BEIRUT: Israeli bombardment of south Lebanon in seven months of cross-border hostilities with Hezbollah has caused over $1.5 billion in damage, a Lebanese official said on Wednesday.
The conflict escalated after Lebanon’s powerful Hezbollah movement began supporting Palestinians, following the unprecedented October 7 attack on Israel.
In recent weeks, Hezbollah has intensified its attacks, prompting Israel’s military to strike deeper into Lebanese territory, targeting fighters and infrastructure associated with the group.
Hashem Haidar, chief of Lebanon’s Southern Council responsible for assessing the destruction, revealed that since October 8, the cost of damage to buildings and institutions has surpassed $1 billion. Additionally, infrastructure, including water, electricity, roads, and health services, has suffered damage estimated at an additional $500 million.
The assessment was based on information collected by teams on the ground, although it does not encompass all the destruction in hard-to-reach areas. The council relies on engineers, municipality chiefs, and local officials for information in such regions.
The Southern Council reported that approximately 1,700 buildings have been completely destroyed, with around 14,000 others damaged. Emergency personnel have reported significant damage and villages emptied of residents.
The International Organization for Migration said that over 93,000 persons have been displaced in Lebanon, while Israel has evacuated tens of thousands from its northern regions.
Journalists have faced challenges in reporting from Lebanon’s border areas due to heavy bombardment and damage to roads. Farmland and livelihoods have also been impacted, with Lebanese authorities accusing Israel of using incendiary white phosphorus bombs that have sparked fires.
Despite awaiting a ceasefire to conduct a comprehensive damage assessment, compensation procedures in Lebanon remain uncertain amid a severe economic crisis. Lebanese officials have expressed hopes for foreign support, similar to the reconstruction efforts after the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah.
The cross-border violence has resulted in the deaths of at least 390 persons in Lebanon, including militants and civilians, while Israel has reported casualties of 13 soldiers and nine civilians.
