Qatar has decided to allocate $480 million to fund projects and investments in Lebanon, while preparing to rebuild three destroyed villages in the south, according to information obtained by daily An-Nahar. The initiative is reminiscent of Doha’s role in post-war reconstruction following the 2006 conflict between Hezbollah and Israel.
The reconstruction effort will focus on villages that suffered extensive destruction from the Israel-Hezbollah war in 2024 including Kfarkela in Marjayoun and Aita al-Shaab in Bint Jbeil, along with smaller localities in the western sector such as Yarine, Jibbein, Tayr Harfa, and Alma al-Shaab.
An American company is expected to accompany and supervise the rebuilding process, according to informed sources quoted by the newspaper.
In parallel, Doha has held contacts with the U.S. administration in Washington and secured written guarantees, reportedly as a precaution against the possibility that Israel could target newly rebuilt homes in the affected areas.
These efforts have involved close coordination between U.S. and Qatari ambassadors in Lebanon, Michel Issa and Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani respectively. Lebanese sources say the plans have also been reviewed at the highest political level, with follow-up by President Joseph Aoun, Speaker Nabih Berri, and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam.
The head of the Council of the South, Hashem Haidar, recently provided Lebanese officials with detailed maps and figures outlining the scale of destruction in southern towns.
Qatari Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi is scheduled to arrive in Beirut next Monday at the head of a delegation to discuss implementation mechanisms with Lebanese officials.
The delegation is also set to meet the country’s three top leaders. Speaker Berri said Qatar “truly stands by Lebanon and supports its institutions,” highlighting in particular its longstanding assistance to the Lebanese Armed Forces.
Over the past three years, Qatar has contributed an estimated $300 million to help cover military salaries, in addition to supplying fuel, military vehicles, and equipment. Doha is expected to play a central political and financial role at the International Conference to Support the Lebanese Army, scheduled for March 5 in Paris.
A Lebanese military source described Qatar as the second-largest supporter of the army after the United States, noting that Doha has reaffirmed its commitment to continued assistance in coordination with Washington.
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