The Biden administration is reallocating over $100 million in military aid from Israel and Egypt to Lebanon, primarily to strengthen the Lebanese Armed Forces and reinforce a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. The funds include allocations for police and security forces to enhance stability in the region, as a ceasefire agreement takes effect requiring troop withdrawals by both sides.
In a notable policy shift during its concluding days, the Biden administration is reallocating over $100 million in military assistance from Israel and Egypt to Lebanon. The funds, which include $95 million redirected from Egypt and $7.5 million from Israel, aim to fortify the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF). This move is intended to bolster the enforcement of a ceasefire established between Israel and Hezbollah, enabling LAF deployment in Southern Lebanon and supporting the U.N. peacekeeping efforts along the Blue Line, which is the designated frontier with Israel.
The reallocation of military aid also includes an additional $15 million dedicated to enhancing the capabilities of Lebanon’s Internal Security Forces. This funding will serve to upgrade police infrastructure and maintain stability in the region. Further, smaller allocations include $3.06 million directed toward Palestinian Authority police operations and $2.5 million for Jordan’s Public Security Directorate, aimed at improving their capacity for handling public demonstrations.
As part of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement activated on November 27, which concluded nearly 14 months of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, Israeli troops are progressively withdrawing from Southern Lebanon over the course of 60 days. Concurrently, Hezbollah is expected to retreat north of the Litani River, thereby allowing the LAF and the U.N. Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) to take over areas previously monitored by Israeli Defense Forces (IDF).
The recent reallocation of military aid from the United States reflects ongoing tensions in the Middle East, particularly between Israel and Hezbollah. The U.S. has historically been a major ally of Israel, providing substantial military assistance. However, recognizing the need for stability in Lebanon amidst rising tensions, the Biden administration’s decision to redistribute funds underscores a shift towards enhancing Lebanese military capacity and promoting peace through the support of U.N. peacekeeping initiatives. The ceasefire agreement is seen as a critical development in managing regional hostilities.
In conclusion, the Biden administration’s reallocation of over $100 million in military aid from Israel and Egypt to Lebanon is a strategic move aimed at reinforcing ceasefire conditions between Israel and Hezbollah. By focusing on enhancing the capabilities of the Lebanese Armed Forces and Internal Security Forces, the United States seeks to foster regional stability and assist in the enforcement of the U.N. peacekeeping mission. This significant shift in aid reflects changing geopolitical priorities and the importance of supporting peace initiatives in the Middle East.
Original Source: www.jewishpress.com
