Advancing Diplomacy During a Time of Conflict
Following Hezbollah’s attack on Israel on March 2, 2026, Lebanon was drawn into a wider regional conflict. The ensuing war has had devastating consequences, with over one million people displaced and more than 2,500 lives lost.
In response, ATFL has prioritized de-escalation and strongly supports the historic talks between Lebanon and Israel—the first direct engagement in decades. Recognizing the urgency of developments on the ground, ATFL President Edward Gabriel traveled to Beirut from April 18 to 24, where he held high-level meetings with senior Lebanese officials, security leaders, and U.S. counterparts.
Across both Beirut and Washington, ATFL is advancing three immediate priorities:
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- Promoting a diplomatic path toward de-escalation and peace
- Reinforcing Lebanon’s sovereignty and state institutions
- Supporting the delivery of targeted humanitarian assistance
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The United States, alongside international partners, plays a critical leadership role in advancing diplomacy, supporting Lebanon’s security institutions, and ensuring the effective delivery of humanitarian assistance.
A Diplomatic Pathway
A military-only approach to the current conflict is neither viable nor sustainable. A long-term diplomatic pathway—grounded in strong Lebanese state institutions and a capable Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF)—offers the most credible route to stability and peace.
ATFL supports direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel aimed at securing a durable ceasefire, establishing deconfliction mechanisms, and advancing conditions for full Lebanese sovereignty.
Restoring Lebanese Sovereignty
The only viable political end state to this conflict is a fully sovereign Lebanon, living at peace with its neighbors. Achieving this requires strengthening state authority and reinforcing the role of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) as the country’s sole legitimate security institution.
While the LAF currently lacks the capacity to fully confront and disarm Hezbollah, it remains central to restoring state authority. Sustained and coordinated international and American support will be essential to enhance its capabilities, including in equipment, logistics, and intelligence.
At the same time, the LAF can take practical confidence-building measures— such as expanding its presence in select areas—to demonstrate progress toward strengthening state control and reinforcing international confidence.
Humanitarian Assistance
The displacement of over one million people has placed an extraordinary strain on Lebanon’s already fragile infrastructure, compounding the country’s ongoing struggle to recover from the 2019 economic crisis and the 2024 war, and leaving many families unable to access safe and affordable shelter.
This crisis has also heightened social tensions, particularly between displaced populations—many of whom are from Shia communities—and host communities across the country.
An immediate scale-up of humanitarian assistance is critical to alleviating human suffering, reducing internal strife, and reinforcing the role of the Lebanese state. Effective, transparent aid delivery—supported by international partners—can also help restore public confidence in state institutions and reduce reliance on non-state actors.
The current crisis underscores the need for immediate action. At the same time, ATFL remains committed to advancing the following long-term priorities, which are essential to strengthening U.S.-Lebanon relations and promoting lasting stability in Lebanon and the region.
Long Term Priorities
US-Lebanon Relations
The United States has long been a vital partner to Lebanon, supporting its sovereignty, security, and democratic aspirations. Central to this partnership is robust US assistance, including direct support for the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), the country's sole legitimate defense institution.
ATFL works to strengthen this partnership by fostering bipartisan engagement in Washington, mobilizing the Lebanese American community, and advancing policies that promote stability, economic recovery, and lasting peace.
Through dialogue and advocacy, we help ensure that US policy reflects the shared values and mutual interests of both nations.
Governance in Lebanon
Lebanon's path to stability and prosperity depends on accountable and inclusive governance together with the rule of law.
Decades of corruption, weak institutions, and political paralysis have eroded public trust and stalled reform.
ATFL advocates for transparency and anti-corruption, judicial independence, and stronger public institutions as the foundation for economic recovery and renewed confidence in Lebanon's democracy.
Lebanon's Economic Recovery and Assistance
Lebanon is enduring one of the worst financial and economic crises in modern history, with its currency devalued, banks paralyzed, and poverty at record levels.
Economic recovery depends on comprehensive reforms and renewed confidence in financial institutions. US assistance, together with international aid and diaspora investment, is essential to help Lebanon rebuild its economy, restore services and create pathways for sustainable growth.
Strengthening Lebanon's Security and Sovereignty
Lebanon's stability depends on the state's ability to exercise full sovereignty and maintain a monopoly on the use of force. The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), backed by consistent US assistance, remain the country's most trusted institution and the cornerstone of its national defense.
ATFL advocates for a Lebanon free from foreign interference and armed non-state actors, where the disarmament of all militias enables state institutions to protect citizens and uphold the rule of law.
The Syrian Refugee Crisis
Lebanon hosts the world's largest number of refugees per capita, with over a million Syrians displaced by civil war, living alongside vulnerable Lebanese communities.
This prolonged crisis has strained public services, deepened economic pressures, and fueled social tensions in the country.
ATFL advocates for a balanced US and international response that supports both refugees and host communities, ensures aid accountability, and advances durable solutions in line with Lebanon's sovereignty and humanitarian obligations.
Human Development in Lebanon
Lebanon's greatest asset has been its people, but years of crises have eroded access to quality education, healthcare, and basic services.
Schools and universities, once renowned across the region, now face funding shortfalls, while hospitals struggle under economic collapse and brain drain.
ATFL advocates for US and international support that safeguards Lebanon's human capital, sustains essential services, and empowers the next generation to contribute to the country's recovery and stability.