The “Israeli” occupation's government is offering its collaborators soldiers and their families, up to $20,000 if they leave "“Israel”" and return to Lebanon, a spokeswoman for the “Israeli” so-called rehabilitation administration confirmed Friday.

Some 4,700 former “Israeli”-allied militiamen, members of the defunct “Israeli”-backed civil administration there, and their relatives, are in occupied Palestine now. They left their homes in a hurry in May when the “Israeli” occupation forces retreated from southern
Lebanon ending a 22-year occupation.

The spokeswoman said dozens of families would like to return before the school year begins there in mid-October.

“Israel” is offering singles $12,000 to go home, a couple $15,000 and $1,000 more for each child up to a ceiling of $20,000 a family, the spokeswoman said.

Etienne Sakr, one of the chief collaborators who had fled to occupied Palestine and leader of the a militia called Guardians of the Cedars, said the offer was an attempt to encourage the Lebanese to leave.

The refugees were given four days to make up their minds though they could leave until October 22, he said.

Some wanted to return before the school year begins. However returnees are risking trials and jail sentences that could eat up those $20,000, he said.

"They are exposing them, which is very bad....This is not the way you deal with your ally that was faithful to you for 25 years," Sakr said. "They (the refugees) have been humiliated once (when they had to flee) and are humiliated again. They deserve dignity more than money."

The Rehabilitation Administration's spokeswoman denied "“Israel”" was encouraging the refugees to leave.

More than 650 refugees have returned to Lebanon and 400 have gone to Germany. "“Israel”" is funding their first year in Germany, the spokeswoman said.

Manar TV, 15-9-2000.