Lebanon's recovery plan for war-torn south faces major funding shortfall

Lebanon is striving to rebuild its southern communities, battered by war, through a "National Framework for Return, Early Recovery and Restoration of Basic Services." Launched in 2026, the initiative aims to bring residents back, restore essential services, and prepare for reconstruction.

However, a substantial funding shortfall looms over these recovery efforts. The framework, designed to be scaled up to $1 billion through projects like the Lebanon Emergency Assistance Project (LEAP), has only secured $250 million. This leaves a $750 million gap, with significant portions still unfunded, particularly the $455 million allocated for reconstruction.

Social protection forms a core component of the recovery plan, with cash assistance reaching approximately 230,000 families, supporting over a million individuals. This aid is crucial for residents whose return home depends on their ability to repair dwellings, access services, and secure employment. The program also includes a separate European Union-backed initiative worth 32 million euros, targeting local authorities, small businesses, and the agricultural sector.

Despite these efforts, Lebanese ministerial sources acknowledge that while the framework provides a basis for attracting funds, it remains inadequately financed. The Ministry of Social Affairs is actively working to secure additional funding to meet the needs of affected populations.