US shifts $95 million in military aid from Egypt to Lebanon

According to Reuters, a document submitted by the State Department to Congress regarding the “planned transfer” described the Lebanese Armed Forces as a “key partner in upholding the November 27, 2024 agreement between Israel and Lebanon to cease hostilities and prevent Hezbollah from threatening Israel.”

According to the State Department document, “The funds will be made available to enhance professionalism in the Lebanese Armed Forces, strengthen border security, counter terrorism, and address security requirements affected by the transition of power in Syria.”

The document stated, “The United States remains Lebanon’s preferred security partner, and US support for the Lebanese Armed Forces directly assists in securing Lebanon and the broader Middle East region,” and could also “help ensure that the transition process in Syria is not disrupted by the Iranian-backed Hezbollah group, which has previously played a key role in supporting Assad during the Syrian civil war.”

According to the document, “Egypt has been a vital partner in the Biden administration’s efforts to get more aid into Gaza and has helped mediate, so far unsuccessfully, efforts to secure a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.”