Hezbollah militant and rocket launcher
Photo: AP
Lawmakers lift holds on Lebanon military aid
Obama promises congress members money will not be hijacked by Hezbollah to threaten Israel
Two key members of Congress on Friday released their holds on $100 million in US military aid to Lebanon's army, clearing a major hurdle to resuming the assistance.
Rep.s Howard Berman and Nita Lowey said they decided to free up the money after the Obama administration had given them assurances in classified briefings that the aid bolsters both Lebanese and US national security and would not be hijacked by Hezbollah militants to threaten Israel.
More Threats
Roee Nahmias
Hezbollah leader threatens to 'cut off hand' of anyone aiming to detain group members
"As a result of these assurances, I am lifting the hold on the $100 million spending plan for the (Lebanese Army)," said Berman, the chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
A spokesman for Lowey, Matt Dennis, said the congresswoman was convinced that "improving Lebanon's ability to defend its borders, stop arms trafficking, build institutions, and fight terrorist elements is imperative to the security and stability of the region," he said.
Lowey and Berman were among several lawmakers to express concern about the aid and placed holds on it in August after Lebanese soldiers opened fire on Israeli troops. Two Lebanese soldiers, a Lebanese journalist and a senior Israeli officer were killed.
The administration has argued that the aid is intended to act as a counterweight to Hezbollah influence, and that if the US withdraws its support Iran or Syria might step in to fill the vacuum.
Despite the steps by Berman and Lowey, the aid package may face new opposition when the new Congress, with a Republican-controlled House, takes office in January.
Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, R-Fla., who is expected to become the next chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, has expressed concern that Hezbollah may find a way to benefit from the money.
"Unanswered questions remain concerning the long-term impact and long-term strategy of US assistance" to Lebanon's armed forces, Ros-Lehtinen said in a statement Friday. She said there "appears to be a disconnect" in the aid package between "addressing US counterterrorism objectives ... and our broader approach to a Lebanese government increasingly influenced by Hezbollah."
- Follow Ynetnews on Facebook
