Countering Hizballah in Lebanon’s Military Act of 2021

Countering Hizbollah in Lebanon's Military Act of 2021

This bill limits the use of security assistance funds for Lebanon until certain conditions are met.

Specifically, 20% of funds appropriated or made available for such security assistance may not be obligated or expended until the President certifies to Congress that (1) the Lebanese Armed Forces have taken measurable steps to limit or expel Hezbollah-influenced military personnel that have significant influence over the Lebanese Armed Forces' policies or activities, (2) activities of the Lebanese Armed Forces to disarm Hezbollah demonstrate a serious commitment to fulfill United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 calling for such disarmament, and (3) the Lebanese Armed Forces have not cooperated or partnered with Hezbollah during the last year.

The President may waive the first two requirements if it is in U.S. national security interest to do so.

Bill 117 HR 4073, also known as the Countering Hizballah in Lebanon's Military Act of 2021, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress with the aim of addressing concerns about the influence of the militant group Hizballah within the Lebanese military.

The bill seeks to prevent US military assistance to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) from being used by Hizballah or its affiliates. It requires the Secretary of State to certify that the LAF is taking steps to prevent Hizballah from using US-provided assistance, and to report to Congress on any violations of this requirement.

Additionally, the bill calls for increased monitoring and oversight of US assistance to the LAF, as well as the imposition of sanctions on individuals or entities found to be supporting Hizballah within the Lebanese military. Supporters of the bill argue that Hizballah's presence within the LAF poses a threat to US interests and regional stability, and that it is important for the US to take steps to counter this influence. Critics, however, have raised concerns about the potential impact of the bill on US-Lebanon relations and the stability of the region. Overall, Bill 117 HR 4073 represents a bipartisan effort to address the complex issue of Hizballah's presence within the Lebanese military, and to ensure that US assistance is not inadvertently supporting this militant group.