U.S. commits $117 million to strengthen Lebanese army

The United States has pledged over $117 million in security aid to Lebanon’s armed forces, aiming to strengthen the crisis-stricken nation as it navigates a fragile ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel.

It was reported that the announcement followed a “virtual donors meeting” hosted by the U.S. State Department on Thursday, which brought together international allies to discuss urgent security needs.

According to the State Department, the assistance will support both the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and internal security forces in their efforts to “assert Lebanese sovereignty across the country.”

Lebanon’s public institutions, including the army, have been severely impacted by the country’s 2019 economic collapse. The nation now faces the dual challenge of rebuilding after a two-month war between Hezbollah and Israel, which concluded in November. The conflict began when Hezbollah engaged in fighting over the Gaza crisis.

Speaking on Saturday, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun reaffirmed the importance of adhering to the ceasefire agreement. “Israel must withdraw from Lebanon’s south by the January 26 deadline to fully implement the ceasefire deal,” Aoun stated. The agreement requires Lebanese forces to deploy alongside U.N. peacekeepers in southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah is tasked with dismantling its military infrastructure and retreating north of the Litani River, approximately 20 miles from the border.

The U.S. commitment comes as part of broader international efforts to stabilize Lebanon. During a visit to Beirut on Friday, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that Paris would host an aid conference to assist Lebanon’s post-war recovery. Meanwhile, Spain has already pledged a 10-million-euro ($10.3 million) aid package to support the Lebanese army.

This financial boost arrives at a critical juncture for Lebanon, as it strives to restore peace and rebuild its institutions in the aftermath of the devastating conflict. The success of these efforts will hinge on both domestic reform and sustained international support.