The trade in weapons in Lebanon, such as pistols and RPGs (B7), is booming, according to arms dealers, reflecting Lebanese's growing concern about the deteriorating security situation, and concern for personal safety. 

Possession of a weapon has always been a common phenomenon in Lebanon, even before the years of the Civil War in the 1970s and 1980s. It is worth noting that more than 30 years after the end of the war, international estimates indicate that there are about two million weapons in the hands of Lebanese citizens and in their safes.

Three arms dealers from separate Lebanese regions, with whom the AP news agency spoke, say the desire to purchase a personal weapon has grown in recent months, despite prices ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars, amid the country's worst economic and social crisis. Its history has influenced various aspects of life, including the Lebanese people's sense of fear of a loosening of the security grip of the country's security apparatus, and its need to defend itself, with rising crime rates and talk of civil war.

Car thefts increased by 212%, thefts by 265% and homicides by 101% (from 89 homicides to 179 homicides).

The trader said, "Whoever comes to buy weapons, his goal is to secure personal protection and protect his money and property, because many people keep their money in their homes," after the banks decided in 2020 to withhold money from depositors, imposing strict restrictions on the amount of money that can be withdrawn.