Lebanese minister says economy in 'dangerous spot' in preparation for wider war

Lebanon's Economy Minister Amin Salam told Emirati outlet The National that the country's economy was in a "very dangerous spot" as it prepares for a potential wider war with Israel.

"A full-scale war in Lebanon would, in my opinion as Minister of Economy, destroy what is left of this nation," he said.

Salam said the country's current diesel supplies would last for only a month to six weeks in a scenario similar to 2006, which saw Hezbollah fight a month-long war with Israel.

Food is not immediately threatened, as stocks would last for three to four months in the markets.

The economy has already been hit by 10 months of clashes, he said, as agriculture and tourism were heavily affected.

Instead of the projected growth that would have followed a years-long economic crisis, "the economy is going backwards," he added.