Lebanon’s beleaguered army in the spotlight as truce efforts intensify

“The Lebanese army is in a situation that is sensitive and difficult. Hezbollah’s approval is needed for any ceasefire to take effect, given its arsenal and sway over the Lebanese state. Lebanese troops have also been careful not to clash with Israel, withdrawing from the border as Israeli forces prepared to invade in October. The State Department said Washington was committed to supporting the Lebanese state and its sovereign institutions. U.S. lawmakers in 2010 briefly blocked funding for Lebanon’s military after a deadly border clash between Lebanon and Israel.