Leading members of Congress have expressed concern over the U.S. funding
of Lebanon's military and security forces amid their domination by the
Iranian-sponsored Hizbullah. In 2008, ISF refused to stop a Hizbullah
takeover of offices of the ruling Future Party, headed by Prime Minister
Said Hariri.
On June 3, the U.S. equipment was formally presented to Lebanon's Internal Security Forces in Beirut.
"The U.S. government is pleased with the continued cooperation of the
Lebanese government as we are all working together to assist the Internal
Security Forces and other law-enforcement agencies to fulfill their
important mission in Lebanon and to protect the Lebanese citizens they
serve," U.S. charge d’affaires Thomas Daughton said.
In the latest shipment, ISF received more than $427,000 worth of
equipment, including M-4 carbines, 9mm pistols, body armor, bomb technician
equipment and post-blast investigation systems. The equipment was delivered
as part $1 million worth of exports allocated by the State Department's
Antiterrorism Assistance program.
"The development of law-enforcement agencies as vital organs of the
Lebanese state is essential to ensure Lebanon's sovereignty, security,
independence and prosperity," Daughton said.
Since 2006, the United States has provided more than $525 million in
military and security aid to Lebanon's military and security forces. In
April, the military received the first U.S. heavy weapons, including
anti-tank missiles.
Officials said the administration of President Barack Obama also plans
to ship main battle tanks, unmanned aerial vehicles and artillery to
Lebanon's military. They said the U.S. effort has been coordinated with
other allies of Lebanon, including France, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab
Emirates.
Lebanon and the United States were said to have signed a security
cooperation agreement. The agreement, criticized by Hizbullah and many
others in parliament, was said to enable Beirut and Washington to exchange
intelligence on insurgency threats.