The Biden administration is reallocating over $100 million in military aid from Israel and Egypt to Lebanon to support a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. This includes funds for the Lebanese Armed Forces and internal security enhancements, following a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement effective from November 27, post 14 months of hostilities.
In a significant policy shift, the Biden administration is reallocating over $100 million in military aid, previously designated for Israel and Egypt, to Lebanon. This redirection is aimed at reinforcing the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. The funds include $95 million drawn from Egypt and $7.5 million from Israel, primarily directed toward bolstering the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) to enable its operations in Southern Lebanon and support the United Nations (U.N.) peacekeeping mission along the Blue Line, which acts as the de facto border with Israel.
The allocation also includes an additional $15 million for Lebanon’s Internal Security Forces, enhancing police infrastructure and ensuring stability in the southern regions. Smaller portions of the funds will aid Palestinian Authority police operations and bolster Jordan’s Public Security Directorate. This move comes in the context of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire that commenced on November 27, concluding nearly 14 months of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
The context behind this aid reallocation involves ongoing tensions in the Middle East, particularly between Israel and Hezbollah. The ceasefire agreement, implemented on November 27, was brokered by the United States, aimed at establishing stability following extended hostilities. This assistance is critical for the Lebanese Armed Forces, enabling them to assume control over areas previously monitored by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) as Israeli troops withdraw in compliance with the ceasefire terms.
In conclusion, the Biden administration’s decision to reallocate military aid to Lebanon is a strategic move to support peace efforts amid ongoing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah. By enhancing the capabilities of the Lebanese Armed Forces and Internal Security Forces, the administration aims to promote stability in the region while ensuring compliance with the recent ceasefire agreement. This aid reallocation underscores the U.S. commitment to fostering security in a volatile area of the Middle East.
Original Source: www.jewishpress.com
