U.S. unfreezes $95 million for Lebanese Army – A bold move against Hezbollah

This move, confirmed by two U.S. officials to Axios, is intended to strengthen Lebanon’s military and support the country's newly formed government, which took office in January.

According to U.S. officials, the assistance is part of a broader strategy to curb Hezbollah's influence in Lebanon, maintain the peace with Israel, and empower Lebanon’s military under its new leadership. The State Department has made an exception to its freeze and is working with the Department of Defense to implement these funds, signalling a shift in Washington's approach to Lebanon’s security.

In recent weeks, Hezbollah's power in Lebanon has reportedly weakened, while the Lebanese army's position has grown stronger. In February, Lebanese security forces blocked Iranian flights suspected of smuggling cash to Hezbollah, leading to confrontations with Hezbollah supporters at Beirut’s airport. This situation tested the Lebanese army, which used tear gas to disperse protesters and restore order, demonstrating the army’s increased capabilities.

Lebanon’s newly elected president, Gen. Joseph Aoun, has emerged as a key U.S. ally, and the Trump administration views supporting the military as crucial for strengthening his leadership. Aoun's government has also reaffirmed the state’s exclusive responsibility for national defense, excluding Hezbollah from this role—a shift from previous administrations.

Furthermore, U.S. and Israeli officials have observed that the ceasefire monitoring mechanism, supported by the U.S., is proving effective. For the first time in years, the Lebanese army has entered areas in southern Lebanon previously controlled by Hezbollah, dismantled military infrastructure, and seized weapons caches, marking a significant step forward in Lebanon’s efforts to regain control and assert state authority.