US ‘Vetoes’ Gulf Reconstruction for Syria, Lebanon Until Israel Is Satisfied

Wars are costly and often devastating to the local populace. The road to recovery can also be long and difficult. This is even more true in Lebanon and Syria, with the US engaged in international efforts to preclude any reconstruction funds being sent by other nations.

Presented as an “undeclared veto,” the Trump Administration has contacted multiple Gulf Arab countries to warn them they are not allowed to deliver any of the promised reconstruction aid to Lebanon or Syria “until Israel’s objectives are met.”

Israel invaded Lebanon in September and carried out a war that ended November 26 with a ceasefire. Since then Israel has continued to attack Lebanon almost daily, and has refused to withdraw troops from military outposts they set up inside Lebanon.