US unfreezes $95 million in military aid to Lebanon amid efforts to counter Hezbollah

WASHINGTON, D.C. / BEIRUT — The US State Department has announced the unfreezing of $95 million in military aid to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), as reported by Axios. The decision marks a significant shift in US policy towards Lebanon, signaling renewed commitment to bolstering the LAF as a counterbalance to Hezbollah and a stabilizing force in a region rife with tension.

US officials emphasized that the decision is part of a broader strategy by the Trump Administration to weaken Hezbollah, a heavily armed Shiite militant group and political party backed by Iran. Hezbollah’s influence in Lebanon has long been a contentious issue, with critics arguing that it undermines state sovereignty. The move also reflects US efforts to ensure the maintenance of the ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel, a critical component of regional stability since the 2006 war between Hezbollah and Israel.

A State Department spokesperson told Axios that the department had approved an exception to allocate $95 million from recently reprogrammed foreign military funding for Lebanon. This decision was made in coordination with the US Department of Defense to expedite the implementation of the plan. The unfreezing of the aid is seen as a calculated move to support the LAF in asserting control over southern Lebanon and reducing Hezbollah’s operational space near the Israeli border.

Support for Lebanese Army’s Authority

In a notable shift, the Lebanese government has, for the first time in years, publicly emphasized that the Lebanese state and its armed forces are solely responsible for defending the country. This statement represents a critical departure from past ambiguities regarding Hezbollah’s role in national defense and aligns with international calls for Lebanon to uphold its sovereignty through state institutions rather than non-state actors.

The unfreezing of US military aid is expected to enhance the LAF’s operational capabilities, providing it with the resources necessary to maintain security along Lebanon’s southern border. The aid package will likely include advanced equipment, training, and logistical support, further reinforcing the LAF’s ability to counter external threats and manage internal security challenges.

Israeli Occupation of Strategic Points

Despite Israel’s withdrawal from most Lebanese territories following its occupation of the south from 1982 to 2000, the Israeli Army continues to maintain control over five locations near the Israel-Lebanon border. These positions, known collectively as the ‘Five Points,’ are strategically located a few hundred meters from the Blue Line — the United Nations-demarcated boundary between the two countries.

The status of these areas has been a source of tension, with Lebanon repeatedly calling for Israel’s full withdrawal. However, according to US and Israeli officials, a quiet understanding has been reached among the United States, Israel, and Lebanon. This agreement allows Israeli forces to maintain their presence in these areas temporarily, giving the LAF time to stabilize the region and prevent Hezbollah from re-establishing its presence.

Coordination for Southern Stability

The arrangement is part of a broader regional security strategy aimed at maintaining stability along the Israel-Lebanon border. UN peacekeeping forces (UNIFIL), deployed in southern Lebanon since the 2006 conflict, will continue to play a key role in monitoring the ceasefire and facilitating coordination between the Lebanese and Israeli forces.

The United States, a key supporter of UNIFIL and the LAF, views the unfreezing of military aid as a significant step in addressing regional security concerns. By strengthening the LAF, the US aims to reduce the influence of Hezbollah and other non-state actors, reinforce Lebanon’s sovereignty, and ensure a durable peace along the border.

Implications for Regional Security

The decision to unfreeze military aid comes at a time of heightened regional tension, with escalating conflicts in Syria and increased Iranian influence in the Middle East. The move underscores the US’s commitment to its allies in the region and its broader strategy of countering Iranian-backed groups.

For Lebanon, the aid represents an opportunity to assert greater state control, reduce dependence on non-state militias, and foster national unity in the face of growing economic and political challenges. However, the success of this strategy will depend on the Lebanese government’s ability to navigate domestic and regional pressures, particularly as Hezbollah remains a formidable political and military force.