West Asia crisis: 'A full-scale war in Lebanon will...,' warns minister
File photo.
Lebanon's Economy MinisterAmin Salam said on Thursday (Aug 8) that the country's economy was in a very dangerous spot as the government preparedfor war, a siege, and billions of dollars of destruction and losses. Speaking to The National, Economy Minister Salam said that a full-scale war in Lebanon would destroy "what is left of this nation.”
Tensions in West Asia escalated following the killings of Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh andsenior Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr. An IDF air strike killed Shukr but Israel has not claimed responsibility for Haniyeh's assassination.
Hezbollah and Iranhave promised retaliation against Israel for these killings, raising fears that the multiple fronts fighting in parallel to the Gaza war could escalate into a full-blown regional conflict.
An emergency meeting convened
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The National reported that on Wednesday, the Lebanese cabinet convened an emergency meeting to assess the country's readinessfor a full-scale escalation, focusing on food security, energy, healthcare, and education.
Salam told the publication that ministers were preparing an emergency plan that would cost the country tens of millions of dollars to keep crucial sectors running in case of escalation.
The National reported that the emergency plan (in case of a conflict) appeared to be lacking in fuel reserves.
Also watch |Hezbollah to launch a full-scale attack on Israel in coming days?
In the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah, the formerimposed a land, sea, and air blockade on Lebanon after destroying its transportation infrastructures. Citing estimates, Salam said thatcurrent diesel supplies would last for only a month to six weeks in a similar scenario.
'If the flow of diesel is disrupted...'
Lebanon has been heavily reliant on diesel generators since the economic crisis in 2019dealt the final blow to the electricity sector. Salam told The National if the flow of diesel was disrupted,“Supermarkets will not be able to run refrigerators, hospitals will not be able to function properly, and telecoms will be impacted … this would be a disaster.”
The economy minister added that faced with this emergency,fuel providers have promised fast shipments to Lebanon within the month or the next few weeks.
He also appealed for help from the international community if the situation escalated, as Lebanon'salready dwindling foreign reserves would barely be sufficient to keep crucial sectors running.
(With inputs from agencies)