The US seems stuck on the fence about whether to abandon or commit to the Lebanese military, and until it picks a side, little is likely to change in the regional conflict with Hezbollah, writes Bilal Saab.
The US is at a critical juncture regarding its engagement with the Lebanese military amidst increasing regional instability and the ongoing conflict with Hezbollah.
A definitive US stance on assisting the Lebanese Armed Forces could significantly alter the regional power dynamics, influence conflict escalation, and impact broader US strategic interests in the Middle East.
Clarity on US commitment would change the operational capacity of the Lebanese army, affecting its ability to counter Hezbollah and potentially stabilizing or destabilizing the Israel-Lebanon border.
- · Lebanese Armed Forces (if aid committed)
- · Regional stability advocates
- · US defense contractors (if aid committed)
- · Hezbollah (if US commits to LAF)
- · Regional instability (if US commits to LAF)
- · US influence (if US abandons LAF)
US indecision continues to hamstring the Lebanese army, leaving Hezbollah as the dominant military force in Lebanon.
A strengthened LAF, backed by sustained US support, could gradually erode Hezbollah's internal power and regional influence.
Increased US commitment to the LAF could lead to a broader re-evaluation of US military aid strategies in other unstable regions.
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Read at Breaking Defense