The rhythm of war in southern Lebanon is changing

Dear readers,

The situation in southern Lebanon is taking a new shape.

Overnight at least two people were killed and 20 people were injured in an Israeli strike on an apartment building in Jnata, southern Lebanon. It caused the highest number of casualties seen since fighting between Hezbollah and Israel began on Oct 8. Paramedic Sally Sakiki from the Alam-affiliated Islamic Mission Scouts Civil Defense Association and Dalal Ezzeddine were killed.

The strike ends what has been a bloody and intense week of strikes and counter-strikes between both sides. On Wednesday Hezbollah fired more than 200 missiles into northern Israel, following the assassination of Taleb Abdallah, a high-ranking Hezbollah military commander. He was killed along with three other members in an Israeli strike in Jwayya on Tuesday evening. As Claude Assaf reported, his importance was exemplified in a photo showing him alongside the former head of external operations of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, Qassem Soleimani – who was assassinated by the Americans in Iraq in 2020. In this map our visual journalist, Guilhem Dorandeu made, you can clearly observe that Hezbollah decided to respond to the loss of one of its senior ranking members by pounding northern Israel with a record number of strikes in a single day.

As our journalist, Mounir Rabih writes, for several days now, Hezbollah has had the upper hand in terms of « military performance » on Lebanon’s southern front. It has stepped up its operations against Israel, not only employing more sophisticated missiles and drones but also stepping up its strikes and shooting down the best of Israel’s drones. That is not to mention its recently unveiled air defense system, capable of intercepting Israel’s fighter jets. According to Rabih, Israel is trying to regain the initiative – both by assassinating Taleb Abdallah – with this latest strike seemingly landing a clear message to Hezbollah that their strikes will be matched. Equally, with negotiations ongoing for a proposed ceasefire in Gaza sources suggest that Israel’s military escalation against Hezbollah may be linked to political pressure being « stepped up for a truce or cease-fire, to impose an agreement. »

Why is Lebanon so expensive ?

It’s a question many of you have been asking. Even in some mid-range restaurant chains, the smallest snack can quickly hit double figures in greenbacks. « I paid $20 for a manousheh, a coffee and a small bottle of water in a restaurant in Raouche … I always feel like I’m being ripped off in Lebanon, » said Marc, who had just returned home after spending a month in Paris, which he found to be better priced.

Our reporter, Fouad Gemayel has found in his latest article that food and non-alcoholic beverage prices have almost quadrupled in five years, according to figures from Consumer Protection Association.

Kamal Hamdan, director of the Consultation and Research Institute suggests that « companies are now in the process of making up for what they see as losses » during the crisis, « which is partly why prices are rising irrespective of the exchange rate, » he said. Plus « the small size of the market, the lack of control by public institutions and an oligopolistic structure gives traders the upper hand at the expense of consumers, » Hamdan added. Read more here.

So eating out is expensive … what about going to the beach ?

For some, enjoying a day at the beach right now may feel in ill-taste given the escalating conflict in southern Lebanon. However, others continue to flock to Lebanon’s rocky and sandy shore regardless. If you’re in the latter camp - you may also have noticed a hike in the cost of going to the beach this year. Beach prices range from $5 to $60 this year, compared with $3 to $40 in 2023 – even though the beach owner's union says most shouldn't exceed $35.

Don’t worry though we’re here to help. Our journalist Layal Dagher, has created this guide to Lebanon’s beaches so you can find the best-priced one for your budget.

Finally, for those of you celebrating, I wish you a very peaceful and loving Eid al-Adha.

Very best.

Olivia Le Poidevin

Head of L’Orient Today