Category: Statements & Announcements

ATFL applauds President Joseph Aoun’s speech on the anniversary of the country’s 15-year civil war, calling for unity among all Lebanese as they face unprecedented security and economic challenges. As he underscored, Lebanon’s future and its stability can only lie in a strong, inclusive and sovereign state that has the monopoly of arms. Aoun’s support for a return to the 1949 armistice agreement with Israel is a further indication of the seriousness with which the government is tackling Lebanon’s sovereignty. Israel now needs to withdraw from Lebanon in accordance with the ceasefire agreement.

Lebanon’s weapons and its army must indeed be its unity as the country reclaims its sovereignty and independence. Fifty years ago, when a devastating civil war broke out in Lebanon with tragic consequences, 150,000 Lebanese perished and some 17,000 remain missing. Today has to be an occasion for the Lebanese to look back and learn from the past to build a peaceful future, grounded in unity and non-violence, under the state’s aegis.

We are heartened by the president’s words and recent actions which reflect his and his government’s will to fully enact the ceasefire agreement while building the democratic institutions necessary for the long-term survival and sovereignty of Lebanon.

The American Task Force on Lebanon (ATFL) is a non-partisan organization composed of Americans of Lebanese ancestry, committed to strengthening ties between the United States and an independent, sovereign Lebanon. Our mission is rooted in fostering closer and friendlier relations between both nations.

We do not promote, attempt to influence, or endorse any individual for political office or position. In fact, one of the tenets of ATFL is that it does not get involved in the internal operations of Lebanon. In this regard, ATFL is not engaged in supporting or otherwise influencing the appointment of any candidate for high office in Lebanon. Any such claims are entirely unfounded, misleading, and false.

Furthermore, while individual ATFL members may, in their personal capacities, engage in independent initiatives or political discussions, such actions should not be construed as representing, being authorized by, or endorsed by the ATFL.

Additionally, if any board member is running for a high government position in Lebanon, their membership in ATFL will be suspended for the duration of their candidacy. Also, no Lebanese American in an official Lebanese government position is allowed to apply for or will be admitted to membership of ATFL.

ATFL remains steadfast in its principles of integrity and independence. Our mission is clear, and any suggestion that we serve private or political interests is entirely false.

ATFL applauds the Trump Administration’s decision to support funding for the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), a key pillar of the US-Lebanon bilateral relationship.

The LAF will play a pivotal role in this transitional but key period in Lebanon’s history, starting with the full implementation of the ceasefire to secure and stabilize the country. With this support, the LAF will replace Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) in the south in monitoring the borders and disarming Hezbollah. This will begin the process of further strengthening the LAF to enable it to secure all borders, combat terrorism, disarm militias throughout the country, and preserve the unity of the territory.

The Lebanese army has emerged as one of the most credible of institutions in the country, despite being under-equipped and under-resourced. Since the signing of the ceasefire, it was able to deploy quickly and acted decisively to clear roads and remove munitions in the south, demonstrating the will and core capability to complete its job. We commend the LAF for this progress and count on them to expedite the remainder of their commitments as part of the ceasefire. We also expect a full withdrawal of Israeli forces as the LAF completes its mission in the south.

While this tranche of funding to the LAF is timely and will enable it to complete its mission in the south, the army will need additional support to acquire the necessary equipment, troops, and munitions that will help ensure that all weapons are centralized within the state’s control and that it is the only entity capable of keeping the peace throughout the country.

“With the help and leadership of the United States we expect all militias, including Hezbollah, to be disarmed and demobilized, leaving the LAF and Internal Security Forces as the sole protectors and defenders of Lebanon” said ATFL’s President and CEO Ed Gabriel. “The country must take advantage of this unique opportunity to reclaim its sovereignty.”

The American Task Force on Lebanon congratulates Lebanon on the nomination of Judge Nawaf Salam as prime minister on the heels of President Joseph Aoun’s landmark election that ended two years of gridlock.

President’s Aoun’s election and Salam’s designation usher in a new era that signals the possibility of much-needed change and reform, stabilizes the country, and revives state institutions. The state, under this administration, faces critical tasks, starting with reclaiming its full monopoly over arms and control over the entirety of the territory in accordance with the recent ceasefire agreement that ended hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel. Reconstruction will also need to be prioritized, as will the relaunch of long-stalled reforms to revive the economy and address the root causes of the country’s financial collapse.

The country can now move to realize its full potential as a sovereign and prosperous nation, free from corruption and dedicated to the security of its citizens, helping unlock billions needed in urgent foreign assistance. The Lebanese deserve a better future—and now begins the difficult task of rebuilding a state that is inclusive, united, and committed to reform.

