BEIRUT, June 8 (Xinhua) -- Lebanon's economy could contract by 7 to 10 percent in 2026 if the regional conflict continues, Finance Minister Yassine Jaber warned, according to a statement released on Monday.
Speaking at the annual meeting of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development in Riga on Sunday, Jaber said Israel's persistent strikes on Lebanon has displaced over one million people, caused extensive damage to infrastructure, disrupted trade and tourism, increasing pressure on public finances.
He said sustainable economic recovery requires lasting stability, urging an end to hostilities rather than "fragile truces" that offer no real security.
Jaber also reaffirmed Lebanon's commitment to IMF-backed reforms, including banking sector restructuring and measures to restore confidence in the financial system, according to the statement released by the Ministry of Finance. ■
