The U.S. has approved $230 million in aid for Lebanon’s armed and internal security forces, aiming to strengthen state control as pressure mounts on Hezbollah to disarm.
Of the total, $190 million is allocated to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and $40 million to the Internal Security Forces. Democratic congressional aides noted the timing of the release, just before the U.S. fiscal year ended on 30 September, highlighting the significance of the aid for a small country such as Lebanon.
The funding comes amid a year-long conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which has left large areas of Lebanon in ruins and increased international pressure on the Iran-backed group to surrender its weapons.
President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam asked the U.S.-backed army in August to prepare a plan for ensuring all arms are held by security forces by year-end.
The Lebanese source said the aid will allow the Internal Security Forces to focus on internal security while the LAF tackles other critical missions.
Hezbollah has so far rejected calls to disarm, but faces growing pressure both domestically and internationally.
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Iran does not seek war with Israel or the United States but is prepared to respond if attacked, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Thursday (8 January ) as economic protests sweep the country and Tehran's crackdown reportedly intensifies.
Israeli air strikes in Gaza and Lebanon have raised fresh concerns about the durability of ceasefire agreements, after deadly attacks were reported in both territories.
Israeli media report that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu chaired a lengthy security meeting that reportedly focused on the country’s regional threats, including Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran.
Israel’s military said it had killed a member of Iran’s Quds Force in Lebanon accused of planning attacks against Israel from Syria and Lebanese territory. The statement was issued on Thursday.
Snow and ice stalled travellers in northwest Europe on Wednesday, forcing around a thousand to spend the night in Amsterdam's Schiphol airport but delighting others who set out to explore a snow-blanketed Paris on sledges and skis.
U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that Iran could face a strong response from the United States if its authorities kill protesters amid ongoing unrest.
Iran is now facing a near‑total internet blackout as anti-government protests sweep the country. Major cities including Tehran have seen connectivity drop sharply, leaving millions of residents isolated from online communication.
Hungary’s foreign minister on Wednesday criticised European plans to establish military hubs in Ukraine, saying the move risks pushing Europe closer to a direct confrontation with Russia.
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New York City parents could soon have access to free childcare for two-year-old children following a joint announcement made by Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Governor Kathy Hochul on Thursday (8 January).
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