The Biden administration is reallocating over $100 million in military aid from Israel and Egypt to Lebanon, primarily to strengthen the Lebanese Armed Forces and support U.N. peacekeeping efforts. This shift aims to reinforce a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, under which Israeli forces are gradually withdrawing from Southern Lebanon.
In the final days of the Biden administration, a significant shift in military aid has been announced, reallocating over $100 million from Israel and Egypt to Lebanon. This decision, reported by the Associated Press, involves $95 million sourced from Egypt and $7.5 million from Israel, aiming to bolster the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and support United Nations peacekeeping efforts along the Blue Line, which delineates the border with Israel.
The backdrop of this military aid reallocation is a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement that commenced on November 27, marking the end of 14 months of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. As part of the ceasefire, Israeli forces are expected to withdraw from Southern Lebanon over a duration of 60 days, while Hezbollah is also to retreat north of the Litani River. This agreement enables the LAF and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) to take over responsibilities previously held by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
In summary, the Biden administration’s strategy to redirect military funding to Lebanon marks a significant move in U.S. foreign aid policy, aiming to reinforce stability in the region. The emphasis on strengthening local forces underlines a commitment to maintaining peace and reducing the influence of militant groups. As the situation develops, international observers will closely monitor the effectiveness of this aid and the broader impacts on regional security.
Original Source: www.jewishpress.com
