Saudi Arabia is giving Lebanon’s army a grant equivalent to A$3.4 Billion, to fight terrorism.  It comes after a car bomb attack that killed a senior Lebanese politician who opposed Syrian meddling in Lebanese affairs, an attack that is suspected to have originated in Damascus.

“The king of the brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is offering this generous and appreciated aid of $3 Billion to the Lebanese army to strengthen its capabilities,” said President Michel Sleiman.

He announced the grant at the funeral for Mohamad Chatah, a Sunni Muslim who was a staunch critic of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Lebanon's Shi’a Hezbollah movement that backs Assad.  Chatah was killed by a car bomb on Friday, which also killed six other people and injured at least 50 others.  Syria and Hezbollah have denied involvement.

Although the check is being written to Lebanon, it’s France that will reap the profits.  Lebanon is expected to purchase military gear in order to ramp up its anti-terrorism efforts.  French President Francois Hollande said his country would “meet” any orders for military weapons from Lebanon.