The Trump administration has approved $95 million in military aid for Lebanon, marking a rare step in foreign assistance. The funds, originally meant for Egypt, were diverted by the Biden administration amid Lebanon’s shifting power dynamics post-Gaza conflict. President Joseph Aoun’s election and the Lebanese government’s pressures on Hezbollah indicate significant geopolitical changes in the region.
The Trump administration has authorized a waiver for $95 million in military aid to Lebanon, demonstrating a perceived progress against Hezbollah. A State Department spokesperson confirmed this approval on Tuesday, highlighting the unusual instance of foreign military assistance in this administration. Previously, in January, the State Department instituted a 90-day cease on all assistance, providing exceptions only for Israel and Egypt, with funding to Ukraine also being recently curtailed due to tensions over the ongoing war.
Originally allocated to Egypt, the $95 million was redirected to Lebanon’s Armed Forces (LAF) by the Biden administration. This decision comes amid significant geopolitical shifts in Lebanon, following the onset of conflict in Gaza on October 7, 2023, which prompted Hezbollah to engage against Israel, facing severe military responses in return.
Amidst Lebanon’s prolonged crisis, Joseph Aoun, a former army chief, was elected president in January, supported by the U.S. leveraging promises of reconstruction funds from Saudi Arabia. Aoun’s presidency faced opposition from Hezbollah and Iran, and his selection of Nawaf Salam as prime minister represents a coalition with a prominent Sunni political family.
Hezbollah maintains considerable support, particularly within the impoverished Shia community. Demonstrating this support, hundreds of thousands attended the funeral of its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, in February. However, Hezbollah is encountering unprecedented pressure from the new Lebanese government. For instance, the government suspended flights to Iran indefinitely, resulting in confrontations with Hezbollah supporters and the seizure of funds designated for the group at the airport.
Lebanon’s government aims to approach the IMF for a bailout—a move previously resisted by Hezbollah, amidst the dire economic crisis initiated in 2019 when the currency lost 98 percent of its value, plunging most citizens into poverty. U.S. officials have suggested a growing influence in addressing Hezbollah’s power dynamics in Lebanon, noting Israel’s recent military success against the group.
The LAF has begun to take control of areas previously held by Hezbollah in Southern Lebanon, while Israel has maintained its military presence in key locations contrary to withdrawal deadlines. There have been discussions between France and the U.S. about peacekeeping forces to facilitate Israel’s exit from Lebanon, however, President Aoun has firmly dismissed the notion of private contractors’ presence. The Lebanese government intends to submit its grievances to the United Nations regarding Israel’s actions violating Lebanese sovereignty.
In conclusion, the U.S. approval of $95 million in military aid to Lebanon illustrates a significant shift in foreign policy and the changing dynamics of power within the country. The election of Joseph Aoun as president, the government’s unique response to Hezbollah, and Lebanon’s economic struggle all signal an evolving political milieu. The deployment of the LAF in areas controlled by Hezbollah underlines the ongoing contest for influence in the region, against the backdrop of heightened tensions with Israel.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
