BEIRUT — After six weeks of a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, many Lebanese displaced by the recent conflict are eager to rebuild their lives and homes, but the process of reconstruction and receiving compensation has proven to be sluggish.
Large areas of southern Lebanon, parts of eastern Lebanon, and the southern suburbs of Beirut remain devastated, with tens of thousands of houses reduced to debris following Israeli airstrikes. The World Bank, in a report from November just ahead of the ceasefire, estimated Lebanon’s infrastructure losses to be around $3.4 billion.
Villages near the Lebanon-Israel border remain inaccessible for residents due to the ongoing presence of Israeli soldiers. Under a ceasefire agreement brokered by the U.S., Israeli forces are scheduled to withdraw by January 26, but skepticism lingers over this promise.
The agreement also stipulates that upon the withdrawal of Hezbollah, the Lebanese military is to replace them and dismantle the militant positions in the south. Israeli officials have voiced concerns over the sluggish movement of Lebanese troops into these areas, emphasizing that Israeli forces need to exit first.
The future of reconstruction and who will finance it remains uncertain. Following the Israel-Hezbollah conflict in 2006, Hezbollah financed a significant portion of the $2.8 billion reconstruction effort with support from Iran. The group has indicated a willingness to fund reconstruction again but has commenced payments slowly.
However, Hezbollah has faced considerable losses during the latest war, and Iran currently struggles with a severe economic crisis, impacting support. The Lebanese government, also financially strained and largely immobilized, is ill-equipped to assist, while international donors may be overwhelmed by needs arising from conflicts in Gaza and Syria.
Many residents express anticipation for promised financial aid from Hezbollah, while others report receiving only a fraction of what they require to rebuild. Manal, a 53-year-old mother of four from Marjayoun, has lived displaced for more than a year since hostilities began on October 8, 2023. She is still awaiting compensation for her destroyed home and noted, “We haven’t received any money yet. Maybe our turn hasn’t arrived.”
In southern Beirut, Mohammad observed workers clearing debris near his home, which narrowly escaped recent airstrikes. His father managed to secure $2,500 from Hezbollah, a sum insufficient to cover the $4,000 damage incurred. Mohammad shared that after his uncle was offered merely $194 for similar damages, the reaction from Hezbollah was dismissive — asking what contributions he had made to the war effort.
Conversely, some individuals feel fairly compensated. Abdallah Skaiki, whose home was completely damaged, stated he received $14,000 from Qard Al-Hasan, a microfinance entity linked to Hezbollah. Hussein Khaireddine, head of Hezbollah’s construction division, noted that they are making strides in compensating families and surveying damaged houses throughout Lebanon.
Khaireddine explained that compensation packages include $8,000 for furniture and $6,000 for a year’s rent for those affected in Beirut, while families residing in other areas are receiving $4,000 for rent. However, he did not detail plans for reconstruction. “We are not waiting for the government,” he emphasized, while still encouraging state action.
Unfortunately, the government’s capacity for reconstruction remains minimal. According to a mid-November World Bank report, the economic and infrastructural damage from the conflict is estimated at $8.5 billion, a figure that does not encompass developments in the last month of fighting. Deputy Prime Minister Saadi Chami remarked that the government fundamentally lacks financial resources to initiate rebuilding.
The World Bank has reported over 99,200 housing units suffered damages, with 18% completely destroyed. Satellite analysis indicated that in the southern suburbs of Beirut alone, 353 buildings were entirely destroyed, with over 6,000 homes affected.
Lebanese authorities have turned to the international community for financial aid and are collaborating with the World Bank to update damage assessments while preparing for a multi-donor trust fund. The World Bank is considering an “emergency project for Lebanon” that would focus on providing targeted relief to the most vulnerable areas, although specifics have yet to be announced. “If the World Bank becomes involved, it’s hoped that it will motivate the international community to contribute funds,” Chami expressed.
Ali Daamoush, a Hezbollah official, reported that the group has established 145 reconstruction teams involving roughly 1,250 engineers and 300 data analysts, along with a multitude of volunteers. He highlighted that all compensated so far have received funds from “the Iranian people,” though the source of these funds—government or private—remains unspecified.
Jana, a 29-year-old architect volunteering with Hezbollah, noted the extensive damage in her hometown of Nabatiyeh, which includes the destruction of historic sites such as an Ottoman-era market. Her father’s warehouse, filled with medical supplies, was consumed by fire during the airstrikes.
Regarding reconstruction commitments, she mentioned that Hezbollah officials advised against making promises due to a lack of clear funding or plans. “They encouraged us to provide support and reassure the community that they are cared for,” she concluded.