In contrast, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton urged Congress to continue aid to the Lebanese military. In testimony to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Ms. Clinton, who asserted that Hizbullah had not been given access to American weapons, said the administration wanted to relay $100 million in U.S. military aid to Lebanon this year, which would help secure its southern border with Israel.

"We worry that if the United States does not continue supporting the Lebanese armed forces, its capabilities will rapidly deteriorate, security in the south and along the border with Israel will be at risk," Ms. Clinton said.

Officials said the administration of President Barack Obama has come under pressure from Congress to suspend all military and security assistance to Lebanon. They said senior members of the House and Senate have warned that Hizbullah could take control of U.S. weapons or equipment allocated to the Lebanese military or security forces.

So far, the State Department has pressed for a continuation of limited military aid to Lebanon. Officials said the assistance should include U.S. equipment and training for border security.

Since 2006, the United States has relayed about $750 million in military aid to Lebanon. Officials said U.S.-financed non-lethal training programs were continuing in Beirut although major weapons shipments have been suspended.

"We value our close relationship with the Lebanese armed forces officer corps based on mutual respect and confidence," Mattis said.

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