Whereas the security, sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Lebanon, a pluralistic democracy in the Middle East, is in the interest of the United States and its allies in the region; Whereas, for more than a decade, the United States has provided robust assistance to Lebanon, including training and equipment for the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), development assistance through the Economic Support Fund (ESF), funding for schools and hospitals in Lebanon through the American Schools and Hospitals Abroad (ASHA) Program, and funding for the U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI); Whereas the integrity and independence of the LAF serves a United States national security interest; Whereas the LAF has been a critical stabilizing force in Lebanon with a longstanding partnership with the United States military; Whereas the United States has provided over $1,000,000,000 in foreign military and security assistance to the LAF; Whereas the LAF, as the primary institution entrusted with Lebanon’s defense, security, and sovereignty, is an important force to support the safety and security of Lebanon; Whereas international support for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) remains necessary to counteract destabilizing forces in Lebanon and help lower tensions at the Lebanon-Israel border; Whereas UNIFIL has been effective in facilitating tripartite dialogues between the Lebanese and Israeli military officials and in conducting numerous border patrols in partnership with the LAF, to deescalate the possibilities of unintended consequences leading to violent conflict ; Whereas United States support for American institutions in Lebanon through programs such as ASHA, MEPI, and ESF assistance are vital for fostering democratic ideals and principles throughout Lebanon