U.S. Authorizes $95 Million Military Aid Package for Lebanon’s Armed Forces

The U.S. has approved a $95 million military aid package for Lebanon’s Armed Forces despite a freeze on foreign assistance. This decision aims to enhance Lebanon’s military capacity and support a ceasefire with Hezbollah. The aid is crucial as Lebanon navigates an economic crisis and political transition, potentially encouraging further international investment.

The U.S. State Department has authorized a $95 million military aid package to Lebanon’s Armed Forces (LAF), despite a freeze on foreign assistance instituted by President Trump. This exception aims to enhance the LAF’s capacity to maintain security amid regional tensions with Hezbollah. A spokesperson confirmed this decision, emphasizing collaboration with the Department of Defense to implement these funds promptly.

The military aid was one of the last initiatives of former President Biden, which sought to support a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah while reinforcing the LAF’s presence in areas formerly occupied by Israeli forces. Although Israel delayed its withdrawal, citing concerns over the LAF’s capabilities, it eventually decided to remain in specific southern Lebanon locations indefinitely.

Despite the freeze placed on aid by Trump in January—except for Israel and Egypt—the LAF previously benefited from U.S. support. This included $72 million redirected earlier this year for salary payments. Such assistance has helped sustain a cooperative relationship between Lebanon’s military and the U.S., even amidst Lebanon’s broader governance struggles.

The decision to proceed with the aid is regarded as a vital endorsement of the emerging political structure in Lebanon. As per Firas Maksad, the managing director at Eurasia Group, this funding is crucial to mobilizing additional LAF personnel to counter Hezbollah’s influence, thereby reinforcing the ceasefire agreement.

In light of the ongoing economic crisis severely impacting Lebanon, the LAF has been stretched thin, affecting its ability to maintain stability across the country. President Joseph Aoun’s administration also faces significant challenges as it attempts to navigate through a politically sensitive transition period. Maksad has emphasized that continued support for the LAF is critical during this time.

As Lebanon seeks international financial backing for economic recovery and reconstruction post-crisis, the U.S. aid represents both a confidence gesture and a signal to potential investors about the country’s stability. This endorsement may also encourage other nations, such as Saudi Arabia, to extend their support, viewing Lebanon as a valuable investment opportunity.

The U.S. green light for a $95 million military aid package to Lebanon’s Armed Forces, despite an ongoing foreign aid freeze, underscores the importance of bolstering Lebanon’s military amid regional political shifts. The aid aims to strengthen the LAF’s capacity to maintain security in southern Lebanon, particularly against Hezbollah, during a critical transition period for the country as it seeks recovery from economic turmoil and the recent conflict.

Original Source: www.al-monitor.com