The water crisis in Lebanon is exacerbated, and Israel’s ambitions are increasing with the increasing crisis and government failure
The water crisis in Lebanon is exacerbated, and Israel’s ambitions are increasing with the increasing crisis and government failure
In light of a difficult living reality and successive crises, the water crisis in Lebanon is exacerbated at a disturbing pace, amid a government failure in managing this vital resource, and the increasing warnings of a crisis that may threaten water security in the coming years, especially in light of climate change and the significant decline in rain rates and fall.
Lebanon, which has always been considered the richest countries in the region in terms of water wealth, is witnessing a frightening decline in its resources, not only because of the lack of water, but as a result of chronic neglect, corruption, poor planning, and administrative collapse. The projects of dams that cost hundreds of millions of dollars turned into “waste gutters”, most of which were not accomplished, or failed to perform its role.
A severe water shortage
It is estimated that the Lebanese needs about 120 liters of water per day, equivalent to about 363 million cubic meters annually, at a time when Lebanon cannot secure more than 300 million cubic meters, leaving a deficit of more than 60 million cubic meters every year. This deficit is replaced by private well water and tanks, which are sold at high prices that constitute an additional burden on citizens.
According to official data, the Lebanese buy between 12 to 15 million water tanks annually, at a cost of approximately half a billion dollars. This tragic paradox means that the Lebanese pays from his salary the price of what is supposed to be available for free, in a country rich in his water.
Failed projects
Despite the frequent talk about national water management plans and strategies, since 2000, no real infrastructure simulates the size of the problem. Projects such as the Al -Masilha Dam, the Fluids of Paradise, and others, did not enter the act of active service or proved their failure, due to corruption, the absence of follow -up or serious study.
The absence of censorship led to the depletion of natural resources, leaving rural and mountainous areas without infrastructure to collect water, although they are witnessing great falls in the winter. No lakes suitable for water storage, nor effective treatment or distribution plants. All of this brings Lebanon back to the pre -state stage, where the citizen depends on the water purchased or its self.
Israel and its continuous ambitions
In the midst of this internal collapse, fears of permanent Israeli ambitions are increasing in Lebanese waters.
Israel, which has always been considered a direct cause of its geographical and military expansion,
He continues to pressure Lebanon’s resources, whether in the highlands of Jabal Al -Sheikh, River Al -Wazzani, or Al -Zahrani, where several attempts were made during the past decades to control the sources of water.
Israeli threats do not stop at the border,
Rather, it extends to the international agreements and United Nations reports that confirm that Israel benefits from its military influence to expand its control over water resources in southern Lebanon.
In light of these threats, the active Lebanese official response is absent, amid the state’s preoccupation with its intertwined political and economic crises.
It seems that the water file, despite its danger, has not yet entered the list of successive governments.
A threat to national security due to the water crisis in Lebanon
The water crisis is no longer the issue of services or infrastructure, but it has become a direct threat to Lebanese national security.
Without water, food security, electricity, agriculture, or even social stability cannot be guaranteed.
In the absence of a clear national policy of water, and the lack of involvement of the private sector and municipalities effectively,
Things seem to have more deterioration. And with increasing population pressure and climate change,
Lebanon will be threatened with the drought of entire regions and the collapse of irrigation and drinking networks.
What after the water crisis in Lebanon?
In front of this reality, the fundamental question arises: How long will the Lebanese continue to buy water in a country that floats on springs?
And when does the state move to develop a comprehensive national water plan that invests in dams, lakes, wells and infrastructure?
And when to put an end to Israeli ambitions?
The saving of Lebanon from thirst is no longer a luxury, but rather an existential necessity that requires an urgent water emergency.
It starts from setting priorities, applying transparent policies, and creating an independent body management body,
Before entering the country in a full drought.
