Khalil Al Abdallah, a Lebanese immigrant who lived in Africa for 40 years but came back to settle in Lebanon, said that by building the project he is accomplishing his “everlasting dream.”

The Israelis were triggered by Khalil’s idea. As a response, Israeli troops shielded by huge tanks situated themselves in a nearby hill on the Israeli side of the border, where soldiers monitor the construction works at Khalil’s project through their binoculars all day-long.

Al Abdallah said that neither Israeli tanks nor aircraft violating the air space will stop him from building the Wazani touristic project. “This is our land and our water… the geographical location is strategic, so why not take advantage of it to reinforce the forgotten region?” he said.

The first phase of the project will be completed and opened to visitors in two months.  In later phases, Al Abdallah will build an integrated touristic city that includes hotels, restaurants, and other facilities.

“Even if Israeli planes destroy our project in any coming war, we will re-build it,” Al Abdallah and his family said.