COVER-02 (4)

The Exemptions and Reconstruction Law: Not an Alternative to a Comprehensive National Plan

It was published in the Official Gazette on 17/7/2025

It was approved by the Parliament on 30/6/2025

It was passed with amendments by the Parliamentary Finance and Budget Committee on 26/6/2025

It was referred to the Parliament on 2/5/2025

The Council of Ministers approved the draft law on 6/3/2025

More than seven months after the ceasefire in Lebanon, on June 30, 2025, the Parliament passed the first law related to reconstruction in response to the Israeli war on Lebanon. Although it has yet to be published in the Official Gazette, the law comprises 14 articles addressing tax exemptions and support for affected individuals. Article 12 focuses specifically on the reconstruction of destroyed or damaged buildings.

Unlike the earlier draft proposed by the Mikati government—which largely replicated the 2006 post-war reconstruction law—the new law represents a partial improvement. It recognizes informal and historical housing conditions and considers the challenges of access to housing regardless of land tenure. It permits the reconstruction of buildings on public or private state-owned lands, subject to certain approvals, or otherwise offers financial assistance. 

Ultimately, the law is a limited step forward, highlighting the urgent need for a comprehensive national recovery plan for reconstruction.

Read the full commentary in Arabic.

Construction Housing Public Property Reconstruction and Recovery Lebanon