Lebanon’s Finance Minister, Yassine Jaber, emphasized the government’s commitment to securing an International Monetary Fund lending program, despite recent disruptions from Israeli strikes. Jaber expressed determination following week-long discussions with IMF and World Bank leaders in Washington.
The devastating strikes have inflicted an estimated $7 billion in damages, according to Jaber, although he noted the potential for further damage which remains unquantified. He underscored the importance of a staff-level agreement as a preliminary step towards the larger program.
Efforts to assess damage in collaboration with the World Bank are underway but face challenges due to ongoing hostilities. A ceasefire agreement was reached, aiming to quell the conflict fueled by U.S.-Israeli hostilities against Iran and allies such as Hezbollah.
(With inputs from agencies.)