Finance Minister Yassine Jaber during a press conference at the ministry in Beirut on Feb. 27. Illustrative photo released by the Ministry of Finance
Calling the situation in southern Lebanon a ‘’real catastrophe,’’ Finance Minister Yassine Jaber on Saturday appealed to ‘’Lebanon's friendly countries to support the people of the South’’ in reconstruction efforts. He also recalled that authorities are preparing a conference scheduled for July aimed at mobilizing nearly $1 billion for reconstruction, according to our regional correspondent.
During a tour of the region, including a stop at the Sour municipality, Jaber said the priority is to restore life to the affected areas, enable residents to return to their homes and support those whose houses have been destroyed, notably through rehousing solutions, housing allowances and the rapid restoration of essential services.
He assured that the state would stand by its citizens and was capable of managing this initial phase by facilitating returns and supporting displaced residents, again describing the situation in the South as a ‘’real catastrophe.’’
According to a study by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Lebanon's National Council for Scientific Research (CNRS-L), Lebanon, ravaged since early March by renewed fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, had, as of April 29, 2026, sustained more than $1 billion in damage, with over 11,000 buildings completely destroyed in the South.
Jaber stressed that financing remains the cornerstone of the reconstruction plan. Over the past four months, he said, the government's efforts have focused on several priorities: Ensuring the regular payment of salaries in dollars to preserve monetary stability, financing the health sector, supporting displaced people and maintaining public services, particularly electricity, water and telecommunications.
Detailing resources already secured, the minister announced that a $250 million World Bank loan for southern Lebanon is now ready for disbursement. He also noted that France had provided an $80 million package dedicated to development, reconstruction and the rehabilitation of hospitals and schools.
Jaber added that the Ministry of Social Affairs is preparing a substantial social support package, alongside funds earmarked for housing allowances and alternative accommodation for those whose homes were destroyed.
The minister said authorities are working to organize a conference in July aimed at mobilizing nearly $1 billion for reconstruction, assuring that work would begin immediately with available resources while awaiting additional international assistance.
He noted that the Ministry of Public Works, in coordination with the Council for the South, has already begun reopening roads, while relevant authorities will conduct a comprehensive damage assessment to compensate affected residents.
Highlighting the scale of the devastation, Jaber said losses amount to billions of dollars, ‘’a burden Lebanon cannot bear alone.’’ He stressed that compensating residents and providing housing for those who have lost their homes remain top priorities, adding that several parallel measures will be implemented.
