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The United States announced its plan to provide over $117 million in security assistance to the Lebanese armed forces. The decision comes at a critical moment for Lebanon, as it grapples with the aftermath of a two-month-long conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, which ended in November.

The new funding by the U.S. is part of a broader international effort to support Lebanon’s internal security and sovereignty, as the country seeks to navigate both the immediate challenges of a fragile ceasefire and long-term reconstruction.

Lebanon has been facing a series of compounded crises for years, beginning with an economic collapse in 2019. The Lebanese economy has since spiraled into one of the worst financial crises in history, with the Lebanese pound losing over 90% of its value, widespread unemployment, and the collapse of basic public services. In addition to its economic woes, Lebanon has struggled to finance its state institutions, including its military forces.

This longstanding instability was further exacerbated by the outbreak of conflict between Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group, and Israel. The fighting, which was initiated by Hezbollah in response to the ongoing Gaza conflict, has left the southern part of Lebanon devastated. As a result, Lebanon is now tasked with rebuilding much of its infrastructure, while also working to implement a fragile ceasefire deal brokered by the United Nations.

Commitment to stabilize Lebanon

The U.S. State Department outlined its commitment to helping Lebanon stabilize and secure its future in a statement released on Saturday. According to the Department, the assistance was made possible following a virtual donors’ meeting convened on Thursday to discuss Lebanon’s critical security needs.

“The assistance to Lebanon’s armed forces and internal security forces will help them assert Lebanese sovereignty across the country, particularly as they work to implement the cessation of hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel,” the statement read.

The U.S. State Department stressed that this new aid package would support both the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and the Internal Security Forces (ISF). The assistance aims to strengthen the country’s military and security infrastructure to enable Lebanese forces to better secure the nation’s borders, maintain internal order, and protect Lebanese sovereignty from external and internal threats.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has been vocal about his country’s need for international support to enforce the ceasefire. On Saturday, he emphasized the importance of Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon by the January 26 deadline, a critical component of the UN-brokered ceasefire agreement. “Israel must withdraw from Lebanon’s south, by the ceasefire agreement, and the Lebanese army must deploy in coordination with UN peacekeepers,” Aoun said, underscoring the urgency of completing the terms of the ceasefire.

The agreement calls for Lebanese forces to deploy alongside UN peacekeepers in the southern region, with Hezbollah obligated to dismantle any remaining military infrastructure and withdraw its forces north of the Litani River, approximately 30 kilometers from the Israeli border.

Rebuilding Lebanon

The United States move to offer security assistance is just one part of a wider international effort to help Lebanon recover from the effects of both the war and its prolonged economic downturn. In addition to the American aid package, France has also pledged its support to Lebanon’s recovery.

Un souffle se lève.
Un espoir naît au Liban.

Libanaises, Libanais,

Après cette journée vive en émotions à vos côtés, c’est en confiance et amitié que je réitère cette promesse : la France est et sera toujours à vos côtés. pic.twitter.com/drK55mWTQE

— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) January 17, 2025

On a visit to Beirut on Friday, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that Paris would soon host a donor conference to raise funds for Lebanon’s reconstruction. Macron highlighted the need for a coordinated international approach to address Lebanon’s immense rebuilding challenges, particularly considering the extensive damage caused by the recent conflict.

Meanwhile, Spain, which has been involved in peacekeeping operations in southern Lebanon through its participation in the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), also announced a 10-million-euro ($10.3 million) aid package for Lebanon’s military. This additional funding will support the Lebanese army’s efforts to maintain peace and stability, particularly in the volatile southern region.

Looking ahead

The future of Lebanon remains uncertain, with challenges ranging from rebuilding infrastructure to restoring public trust in government institutions. While the recent influx of international aid has provided some hope, there are concerns that Lebanon’s internal political and economic crises may impede progress in the long run. The country’s political gridlock, ongoing sectarian tensions, and the unchecked influence of Hezbollah present significant obstacles to any meaningful reform.

However, the international community remains committed to supporting Lebanon in this precarious moment. As the January 26 deadline looms for the full implementation of the ceasefire agreement, Lebanon’s armed forces will play a crucial role in determining the stability and security of the region.

The U.S. and other international partners, including France and Spain, will likely continue to provide both financial and technical support to Lebanon, as the country strives to navigate this period of reconstruction and healing.