US may give Beirut $200m to help disarm Hezbollah

By the Editorial Team · Monday, August 10, 2026

The U.S. Senate introduced legislation proposing up to $200 million annually to support Lebanon’s military and security forces in countering Hezbollah and disrupting its financing and illicit activities. The bill aims to strengthen Lebanon’s sovereignty, reduce Iranian influence, and promote regional stability by linking increased aid to demonstrable progress in disarming Hezbollah and reforming Lebanon’s security and financial sectors.

The United States may allocate up to $200 million annually in security assistance to Lebanon to support the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and Internal Security Forces (ISF) in efforts to counter Hezbollah, under proposed legislation introduced in the U.S. Senate on August 26. The Lebanon Sanctions, Stabilization, and Support Act, sponsored by Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and James Lankford (R-OK), aims to encourage Beirut to disarm the Iran-backed group and disrupt its sources of funding and illicit activities.

The bill would initially provide $200 million each year, with the potential to increase to $300 million if Lebanon demonstrates progress in disarming Hezbollah, curbing foreign military financing to the organization, and combating the trafficking of Captagon and other illegal drugs linked to the group. In addition to security aid, the act proposes $25 million for narcotics control, $11.5 million for non-proliferation, counter-terrorism, demining, and related programs, as well as $3.5 million for international military education and training during the first fiscal year.

The legislation also includes measures to impose U.S. sanctions on individuals or entities involved in enabling Hezbollah’s armed presence, moving Iranian funds to the group, or obstructing reforms in Lebanon’s financial sector. According to Senator Shaheen, this marks the first significant opportunity in decades for Lebanon to reclaim sovereignty and reduce Iran’s influence, contingent upon sustained U.S. support.

“The legislation helps the Lebanese state extend its authority and build toward a peaceful future with its neighbors,” Shaheen said, emphasizing that a stable Lebanon aligns with American strategic interests. Senator Lankford highlighted recent developments, such as the direct talks between Lebanon and Israel — a first in 30 years — as opening new avenues for regional stability. He stated that the bill targets Hezbollah’s financing networks and bolsters the Lebanese military, which he described as essential for protecting citizens in Lebanon, Israel, and the United States.

Beyond military support, the bill seeks to help integrate Lebanon’s Shi’ite population, historically reliant on Hezbollah for civil services, into state institutions. This integration effort is envisioned to reinforce government control and motivate Lebanon to further challenge Hezbollah’s influence. The proposed funding could also aid in infrastructure recovery and the expansion of legitimate state services.

The introduction of the Lebanon Sanctions, Stabilization, and Support Act comes amid ongoing challenges in securing effective political and security reforms in Lebanon, as well as slow progress in implementing U.S.-backed security arrangements linked to Israel’s military withdrawal. The bill underscores growing hopes that coordinated international and Lebanese efforts might reduce Iran’s dominant role in the country through a combination of sanctions, financial incentives, and enhanced security cooperation.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.