Yossi Schwartz ISL (RCIT section in Israel/Occupied Palestine) 15.07.2026
Following Trump and Netanyahu’s failure to eliminate Hezbollah, the Lebanese government is attempting to weaken the organization by turning public opinion against it. Last month, the “Call to Save Lebanon” was launched. a civil initiative signed by more than 400 people from a variety of ethnic groups in the country. Among the “those who signed there were even a few Shiite activists and public figures”, who consistently criticize Hezbollah, and they think that in light of Trump’s policy of using the Lebanese army, which has never defended Lebanon, to disarm Hezbollah, this is an opportune time to eliminate Hezbollah from within. The initiative was not born as a party, but as a joint public statement against the backdrop of the ongoing economic crisis, the weakening of state institutions and the criticism of Hezbollah’s involvement against the genocide of the Gazans and the imperialist war against Iran. Simply put, those who signed the call are the submissive servants of American imperialism and Zionism.
The Zionist and Western imperialism propaganda is that Hezbollah is to be blamed for the poor economy. The document says that Hezbollah is responsible for Lebanon’s tough economic situation. The document calls for the restoration of Lebanese sovereignty, the strengthening of state institutions, the concentration of weapons in the hands of the state alone, and a reduction in dependence on external interests.
In reality, Israel’s wars on Lebanon and the US-Israel War with Iran are the cause of Lebanon’s poor Economy. Lebanon’s economy has deteriorated due to intensified Israeli airstrikes, resulting in thousands of casualties, widespread destruction of homes, and significant disruptions to economic activities.
While Lebanon has faced wars before, the current war is the first time the country has seen more than 1.2 million people displaced from their homes during an ongoing severe economic and fiscal crisis.
“Lebanon’s recent crisis began in October 2019 when banks halted payments, triggering a series of adverse effects on the economy.
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) released a report this week, highlighting the evident repercussions of the Gaza war on Lebanon from multiple angles.
By September 24, 2023, the poverty rate had risen to 94% in Nabatieh Governorate and 87% in South Lebanon Governorate.
Between October 8, 2023, and September 18, 2024, over 50,000 homes were destroyed or damaged as a result of airstrikes.93% of the destruction occurred in Marjeyoun, Bint Jbeil, and Tyre, with a total of 121 hectares and 47,000 olive trees destroyed, significantly impacting the region’s economy, which relies on olive cultivation for 10% of its income, ESCWA said.
The use of phosphorus and incendiary bombs has devastated agriculture in southern Lebanon, destroying farmland, livestock, and infrastructure. This undermines state institutions’ ability to tackle the escalating challenges from the war due to declining public spending, insufficient international aid, and deteriorating rule of law and government effectiveness.
ESCWA also notes that disruptions to tourism and other economic sectors, particularly agriculture and trade, could further hinder economic prospects and limit growth opportunities. The physical damage to infrastructure, including transportation networks and public utilities, restricts access to essential services and overall economic activity.
The financial burden will also fall heavily on families. Rebuilding destroyed homes, repairing damage, and securing alternative housing will deepen the war’s economic impact and push more households into poverty. Today, prices are rising as a result of supply problems – especially oil from the Gulf region, which has largely stopped since the US and Iran imposed a blockade on the Strait of Hormuz. In Lebanon, already suffering from an economic crisis, there is less work and people are losing their jobs.
Lebanon’s government had been positive about the country’s economy last year, with the World Bank recording a t 3.5 percent GDP growth in 2025.But with the country back in the throes of war and the global impact from the war on Iran, that growth appears to have been eradicated[i]“
Endnotes:
[i] https://www.forbesmiddleeast.com/industry/economy/between-2006-and-2024-wars-lebanons-economy-continue-bleeding