Arnoun


Arnoun is a majority Lebanese Shia village south-east of Nabatiyeh, in Nabatiyeh Governorate, southern Lebanon. The village is located approximately from the Israeli border. The village is approximately 550 metres above sea level, and approximately one kilometre from the Beaufort Castle.
The noted academic and commentator Fouad Ajami was born in Arnoun.

History

Arnoun is linked to the nearby Beaufort Castle. The town's name is derived from the Aramaic arnoun, meaning "little top", referring to the highland where the Beaufort Castle stands. The castle itself was referred to as Qal'at Shqif Arnoun, from which the town took its name.
In 1875 Victor Guérin noted that it contained one hundred "Metualis".

Modern era

After the establishment of the Israeli Security Zone in southern Lebanon in 1985, Arnoun lay just outside its boundaries, although, from its position at the Beaufort Castle, the Israel Defense Forces effectively controlled the village.
On February 17, 1999, after Israel alleged that attacks on IDF forces were launched from Arnoun, the village was formally incorporated into the Security Zone.
On February 26, 1999, thousands of peaceful Lebanese protesters cut through the recently erected barbed wire, effectively freeing the village.
The IDF left Arnoun on May 24, 2000, when it withdrew from the Security Zone.

Notable residents