Lebanon Country Report

Situated along the eastern Mediterranean coastline, the Republic of Lebanon is a small state buffeted by regional power struggles, with war-torn Syria to its north and east and Israel to its south. Lebanon is a parliamentary democracy that utilizes a complex power-sharing system of confessionalism. However, the stability of the political and security situation remains tenuous. Deep-seated sectarian divisions between the country's Christian, Sunni Muslim, and Shi'a Muslim communities have raised concerns about the prospect of wider conflict in Lebanon. Hizballah, which sees itself as a resistance movement against Israel, holds significant independent political and military power but has also been designated a terrorist organization by Western states and the Arab League.

Conflict in neighboring Syria is a threat to Lebanon’s stability. As a result of Hizballah’s involvement in the Israel-Hamas conflict, Israeli troops launched a military operation in southern Lebanon. Israeli airstrikes have targeted Hizballah positions throughout large areas of the country, including in Beirut. The death of former Hizballah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli airstrike prompted large demonstrations by Hizballah supporters. Further civil unrest over conflict-related developments cannot be ruled out. Multiple militant groups, including the Islamic State (IS), retain a presence and limited capability to stage attacks in Lebanon.

Protests frequently occur over various socioeconomic grievances. Large-scale anti-government unrest in 2019, in response to proposed tax increases, resulted in the resignation of then-Prime Minister Saad Hariri. Protesters continue to demand the resignation of Lebanon’s entire ruling elite and an overhaul of the confessional government structure; protesters claim that this system has only benefitted political elites and encourages a lack of accountability. It is not uncommon for Lebanon to be without a fully functioning government.

Lebanon has an open, free-market economy with limited restrictions on foreign investment, although political instability and public sector corruption are impediments to economic growth. The Lebanese economy is primarily based on the service sector, including tourism and financial services. Petty criminal activity is the most frequently reported threat facing foreign travelers. Infrastructure is generally well-developed in and around Beirut and other major cities in the country, although similar standards are often not found in rural areas. Areas south of the Litani River remain largely outside of effective governmental control. High-quality medical facilities and services have historically been available in Beirut, with standards of care considerably lower outside of the capital; however, the country's ongoing political and economic crises have made accessing high-quality medical care increasingly difficult.

The Israel-Hamas conflict has resulted in heightened geopolitical tensions in the region. As a result of growing tensions and Hizballah projectile fire primarily focused around northern Israel, Israeli forces launched a ground operation into southern Lebanon, resulting in significant numbers of internally displaced people and fighting between Israeli troops and Hizballah militants. Israeli airstrikes targeting alleged Hizballah positions have taken place throughout large swathes of the country, including in major cities such as Beirut. Western countries have issued travel security guidance due to the risk of violent protests and regional escalation in Lebanon.

Civil unrest occurs frequently over various socioeconomic and political issues. Large-scale anti-government unrest broke out in October 2019 in response to proposed tax increases. Demonstrations persist nationwide as protesters continue to demand the resignation of Lebanon’s entire ruling elite and an overhaul of the confessional government structure; protesters claim that this system has only benefitted political elites and encourages a lack of accountability. Prime Minister Hassan Diab resigned in the aftermath of a major explosion at the Port of Beirut in August 2020. Diab's government continued to act in a caretaker capacity until billionaire businessman Najib Mikati assumed the office of prime minister in September 2021. President Michel Aoun’s term ended in October 2022, and the presidency has been vacant since. Prime Minister Najib Mikati has continued to govern in a caretaker capacity.

Sectarian tensions can drive communal violence and result in both protests and interclan fighting. The risk of conflict with Israel remains, particularly as Israel becomes increasingly assertive in its military actions against Iran and Iranian allies, such as Hizballah. Conflict spillover from Syria is a threat in the northeastern areas, exacerbated by the presence of Sunni extremist militants. Multiple militant groups, including the Islamic State (IS), retain a presence and limited capability to stage attacks in Lebanon. Militants have attacked Shi'a interests in Beirut's southern suburbs as well as security forces in the northeastern border areas. The threat of lone-wolf attacks remains active.

There is no major concern about air travel to or from Lebanon.

Lebanon has been the victim of several cyberattacks on government interests and private organizations.

Road conditions are generally poor, with sizeable potholes even on busy roads in Beirut. Local driving habits can be dangerous.

Public service provision of water, electricity, and gas is poor, particularly since the financial crisis began in 2019 and in more rural areas. Power outages occur frequently and can last for hours at a time.

Landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) pose an ongoing threat, particularly in border areas. Earthquakes can occur and are typically minor in strength. Severe weather, including thunderstorms, hailstorms, and heavy rainfall, can occur, often causing flooding that can close roads.

Travelers’ diarrhea is the most common ailment among travelers to Lebanon. High-quality medical facilities and services have historically been available in Beirut, with standards of care considerably lower outside of the capital; however, the country’s ongoing political and economic crises have made accessing high-quality medical care increasingly difficult. Similarly, pharmacies, while historically plentiful and well stocked in city centers, have been largely depleted of essential medicines amid the country's crises. Tap water is not safe to drink.

The political situation in Lebanon is tenuous, and transitions of power are often unstable and experience sectarian violence. Large-scale anti-government unrest broke out in October 2019 and forced the resignation of then-Prime Minister Saad Hariri. Protesters have continued to demand the resignation of Lebanon’s entire ruling elite and an overhaul of the confessional government structure. Hassan Diab was appointed to the premiership in December 2019 but resigned in the aftermath of a major explosion at the Port of Beirut in August 2020. Diab's government continued to act in a caretaker capacity until billionaire businessman Najib Mikati assumed the office of prime minister in September 2021.

The political paralysis in Lebanon is worsening. After 12 attempts at electing a new president following the expiration of Michel Aoun's term on Oct. 31, 2022, the parliament remains unable to reach a consensus, as Hizballah representatives support a different candidate than the Christian parties. Furthermore, the political crisis has extended to local government, as municipal elections were postponed until 2024. This absence of governance at every level of political leadership has further complicated the deterioration of Lebanese standards of living.

Corruption is widespread in the public sector. Bribery, nepotism, embezzlement, and kickbacks are all common throughout the country. Police response in Lebanon is improving, but the lack of training and resources continues to affect the ability of the police to render effective assistance.