Almond trees with symptoms of leaf yellowing, shoot proliferation and dieback were observed in the Bekaa region (Lebanon). Witches'-brooms on affected trees was the most characteristic symptom. Because such symptoms are often seen on plants infected by phytoplasma, samples were collected and analyzed by PCR. All almond tissues with witches'-brooms gave positive PCR reactions, but not the healthy or symptomless samples. The amplified DNA of the phytoplasma was analyzed by RFLP, and the restriction profiles were different from those published for other phytoplasmas infecting almond trees in Western Europe. Sequence analysis of the amplified DNA showed that it is closely related to the Pigeon pea Witches'-brooms cluster (PPWB). In Bekaa Valley, the disease is presently diffused in different localities of the center and east parts. Recent surveys showed the disease to spread rapidly in the north of Lebanon resulting a serious outbreak and high severity levels of infection. The most severely affected areas were those of Raskifa and Dair Amar.