Key Takeaways:
- Total Israeli shelling incidents in southern Lebanon decreased in March; however, individual strikes were more lethal and destructive, causing significant damage to infrastructure and private homes. Israel also continued targeting the Bekaa Valley with airstrikes, six of which were launched during the month.
- The Quintet group met with Lebanese officials to address the presidential election impasse, emphasizing the urgency of ending the 16-month executive vacuum amid the low-level conflict between Hezbollah and Israel. Separately, Maronite Patriarch Bechara al-Rai led discussions focused on expediting the election of a new head of state, as well as Lebanon’s “national identity” and “promoting coexistence”.
- On March 13, Beirut Governor Marwan Abboud announced new regulations applying to Syrian nationals residing in the Lebanese capital, who are now required to register their residency with the municipality. Landlords of Syrian tenants must also register rental agreements with Syrians at the municipality.
- On March 1, pension payments for private school teachers increased sixfold, funded by a new strategy requiring private schools to contribute 10 US dollars per pupil each month to a central fund. This measure also aims to support future salary increases proposed by the Teachers Union.
- On March 19, the Ministry of Labor’s Indicator Committee doubled the private sector minimum wage from 9 million Lebanese pounds (LBP) to LBP 18 million, and increased compensation for school expenses in private schools to LBP 12 per child, and in public schools to LBP 4 million per child.
By Crisis Analytics Team, Mercy Corps Lebanon
