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JERUSALEM – Heightened concerns regarding the apparent collaboration between the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and the Hezbollah terrorist organization have intensified calls for the Trump administration to reconsider its significant financial support for the LAF, according to various analysts.
“Hezbollah and the Lebanese Army operate as one entity,” stated Edy Cohen, a Lebanese-born Israeli expert on the militant group, in an interview with Fox News Digital. As a scholar at the Eitan Center, Cohen emphasized, “Trump must halt funding to the Lebanese Army,” citing reports that suggest the LAF has provided Hezbollah with critical intelligence about Israel.
Recent reports, including one from The London-based Times, indicate that a senior LAF official transmitted classified documents to Hezbollah. This information, attributed to LAF military intelligence chief Suhil Bahij Gharb, was reportedly obtained from a military facility operated by the United States, France, and the U.N. interim force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
On the day of Donald Trump’s inauguration, the U.S. State Department released a fact sheet detailing the partnership between the U.S. and LAF. It noted, “Since 2006, U.S. investments exceeding $3 billion have empowered the Lebanese military to serve as a stabilizing force against regional threats.”
Historical Context of U.S.-LAF Relations
A senior official from the Trump administration pointed out that the commitment made by Hezbollah has largely remained unfulfilled since 2006. The official remarked that a “historic opportunity” exists for Lebanon to redefine its stance, especially after Israel successfully diminished Hezbollah’s leadership. This shift follows the election of Joseph Aoun, the LAF commander, as Lebanon’s president.
Ongoing Tensions and Military Reactions
These inquiries into the U.S.–LAF relationship emerge against the backdrop of recent U.S. agreements to respond to Israel’s request for an extended ceasefire between Jerusalem and Hezbollah, which runs until February 18. A statement issued by the U.S. government proclaimed, “The Governments of Lebanon, Israel, and the United States will launch discussions regarding the repatriation of Lebanese prisoners captured after October 7, 2023.”
However, Hezbollah appears determined to disrupt this fragile ceasefire. Reports from the Associated Press indicate that Israeli military actions resulted in the deaths of two individuals and injuries to 17 others last Monday, according to Lebanese health officials. Hezbollah’s newly appointed leader, Naim Kassem, voiced strong opposition to the ceasefire’s extension, criticizing the Lebanese government for its decision to pursue a pause in hostilities.
Kassem declared, “Israel must withdraw, as the 60-day time frame has ended. We will not tolerate any further delays.” He attributed responsibility for any delay in withdrawal to the United Nations, the United States, France, and Israel.
Escalation of Violence in Southern Lebanon
Last week, pro-Hezbollah Shiite residents attempted to defy Israeli army orders to re-enter their villages, leading to tragic outcomes. The Lebanese Health Ministry reported at least 22 fatalities and 124 injuries from Israeli forces responding to this incursion.
Hezbollah has strategically utilized these Shiite neighborhoods to launch attacks against Israeli forces, particularly following the horrific events in southern Israel where over 1,200 individuals lost their lives during a Hamas-led offensive.
Analyzing Hezbollah’s Influence
According to IDF spokespeople, no new developments are anticipated from the military front in Lebanon. Responses from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu highlighted that the Lebanese government has not fully upheld ceasefire agreements, prompting a gradual military withdrawal in collaboration with the United States.
Experts such as Walid Phares, a prominent figure studying Hezbollah and Lebanese politics, suggest that the influence of Hezbollah within the LAF complicates the rationale for U.S. military aid. He noted, “There exists an important debate in Washington about continuing to support the Lebanese Army. Some argue this aid keeps Hezbollah in check, while others insist it empowers the group instead.”
Phares advocates for redirecting financial assistance towards specialized units within the LAF focused exclusively on disarming Hezbollah, ensuring that these units operate under the army’s command and the president’s oversight.
A Broader Perspective on Lebanon’s Future
As Lebanon navigates this precarious situation, various factions within the government and military grapple with the growing threat posed by Hezbollah. Many Lebanese citizens wish for an opportunity to liberate themselves from Hezbollah’s grip, aspiring instead to engage with broader international accords.
IDF Lt. Col. (Res.) Sarit Zehavi, who heads the Alma Research and Education Center, shared insights on Hezbollah’s resurgence in southern Lebanon. She laments, “The Lebanese Army is not fulfilling its mandate to effectively confront Hezbollah in these regions.
