Trump Administration Faces Pressure to Reassess U.S. Aid to Lebanese Army Amid Hezbollah Concerns

JERUSALEM – The growing concerns regarding the relationship between the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and the Hezbollah terrorist organization are intensifying voices urging the Trump administration to reconsider its substantial financial support to the LAF. Analysts warn that this alliance could undermine U.S. interests in the region.

“Hezbollah and the Lebanese army are effectively one and the same,” said Edy Cohen, a Lebanese-born Israeli expert on Hezbollah. In an interview with Fox News Digital, he emphasized, “Trump must not provide funding to the Lebanese army.” Cohen highlighted instances where the LAF reportedly supplied Hezbollah with crucial intelligence about Israeli military movements.

Concerns Over Alleged Intelligence Leaks

Recent reports, including one from The London-based Times, claim that an LAF commander leaked a classified document to Hezbollah. The leaked materials were apparently gathered from a military installation operated jointly by U.S., French, and United Nations forces in Lebanon.

Moreover, on the day of President Donald Trump’s inauguration, the U.S. State Department published data regarding the U.S.-LAF partnership, noting that since 2006, America has invested over $3 billion into the LAF, contributing to its role as a stabilizing force against regional threats.

Shifts in the Regional Landscape

A high-ranking official from the Trump administration conveyed to Fox News Digital that the LAF has not upheld commitments to counter Hezbollah since 2006. However, the official expressed optimism regarding the recent election of Joseph Aoun, a key figure in the LAF, as president of Lebanon, describing it as a historic opportunity.

At the same time, the U.S. has agreed to extend a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah until February 18, raising more questions about the future dynamics in the region. The U.S. government announced collaborative negotiations regarding the return of Lebanese prisoners held since the escalation of violence began on October 7, 2023. Meanwhile, Hezbollah has shown intentions to disrupt this precarious ceasefire.

Escalating Tensions on the Ground

According to the Associated Press, recent confrontations resulted in the deaths of two people and injuries to 17 others following clashes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah operatives. Hezbollah’s newly appointed leader, Naim Kassem, vocally opposed the ceasefire, stressing, “We will not accept any prolongation of these terms.” Kassem’s remarks illustrated Hezbollah’s eagerness to challenge both the ceasefire and the Lebanese government’s stance.

The consequences of these rising tensions have been tragic. Reports indicate that at least 22 individuals have died, and 124 have been injured amid confrontations in southern Lebanon as pro-Hezbollah Shiite residents clashed with Israeli forces. This violence correlates with Hezbollah’s tactical operations, particularly related to revenge for the Hamas-led incursions into southern Israel.

Hezbollah’s Expanding Grip on Lebanon

Walid Phares, a noted expert on Hezbollah, mentioned that Hezbollah’s dominance in southern Lebanon extends back to significant events in 2008. He noted, “There has always been massive opposition against Hezbollah, driven by their military presence in Lebanon.” As debates unfold in Washington regarding future U.S. support for the Lebanese army, Phares suggested a reevaluation of military aid, urging for funding only to units focused on disarming Hezbollah.

Phares stressed, “Redirecting financial support towards specific units within the Lebanese military that focus solely on dismantling Hezbollah would be a smart approach.” This strategy aims to ensure that U.S. aid contributes positively to stability in the region without bolstering groups that threaten it.

Call for a Strategic Shift

IDF Lt. Col. (Res.) Sarit Zehavi emphasized that Hezbollah’s resurgence in southern Lebanon contradicts the goals of the Lebanese military. She conveyed concern over the Lebanese Army’s ineffective efforts to prevent Hezbollah’s military operations in the region.

“The Lebanese Army has not made meaningful progress in disarming Hezbollah. Their continued presence indicates potential for future attacks,” remarked Zehavi, warning about the deceptive narrative propagated by Hezbollah regarding their role in Lebanon.

Determining the Future of U.S. Aid

As tensions continue to escalate, questions remain about the future of U.S. aid to the LAF. A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department has yet to clarify the administration’s stance on whether American support for the Lebanese army will persist in the face of growing evidence of its ties to Hezbollah.

This intricate situation demands careful consideration from U.S. policymakers, who must weigh the implications of their financial support against the backdrop of an increasingly complex regional landscape.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.