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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.