Trump administration approves $95m in aid to Lebanon's military

The U.S. Trump administration approved a $95 million military aid waiver for Lebanon, signaling that the U.S. believes Lebanon has made progress in combating Hezbollah. The U.S. State Department confirmed the approval on Wednesday, marking one of the rare foreign military aid actions during the Trump administration. This decision underscores the ongoing strategic importance the U.S. places on stability in Lebanon.

In January, the U.S. State Department had suspended all foreign aid for 90 days, with exceptions only for Israel and Egypt. Aid to Ukraine has also recently been reduced due to open disagreements with Kyiv over ending the war. The $95 million in aid was originally earmarked for Egypt, but the Biden administration transferred it to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF). This reallocation reflects a shift in U.S. priorities in the region.

The funds highlight the altered balance of power in Lebanon since the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israel that triggered Israel's war on Gaza. Hezbollah began attacking Israel the next day in support of Palestinians in Gaza but suffered significant losses under Israeli strikes. The ongoing conflict has reshaped the political landscape and security dynamics in Lebanon.

After years of deadlock in Lebanon, former army commander Joseph Aoun was elected president in January. The U.S. promoted Aoun's election in parliament by promising Saudi Arabian funding for Lebanese reconstruction. He had been opposed by Hezbollah and its patron, Iran. Aoun, a Maronite Christian, subsequently selected Nawaf Salam, a descendant of a prominent Sunni family, as Lebanese Prime Minister. This new leadership structure signals a potential shift in the country's political direction.

Hezbollah still maintains widespread support in Lebanon, particularly among the country's impoverished Shia communities. To emphasize Hezbollah's resilience, hundreds of thousands of people attended the funeral of the group's slain leader, Hassan Nasrallah, in February. However, Hezbollah has come under pressure from Lebanon's new government, which would have been unimaginable just a few years ago. This pressure highlights the changing political dynamics within Lebanon.

In February, the Lebanese government indefinitely suspended flights to and from Iran. Lebanese troops fired tear gas at Hezbollah supporters protesting the move. Lebanese security officials at Beirut airport recently stated that they seized $2.5 million in cash from a Turkish national, which was allegedly destined for Hezbollah. These actions demonstrate a firmer stance against Hezbollah's activities.

Reuters also reported that the new Lebanese government plans to seek a bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), a move long resisted by Hezbollah and other political parties. Lebanon's economy collapsed in 2019, when the country's currency devalued by 98%. Much of the country's population lives in poverty. The potential IMF bailout represents a significant shift in economic policy.

After decades of U.S. efforts to reduce Hezbollah's influence, the U.S. apparently sees itself as an external force in Lebanon's rise. "Hezbollah was defeated by Israel, and we thank our ally Israel for defeating Hezbollah," said U.S. Deputy Special Envoy for Middle East Affairs Morgan Ortagus after meeting Lebanese President Aoun in Beirut in February. A year ago, such a statement from a U.S. official at Baabda Palace would have been unthinkable. This statement underscores the perceived shift in Hezbollah's power and influence.

The Lebanese Armed Forces have been deployed to large areas of southern Lebanon previously controlled by Hezbollah. But Israel still maintains troops in five strategic locations in southern Lebanon, defying its deadline for withdrawal. Middle East Eye previously reported that France and the U.S. have tried to encourage a full Israeli withdrawal by suggesting the deployment of peacekeepers or even private security companies in strategic areas. However, Aoun strongly opposed the deployment of private contractors. The presence of international forces remains a sensitive issue.

Israel says its decision to remain in Lebanon is an agreement with the U.S.-led ceasefire monitoring mechanism. The Lebanese government says it will file a complaint with the United Nations and condemn Israel's violation of Lebanese sovereignty. This ongoing dispute highlights the unresolved tensions between the two countries.