Amid the remnants of a once-thriving commercial sector in southern Beirut, Lebanon’s entrepreneurs confront the harsh reality of War-damaged businesses. Israeli airstrikes have left a trail of economic devastation, raising questions about the survival of small businesses and the nation’s broader economic future.
The Heavy Toll of Conflict
In Dahieh, a Hezbollah-controlled suburb of Beirut, the aftermath of war is palpable. Ibrahim Mortada, a car parts dealer who built his business over 23 years ago, now stands among ruins. “I have lost $20,000 and my only source of income,” he laments. Similarly, Imad Abdelhak’s garage, once a bustling hub of activity, suffered collateral damage. “We were confident we wouldn’t be hit,” he reflects, a sentiment shared by many who believed their businesses were safe.
Further south, Nabatieh’s historic Ottoman-era market—a 500-year-old symbol of economic and cultural vitality—is now in ruins. Business owner Yusuf Mouzzain, who lost $80,000 worth of goods, describes this war as unparalleled in its destruction: “This is the worst we have seen.”
Hezbollah’s Promises of Aid
For many affected, hope rests on Hezbollah’s pledges of financial assistance. In Nabatieh, the group has promised $5,000 per household for rent and $8,000 for furniture replacement. Yet, support for businesses remains uncertain. Jalal Nasser, who lost a $250,000 investment in his restaurant and coffee complex, remains cautiously optimistic: “We are waiting for Hezbollah. I’m sure they will give.”
An Economy on the Brink
Lebanon’s economic challenges are staggering. The World Bank estimates $8.5 billion in damages from the conflict, compounding the nation’s ongoing financial crisis and the aftershocks of the 2020 Beirut port explosion. Unlike the post-2006 war era, when international funds flowed into Lebanon, external support now remains uncertain. “There is nothing yet in terms of allocation for reconstruction,” says Nasser Yasin, Lebanon’s environment minister. Yasin accuses Israeli forces of “urbicide,” the systematic destruction of urban areas, a claim supported by the widespread devastation.
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The Long Road to Recovery
Rebuilding Lebanon’s economy will require unprecedented effort and investment. Imran Riza, the UN’s deputy special coordinator for Lebanon, describes the scale of destruction as “enormous,” emphasizing the daunting path ahead. Business owners like Niran Ali, whose children’s clothing store was obliterated, face overwhelming challenges. Holding a soot-covered garment, Ali remarks, “Maybe this pink tracksuit is the only thing left of my business.”
Conclusion
Lebanon’s business community is at a crossroads, relying on international aid, local leadership, and community resilience to rebuild. Yet, with financial assistance uncertain and damages unprecedented, the journey ahead is fraught with difficulties. As Yusuf Mouzzain pleads, “We have lost everything. Someone has to give us something.”
The resilience of Lebanon’s entrepreneurs will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in the nation’s recovery. However, the scale of support needed—both domestically and internationally—cannot be understated.
