Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati’s recent pledges regarding compensation for the families of those killed and houses damaged by Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon have sparked skepticism.
As reported by Hezbollah-affiliated al-Akhbar newspaper, Mikati asserted that the government is diligently working to secure funds for this purpose.
The proposed compensation plan outlines $20,000 for “each martyr’s family” and $40,000 for every completely destroyed residential unit.
However, glaring ambiguities surround the distribution of these funds, particularly concerning Hezbollah fighters, who make up a significant portion of the casualties, 266 out of the 322 killed. At least 1,000 residential units have been reported as completely destroyed.
Total estimated compensation amounts to at least $46,440,000, with $20,000 allocated for each person killed, and $40,000 for every fully destroyed house – totaling over $46 million.
In addition, an undisclosed amount will be allocated to compensate tobacco farmers on the border towns of Rmeish, Aitaroun, Houla and Mays al-Jaba – following a $2.5 billion loss in the agricultural sector due to the conflict.
Hezbollah had previously said calls for it not to join the war were futile as anti-war sentiment grows among Lebanese. Recently, anti-war billboards were targeted by molotov cocktails.
Iran, which typically provides financial support for Hezbollah‘s engagements with Israel, as well as covers post-war reparations, has stated its unwillingness to do so this time.
Since the war in Gaza erupted in October, there have been almost daily clashes along the Lebanon-Israel border between Hezbollah and the Israeli army. Israel’s military reports that at least 10 soldiers and seven civilians have been killed in these border skirmishes.
The ongoing fighting has resulted in the displacement of tens of thousands of residents on both sides of the border. Israel has repeatedly threatened that it may launch an operation against Hezbollah to ensure the safe return of its citizens.
