Lebanon’s government has initiated the search for funding to rebuild the southern region.
In a consultative session chaired by Prime Minister Najib Mikati and attended by several ministers on Monday, it was recommended to establish a committee to develop a methodology for assessing damages and determining needs in the south.
Additionally, the committee would propose financing solutions for the reconstruction efforts post the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel. While ministerial confirmations were made regarding the decision, specific details were not disclosed.
The consultative session also addressed the overall security situation in the country, particularly in the south, as well as the issues of displaced persons and the country’s supply situation.
It was stated by Mikati that the purpose of the meeting was to consult and deliberate on the precision of the security and national situation, and to discuss necessary steps to fortify social stability.
Lebanon should have a unified stance towards the international community regarding the Syrian refugees issue and its impact on all aspects of Lebanese reality: economic, social, security, and sovereignty.
The session also discussed compensation for the destruction in the south. It was announced after the session by Minister of Information Ziad Makary that a recommendation was made to the Cabinet to form a committee to devise a methodology for assessing damages, determining needs, and proposing funding for the reconstruction process.
Regarding whether the government would assist in compensating the southerners for damages, it was stated that the government had made a decision on this matter without any specifics, but in principle, there would be assistance.
Non-official institutions estimate that about 1,400 residential units were destroyed in the south, with around 7,000 residential units partially destroyed or damaged. Additionally, around 360 individuals, mostly Hezbollah fighters, along with over 60 civilians and fighters from other parties, were killed.
Earlier reports suggested a plan to offer $40,000 compensation for each destroyed residential unit and $20,000 compensation for each family member killed, without specifying whether it would be limited to civilians only. The government later denied these figures before issuing its recommendation during the session.
At the beginning of the session, Mikati reiterated his call for the urgent election of a president, the completion of institutional contracts, and the necessity of overcoming the vacuum crisis that affects all components of the state and national stability.
He added that they, in the government, bear their national and social responsibilities. This was what he told Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rai.
The session comes after a week of security tensions, especially between Lebanese and Syrians, following the kidnapping and killing of the Lebanese Forces Party leader Pascal Suleiman. A Syrian gang was convicted of his murder for robbery, as confirmed by the Lebanese army.
It was stated by Mikati during the session that the country had witnessed security incidents this week that could have escalated if it were not for the efforts of the army and security forces, the seriousness of the investigations, the wisdom of the leadership and references, and the calls for calm and rationality, and the resort to conscience, which is the only way to overcome crises.
He added that with the increasing crimes committed by some Syrian refugees, it is necessary for the security agencies to address this situation firmly, take urgent measures to prevent any criminal act, and prevent any unacceptable actions against legally present Syrian brothers and displaced persons.
The session also touched on the war in the south. It was quoted by the government’s press office as saying that Mikati stated that although they have repeatedly affirmed that they are not advocates of war, Israeli attacks cannot be tolerated, and they refuse to allow their airspace to be violated.
They place these attacks before the international community and always file complaints with the Security Council in this regard. He continued that Israel is dragging the region into war, and it is the responsibility of the international community to be aware of this and put an end to this war. He pointed out that Lebanon’s friends in the world defend it and make every effort to pressure Israel to stop its aggression and prevent the escalation of confrontations.
