ATFL applauds the Trump Administration’s decision to support funding for the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), a key pillar of the US-Lebanon bilateral relationship.
The LAF will play a pivotal role in this transitional but key period in Lebanon’s history, starting with the full implementation of the ceasefire to secure and stabilize the country. With this support, the LAF will replace Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) in the south in monitoring the borders and disarming Hezbollah. This will begin the process of further strengthening the LAF to enable it to secure all borders, combat terrorism, disarm militias throughout the country, and preserve the unity of the territory.
The Lebanese army has emerged as one of the most credible of institutions in the country, despite being under-equipped and under-resourced. Since the signing of the ceasefire, it was able to deploy quickly and acted decisively to clear roads and remove munitions in the south, demonstrating the will and core capability to complete its job. We commend the LAF for this progress and count on them to expedite the remainder of their commitments as part of the ceasefire. We also expect a full withdrawal of Israeli forces as the LAF completes its mission in the south.
While this tranche of funding to the LAF is timely and will enable it to complete its mission in the south, the army will need additional support to acquire the necessary equipment, troops, and munitions that will help ensure that all weapons are centralized within the state’s control and that it is the only entity capable of keeping the peace throughout the country.
“With the help and leadership of the United States we expect all militias, including Hezbollah, to be disarmed and demobilized, leaving the LAF and Internal Security Forces as the sole protectors and defenders of Lebanon” said ATFL’s President and CEO Ed Gabriel. “The country must take advantage of this unique opportunity to reclaim its sovereignty.”
