WASHINGTON, Jan 6 — The Biden administration has announced a significant shift in military funding, reallocating $95 million originally designated for Egypt to Lebanon, in a move that underscores growing concerns about Egypt's human rights situation. According to a Reuters report, this decision comes as Lebanon faces threats from Hezbollah and other groups while enforcing a ceasefire agreement with Israel.

The official notification to Congress describes the Lebanese armed forces as "a key partner" in maintaining the ceasefire established on November 27, 2024, aimed at curbing Hezbollah's military capabilities against Israel. This strategic reallocation has raised eyebrows, particularly after several Democrats in Congress expressed unease with Egypt’s treatment of political prisoners, with thousands reportedly detained.

In September, the State Department had overridden human rights conditions previously tied to military aid, granting Egypt its full allocation of $1.3 billion, which included the controversial $95 million contingent upon the release of political prisoners. However, the recent notification does not specify whether this amount was part of that allocation, leading a congressional aide to suggest the timing was not coincidental.

Egypt has been instrumental in U.S. efforts to facilitate aid into Gaza and has played a mediating role in the ongoing ceasefire discussions between Israel and Hamas. Nonetheless, the earlier decision to send funds to Egypt had faced backlash from within Congress, notably from Senators Chris Murphy and Chris Coons, who criticized the administration's stance.

The newly redirected funds will be utilized to enhance the professionalization of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), improve security along borders, fight terrorism, and respond to changing security dynamics due to the situation in Syria. The State Department stated, "The United States remains Lebanon’s security partner of choice, and U.S. support to the LAF directly helps secure Lebanon and the wider Levant region."

Strengthening Lebanon's military could also mitigate the influence of Hezbollah, an Iran-aligned group that has previously supported the Assad regime during Syria’s civil conflict. Under current U.S. law, Congress has a 15-day window to contest the redirection of military assistance, but many lawmakers are expected to support this shift, viewing it as a more justified allocation of resources. "This is a way to say, 'This funding that Egypt didn't really deserve and doesn't really need, let's reprogram that and put this in a better place," the aide commented, reflecting a broader sentiment within Congress. For further information, you can refer to Al Jazeera.