After years of Smuggling Lebanon and Syria Legalize Border Crossing

After years of smuggling—and the use of border crossings between Lebanon and Syria to supply Hezbollah instead of the state, in coordination with the Syrian regime—both countries have finally begun to deal with these crossings more seriously. The aim is to legalize them, curb smuggling operations, and restore their original role as channels for legitimate trade between the two countries.

There are strong indications that a new border crossing in northern Lebanon will soon reopen: the official Jisr al-Bqaiya – Jisr al-Qamar crossing, located in the Wadi Khaled area of Akkar, with the goal of facilitating the regular movement of goods between Lebanon and Syria. It is expected to open within the next two weeks.

Coordination is underway to designate the crossing as an official route for commercial exchange, helping to regulate and organize border traffic. The Dabousieh crossing is also expected to open at the beginning of July.