The US is diverting $30 million in previously allocated military aid from Egypt to Lebanon, a US official told Al Arabiya English on Wednesday, September 13, adding that “this demonstrates the [American President Joe Biden] administration’s unwavering commitment to supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF).”
This move comes after the Biden administration informed Congress that it was redirecting $85 million in military funds previously earmarked for Egypt on the grounds of human rights violations. About $55 million is expected to be sent to Taiwan, The Wall Street Journal had initially reported.
“Support to the LAF is vital to maintaining stability in the country, more so than ever with the paralysis of the government,” the US official said.
The top US military general for the Middle East, Gen. Erik Kurilla, visited Beirut on Monday, September 11. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said this was aimed at enhancing training cooperation and countering regional threats. Kurilla met with Lebanese Army Commander-in-chief General Joseph Aoun and visited the “highly trained soldiers of the 4th Intervention Regt.”
Lebanon has received from the US billions of dollars in humanitarian, education and military aid since 2006. This support has traditionally been delivered with little pushback from senators and members of Congress. US officials have said that support for the LAF is essential not only for US national security interests but also for boosting Lebanon’s state institutions and countering Hezbollah’s influence.
Yesterday, to further training cooperation and counter regional threats, Gen. Michael “Eric” Kurilla, USCENTCOM CDR, visited Beirut, Lebanon for a meeting with Chief of Defense Gen. Joseph Aoun. Gen. Kurilla also visited the highly trained soldiers of the 4th Intervention Regt. pic.twitter.com/XDQJPnsjgy
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) September 12, 2023
