U.S. Approves $95 Million Military Aid to Lebanon Amid Regional Shifts

The Trump administration has approved $95 million in military aid to Lebanon’s military, aimed at countering Hezbollah’s influence. The funds were redirected from Egypt and reflect an evolving U.S. stance in the region. Joseph Aoun’s election as president, alongside governmental efforts to combat Hezbollah’s power and seek IMF assistance, marks a significant shift in Lebanon’s political landscape.

The Trump administration has sanctioned $95 million in military assistance to Lebanon, reflecting perceived progress against Hezbollah. The State Department confirmed this approval on Tuesday, making it a rare instance of foreign military aid under the Trump administration. Notably, a 90-day funding pause imposed in January included exceptions exclusively for Israel and Egypt, with recent cuts affecting aid to Ukraine amidst ongoing tensions with Kyiv regarding the war.

Originally set for Egypt, the $95 million in aid was redirected to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) by the Biden administration. This funding highlights the altered power dynamics in Lebanon since the commencement of Israel’s military actions in Gaza following the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023. Hezbollah, having launched retaliatory strikes against Israel, faced significant repercussions in the battle.

In January, former army chief Joseph Aoun was elected President of Lebanon amid a backdrop of political dysfunction. The United States supported his ascent by promising financial reconstruction aid from Saudi Arabia, countering opposition from Hezbollah and Iran. Following his election, Aoun appointed Nawaf Salam, a member of a notable Sunni family, as prime minister.

Despite Hezbollah’s enduring popularity among Lebanon’s Shiite population, recent governmental actions have placed the group under unprecedented scrutiny. For instance, the Lebanese government suspended flights to Iran indefinitely, resulting in riots from Hezbollah supporters, which led to the Lebanese army employing tear gas against demonstrators.

Additionally, Lebanese authorities seized $2.5 million in cash traced to Hezbollah from a Turkish national at Beirut’s airport. The government, previously resistant, is now inclined to seek an International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout following the catastrophic economic decline that began in 2019, with the currency depreciating by 98 percent and widespread poverty ensued.

The United States has positioned itself as an emerging influence in Lebanon, particularly following recent successes against Hezbollah. U.S. Deputy Special Envoy for the Middle East, Morgan Ortagus, remarked, “Hezbollah was defeated by Israel, and we are grateful to our ally Israel for defeating Hezbollah,” highlighting a dramatic shift in U.S.-Lebanon relations in the past year.

The LAF has extended its presence to regions in southern Lebanon previously dominated by Hezbollah. However, Israel continues to maintain military forces in five strategic locations within southern Lebanon, contrary to withdrawal deadlines. France and the United States have proposed a mixed peacekeeping initiative; however, Aoun has firmly opposed the introduction of private contractors.

Israel asserts that its continued military presence has been sanctioned by a U.S.-mandated ceasefire monitoring protocol. In response, Lebanon’s government has expressed intentions to elevate its grievances to the United Nations, condemning Israel’s violations against Lebanese sovereignty.

Overall, the recent military aid and shifting political landscape reveal increasing U.S. influence in Lebanon and a significant reshaping of the regional power balance amidst Hezbollah’s resilience and the concurrent governmental challenges faced by Lebanon.

The Trump administration’s approval of $95 million military aid to Lebanon, originally designated for Egypt, underscores the changing dynamics within the region, particularly in relation to Hezbollah. With Joseph Aoun’s presidency representing a new chapter in Lebanese governance, the U.S. has increasingly asserted itself as a pivotal force in attempting to counterbalance Hezbollah’s influence. Lebanon’s ongoing political and economic turmoil poses significant challenges, but the recent shifts may herald a novel phase in U.S.-Lebanese relations and regional stability.

Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net