US Shifts $100 Million in Aid from Israel and Egypt to Lebanon to Bolster Ceasefire - Strengthening Regional Stability
US Shifts $100 Million in Aid from Israel and Egypt to Lebanon to Bolster Ceasefire – Strengthening Regional Stability
WASHINGTON — The Biden administration in its final days is reallocating over $100 million in military aid from Israel and Egypt to Lebanon to reinforce a ceasefire agreement mediated between Israel and Hezbollah.
Supporting Lebanese Armed Forces
In separate notifications to Congress, the State Department announced the transfer of $95 million in military assistance earmarked for Egypt and $7.5 million for Israel to bolster the Lebanese army and government. These notifications, dated Jan. 3 and obtained by The Associated Press, underscore the commitment to enhancing stability in the region.
The majority of the funds will be allocated to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), playing a pivotal role in upholding the ceasefire established in November after a protracted conflict between Israel and Hezbollah devastated parts of southern and eastern Lebanon for two months.
Empowering the LAF
The aid aims to strengthen the LAF’s presence in southern Lebanon, complementing the efforts of the UN peacekeeping mission along the Blue Line, the boundary separating Israel and Lebanon since the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war.
“Effective implementation of the ceasefire necessitates a capable LAF, which requires substantial support from the US and other allies,” stated the State Department in the notices, which echoed similar sentiments regarding the reallocation of funds.
Enhanced Security Measures
Both Israel and Hezbollah have agreed to withdraw their troops from southern Lebanon by the end of January, with oversight entrusted to the Lebanese army and UN peacekeepers.
US assistance to the LAF reinforces its role as Lebanon’s legitimate military force and guardian of the nation’s territorial integrity. This support equips the LAF to thwart potential threats from ISIS and other extremist groups, ensuring security for the Lebanese populace and US personnel.
Addressing Concerns
While some pro-Israel lawmakers have voiced reservations about diverting US aid from Israel, the modest amount reallocated to Lebanon may not elicit substantial opposition.
Contrary to claims that Hezbollah has infiltrated the Lebanese military, the notices refute these allegations, asserting that US backing bolsters the LAF as a crucial counterbalance to Hezbollah’s influence, which stems from Iranian backing.
Strengthening Law Enforcement
In a separate announcement to Congress on Jan. 3, the State Department disclosed plans to allocate $15 million to Lebanon’s Internal Security Forces to reinforce their role as the primary law enforcement agency and support the LAF in maintaining order in southern regions.
The funding will primarily facilitate the reconstruction of police facilities, enhance communication systems, and procure vehicles, enhancing security measures in the designated areas.
In addition, the administration will provide $3.06 million to the Palestinian Authority police for operations in the West Bank and $2.5 million to Jordan’s Public Security Directorate to manage public demonstrations effectively.
