The US approved $95 million in military aid for Lebanese forces, highlighting shifting political dynamics. This aid comes amid escalating tensions following the October conflict with Hamas, the election of Joseph Aoun as president, and Hezbollah’s ongoing influence. Lebanon’s government is also considering an IMF bailout and taking steps against Hezbollah.
The United States has approved a $95 million aid package for Lebanon’s military, as confirmed by a State Department spokesperson. This approval represents a rare instance of foreign military support under the Trump administration, which paused aid to most countries in January, maintaining only exceptions for Israel and Egypt. The diverted funds, originally intended for Egypt, now aim to support the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) amid shifting power dynamics in the region.
The aid underscores the changing political landscape in Lebanon following the escalation of conflict after the Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023. In the wake of these events, Hezbollah retaliated against Israeli territories, yet faced significant military response from Israel. The situation in Lebanon grew more complex with the election of Joseph Aoun as president earlier this year, which the US supported to counter Hezbollah’s influence.
Aoun selected Nawaf Salam as prime minister, both navigating Lebanon’s political impasse and facing pressure from Hezbollah, who still commands substantial support, particularly among the Shia population. Notably, the Lebanese government has recently taken decisive actions against Hezbollah, including suspending flights to and from Iran and seizing significant amounts of cash linked to the group at the airport.
As part of its strategy, the Lebanese government is exploring options for an International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout, a move previously resisted by Hezbollah and other political factions, following a catastrophic economic collapse that saw the currency lose 98% of its value since 2019.
The US aims to reassert its influence in Lebanon, which it considers crucial after years of efforts to mitigate Hezbollah’s power. Morgan Ortagus, the US deputy special envoy for the Middle East, noted, “Hezbollah was defeated by Israel, and we are grateful to our ally Israel for defeating Hezbollah,” illustrating a shift in US rhetoric regarding the group.
The LAF is now overseeing areas previously controlled by Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, although Israel continues to maintain its presence there. Both France and the US have been attempting to negotiate Israel’s complete withdrawal from Lebanon, suggesting the deployment of peacekeeping forces while Aoun has expressed strong opposition to private security contractors in the region. Meanwhile, Lebanon’s government has vowed to address the recent violations of its sovereignty through the United Nations.
In summary, the US’s approval of $95 million in military aid to Lebanon illustrates a significant shift in regional dynamics following the recent conflict sparked by Hamas’s attacks on Israel. With Political changes, including Joseph Aoun’s presidency, and decisions against Hezbollah’s influence, Lebanon faces numerous internal and external pressures. As the US seeks to bolster the LAF’s position, the complex interaction between Hezbollah, the new Lebanese government, and international interests continues to shape Lebanon’s future.
Original Source: ifpnews.com
