BEIRUT (AP) — After six weeks of ceasefire following the war between Israel and Hezbollah, many displaced Lebanese individuals whose homes were destroyed in the conflict are eager to rebuild. However, the process of reconstruction and compensation is moving slowly.
Large areas of southern and eastern Lebanon, along with Beirut’s southern suburbs, are in ruins, with tens of thousands of homes reduced to rubble by Israeli airstrikes. A report by the World Bank estimated in November, prior to the ceasefire, that Lebanon’s infrastructure had suffered approximately $3.4 billion in losses.
In the south, residents of border villages near Lebanon-Israel are unable to return home as Israeli soldiers remain in the area. As per the U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement, Israeli forces are expected to withdraw by January 26, though doubts linger about the timeline.
Other aspects of the agreement are also uncertain — following Hezbollah’s retreat, the Lebanese army is to take over and dismantle militant positions in the south. Israeli officials have expressed frustration over the delayed deployment of Lebanese troops, citing the need for Israeli forces to vacate first.
The outlook for reconstruction and financial responsibility remains unclear. In the aftermath of the 2006 war, Hezbollah, with support from Iran, largely funded the $2.8 billion reconstruction effort. While Hezbollah has pledged financial assistance once again and has initiated some payments, the organization has sustained significant losses in the recent conflict, and Iran is grappling with economic challenges.
Amidst a struggling Lebanese government and potential donor fatigue due to needs in Gaza and Syria, many Lebanese are banking on Hezbollah’s promised compensation. Some have received partial payments, while others feel shortchanged compared to the extent of their losses.
Manal, a 53-year-old mother from Marjayoun, has been displaced since the conflict escalated in 2023. Despite seeking compensation from Hezbollah, she is yet to receive any funds. Similarly, Mohammad, who witnessed damage near his home in southern Beirut, received inadequate compensation from Hezbollah officials.
While some individuals have reported fair compensation from Hezbollah, others remain dissatisfied with the support received. Hussein Khaireddine, director of Hezbollah’s construction arm, maintains that the group is doing its best to assist in the reconstruction efforts.
Teams have surveyed over 80% of damaged houses across Lebanon, according to a recent statement. “We have begun compensating families,” a representative disclosed. “We have also started providing payments for a year’s rent and compensations for furniture.” Payments include $8,000 for furniture and $6,000 for a year’s rent for those residing in Beirut, with individuals elsewhere receiving $4,000 for rent.
Blueprints for each house are being prepared, with detailed reconstruction plans underway. “We are not waiting for the government,” the representative emphasized. “But of course, we urge the state to act.”
Government resources for reconstruction are limited, as highlighted in a recent report by the World Bank. It estimates Lebanon’s infrastructure and economic losses from the conflict to amount to $8.5 billion, excluding the most recent period of conflict. Deputy Prime Minister Saadi Chami acknowledged the financial challenges facing the government, stating, “The government does not have the financial resources for reconstruction.”
The report indicates that 99,209 housing units were damaged, with 18% completely destroyed. In the southern Beirut suburbs, satellite analysis has identified 353 buildings as completely destroyed and over 6,000 homes as damaged.
Officials in Lebanon have reached out to the international community for funding. Collaborating with the World Bank, the government aims to establish a multi-donor trust fund following an updated damage assessment.
Efforts are being made by the World Bank to provide targeted assistance to the most affected areas. Chami noted that while plans are in progress, concrete strategies are yet to be finalized. “If the World Bank gets involved, it will hopefully encourage the international community to donate money,” he expressed.
Hezbollah has mobilized multiple reconstruction teams comprising engineers, data analysts, and auditors. Ali Daamoush, a Hezbollah official, acknowledged that the compensations distributed thus far have been sourced from the Iranian people. Jana, a volunteer architect with Hezbollah teams, is involved in surveying the damage in Nabatiyeh, her hometown in southern Lebanon. Noting the lack of a clear reconstruction plan or funding, she highlighted the importance of offering support and demonstrating genuine care for the affected population.
As the efforts continue, the situation remains complex, with challenges in funding and planning the extensive reconstruction needed in Lebanon.
