Salim Sfeir, "Ali Baba" and 45 Banks

On the seventh anniversary of the October 17, 2019 collapse, the article levels direct accusations at the Association of Banks, headed by Salim Sfeir, and at 45 member banks, holding them responsible for seizing depositors' money and imposing withdrawal and transfer restrictions since that date. It cites IMF reports warning of the economy's fragility and declining deposit inflows, and the World Bank's description of Lebanon's financing as a "Ponzi" model, arguing that the banks are trying to evade their share of the losses while depositors await transparent accountability and the return of their money.