Smoke rises from an Israeli air strike on southern Beirut in 2024. Hezbollah covers the rent of Lebanese whose homes were destroyed in the war. AFP
Smoke rises from an Israeli air strike on southern Beirut in 2024. Hezbollah covers the rent of Lebanese whose homes were destroyed in the war. AFP
Smoke rises from an Israeli air strike on southern Beirut in 2024. Hezbollah covers the rent of Lebanese whose homes were destroyed in the war. AFP
Smoke rises from an Israeli air strike on southern Beirut in 2024. Hezbollah covers the rent of Lebanese whose homes were destroyed in the war. AFP

Hezbollah to extend rent payments for Lebanese whose homes were destroyed by Israel


Jamie Prentis
  • English
  • Arabic

Hezbollah will continue to pay the rent of Lebanese people whose homes were destroyed by Israel in last year's war, officials from the group have said.

When a tenuous ceasefire came into effect last November between Israel and Hezbollah, the militant group said it would provide up to $6,000 for a year of rent for those who lost their primary residence.

With the anniversary of that date fast approaching, some residents had recently voiced concerns over whether the assistance would continue.

But Youssef Zein, Hezbollah's spokesman, told The National that the payments to help displaced people pay rent elsewhere would continue, at up to $500 a month − $6,000 a year.

“There is no conceivable option where this doesn't continue,” said another Hezbollah official.

“If you know the damage of the war and the crisis in Lebanon, you would know Hezbollah can't leave the people like that,” they added.

Two residents of villages in southern Lebanon whose homes were destroyed by Israel and relied on the rent assistance said that last month officials had been in contact to assure them that the payments would continue.

“The people were scared that in December maybe they will not get paid,” one resident said, adding that they were told not to worry and that the rent assistance would continue.

Following the ceasefire, which Israel continues to violate on a daily basis, Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem confirmed that the group would provide a lump sum of $8,000 to those whose primary homes were destroyed in the war to cover the loss of possessions.

Some $6,000 would also be given for a year of rent for those living in Beirut or its suburbs and $4,000 for those outside the capital until they can move back home, he said at the time.

A World Bank assessment in November 2024 estimated that conflict-related damages to housing in Lebanon amounted to approximately, $3.3 billion, affecting nearly 100,000 housing units.

This is largely in south Lebanon, the southern suburbs of Beirut and the Baalbek region, areas where Hezbollah's largest support base comes from.

According to a March 2025 report, the World Bank estimated that Lebanon needs $11 billion for recovery and reconstruction following the war.

With the government cash-strapped and international donors refusing to commit to large-scale transfers until there is economic reform and progress on Hezbollah being disarmed, very little of the money needed is flowing in. Around 80,000 people remain displaced.

Hezbollah has repeatedly said that the government must lead on reconstruction efforts, not the group.

Lebanese authorities have sought to restrict financing of the group and stepped up the monitoring of money coming in from Hezbollah's main backer, Iran.

The fall of the Assad regime in Syria, once a key ally of Hezbollah, also stripped the group of its main land supply route.

But Hezbollah appears to remain financially resilient, despite the pressure internationally and from some inside Lebanon.

US envoy Tom Barrack recently claimed that Hezbollah has been receiving “$60 million a month” since the November ceasefire.

5 of the most-popular Airbnb locations in Dubai

Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:

• Dubai Marina

The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular locations, says Mr Grudziecki, due to their closeness to the beach, restaurants and hotels.

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh482 to Dh739 
Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960 
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104

• Downtown

Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure.  “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154

• City Walk

The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena.  “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809 
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052 
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210 

• Jumeirah Lake Towers

Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh422 to Dh629 
Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818 
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941

• Palm Jumeirah

Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770 
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002 
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152 

COMPANY PROFILE
Name: ARDH Collective
Based: Dubai
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Sector: Sustainability
Total funding: Self funded
Number of employees: 4
THE BIO

Ms Al Ameri likes the variety of her job, and the daily environmental challenges she is presented with.

Regular contact with wildlife is the most appealing part of her role at the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi.

She loves to explore new destinations and lives by her motto of being a voice in the world, and not an echo.

She is the youngest of three children, and has a brother and sister.

Her favourite book, Moby Dick by Herman Melville helped inspire her towards a career exploring  the natural world.

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Which honey takes your fancy?

Al Ghaf Honey

The Al Ghaf tree is a local desert tree which bears the harsh summers with drought and high temperatures. From the rich flowers, bees that pollinate this tree can produce delicious red colour honey in June and July each year

Sidr Honey

The Sidr tree is an evergreen tree with long and strong forked branches. The blossom from this tree is called Yabyab, which provides rich food for bees to produce honey in October and November. This honey is the most expensive, but tastiest

Samar Honey

The Samar tree trunk, leaves and blossom contains Barm which is the secret of healing. You can enjoy the best types of honey from this tree every year in May and June. It is an historical witness to the life of the Emirati nation which represents the harsh desert and mountain environments

Quick pearls of wisdom

Focus on gratitude: And do so deeply, he says. “Think of one to three things a day that you’re grateful for. It needs to be specific, too, don’t just say ‘air.’ Really think about it. If you’re grateful for, say, what your parents have done for you, that will motivate you to do more for the world.”

Know how to fight: Shetty married his wife, Radhi, three years ago (he met her in a meditation class before he went off and became a monk). He says they’ve had to learn to respect each other’s “fighting styles” – he’s a talk it-out-immediately person, while she needs space to think. “When you’re having an argument, remember, it’s not you against each other. It’s both of you against the problem. When you win, they lose. If you’re on a team you have to win together.” 

Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
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Updated: October 10, 2025, 3:59 PM