Qatar renews $60 million grant for Lebanese army salaries

Qatar has pledged a significant new package of assistance to Lebanon, committing to send 162 military vehicles and an additional $60 million to support the salaries of Lebanese army officers. This move comes as Lebanon begins to recover from the devastating war between Hezbollah and Israel that ended with a ceasefire in November.

The latest round of aid was announced during a visit by Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to Doha, where he held talks with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The Qatari leader reiterated his country’s commitment to Lebanon, stating that Qatar remains supportive of the Lebanese people and institutions during this crucial phase of reconstruction and stabilization.

Aid Amid Border Tensions and Reforms

The war, triggered when Hezbollah began launching attacks on Israel following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October 2023, lasted 14 months and left more than 4,000 people dead in Lebanon. The World Bank estimates the damage from the conflict will require at least $11 billion in reconstruction efforts.

Since the U.S.-brokered ceasefire took effect, Lebanon has taken steps to stabilize politically by electing a new president and prime minister. The new leadership has vowed to implement reforms, including strengthening the Lebanese army’s presence along the southern border in line with UN Security Council directives, particularly after Hezbollah’s agreed withdrawal from the area.

Despite Israel withdrawing from most of southern Lebanon in mid-February, its forces remain positioned in five key locations considered strategic high ground. Israeli military operations have continued in the border region, including regular drone strikes that Israel claims target Hezbollah operatives and infrastructure. On Wednesday alone, two drone attacks in the south resulted in the deaths of two individuals, according to Lebanon’s health ministry.

President Aoun used his visit to Qatar to denounce Israel’s ongoing military presence in Lebanon and its frequent strikes in the border region, calling them a violation of Lebanese sovereignty.

Qatar has been a reliable source of support for the Lebanese army since the country was plunged into an economic crisis in 2019, initially providing food and then cash assistance. The latest military aid package aims to reinforce Lebanon’s efforts to restore security and maintain border control in the wake of the Hezbollah-Israel war.