on Hezbollah's vulnerability following these assassinations.

"The state hasn't been responsible for securing and protecting the borders, especially when it comes to Israel," an analyst remarked to The New Arab.