Lebanese officials met with representatives of international organizations, including the World Bank, on Tuesday to initiate post-war rebuilding efforts.
The meeting addressed damage from Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon, which have destroyed civilian infrastructure over the past few years. Attendees issued recommendations such as setting a reconstruction timeline, environmental cleanup, supporting displaced families, and securing funding for municipalities and hospitals.
"One of the recommendations is to approve a mechanism for determining and paying assistance for residential and non-residential units damaged by Israeli aggression. The World Bank loan of 250 million U.S. dollars is for infrastructure, not residential units," said Ali Hamieh, advisor to the Lebanese president.
The meeting also conveyed a political message to Israel, which continues to ignore a ceasefire by targeting civilian infrastructure.
"One of the goals of this coordination meeting is to begin reconstruction because there are those who set conditions, and there are those who refuse. Israel is preventing reconstruction when it attacks vehicles that could participate in reconstruction, and it says this openly. Should we bow to Israeli dictates or should we set this wheel in motion? That is what we are doing," said Hani Kobeissi, Lebanese parliament member.
Herve Lecoq, deputy head of mission of the United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon (UNIFIL) emphasized the importance of security coordination to facilitate recovery.
"We are engaged with both parties including through the patronage meeting where all these issues are being discussed, and progress is being made in finding a way forward with tremendous effort by the LAF but also discussions about security being promoted to allow recovery and stability for the region, especially the south, of course, and the entirety of Lebanon, as well as the security of Israeli citizens," he said.
The meeting marks a pivotal moment in Lebanon's post-conflict recovery, as stakeholders attempt to balance reconstruction demands with regional instability and limited resources.
Lebanese officials meet int’l donors to discuss reconstruction after Israeli strikes
