The Biden administration is reallocating over $100 million in military aid from Israel and Egypt to Lebanon to fortify a ceasefire with Hezbollah. This includes $95 million from Egypt and $7.5 million from Israel, aimed primarily at strengthening the Lebanese Armed Forces and supporting UN peacekeeping missions along the Blue Line, as well as enhancing internal security forces in Lebanon.
In its concluding days in office, the Biden administration is redistributing upwards of $100 million in military aid previously allocated to Israel and Egypt towards bolstering military capabilities in Lebanon. This strategy primarily aims to bolster the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and facilitate their enhanced deployment in Southern Lebanon. Notably, $95 million is being sourced from Egypt while $7.5 million is derived from Israel, as reported by the Associated Press. The reallocated funds are set to support United Nations peacekeeping operations along the Blue Line, the effective boundary with Israel, thereby promoting stability in the region.
Furthermore, an additional $15 million has been designated for Lebanon’s Internal Security Forces, which encompass the national police and gendarmerie, aiming to upgrade infrastructure and maintain order in the southern regions. Lesser allocations include $3.06 million aimed at bolstering Palestinian Authority police operations and $2.5 million intended for Jordan’s Public Security Directorate to improve handling of public demonstrations. This aid shift aligns with the United States-brokered ceasefire agreement enacted on November 27, which concluded nearly 14 months of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, facilitating a systematic Israeli withdrawal from Southern Lebanon.
This recent move by the Biden administration comes at a crucial juncture following a prolonged period of hostilities in which Lebanon, along with Israel and Hezbollah, has witnessed significant turmoil. The reallocation of military aid is designed to enhance the capabilities of the Lebanese Armed Forces, thereby promoting a sustainable ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. Historically, such military assistance has been pivotal in ensuring stability in regions susceptible to conflict, particularly in the context of Lebanon’s delicate internal security dynamics and its neighboring relations with Israel.
In summary, the Biden administration’s decision to redirect over $100 million in military assistance towards Lebanon reflects a strategic initiative aimed at bolstering local military capabilities while promoting peace in the region. With significant financial support earmarked for both the Lebanese Armed Forces and Internal Security Forces, these measures aspire to foster stability and improved security in Southern Lebanon amid ongoing regional tensions. This repositioning of aid signifies a broader commitment to ensuring effective peacekeeping efforts along the contentious Blue Line.
Original Source: www.jewishpress.com
