IMF and World Bank Condition Aid for Lebanon on Political Reforms and Normalization with Israel
The IMF and World Bank are tying reconstruction funds for Lebanon to normalization with Israel and Hezbollah’s disarmament. A $1 billion plan awaits approval contingent on specified financial and political reforms. The EU is also holding back funding, linking it to reforms. Lebanon requires $6-7 billion for post-conflict rebuilding.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank are reportedly conditioning reconstruction funds for Lebanon on the normalization of relations with Israel and the disarmament of Hezbollah. According to sources, IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva informed Lebanon’s central bank acting governor, Wassim Mansouri, that funding will be tied to specific reforms with an established timeframe and objectives. These conditions coincide with anticipated political pressures targeting normalization and disarmament.
This development follows statements by US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, suggesting that Lebanon and Syria might engage in normalization agreements similar to those brokered by former President Donald Trump. Lebanese Finance Minister Yassin Jaber announced that the World Bank had devised a preliminary plan for a $1 billion reconstruction initiative following recent Israeli conflicts. The plan’s approval is contingent upon Lebanon implementing the required financial and political reforms.
The European Union has similarly linked funding to comprehensive reforms, delaying a €500 million disbursement necessary for managing refugee flows from Lebanon. Current estimates indicate that Lebanon requires approximately $6-7 billion for infrastructure rebuilding and debris removal resulting from Israeli actions, with Hezbollah providing significant funding for restoration efforts.
In conclusion, the IMF and World Bank’s requirements for Lebanon’s reconstruction are deeply intertwined with political reforms regarding relations with Israel and Hezbollah’s disarmament. This linkage reflects a broader international strategy to influence regional stability and security through conditional financial assistance. Lebanon’s urgent need for substantial funds emphasizes the critical nature of these ongoing discussions and the geopolitical implications of the situation.
Original Source: www.presstv.ir
