Trump Administration Announces Military Aid to Help Lebanon Disarm Hezbollah

The Pentagon on Wednesday approved a new presidential drawdown package worth $14.2 million for the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) as Beirut seeks to dismantle Hezbollah’s weapons infrastructure.

“The PDA package will build the capability and capacity of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) to dismantle weapons caches and military infrastructure of non-state groups, including Hezbollah,” the Pentagon said in a statement.

The package includes demolition equipment such as shaped charges, detonating cords, blasting caps, time fuses, and related gear, along with generators and transportation. It will also help support LAF patrols and the safe removal of unexploded ordnance and Hezbollah weapons caches.

The Lebanese government recently adopted a plan to disarm Hezbollah and all other non-state actors inside the country. The Iran-backed group, as well as Tehran, slammed the decision, with Hezbollah vowing never to give up its weapons.

Following the year-long war between Israel and Lebanese Hezbollah, a ceasefire was agreed last November. However, both sides continue to accuse one another of violating the truce. The Pentagon said Wednesday that the new aid package would help the LAF implement the deal.

“Through this PDA package, [the Department of War] is empowering the LAF in degrading Hezbollah in alignment with the Administration’s priority to counter Iranian-backed terrorist groups in the region,” according to the Pentagon statement.