Washington pledges $230M to lebanese security forces amid hezbollah tensions

The United States has approved $230 million in targeted aid to Lebanon’s security forces, part of a broader strategy aimed at limiting Hezbollah’s influence and reinforcing the authority of the Lebanese state.

According to sources, $190 million of the funding will go to the Lebanese Army, with the remaining $40 million allocated to the Internal Security Forces. The funds were released before the end of the U.S. fiscal year on September 30. Washington has framed the move to ensure that weapons remain exclusively under the control of Lebanon’s legitimate institutions.

Hezbollah pushback

Neither the Lebanese government nor Hezbollah has issued formal statements on the U.S. decision. Sources confirmed that Hezbollah rejects any demands to disarm, arguing that such steps are unacceptable without comprehensive security guarantees and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon.

Regional and European reactions

Some Gulf countries welcomed the U.S. move, viewing it as part of international pressure on Iran and its allies. They described strengthening Lebanon’s army and security agencies as a crucial pillar for regional stability. European reactions have been more cautious. While some capitals offered conditional support for linking aid to exclusive state control of weapons, others warned that attaching such conditions could exacerbate internal divisions in Lebanon. European officials emphasized that the aid carries “political and security dimensions” that extend beyond its financial value, noting that its success will hinge on Beirut’s willingness to implement meaningful political reforms.