The U.S. has pressured Lebanon to act against Hezbollah, urging the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) to enforce a ceasefire. The LAF, caught between U.S. demands and Hezbollah’s influence, risks losing vital U.S. support if it fails to act.
The United States has laid out a firm stance on its Middle East foreign policy, with a renewed push to curb Iranian influence in the region. This policy seems to have placed Lebanon and its military, the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), in a precarious position as Washington demands greater action against Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed militant group.
A stern warning was issued by the top Republican and Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, urging the LAF to accelerate the implementation of a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel. This comes as a response to increasing border tensions and a recent Israeli strike in Beirut’s southern suburbs. The ceasefire, brokered by the United States to prevent a wider conflict, is now at risk, and Washington is placing the responsibility on Lebanon’s government and armed forces to ensure its enforcement.
Statement from US Senators
U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), chairman and ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today released the following statement regarding the government in Lebanon.
“We are at a critical moment in Lebanon. The Lebanese people have an opportunity to break Iran’s stranglehold on Beirut. We commend the current and previous U.S. administrations’ work to isolate Iran, establish and maintain a ceasefire, and reduce Hezbollah’s influence. Indeed, President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam represent the best opportunity to restore Lebanese sovereignty and deliver a prosperous future for the people of Lebanon. Nevertheless, there is significant work to do.
“The new government must implement reforms recommended by the International Monetary Fund. The United States opposes any efforts to undermine the legitimate government, engage in corruption, and provide space for Hezbollah. Speaker Nabih Berri, a longtime Hezbollah ally, must propel Lebanon into the future or risk returning to a broken government. Likewise, Ministers Rakan Nasreddine, Mohammad Haidar, and Yassine Jaber must fully support Lebanon’s revival.
“Government control of customs, the airport, and routes in and out of Lebanon are critical to ensure Hezbollah continues to wither under a lack of resources.
“The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) remain the best strategic counterweight to Hezbollah’s influence and need sustained American support. We are counting on President Aoun and his government to fulfill the requirements of the ceasefire. LAF movement to meet ceasefire requirements has been too slow. The U.S. should be prepared to expand assistance to the LAF to support expeditious fulfillment of the ceasefire obligations. However, any LAF hesitancy to meet the security challenges in the south would be deeply concerning and force the United States to re-evaluate its approach.
“The United States supports a safe, secure, and prosperous Lebanon. The Lebanese people have done the work to take the first steps in that direction. Now it is up to Lebanon's political leadership to deliver results on economic reforms, eliminating Hezbollah's financial flows and bolstering the LAF as the legitimate security guarantor of the Lebanese people."
The LAF’s Dilemma: Between U.S. Aid and Domestic Realities
The Lebanese Armed Forces, often seen as a stabilizing force in Lebanon, rely heavily on U.S. military aid. However, they operate in a country where Hezbollah wields significant political and military power. While the LAF officially serves as Lebanon’s national army, Hezbollah maintains a parallel military structure with more advanced weaponry, battle-hardened fighters, and direct backing from Iran. The reality is that the LAF lacks both the capability and the political backing to directly confront Hezbollah without plunging Lebanon into a severe internal crisis.
For years, Washington has supported the LAF with funding, equipment, and training, viewing it as a counterbalance to Hezbollah’s influence. However, U.S. lawmakers are now signaling that this support could be reassessed if the LAF fails to enforce the ceasefire and curb Hezbollah’s military activities. This puts Lebanon in a difficult position: any attempt by the LAF to crack down on Hezbollah would likely be met with internal resistance, given Hezbollah’s integration into the country’s political system and its broad support base.
Israeli Strikes and Regional Tensions
Israel’s recent strike in Beirut’s southern suburbs has further destabilized the fragile situation. The Israeli military claims that its attack targeted Hezbollah operatives and was a response to alleged ceasefire violations. Hezbollah, in turn, has vowed retaliation, heightening fears of a broader conflict.
This escalation places Lebanon at the center of a power struggle between Iran and the United States. Washington’s push to weaken Hezbollah aligns with Israel’s interests, but Lebanon’s political reality makes such a move highly complex. The Lebanese government, which is struggling with economic collapse and political paralysis, faces immense pressure from both the West and Hezbollah’s local allies.
The Risk of Losing U.S. Support
If the United States follows through on its threat to reassess military aid to Lebanon, the consequences could be severe. The LAF has long been dependent on U.S. assistance, and any reduction in support could weaken Lebanon’s already fragile security infrastructure. This, paradoxically, could play into Hezbollah’s hands, as a weakened national army would create further space for the group to assert its influence unchecked.
A Balancing Act with No Clear Solution
As tensions mount, Lebanon is caught in an increasingly difficult balancing act. The Lebanese Armed Forces are being asked to take on a role they are neither equipped nor politically positioned to fulfill. Meanwhile, Hezbollah, emboldened by its regional alliances, is unlikely to be deterred by U.S. warnings alone.
With the international community closely watching the situation unfold, the stakes remain high. Any miscalculation could have devastating consequences, not just for Lebanon, but for the broader Middle East. The question now is whether Washington will stick to its hardline approach or adjust its expectations in recognition of Lebanon’s complex internal dynamics.
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