Washington, Oct 3(HS): The United States has released $230 million in security assistance to Lebanon in a bid to strengthen its armed forces and advance efforts aimed at disarming Hezbollah, according to officials familiar with the development.Sources in Beirut confirmed that the package includes $190 million allocated to the Lebanese Armed Forces and $40 million for the Internal Security Forces.

The funds were released at the end of the U.S. fiscal year on September 30, highlighting Lebanon’s strategic weight despite broader reductions in foreign aid under Washington’s “America First” spending approach.Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam had earlier urged the military to prepare a plan ensuring that by year-end, only state forces would possess arms in the country.

The directive came amid growing pressure on Hezbollah — battered by last year’s conflict with Israel — to surrender its weapons both from rivals within Lebanon and from Washington.Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran, has consistently rejected calls to disarm, insisting its arsenal is vital for protecting Lebanese sovereignty.

However, domestic opposition and regional factors, including the Gaza conflict, have increased scrutiny of the group’s role.Officials indicated that the funding would bolster Lebanon’s capacity to manage internal security, enabling the army to focus on external threats and strategic operations.

Congressional aides described the package as “significant” for a country the size of Lebanon, underscoring its importance for stability in a volatile regional landscape.

The aid release reflects Washington’s broader priority of shaping the balance of power in the Middle East while pushing Lebanon toward consolidating state authority over all armed groups.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar