If any more proof of the humanitarian crisis afflicting Lebanon was needed, the long lines for bread in Beirut should suffice. The "bread crisis" is getting worse, bakeries are collapsing, and people have no money. The situation is similar at the gas stations.
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The ATM machines are often empty and the public's anger is growing, sometimes to uncontrollable levels. A clerk in the public sector was seen on video taking his rage out at a local bank, smashing a glass partition after trying in vain to withdraw his salary. This is just a snippet of the harsh reality the people of Lebanon are facing. Everything is expensive, inflation is skyrocketing, and the local currency isn't rebounding. The people are buckling under the unbearably high cost of living as political chaos abounds.
"Our country is falling apart, it's very difficult. People don't know how to get out of this situation and certainly can't solve this alone. Even our leaders can't cope with what is happening. Wherever you go, everything is collapsing, you can't plan for anything, the youngsters want a future and love Lebanon but if this goes on, many will leave because it's intolerable," one Beirut resident told Israel Hayom.
The controversy surrounding the maritime border between Israel and Lebanon is a critical matter whose foot-dragging, in his words, has wasted precious time that has prevented the Lebanese people from much-needed revenue. First and foremost, he blames the Lebanese leadership for the ongoing conflict over drilling rights.
"The Lebanese statesmen are preoccupied with personal considerations, corruption, and narrow interests. If they cared about the people, they would have solved the maritime dispute a long time ago. There are natural treasures on the Lebanese side, but our politicians neglected this issue and have avoided resolving it. They are the first reason for Lebanon's bankruptcy. If they would have made the effort to utilize the gas and oil at sea, our lives would look much different," he said.
'Nothing holding the economy together'
With that, after giving Israel "half a compliment," he says there's suspicion toward Israel on the Lebanese street exists and even increases every time a senior Israeli official threatens their country.
The last such instance involved Defense Minister Benny Gantz, who said, "Israel won't be deterred if a military operation in Lebanon is required."
"We don't like hearing these things; it bothers us and creates a negative atmosphere against Israel. We are familiar with Hezbollah and don't absolve it of responsibility, but don't think that justifies threats of war against Lebanon because, at the end of the day, it's the people who suffer," the Beirut resident continued.
"Business owners have fled. There's nothing holding the economy together. People don't allow themselves to consume like they used to. Families are leaning on charities for basic goods, and even the cost of Wi-Fi has gone up. The economic issue is the most important. We can't wait for political stability in Lebanon because it will never happen. People need normal lives now, not in another 50 years, that's what the world needs to understand," he added.
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