The US has reinstated $95 million in military aid to the Lebanese Armed Forces, which aims to bolster their role in enforcing a ceasefire with Hezbollah and Israel. Originally allocated for Egypt, the funds are part of a strategic initiative to enhance LAF capabilities and sovereignty amidst changing political dynamics in Lebanon.
The US State Department has reinstated $95 million in military aid to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), reversing a freeze implemented shortly after the Trump administration took office in January. A spokesperson confirmed the funds were approved for reallocation to Lebanon, emphasizing collaboration with the Department of Defense for their implementation.
This military support comes as the LAF is tasked with enforcing a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel, marking a significant operational deployment in southern Lebanon, the first in decades. Originally part of military funding for Egypt, these funds were redirected to Lebanon following the Biden administration’s arrival in office, although military aid agreements were paused for review by the Trump administration.
The State Department’s official highlighted the aid’s importance: “These funds will directly support the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) as they work to implement the Lebanon-Israel Cessation of Hostilities.” The deployment of LAF forces to the south, accompanied by Hezbollah’s withdrawal, represents a pivotal advancement for fulfilling United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, which was established in 2006.
Ultimately, the intent behind the support is to bolster LAF sovereignty across Lebanon, thereby mitigating Hezbollah’s influence and destabilizing activities both domestically and internationally. Furthermore, the additional funding will enhance LAF capabilities within the South Litani area and reaffirm U.S. commitment to backing agreements with those potentially interested in aiding the LAF.
Israel completed its withdrawal from Lebanon in February 2025, maintaining some supervisory positions in the south. As LAF forces deploy, they face increased pressures to secure Lebanon’s Northern and Eastern frontiers with Syria, particularly post-Assad regime collapse. Thus, US aid arrives at a crucial time for the LAF.
Recent developments in Lebanese politics have also elevated the LAF’s status. On January 9, parliament elected LAF chief Joseph Aoun as the nation’s president, alongside the appointment of Najaf Salam as prime minister, indicating a shift in power dynamics favoring non-Hezbollah aligned leaders. Meanwhile, advancements in robotic combat engineering are set to enhance operational efficiency, reducing risk to soldiers while maintaining momentum for maneuver forces.
In summary, the reintegration of $95 million in military assistance to the Lebanese Armed Forces marks a strategic move by the US, supporting the LAF’s role in maintaining stability amid the Lebanon-Israel ceasefire. This aid not only aims to strengthen LAF sovereignty and limit Hezbollah’s influence but also coincides with significant political transitions within Lebanon, underscoring the evolving landscape of Lebanese governance and military operations.
Original Source: breakingdefense.com
