Cairo hosts preparatory meeting for support to the Lebanese army
Cairo is hosting a preparatory meeting on Tuesday dedicated to supporting the Lebanese army, ahead of the international conference that France plans to organize on March 5 in Paris. The objective is neither symbolic nor broadly political. It is about developing a list of concrete commitments that will serve as the basis for the announcements expected in the French capital.
According to a source close to the matter, interviewed by Ici Beyrouth, the Cairo meeting represents, above all, “a preparation meeting of the Quintet.” Around the table should be representatives from the United States, France, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. Other traditional partners of the army, such as Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom, could also participate in the discussions, without official confirmation at this stage.
The stated objective is clear: to gather as much assistance at all levels, whether it be direct financial aid, logistical support, military equipment, or training programs. At this stage, there is no consolidated assessment of future contributions available. “There is no exact figure, especially among the main donors. Many countries invited to the Paris conference have not yet responded to the invitation,” said the same source.
Behind the scenes, the ambition mentioned is to reach between 3 and 4 billion dollars over five years, which is around 600 to 700 million dollars per year. “An objective that is not necessarily achievable,” it is warned. The United States could increase their support, but it would be conditioned on a clear commitment from the Lebanese government in favor of disarming Hezbollah, especially since the second phase of the army’s plan has not yet begun.
Longstanding but fragmented support
Since 2006, the Lebanese army has been among the main beneficiaries of international military assistance in Lebanon. The most solid figures come from the United States. According to official data from the US Department of State, American aid to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) has surpassed 3 billion dollars since 2006. Just between 2020 and 2024, it averaged between 100 and 150 million dollars a year, including equipment, training, air maintenance, and logistical support. In 2022, Washington also announced an additional 72 million dollars allocated to temporary allowances for soldiers, to offset the collapse of the Lebanese pound following the 2019 financial crisis.
Context: This article discusses a preparatory meeting in Cairo aimed at supporting the Lebanese army ahead of an international conference in Paris. Various countries, including the US, France, and others, are expected to participate and discuss concrete commitments to assist the army.
