October Crisis Update

Key Takeaways:

• • Israel escalated its military campaign in Lebanon in October, carrying out a total of 95 airstrikes. Israeli forces targeted public infrastructure and equipment needed for reconstruction across southern Lebanon and launched a deadly cross-border ground raid. In addition to hindering reconstruction and recovery efforts, these actions hamper the return of displaced persons, particularly in villages along the border. Lebanon’s government is under increasing pressure to disarm Hezbollah and engage in direct negotiations with Israel, which has signaled that it may launch a wider campaign.

  • In mid-October, Lebanese officials met with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank in Washington. Talks with the IMF focused on Lebanon’s progress in implementing tax reforms and restructuring the commercial banking sector, during which the Fund reportedly relayed its concerns over the pace and quality of reform measures. Discussions with the World Bank centered on a 250 million US dollar (USD) loan to support the energy and water sectors.  

  • The Council of Ministers approved the expansion of the Jdeideh landfill on October 9 and extended its operational mandate through the end of 2026, despite a previous decision to close the site when it reached capacity. Environmental groups and civil society criticized the decision as prolonging Lebanon’s chronic waste crisis, while experts warn the landfill will increase pollution, threaten public health, and harm the environment.

  • The parliamentary session on October 28 was adjourned indefinitely due to lack of quorum, when 63 MPs refused to attend a session that did not address amendments to the Electoral Law. Amendments to the Law are necessary to hold elections and the delay in voting on the draft legislation is impeding other legislative work.  A ministerial committee chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri has been tasked with drafting amendments to the Law, which will subsequently be presented to parliament.

  • In late October, a young man was killed by Palestinian security forces and a young woman was found dead outside a reported drug den in Beirut’s Shatila refugee camp. The incidents have rekindled a national debate over security and the presence of weapons in Palestinian camps amid ongoing implementation of the Lebanese government’s camp disarmament plan.

By Crisis Analytics Team, Mercy Corps Lebanon