MEIRSS Lebanon Weekly Brief 2-8 Nov

Abstratc:
Between 2 and 8 November 2026, three developments shaped Lebanon’s security and economic outlook: continued Israeli military operations in the south, higher limits for access to frozen deposits, and further electricity negotiations with Qatar. Together, they highlighted the gap between immediate relief and the conditions required for sustained recovery.

A November 4 strike killed one person and wounded another in Qabrikha. Ground incidents near Zawtar Gharbieh and in Deir Mimas also affected civilian access and Lebanese Army deployments. On November 3, Banque du Liban issued amendments raising monthly deposit-access ceilings under Circulars 158 and 166 to $1,200 and $600 from December 1. The increases are restricted to card spending, while cash limits remain unchanged.

Meanwhile, Energy Minister Joe Saddi travelled to Doha for negotiations on Qatar’s electricity proposal. Discussions addressed gas support and possible electricity imports from Syria, with further talks expected after the reporting cut-off. The banking measures offer limited relief, and the energy negotiations could support recovery, but neither resolves the underlying financial and infrastructure challenges. Their benefits depend on implementation, sustainable funding and improved security.

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