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House and Senate members have expressed worry that U.S. aid to Lebanon’s military and security forces could end up with the Iranian-sponsored Hizbullah. Congress has determined that Hizbullah controlled much of Lebanon’s military and police.
“At the same time, some members have worried that by improving the capabilities of Lebanese security forces, the United States may be indirectly benefitting Hizbullah, particularly to the extent that Hizbullah members or sympathizers are present in security forces or to the extent that Hizbullah’s participation in the Lebanese government gives it influence over security sector decisions and resources,” the Congressional Research Service said.
In a report on Feb. 14, CRS cited nearly $1 billion in U.S. military and security aid to Lebanon since 2006. The aid was to have included helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles and other platforms that Congress feared could be taken by Hizbullah for the war in Syria.
“The rise of armed Sunni extremist groups, including Al Qaida-affiliated groups like Jabhat Al Nusra may balance or obviate some of these concerns, although some members of Congress may argue that Hizbullah should remain ahigher priority concern,” the report, titled “Lebanon: Background and U.S.Policy,” said.
Author Christopher Blanchard said Washington has supplied more than $180 million worth of arms and equipment to the Lebanese armed forces from June 2012 through May 2013.
The aid comprised such programs as the counter-insurgency Section 1206, International Military Education and Training, Counterterrorism Fellowship Program, the provision of Excess Defense Articles and Foreign Military Financing.
The administration of President Barack Obama plans to help expand the Lebanese military, with 65,000 soldiers. The military was envisioned improvements in its weapons and logistical support capabilities with $3 billion in aid from France and Saudi Arabia.
“Thus far, U.S. officials have embraced the initiative and may seek to shape and build upon it if and when it begins in earnest,” the report said. “It remains to be seen whether the administration’s FY2015 foreign assistance request will include requests for Congress to fund new programs or initiatives designed to speed up, expand, or target assistance in response to rising violence in Lebanon.”
