The World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) are seeking to influence Lebanon as the nation attempts to rebuild. Lebanese Finance Minister Yassin Jaber announced earlier in the month that the World Bank prepared a “preliminary plan” worth $1 billion to assist in rebuilding efforts. Lebanon is attempting to form a new government, and the West is encroaching on the Middle Eastern nation to ensure it can insert political influence if not dominance.
The war between Israel and rebel group Hezbollah claimed over 4,000 lives and caused billions in damages. The estimated damages continue to rise but Lebanon is in desperate need of capital as its economy was in ruin before the war even happened. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam told the United Nations that his aim is to disarm Hezbollah, but the group maintains a powerful political force. Lebanon must find a way to rid itself of Hezbollah if it wishes to secure funding.
IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva said that any funding would be “linked to specific steps and procedures with a specific time frame and objective.” The European Union has taken an interest as well, offering to disburse €500 million in aid as part of a deal signed last year that was contingent on reducing the number of migrants. US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff also stated he believes the US may wish to broker a deal.
I reported that the US military is building a $1.2 billion mega compound in Awkwar, Lebanon. The location is a mere 10 miles from the center of Beirut and 60 miles away from the Israeli border. Hezbollah and Israel agreed to a ceasefire on November 27, 2024, but the group is still strong and continues to support Hamas.
The West needs to preserve its dominance in the Middle East and rid Lebanon of Hezbollah. Every banking institution and nation has its eye on Lebanon as it digs its way out of economic ruin. Lebanon’s GDP declined by nearly 40% since 2019, contracting 4% in 2024 alone due to the conflict with Israel. Inflation reached 67.4% in 2024 with the Lebanese pound losing an astounding 98% of value in the past five years alone. Lebanon is desperate for political reform and funding. Eliminating Hezbollah and accepting Western influence may be the only option for the nation to begin recovery efforts as the people of Lebanon continue to suffer.
