The State Department notified Congress about the reallocation, stating that $95 million earmarked for Egypt and $7.5 million set aside for Israel would now support the Lebanese army and government. These notifications, dated January 3, were revealed to the public on Tuesday.
A significant portion of the financial assistance is directed towards the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), which play a vital role in maintaining the ceasefire established in November after a severe conflict between Israeli forces and Hezbollah. This war devastated large parts of southern and eastern Lebanon over a two-month period.
The funding is intended to bolster the LAF’s presence in southern Lebanon and complement the U.N. peacekeeping mission that monitors the Blue Line, a demarcation established after a month-long war in 2006 between Israel and Hezbollah. The State Department emphasized that a successful ceasefire implementation depends on a strengthened LAF, which will need substantial support from the United States and its allies.
According to the agreements, both Israel and Hezbollah are to withdraw their forces from southern Lebanon by the end of January, with the compliance process being overseen by the LAF and U.N. peacekeeping troops stationed in the area.
“U.S. security assistance to the LAF enhances its capacity as the sole legitimate military force defending Lebanon’s sovereignty, allows the LAF to counter potential threats from ISIS and other extremist groups, and ensures protection for both Lebanese citizens and U.S. personnel,” stated the State Department in its announcements.
There have been concerns from pro-Israel members of Congress regarding any redirection of U.S. support away from Israel, although it remains uncertain whether objections will arise given the relatively small amount being shifted. Additionally, some advocates who have traditionally supported Israel and criticized funding to the Lebanese military have voiced concerns about Hezbollah’s influence within it. The State Department responded to these allegations by asserting that American support to the LAF actually serves as a counterbalance to Hezbollah, which receives assistance from Iran.
“The LAF remains an independent and non-sectarian entity within Lebanon, respected across different communities,” reassured the State Department. Alongside this military support, the department also announced plans to provide $15 million to Lebanon’s Internal Security Forces, aimed at enhancing their capabilities as the main law enforcement agency and assisting the LAF in managing southern regions.
This allocation will primarily focus on rebuilding police stations, upgrading communication systems, and purchasing necessary vehicles. Furthermore, a separate announcement indicated that $3.06 million would be allocated to support the Palestinian Authority police in their operations in the West Bank, and an additional $2.5 million would be provided to Jordan’s Public Security Directorate to enhance their responses to public demonstrations.
