U.S. diverts $95M in military aid from Egypt to Lebanon amid human rights

We support our Publishers and Content Creators. You can view this story on their website by CLICKING HERE.

U.S. diverts $95M in military aid from Egypt to Lebanon amid human rights concerns and regional security needs

The administration of outgoing President Joe Biden is shifting $95 million originally allocated to Egypt to Lebanon, as stated in a State Department document.
This decision reflects the administration’s effort to address Egypt’s human rights concerns while maintaining regional stability.
The funds will be used to strengthen the Lebanese Armed Forces’ role in enforcing a ceasefire with Israel and countering threats from Hezbollah and other non-state actors.
Lawmakers are likely to support the reallocation, given the opportunity to redirect funds to a more pressing strategic need.
The move aims to create a more stable environment in Lebanon and reduce the risk of broader regional conflict, aligning with U.S. interests in the Levant region.

The administration of outgoing President Joe Biden is reallocating $95 million in military aid originally earmarked for Egypt to Lebanon, according to a State Department document seen by Reuters on Monday, Jan. 6.

The move comes amid growing concerns over Egypt’s human rights record and the need to bolster Lebanon’s armed forces as they enforce a fragile ceasefire with Israel and counter threats from Hezbollah and other non-state actors. The decision underscores the administration’s balancing act between addressing human rights issues and maintaining strategic partnerships in a volatile region.

The $95 million in military aid was initially part of a $1.3 billion package allocated to Egypt, with the smaller portion tied to Cairo’s progress on human rights, particularly the release of political prisoners. In September, the Biden administration waived human rights conditions to grant Egypt the full $1.3 billion, a decision that drew sharp criticism from some Democrats in Congress. Senators Chris Murphy and Chris Coons, both senior members of the Foreign Relations Committee, released a joint statement at the time, calling the move “deeply disappointing.” (Related: Biden State Department approves informal, last-minute $8 BILLION ARMS DEAL with Israel.)

The reallocation of funds to Lebanon reflects a strategic pivot. The State Department’s notification to Congress describes the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) as “a key partner” in upholding the Nov. 27, 2024, ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon. The LAF is also seen as a critical counterweight to Hezbollah, the Iran-backed Shiite group that has historically threatened Israel and played a significant role in propping up Syrian President Bashar al-Assad during Syria’s civil war.

The $95 million will be used to professionalize the LAF, strengthen border security, combat terrorism and address security challenges stemming from the power shift in Syria.

“The United States remains Lebanon’s security partner of choice, and U.S. support to the LAF directly helps secure Lebanon and the wider Levant region,” the State Department notification stated.

By strengthening the LAF, the U.S. aims to create a more stable environment in Lebanon, which could, the government claims, support a smoother transition in Syria and reduce the risk of broader regional conflict.

Congressional reaction and broader implications

Under U.S. law, Congress has 15 days to object to the reallocation of military assistance. However, a congressional aide familiar with the process told Reuters that lawmakers are likely to support the shift.

“This is a way to say, ‘This funding that Egypt didn’t really deserve and doesn’t really need, let’s reprogram that and put this in a better place,'” the aide said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The decision to divert funds from Egypt to Lebanon highlights the Biden administration’s nuanced approach to foreign policy. While Egypt remains a vital partner in mediating conflicts in Gaza and facilitating aid deliveries, its human rights record has made it a contentious recipient of U.S. military aid.

This move is not without precedent. The U.S. has long used military aid as a tool to influence regional dynamics, often balancing strategic interests with human rights considerations. The decision to redirect funds from Egypt to Lebanon echoes similar shifts in past administrations, where aid was reallocated to address emerging threats or reward allies for progress on specific issues.

The reallocation also comes at a critical juncture for Lebanon, which is grappling with economic collapse, political instability and the lingering effects of the 2020 Beirut port explosion.

Head over to JoeBiden.news to read similar stories.

Listen to the Health Ranger Mike Adams’ new song titled “Where the Money Go Joe?” below.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.