War in Lebanon: What is at stake

The war involving Iran and its global repercussions had dominated international attention, with Lebanon becoming increasingly entangled in the conflict resulting in devastating consequences for its civilian population.

Speakers highlighted the severe political, social, and humanitarian effects of the escalation. Ongoing Israeli military aggressions had affected large parts of the country, destroyed critical infrastructure, and forced nearly a quarter of the population to flee. In a country already grappling with years of deep economic and institutional crisis, the war had pushed the humanitarian situation to the brink.

The discussion also addressed the fundamental political dilemma facing the Lebanese state. While international pressure to disarm Hezbollah had continued to grow, sustained Israeli military actions had further weakened already fragile state institutions and intensified internal political tensions.

Participants explored the implications of the escalation for Lebanese society and state structures, examined possible future scenarios, and discussed how Germany could provide meaningful support to Lebanon amid a deepening humanitarian crisis.