Concerns are mounting regarding the apparent collaboration between the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and Hezbollah, prompting renewed calls for the Trump administration to halt its substantial financial support for the LAF. Some analysts argue the two entities are effectively indistinguishable.

Edy Cohen, an Israeli scholar specializing in Hezbollah, stated that Hezbollah and the Lebanese army are one and the same, urging President Trump to cut off funding to Lebanon. Cohen cited instances where the Lebanese army provided Hezbollah with intelligence on Israel.

Recent reports indicate that a high-ranking LAF intelligence officer, Suhil Bahij Gharb, shared classified information obtained from a joint U.S., French, and UNIFIL military facility with Hezbollah.

The U.S. State Department previously highlighted over $3 billion in aid to the LAF since 2006, emphasizing its role in counteracting regional threats.

A senior Trump administration official countered that Hezbollah has not upheld any agreements since 2006, asserting that the destruction of Hezbollah’s leadership by Israel presents a unique opportunity, particularly given the recent election of Joseph Aoun, former LAF commander, as Lebanon’s president.

These concerns arise as the U.S. extended a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah until February 18th, also agreeing to negotiate the return of Lebanese prisoners.

However, Israeli experts claim Hezbollah is attempting to undermine this fragile ceasefire.

Following recent clashes, Hezbollah’s new leader, Naim Kassem, rejected the ceasefire extension, criticizing the Lebanese government’s acceptance of it and demanding Israel’s immediate withdrawal.

Hezbollah’s actions, including the encouragement of Shiite residents to breach Israeli security, have led to significant casualties. These actions followed the Hamas attack on Israel.

An IDF spokesperson stated there were no significant developments beyond publicly available information from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

The PMO previously indicated that Israel’s withdrawal would be gradual and coordinated with the U.S., given Lebanon’s incomplete enforcement of the ceasefire.

The IDF declined to comment on the alleged LAF-Hezbollah collusion.

Walid Phares, a Hezbollah expert, highlighted Hezbollah’s significant influence within the LAF, noting a debate in Washington over continued military aid. He proposed redirecting funds to new, independent LAF units tasked solely with disarming Hezbollah.

Phares linked the lack of progress in disarming Hezbollah to the Biden administration’s focus on the Iran nuclear deal, a deal Trump opposed.

Lt. Col. (Res.) Sarit Zehavi, of the Alma Research and Education Center, emphasized Hezbollah’s resurgence in southern Lebanon and the LAF’s failure to prevent it. She warned against Hezbollah’s attempts to portray the IDF negatively.

A spokesperson for the Lebanese embassy did not provide comment.

Zehavi highlighted the post-2006 agreement barring Hezbollah’s presence in southern Lebanon and the subsequent military buildup.

The U.S. State Department did not immediately respond to inquiries about potential aid cuts to the LAF.