Members of Hezbollah during the Aramta maneuvers (Nabil Ismail).

The New York Times reported that the administration of US President Donald Trump warned, ahead of an important ministerial meeting in Beirut on Friday, that time is running out for Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah before facing the risk of losing US and Gulf financial support, and possibly a renewed Israeli military campaign.

The newspaper quoted US officials saying Washington is concerned about the Lebanese government’s potential retreat from taking a firm stance against Hezbollah, considering this “a critical moment in Lebanon’s history.”

US officials, who requested anonymity, indicated that any hesitation or partial steps could push Congress to cut the annual funding of about $150 million for the Lebanese Armed Forces.

The officials confirmed that the greatest danger is that Israel might view the delay as justification to launch a new military campaign, which could cause significant damage and losses, especially in southern Lebanon.