The arms deal between the United States and Lebanon would reportedly include hundreds of anti-tank missiles.
Israeli authorities have stated that recent events in Lebanon, including Hezbollah's resurgence in the south, have led them to believe that the arms transfer could pose a security threat, namely if future clashes cause government forces to splinter, possibly causing the arms to fall into the hands of the Lebanese Shi'ite militia Hezbollah.
The Head of the Defense Ministry's Diplomatic-Security Bureau. Amos Gilad has reportedly held talks recently with officials from the Pentagon, in order to convey Israeli reservations about the deal, Haaretz has reported.
The United States is reportedly interested in the deal out of the belief that it will help the Lebanese Army better deal with the range of factions in the country, especially Hezbollah.
As a precursor to the weapons deal, the United States has agreed to help train units of the Lebanese Army and has sent military advisers to the country.
According to military observers, the Lebanese army badly needs the proper equipment and training in order for it to maintain law and order in face of terrorism. Last year the army fought Fatah al Islam terrorists, an al Qaeda inspired group, for 106 days. It took the army that long to defeat the terrorists because it was ill equipped, and had to use creative means to win the battle, such as using helicopters as bombers. This dangerous technique had never been attempted before.
According to observers, the US has to insist on the deal if it wants (as it claims) Lebanon to defend its democracy, sovereignty, independence and freedom. After all, Lebanon is trying to diplomatically resolve the issue of the Sheba farms, and the arms will be critical in enabling the Lebanese Army to keep the peace along the Lebanese-Israeli borders.
Tags: Al Qaeda, Arms, Fatah al-Islam, Israel, Lebanese Army, Lobby, source: Haaretz, source: Ya Libnan, US, Weapons
