The mission of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF)

According to Lebanon's constitution, the President of Lebanon serves as the commander-in-chief of the Lebanese Armed Forces. However, Lebanon has been without a president since Michel Aoun's term ended in October 2022, creating a leadership vacuum that affects military command structure. Under normal circumstances, the Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces, who must be a Maronite Christian according to the National Pact, handles operational command. The commander is appointed by cabinet decree based on the proposal of the Minister of National Defense.

The LAF was established in 1945 after Lebanon gained independence from France. Throughout its history, the military has faced numerous challenges, including the devastating Lebanese Civil War (1975-1990) which severely fragmented the force along sectarian lines. The Ta'if Agreement of 1989, which ended the civil war, called for the strengthening of the LAF and the disbanding of all militias, though Hezbollah notably remained armed as a "resistance" force against Israel.

The LAF consists of approximately 80,000 active personnel distributed across three main branches: Ground Forces, which represent the largest component, Air Forces, and Navy. The military reflects Lebanon's diverse religious makeup, maintaining a careful sectarian balance. While exact figures are not publicly available, the LAF strives to represent all of Lebanon's religious communities, including Maronite Christians, Sunni Muslims, Shia Muslims, Druze, and other denominations. This multi-sectarian composition has helped make the LAF one of Lebanon's most trusted national institutions.

Regarding equipment and capabilities, the LAF's ground forces include over 4,500 military vehicles, including tanks and missile systems. The air force has limited capabilities and lacks advanced air defense systems. The navy operates 69 vessels for maritime border security and exclusive economic zone protection. However, the force faces significant equipment limitations and maintenance challenges due to financial constraints.

The LAF has been severely impacted by Lebanon's economic crisis that began in 2019. With the Lebanese pound losing over 90% of its value, soldiers' salaries have been dramatically reduced, and the military's operational budget has been severely constrained. In 2021, Lebanon allocated approximately 3.4% of its GDP to military spending, but the actual value of this funding has been eroded by inflation and economic instability.

The LAF's relationship with Hezbollah represents one of the most complex aspects of Lebanon's security landscape. While the LAF is the country's official military force, Hezbollah maintains a powerful parallel armed force that often operates independently. This creates a form of "military dualism" in Lebanon's security sector. The relationship is characterized by careful coexistence, with the LAF avoiding direct confrontation with Hezbollah. There is occasional tactical coordination, particularly in border security, though this occurs within complex political dynamics, as Hezbollah maintains significant influence in Lebanon's government. Both entities maintain competing national security narratives, with each claiming legitimate defensive roles.

The United States and France have been crucial supporters of the LAF since its inception. The United States has provided over $3 billion in military assistance since 2006, supplying equipment, training, and operational support. American support focuses on strengthening the LAF as a counterweight to Hezbollah's influence, and the U.S. maintains a significant special operations training presence with over 70 SOCCENT trainers. France, with its historical ties dating back to Lebanon's independence, provides military training and equipment while advocating for strengthening the LAF's presence in southern Lebanon. Recently, France has led international efforts to increase support for the LAF.

The LAF currently faces severe economic constraints affecting operational capabilities, equipment maintenance issues due to budget limitations, and reduced morale among personnel due to salary devaluation. The complex security environment, particularly along the Israeli border, and limited resources to fully implement UN Resolution 1701 in southern Lebanon present additional challenges. Despite these obstacles, the LAF has demonstrated increasing professionalism and capability, particularly in counter-terrorism operations. The 2017 "Dawn of the Hills" campaign against ISIS showcased the LAF's ability to conduct complex military operations independently, though the operation's conclusion was complicated by Hezbollah's intervention.

The LAF's future effectiveness depends largely on the resolution of Lebanon's economic crisis, continued international support, political stability and presidential leadership, and management of regional tensions, particularly between Israel and Hezbollah. As Lebanon faces ongoing political and economic challenges, the LAF remains a crucial institution for maintaining national stability. While its capabilities are limited compared to regional powers, its greatest strength lies in its role as a unifying national institution and its international backing. Continued support from the United States, France, and other international partners will be crucial for maintaining the LAF's effectiveness and its ability to serve as Lebanon's legitimate national defense force.

Given the current regional tensions and internal challenges, the LAF's role as a stabilizing force in Lebanese society becomes even more critical, even as it continues to operate within the constraints of limited resources and complex political reality.  Despite its sectarian nature the Army of Lebanon remains one of the countries most trusted institutions.