BEIRUT - Qatar has announced a substantial support package for the Lebanese army, including the delivery of 162 military vehicles and a $60 million donation intended to assist with salaries for officers. This aid comes as Lebanon grapples with the aftermath of a recent conflict involving Hezbollah and Israel, which led to significant loss of life and widespread destruction across the country.
For years, Qatar has been a key ally of the Lebanese army, especially since Lebanon entered an unprecedented economic crisis in late 2019. Initially providing food aid, Qatar began to offer financial assistance in 2022 to address the military's urgent needs. The latest support aligns with ongoing efforts to bolster stability in the region, particularly following the intensification of hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel.
The escalation began on October 7, 2023, when Hezbollah launched attacks on Israel, claiming that it was acting to alleviate pressure on Gaza after Palestinian militants initiated a conflict. This response marked the beginning of a larger confrontation that has significantly impacted both countries, leading to a U.S.-brokered ceasefire 14 months later. This ceasefire reportedly resulted in over 4,000 fatalities in Lebanon alone, along with devastating infrastructural damage estimated at $11 billion, according to the World Bank.
Recently, following the ceasefire, Lebanon has seen the election of a new president and prime minister, who have vowed to prioritize reforms in the war-torn country. The recent statement by Qatar and Lebanon highlighted the collaboration to enhance the capabilities of the Lebanese army, which plays a crucial role in maintaining order and border security.
The discussions between Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani underlined the necessity of deploying more Lebanese troops along the Israeli border, in compliance with a U.N. Security Council resolution. This move is in response to the withdrawal of Hezbollah fighters from the area, which has raised concerns about potential insecurity and ongoing tensions with Israel.
The Emir expressed Qatar's commitment to standing by Lebanon and its institutions, emphasizing the importance of stability in the region. President Aoun condemned Israel’s military actions, including its continued presence and airstrikes in southern Lebanon, which Israel claims are aimed at targeting Hezbollah fighters and their equipment.
While Israel withdrew from part of southern Lebanon in February, it has maintained positions in five strategic areas and continues to conduct drone strikes. These operations have reportedly killed or injured numerous individuals, fueling further unrest. On a recent day alone, two separate Israeli drone strikes resulted in fatalities, highlighting the ongoing volatility in the region.
The security situation remains precarious, as the Lebanese government grapples with both external pressures and internal developmental challenges. With Qatar’s renewed support, there is cautious optimism regarding the Lebanese army's capacity to manage these complexities and stabilize the country’s situation.
