ALBAWABA - According to Lebanese Economy and Trade Minister Amin Salam, the Israeli invasion has seriously damaged the nation's economy and infrastructure, with damages estimated at $15 billion to $20 billion.
Abu Obaidah vows continued resistance and predicts inevitable victory against Israeli occupationSalam stressed in an interview with Al Jazeera that these numbers are preliminary and may rise following field surveys in the areas most impacted, such as southern Lebanon, the Bekaa Valley, and the southern suburbs of Beirut. Significant human and material losses have resulted from the war, which in recent months evolved into full-scale combat.
According to Salam, the war caused some 500,000 Lebanese to lose their jobs and about 1.5 million to be displaced. During times of high hostilities, hundreds of millions of dollars in losses were reported every day, mostly affecting vital industries like tourism, agriculture, and trade.
He emphasized that international assistance is essential to reconstructing the nation and recovering its economy, with the first phase of restoration operations expected to start in 2025 and cost between $3 billion and $5 billion.
In order to regain international trust in Lebanon, the minister also emphasized the necessity of political stability and the significance of choosing a president.
Salam remarked that although Lebanon received a lot of foreign assistance for its rebuilding following the 2006 war, the current situation necessitates an even stronger international reaction. He restated Lebanon's appeal for international collaboration, highlighting the necessity of regional accords and enduring peace in order to stop further escalation.
