US senators propose bill offering Lebanon $200 million a year to help disarm Hezbollah

U.S. senators have introduced legislation that could provide Lebanon with up to $200 million in annual security assistance. The Lebanon Sanctions, Stabilization and Support Act, proposed by Senators Jeanne Shaheen and James Lankford, aims to bolster the Lebanese Armed Forces and Internal Security Forces in their efforts against Hezbollah.

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For the first time in decades, Lebanon has a real chance to reclaim its sovereignty, disarm Hezbollah and break free from Iran’s malign influence, but success depends on sustained American support.

The bill outlines a tiered approach to aid, starting with $200 million per year. This amount could increase to as much as $300 million annually if Lebanon demonstrates progress in disarming Hezbollah, disrupting foreign military financing to the group, and combating illicit substance trafficking. Initial funding also includes allocations for narcotics control, nonproliferation, demining, and military education.

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It combines tough sanctions on Hezbollah’s enablers with targeted security and recovery assistance as well as congressional oversight. This legislation helps the Lebanese state extend its authority and build toward a peaceful future with its neighbors. A sovereign, stable Lebanon is firmly in America’s interests, and I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Furthermore, the legislation proposes sanctions on individuals and entities that facilitate Hezbollah's armed presence, permit Iranian fund transfers, or hinder reforms in Lebanon's financial sector. Senator Shaheen emphasized the bill's bipartisan nature, stating it combines sanctions with targeted assistance and oversight to help Lebanon reclaim its sovereignty and break free from Iranian influence. She highlighted that a stable Lebanon is in America's strategic interest.

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For decades, Iran has used Hezbollah to destabilize Lebanon, Israel, and threaten Americans who live in the region, but [US] President [Donald] Trump has created a real opening for change by bringing Israel and Lebanon to the table for the first direct talks in 30 years.

Senator Lankford echoed these sentiments, noting that the Trump administration created an opportunity for change by facilitating direct talks between Lebanon and Israel. He stated that the bill targets the network financing Hezbollah and provides security assistance to the Lebanese Armed Forces, aiming to counter Iran's destabilizing influence in the region.

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Our bill imposes tough sanctions on the network financing Hezbollah and provides security assistance to the Lebanese Armed Forces.