Amidst the ongoing ceasefire and Israel's withdrawal from southern Lebanon, the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) are deploying throughout the region. However, the LAF's apparent cooperation with Hezbollah is raising concerns and prompting calls to halt US aid to the Lebanese military.

Edy Cohen, a Hezbollah expert at the Eitan Center, argues that Hezbollah and the LAF are effectively the same entity, citing alleged intelligence sharing between the two regarding Israel. This claim is supported by a recent report in The Times, alleging a LAF intelligence officer leaked classified information, obtained from a joint US, French, and UNIFIL facility, to Hezbollah.

Despite over $3 billion in US investment in the LAF since 2006, aimed at fostering regional stability, questions about the effectiveness of this aid are growing. A Trump administration official, speaking to Fox News Digital, highlighted the perceived lack of Hezbollah's adherence to agreements since 2006 but also pointed to the potential opportunity presented by the new Lebanese president, Joseph Aoun. The official also noted Israel's successful targeting of Hezbollah leadership.

The current ceasefire extension, brokered with US involvement, is facing challenges as Hezbollah's new leader, Naim Kassem, rejects the extension and blames the UN, US, France, and Israel for any delays in Israeli withdrawal. Recent clashes between Israeli forces and pro-Hezbollah residents attempting to enter their villages further escalate tensions.

Walid Phares, a prominent Hezbollah analyst, acknowledges the debate surrounding US military aid to the LAF and suggests redirecting funds to specialized units within the LAF, tasked with disarming Hezbollah, and reporting directly to the Lebanese president and army command.

Phares also criticizes the Biden administration's perceived inaction due to its focus on the Iran nuclear deal, contrasting it with the Trump administration's withdrawal from the deal. Sarit Zehavi, president of the Alma Research and Education Center, points out Hezbollah's return to southern Lebanon and the LAF's apparent failure to prevent this, raising concerns about future attacks. She also notes the strategic advantage Hezbollah gains from civilian casualties, portraying the IDF negatively.

The Lebanese embassy has not responded to requests for comment. The future of US aid to the LAF remains uncertain, with no immediate response from the State Department on the matter.