World Bank says Lebanon needs $11bn for post-war reconstruction

The World Bank on Friday estimated Lebanon​​​​​​'s recovery and reconstruction costs at $11bn following the war between Israel and Hezbollah, which ended with a ceasefire last November.

"Reconstruction and recovery needs following the conflict that affected Lebanon are estimated at US$11 billion," the World Bank said in a report assessing damage and losses from 8 October to 20 December 2024.

The report put the war's total economic cost at $14bn, including $6.8bn in damage to physical structures and $7.2bn in economic losses from reduced productivity, forgone revenues and operating costs.

The Lebanese housing sector was the hardest hit, with losses estimated at $4.6bn, while the tourism sector lost $3.6bn.

The 15-month war that caused heavy destruction in Lebanon, particularly in the south of the country, until a US-brokered ceasefire in November 2024.