ALPAC urges U.S. to back Lebanon with security, sanctions and reconstruction plan

ALPAC delivered policy recommendations to senior U.S. State Department officials in Washington on June 14, calling for deeper U.S. engagement to help Lebanon restore sovereignty, improve security and finance reconstruction. The group’s proposal centers on Hamat Air Base, a formal U.S.-Lebanon security agreement, tougher sanctions enforcement and a transparent reconstruction fund. Why it matters: - ALPAC is pressing Washington to support changes it says could help Lebanon strengthen state institutions, reduce militant influence and restart economic recovery. - The recommendations tie U.S. policy to Lebanon’s stability, regional security and the potential return of the Lebanese diaspora. - A reconstruction framework with outside oversight could shape how future aid and frozen assets are directed. What happened: - The America Lebanon Peace Advancement Council presented recommendations to senior officials at the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Near East Affairs in Washington on June 14. - ALPAC called for sustained U.S. engagement on Lebanon’s sovereignty, stability and economic recovery. - The group outlined four priorities for U.S. action. The details: - ALPAC wants Hamat Air Base developed as a dual-use civilian and military airport. - The group said Hamat could expand national infrastructure, boost economic growth and improve Lebanon’s strategic capabilities. - ALPAC said the project would reduce reliance on Beirut Airport, which it described as being near Hezbollah’s stronghold in the Dahieh suburb south of Beirut. - ALPAC urged the United States and Lebanon to expand security cooperation into a formal agreement. - The group said that agreement would help the Lebanese Armed Forces combat terrorism, smuggling and threats to regional stability. - ALPAC also called for vetted Lebanese Armed Forces units. - The group urged more aggressive sanctions enforcement against individuals and networks that support designated terrorist organizations and their allies. - ALPAC proposed a transparent Lebanon Reconstruction Fund with independent oversight. - The fund would finance infrastructure, healthcare, education, energy and transportation projects. - ALPAC identified frozen Iranian assets as one possible funding source. Between the lines: - The proposal reflects a view that U.S. leverage should pair security pressure with institution-building and economic investment. - ALPAC is framing Lebanon’s crisis as solvable only if reforms inside Lebanon are matched by sustained outside support. - The emphasis on independent oversight suggests concern about corruption and weak accountability in reconstruction spending. What’s next: - ALPAC is urging the State Department and U.S. policymakers to act on the recommendations. - Toufic Baaklini said the United States has an opportunity to help the Lebanese people build a stronger state. - Fouad Arbid said targeted U.S. support and Lebanese reforms could strengthen institutions, increase accountability and support the return of the Lebanese diaspora. - ALPAC says that return would help drive peace and economic revival across Lebanon. The bottom line: - ALPAC is asking the U.S. to pair security cooperation, sanctions enforcement and reconstruction funding in a broader push to stabilize Lebanon.