Reconstruction in Exchange for a Decision... Washington Reveals the Heading of Lebanon’s Next Phase

American sources told MTV that the U.S. approach to the Lebanese file has entered a new phase that goes beyond examining the “two pilot areas,” shifting instead toward formulating a broader vision that defines the nature of the support Washington can provide to the Lebanese state in return for clear commitments on its part.

According to the sources, the reconstruction file has become one of the most prominent tools of both pressure and incentive, as the United States may rely on reconstruction funds to encourage the Lebanese state to accelerate the implementation of its commitments and demonstrate tangible results in the areas where the Lebanese Army is deployed.

The sources added that President Joseph Aoun’s anticipated visit to the White House is no longer limited to discussing the issue of Israeli withdrawal, but is expected to address negotiations over a comprehensive package that includes military support, reconstruction funding, and U.S. guarantees, in exchange for the implementation of a workable Lebanese plan that consolidates the extension of state authority over the entirety of its territory.