US, UN to disburse financial support to Lebanese Army amid economic hardship

The United States and the United Nations will commence cash distributions to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) on Friday under the “Livelihood Support Program.” 

This program, valued at $55.5 million, will disburse temporary financial support for more than 70,000 LAF personnel and will provide eligible LAF members with $100 per month for a period of six months.

"The Livelihood Support Program will help alleviate some of the economic hardship faced by LAF personnel who are exerting tremendous efforts to serve their country, ultimately contributing to the overall security and stability of the entire region," the U.S. Embassy and the U.N. said in a joint statement.

 As a part of the U.S.-funded program, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) is working with a nationwide financial service provider to disburse these funds to eligible LAF members. An equivalent program benefitting Internal Security Forces (ISF) members, valued at $16.5 million, began disbursing six months of financial support for ISF personnel in April.

"This issuance of cash disbursements is a concrete demonstration of the United States’ ongoing commitment to bolster a key institution that transcends sectarian boundaries and remains critical to Lebanon’s continued security and stability," the statement said.