Reps. Howard Berman and Rep. 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 Lebanon’s and America’s national security and would not be hijacked by Hezbollah militants to threaten Israel.
“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.” Lowey and Berman were among several lawmakers to express misgivings 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 if the United States should withdraw its support, Iran or Syria might step in to fill the vacuum.
Despite the action by Berman and Lowey, the aid package may face new opposition when the new Congress, with a Republican-controlled House, takes office in January.
Republican Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, who is expected to become the next chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, has expressed worries that Hezbollah may find a way to benefit from the money.
