US Provides $95 Million Military Aid to Lebanese Armed Forces Amid…

The US has reinstated $95 million in military aid to the Lebanese Armed Forces, which had been previously halted. This funding supports the LAF’s efforts to implement a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel amid significant military deployments. The reinvigoration of the LAF is further supported by new political leadership and the need to address overstepping militia groups, marking a critical moment for Lebanon’s stability.

The US State Department has reinstated $95 million in military aid to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), which had been previously halted following the Trump administration’s takeover. This funding is part of Foreign Military Financing (FMF), originally allocated for Egypt, but later redirected to Lebanon as the Biden administration transitioned into power. A spokesperson confirmed the approval on Tuesday, indicating progress in moving forward with the implementation of these funds.

The approval of the military aid arrives as the Lebanese Armed Forces are tasked with enforcing a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel. This milestone marks one of the largest deployments to southern Lebanon in decades. As the LAF steps into a more prominent role, the aid is anticipated to bolster their operation and assist in aligning with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, effectively controlling Hezbollah and their Iranian support.

A US State Department official emphasized that these funds would enhance the LAF’s ability to fulfill their mission in southern Lebanon and secure national stability. Additional FMF is expected to empower the LAF in managing both Hezbollah’s military activities and its influence, thereby signaling firm US commitment to supporting the LAF. Moreover, the current geopolitical situation reinforces the urgency of this aid as the LAF faces challenges along Lebanon’s borders.

The recent reshuffling in Lebanese leadership, with Joseph Aoun appointed president and Nawaf Salam as prime minister, has shifted the internal balance in the country, sidelining Hezbollah’s dominance. Such political changes are supported by the increased confidence in the LAF following the Israeli-Hezbollah conflict, which has significantly weakened Hezbollah’s power within Lebanon. Aoun’s statement on the exclusive right of the state to carry arms indicates a move towards disarming groups associated with Hezbollah, underscoring a transformative moment in Lebanese political dynamics.

In summary, the US decision to unfreeze $95 million in military aid for the Lebanese Armed Forces symbolizes a significant endorsement of their role in national security, particularly in the context of maintaining peace between Hezbollah and Israel. The deployment of the LAF in southern Lebanon, supported by this financial assistance, is expected to enhance stability and curtail the influence of militia groups, reflecting a pivotal shift in Lebanon’s political landscape. These developments underline the strategic importance of US involvement in bolstering Lebanon’s defense capabilities against regional threats.

Original Source: breakingdefense.com