Significance
Washington has provided more than 1.6 billion dollars’ worth of military aid since 2006, as part of efforts to maintain the neutrality of the Lebanese state. However, concerns are growing within the administration of US President Donald Trump over potential links to Shia movement Hezbollah.
Impacts
Popular support for the LAF as one of the few unifying national institutions will endure despite internal and regional political tensions.
Saudi financial and political influence in Lebanon will remain significant, despite recent setbacks.
Should US support for the LAF diminish, other Western countries, including the United Kingdom and France, could step in.
Russia may seek increased leverage inside the LAF if traditional Western partners reduce bilateral cooperation.