Calls Grow for Trump Administration to Reassess US Aid to Lebanese Army Amid Hezbollah Allegations

JERUSALEM – The alliance between the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and the Hezbollah terrorist group is intensifying demands for the Trump administration to reconsider its significant financial support for the LAF, analysts argue.

Concerns About Hezbollah’s Influence

“Hezbollah and the Lebanese army operate as one entity,” Edy Cohen, a Lebanese-born Israeli expert on Hezbollah, stated in an interview. Cohen, affiliated with the Eitan Center, asserted, “Trump must cease funding the Lebanese army,” pointing to intelligence-sharing between the LAF and Hezbollah regarding Israeli activities.

Reports of Military Intelligence Leaks

Recent reports highlight troubling connections between the LAF and Hezbollah. The London-based Times disclosed that an LAF commander allegedly transmitted classified military documents to Hezbollah. This confidential information originated from a military facility monitored by U.S., French, and United Nations operations, according to the newspaper.

Impact of U.S. Funding

The U.S. State Department emphasized the importance of its partnership with the LAF during President Trump’s inauguration. A released fact sheet indicated that since 2006, more than $3 billion in U.S. aid has fortified the Lebanese military’s capacity to counter regional threats. However, skepticism persists regarding Hezbollah’s compliance with ceasefire agreements, raising questions about the effectiveness of U.S. investment.

A New Era in Lebanese Leadership

A senior official within the Trump administration remarked that “Hezbollah has ignored commitments since 2006,” suggesting that the Lebanese government’s recent political changes present a unique opportunity for diplomatic engagement. Following the election of LAF commander Joseph Aoun as Lebanon’s president in early January, experts express cautious optimism.

Challenges to Ceasefire Agreements

Amid ongoing tensions, the U.S. has extended ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hezbollah until February 18. This decision, made in consultation with both the Lebanese and Israeli governments, aims to address the volatile situation on the ground. Yet, Hezbollah’s leadership has publicly rejected these ceasefire terms, exacerbating the already fragile peace.

According to Israeli officials, the recent escalation has resulted in increased violence, with reports of casualties in clashes involving Israeli forces and pro-Hezbollah groups in southern Lebanon. The situation remains delicate, as Hezbollah intensifies its rhetoric and actions against both Israel and the Lebanese government.

The Israeli Response and International Critique

In response to the growing threat from Hezbollah, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reiterated their commitment to maintain a strategic presence in the region. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that progress toward ceasefire implementation must involve close collaboration with the United States.

On the Hezbollah side, Naim Kassem, a high-ranking official in the group, vehemently opposed any delays to what he considered the timely withdrawal of Israeli forces, threatening further conflict if provocation continues.

Expert Opinions on U.S. Policy

Hezbollah analysts, such as Walid Phares, emphasize that Hezbollah’s influence within Lebanese military ranks complicates U.S. support strategies. With debates ongoing in Washington regarding military aid, voices like Phares advocate for redirecting support toward specific military units tasked with disarming Hezbollah while maintaining accountability and oversight.

Future Strategies and Policy Recommendations

Phares proposed a new strategy: “Redirect funds to specialized units within the LAF dedicated solely to neutralizing Hezbollah’s military capabilities.” He stressed the need for this specialized approach to both safeguard Lebanon’s sovereignty and empower the army against external threats.

As regional tensions continue to mount, analysts believe Lebanon faces a critical juncture. Observers cautiously hope that the LAF can assert its independence from Hezbollah’s influence while navigating these geopolitical challenges.

Conclusion

The situation in Lebanon remains fluid, with various stakeholders contending for influence. The Trump administration is under increasing pressure to reassess its support for the LAF amidst these complex dynamics. The future may hinge on how effectively Lebanon can disentangle itself from Hezbollah while establishing a more robust national identity.

A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department was not available for comment regarding ongoing aid to the LAF or the broader strategic implications of Hezbollah’s activities.

Associated Press contributed to this report.