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for Lebanon that should not be squandered. The next two weeks will be critical as Prime Minister Salam begins the process of forming his government. We are hopeful that the US and the international community will support a new technically competent Lebanese government that prioritizes reclaiming its sovereignty and embarks on a transformative economic and reform program.

The American Task Force on Lebanon (ATFL) congratulates President-elect Joseph Aoun on his election as president of the Republic of Lebanon after a long hiatus and political impasse. It is critical that Lebanon, under Aoun’s internationally and domestically respected leadership, enter a phase that moves the country towards fiscal stability and freedom. An essential pillar in this effort will be cooperation with the international community to bring about much needed relief and reconstruction to a devastated country, and restore trust in state institutions.

ATFL now urges the swift formation of an independent and competent government in Lebanon which can embark on the necessary political and economic reforms that will put the country on the path to economic recovery and ensure that outside aid and assistance flows, and that foreign investment returns.

“We commend Lebanon’s representatives in parliament who have put nation above politics in their overwhelming vote to elect Joseph Aoun as president,” said Ed Gabriel, president of ATFL. “This vote signals the possibility of a new beginning in Lebanon, in which all citizens, regardless of political affiliation or religion, will be represented and benefit from an inclusive, prosperous, and secure country,” he added. “ATFL stands ready to support the incoming government in addressing the dramatic challenges the country is facing.”

The American Task Force on Lebanon (ATFL), a leadership organization of Americans of Lebanese heritage, welcomes the announcement of a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel that ends more than a year of fighting between the two parties. During this time, more than 3,700 Lebanese have been killed,15,000 injured and over 1.3 million displaced. The agreement will hopefully bring an end to the death of innocent people and allow those displaced by the conflict on both sides of the border to return home.

The agreement calls for the removal of Hezbollah’s weapons from the border area and gives Israel 60-days to withdraw progressively from southern Lebanon. An enhanced Lebanese army is to be deployed to its southern border as Hezbollah moves its remaining weaponry north of the Litani River. A US-led monitoring committee will be tasked with overseeing and addressing any violations of the agreement. This deal is based upon UN resolution 1701, which reaffirms earlier UN resolutions on Lebanon, 1559 and 1680. Its aim is to disarm all armed groups in Lebanon and restore Lebanon’s sovereignty over its territory as the basis for a lasting truce. It should also pave the way for negotiations to demarcate the land border between Lebanon and Israel.

ATFL has long been calling for a ceasefire and diplomatic solution to the crisis based on UN Security Council Resolutions 1701, 1559, and other related international agreements that require the disarmament and demobilization of non-state militias. We also view strengthening the Lebanese Armed Forces as essential to securing the entire country’s territory. In addition, a robust internationally-led relief and reconstruction effort, which the World Bank has assessed will cost more than $8.5 billion, will be critical for addressing the substantial damage and economic losses to Lebanon, including helping reverse the displacement crisis.

“We commend the Biden Administration, its Special Envoy Amos Hochstein, and President-elect Trump’s team for their extensive coordination and indefatigable efforts in brokering this deal,” said ATFL President Edward Gabriel. “Its success will require US leadership and persistence in assisting the country’s recovery and guaranteeing its sovereignty, and support to the Lebanese army which is set to play a key role in the ensuing phase,” he added.

This is a time for solidarity and reflection. The focus next will need to be on strengthening institutions, starting with equipping and bolstering the army so that it can deploy across the country, stabilize the border areas, and enable the state to reclaim its sovereignty. The Lebanese political leadership must now take advantage of this unprecedented opportunity to elect a president and technically competent government that will ensure that the agreement is fully implemented.

The American Task Force on Lebanon (ATFL) expresses gratitude to President Joe Biden for his service as president and congratulates President-Elect Donald Trump on his election victory. ATFL thanks both administrations for their commitment and efforts in supporting a democratic, prosperous, and stable Lebanon.

We are encouraged that a ceasefire in Lebanon will continue to be prioritized by the Biden administration in the coming two months and is receiving immediate attention by the Trump administration as it prepares to take over this file.

The war between Israel and Hezbollah rages on with devastating impact on civilians, as the death toll continues to rise in addition to the displacement of over 1.3 million people who have come under intense bombardment.

ATFL is committed to working with the outgoing Biden Administration and the incoming Trump transition team to enable relief and reconstruction and the building of a strong, sovereign, and democratic state. For this to happen, a cessation of hostilities is imperative, as is a long term comprehensive diplomatic solution based on UN Security Council resolutions 1701, 1559, and other international agreements, a final demarcation of the Lebanese-Israeli border, and increased support for the Lebanese Armed Forces.

ATFL is an American, nonpartisan organization working to promote a robust bilateral relationship between the United States and Lebanon and strengthen their historic ties.