Lebanon could receive $200 million annually in US security assistance to support the Lebanese Armed Forces and Internal Security Forces in countering Hezbollah if the Lebanon Sanctions, Stabilization, and Support Act introduced in Congress on Friday is enacted.
The act, introduced by US Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-New Hampshire) and James Lankford (R-Oklahoma), could eventually provide as much as $300 million annually if Beirut makes progress in disarming the Iran-backed group, disrupting foreign military financing to Hezbollah, and tackling the trafficking of Captagon and other illicit substances by the group.
In addition to the $200 million, $25 million would be provided for narcotics control; $11.5 m. for nonproliferation, anti-terrorism, demining, and related programs; and $3.5 m. for international military education and training in the first fiscal year.
Those enabling Hezbollah’s continued armed presence, permitting the transfer of Iranian funds to the group, or thwarting attempts to reform Lebanon’s financial sector would also be subjected to US sanctions.
“For the first time in decades, Lebanon has a real chance to reclaim its sovereignty, disarm Hezbollah and break free from Iran’s malign influence, but success depends on sustained American support,” said Shaheen.
“That’s why I’m proud to introduce the bipartisan Lebanon Sanctions, Stabilization, and Support Act with Sen. Lankford. It combines tough sanctions on Hezbollah’s enablers with targeted security and recovery assistance as well as congressional oversight.
“This legislation helps the Lebanese state extend its authority and build toward a peaceful future with its neighbors. A sovereign, stable Lebanon is firmly in America’s interests, and I urge my colleagues to support this bill.”
Lankford: Trump created opportunity by bringing Lebanon, Israel to table together
With a new round of talks between Beirut and Jerusalem just completed, and slow progress on Lebanon’s policing of pilot zones under a US-backed framework aimed at securing an Israeli withdrawal from the country, the bill comes as hopes grow that Iran’s influence in Lebanon could be challenged.
“For decades, Iran has used Hezbollah to destabilize Lebanon, Israel, and threaten Americans who live in the region, but (US) President (Donald) Trump has created a real opening for change by bringing Israel and Lebanon to the table for the first direct talks in 30 years,” said Lankford.
“That’s why I’m proud to introduce the Lebanon Sanctions, Stabilization, and Support Act with Sen. Shaheen. Our bill imposes tough sanctions on the network financing Hezbollah and provides security assistance to the Lebanese Armed Forces.
“A sovereign Lebanon protects Lebanese, Israeli, and American citizens living in the region, and puts real pressure on the terrorists.”
Bill would allow for integration of Lebanese Shi'ites currently reliant on Hezbollah
The bipartisan bill would authorize mechanisms to provide the state with the opportunity to integrate Lebanon’s Shi’ite citizens who have been largely reliant on Hezbollah’s civil services.
The bill hopes the fund, which could be used to help infrastructure recover and expand state civil services, could help further incentivize Lebanon to combat Hezbollah.
Though Beirut banned Hezbollah from carrying out military activities and non-state actors from holding arms shortly after the group dragged Lebanon into another war in response to the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, critics have repeatedly noted that Hezbollah operatives have been released or given only symbolic fines despite violating domestic laws.