The Lebanese Government recently increased the ceiling for subsidized housing loans provided by Banque de L’Habitat to $100,000 up from $50,000, bearing in mind that said loans are financed by a Kuwaiti Dinar 50 million (~$163 million) line of credit secured from the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development.

In addition, the Council of Ministers ratified the installation of scanners at the Ports of Beirut and Tripoli. The media office of the Minister of Public Works and Transport Mr. Fayez Rasamny commented subsequently that this step aims at enhancing security and bolstering revenues at the two ports as well as reinforcing their roles as hubs in the region, particularly in terms of exports to Arab countries. In details, the statement added that said systems will improve surveillance, restrain customs evasion, and prevent the entry of explosives and hazardous materials to Lebanon. Finally the statement unveiled that CMA Beirut Terminal S.A.L. and CMA Tripoli S.A.L. have expressed their willingness to supply, operate and maintain said scanners, with no costs incurred on the Lebanese state, and will cover their cost by increased inspection fees.

Finally, the Lebanese government resolved to covering the incremental insurance premiums that arose on Middle East Airlines as a result of the latest escalation of regional hostilities, and this is order for the company to be able to bring back Lebanese stranded outside the country to Lebanon.