Days after a U.S.-brokered ceasefire ended the war between Israel and Hezbollah, Lebanon is now faced with the task of rebuilding the devastated country. While the ceasefire brought a brief moment of relief, the enormity of the destruction quickly became apparent. Towns and villages in southern and eastern Lebanon lay in ruins, with an estimated $8.5 billion in losses according to the World Bank.
The ceasefire deal has raised numerous questions for Lebanon, including who will finance the reconstruction efforts, whether Hezbollah will fully withdraw its fighters and weapons from the south, and how the Lebanese army will ensure compliance. The political paralysis in Lebanon between groups supporting and opposing Hezbollah has only deepened during the war, threatening the stability of the fragile ceasefire.
The initial 60-day phase of the ceasefire requires Hezbollah and Israeli forces to withdraw from south Lebanon, with the Lebanese army stepping in to prevent Hezbollah from rebuilding its military infrastructure. However, tensions between the army and the powerful militant group are likely to arise, given Hezbollah’s significant support among Lebanon’s Shiite Muslims.
International involvement through a monitoring mechanism, including the U.S. and France, aims to ensure the implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701. With concerns over Lebanon’s ability to disarm Hezbollah and the potential for Israeli attacks, the country’s already weakened military is in a precarious position.
Lebanon, already in the midst of a severe financial crisis, faces the daunting challenge of funding reconstruction efforts while addressing urgent economic issues and political gridlock. The international community’s support, both financially and politically, will be crucial in navigating the complex aftermath of the war and safeguarding Lebanon’s future stability.
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