The Biden administration is reallocating over $100 million in military aid originally earmarked for Israel and Egypt to Lebanon. The funding aims to support the implementation of a ceasefire agreement brokered between Israel and Hezbollah. The State Department outlined the plan in notices sent to Congress on January 3.
The funds include $95 million diverted from Egypt and $7.5 million from Israel, primarily directed toward the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF). The LAF is tasked with maintaining the ceasefire in southern Lebanon and working alongside the U.N. peacekeeping mission monitoring the Blue Line. This border area has been a flashpoint since the November ceasefire ended a two-month conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
According to the State Department, U.S. assistance strengthens the LAF as Lebanon’s sole legitimate military force, countering the influence of Hezbollah, which receives support from Iran. The LAF’s role includes ensuring territorial integrity, combating ISIS and other terrorist groups, and safeguarding U.S. personnel in the region.
The notices anticipate criticism from pro-Israel lawmakers and others skeptical of supporting the LAF, citing concerns about potential Hezbollah infiltration. The State Department rejected these claims, emphasizing the LAF’s non-sectarian and independent status as a stabilizing force in Lebanon.
Additionally, $15 million will be allocated to Lebanon’s Internal Security Forces to enhance policing capabilities, including rebuilding infrastructure and improving communications. Smaller amounts will fund security efforts in neighboring Jordan and the Palestinian Authority, with $2.5 million for Jordan’s Public Security Directorate and $3.06 million for Palestinian police operations in the West Bank.
This reallocation underscores U.S. efforts to stabilize the region and secure a durable ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, while balancing support for allies and mitigating Hezbollah’s influence in Lebanon.
