The destruction of buildings in southern Lebanon resulting from the recent conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has been valued at approximately $1.38 billion, according to a joint assessment by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Lebanon’s National Council for Scientific Research (CNRS). The analysis, released on June 22, is based on a rapid damage assessment conducted through satellite imagery comparisons.

The assessment examined structural damage to buildings in the southern region of Lebanon by comparing images captured in late April 2026—about two months into the hostilities—with those from October 2025. The report thus excludes the damage incurred in the final weeks of fighting. It found that a total of 11,095 buildings were completely destroyed, which affected 17,891 housing units. Additionally, 2,242 buildings suffered partial damage, while another 9,311 sustained minor damage.

The current conflict began on March 2, when Hezbollah launched rocket attacks on Israel, marking its entry into the broader Middle East confrontation. The group cited support for its ally Iran as a motivating factor. In response, Israel initiated extensive airstrikes and a ground invasion targeting Hezbollah positions. Israeli forces have advanced up to around 12 kilometers inside southern Lebanon, where they have conducted widespread demolition and bulldozing operations, contributing to the extensive damage assessed.

While the UNDP and CNRS emphasize the significant economic cost stemming from the structural devastation, estimates are limited to physical damage to buildings and do not encompass other war-related impacts such as infrastructure disruption, civilian displacement, or economic losses. The ongoing military operations and evolving frontlines mean the final toll of destruction may be higher once comprehensive assessments become available.