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The Geopolitician

Country risk, from the local press

Lebanon · Country watch

Lebanon Security Measures, Central Bank Reserves Drop

Lebanon strengthens security in Beirut amid Hezbollah rallies; Central Bank reserves decline, impacting finance sector.

· · 3 sources

The picture Deteriorating

Business conditions in Lebanon are deteriorating due to increased security measures in Beirut and declining central bank reserves, impacting finance.

In this briefing Lebanese Army · Beirut · Banque du Liban · Youssef Raji · Abbas Araghchi · Nizar Amidi

Regulation

Nothing significant reported today.

Disruption

Nothing significant reported today.

Internal tension

Nothing significant reported today.

Safety & health

  • Public sector

Lebanese Army enforces security in Beirut

close-up photography of concrete building
Etienne Boulanger / Unsplash

The Lebanese Army implemented security measures in Beirut and its southern suburbs on Saturday, according to An-Nahar. The army's Directorate of Orientation stated that units conducted both motorized and foot patrols, setting up temporary checkpoints to pursue wanted individuals and maintain order. This action followed rallies by Hezbollah supporters on Friday, involving dozens of motorcycles. The measures aim to stabilize the area amid heightened tensions.

Impact Employers and residents in Beirut face increased security presence and potential disruptions due to military operations.

Sources: An-Nahar النهار ↗, Leb Economy ↗

Companies

Nothing significant reported today.

Markets

  • Finance

Lebanon's Central Bank reserves fall to $11 billion

central bank of lebanon.
central bank of lebanon. Karan Jain from Washington, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Lebanon's Central Bank reserves have significantly decreased from $30 billion at the onset of the financial crisis in 2019 to approximately $11 billion, reports Leb Economy. The decline was sharp during the initial years of the crisis, but the bank started recovering some losses from mid-2023. This reduction in reserves reflects the ongoing economic challenges and currency pressures faced by Lebanon.

Impact Lenders and financial institutions in Lebanon are affected by the reduced foreign currency reserves, impacting liquidity and credit availability.

Sources: Leb Economy ↗

Trade

Nothing significant reported today.

Politics

  • Public sector

Lebanese Foreign Minister discusses economic ties in Iraq

Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Raji met with Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi in Baghdad during the Organization of Islamic Cooperation's Foreign Ministers' meeting, according to An-Nahar. Discussions focused on bilateral relations and regional developments. Raji also met Iraqi President Nizar Amidi to explore economic cooperation, as reported by Leb Economy. These talks aim to strengthen Lebanon's economic ties in the region.

Impact Exporters and investors in Lebanon may see new opportunities as the government seeks to enhance economic relations with Iraq and Iran.

Sources: Leb Economy ↗, An-Nahar النهار ↗

Also today in Lebanon

Sources in this briefing

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