Lebanon PM Says Cost of Two Latest Israeli Wars Exceeds $20 Billion

Beirut, September 15, 2026 : Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said the combined cost of the country’s two most recent wars with Israel has exceeded $20 billion, with the total potentially reaching $27 billion by the end of 2026.

Speaking before Parliament during a general debate, Salam said World Bank estimates put the cost of the first war, which began on October 8, 2023, at approximately $14 billion. This included around $7.2 billion in physical damage and $6.8 billion in economic losses.

He said the direct cost of the latest war, which began on March 2, was estimated at between $3 billion and $4 billion, while additional economic losses were currently estimated at between $4 billion and $5 billion.

Salam said the conflicts had also resulted in a significant humanitarian toll, with approximately 9,000 people killed and more than 30,000 injured. Residents of more than 75 villages and towns remained unable to return to their homes, he added.

More than 250,000 Lebanese remain displaced, according to Salam, while the latest conflict completely or partially destroyed around 91,000 housing units, in addition to approximately 230,000 homes damaged during the previous war.

The Prime Minister said Lebanon’s economy had moved from 4.2 percent growth last year to an estimated 6.4 percent contraction this year. He attributed the deterioration to several factors, including rising inflation linked to higher global oil prices following the regional conflict, declining remittances from Lebanese expatriates, and the suspension of tourism activity.

Salam stressed that the extent of the destruction had surpassed the Lebanese state’s ability to bear the financial burden using its current resources alone. He called for increased Arab and international assistance, along with substantial external financing, to support the country’s recovery.

He also emphasized that achieving lasting stability requires the state to exercise authority throughout its entire territory through its own institutions and forces, while decisions concerning war and peace remain exclusively under state authority.

Source: QNA