As tensions rise in Lebanon following a prolonged conflict, U.S. deputy envoy Morgan Ortagus calls on the new administration to ensure Hezbollah's exclusion from government.
Trump Envoy Urges Lebanon to Exclude Hezbollah from Government
Trump Envoy Urges Lebanon to Exclude Hezbollah from Government
U.S. Pressures Lebanese Leadership Amid Ongoing Conflict with Israel
February 7, 2025, 7:28 a.m. ET - In a strategic push for stabilization in Lebanon, U.S. deputy envoy to the Middle East, Morgan Ortagus, conveyed a firm message to Lebanon’s newly elected leadership during a press conference in Beirut. Emphasizing the importance of isolating Hezbollah, an influential Iran-backed militia that has historically dominated Lebanese politics, Ortagus insisted that the group must not hold any position within the government.
During her address, Ortagus emphasized that Hezbollah had suffered substantial losses during the recent conflict with Israel, presenting her view that the militia has been "defeated." This comes as Lebanon navigates a fragile ceasefire and ongoing volatility, raising concerns that any integration of Hezbollah into the government could jeopardize efforts for national stability.
While the response from Lebanese officials was notably absent, new President Joseph Aoun's administration faces the challenging task of managing relationships with Hezbollah, which has maintained a powerful presence in the country. Simultaneously, Washington's increased pressure aims to counter Hezbollah's long-standing political influence in Lebanon.
In addition to addressing Hezbollah, Ortagus also highlighted U.S. efforts aimed at curbing Iranian financial support for regional proxies, reinforcing the administration's commitment to curtailing external influences in Lebanon's internal affairs. As the situation unfolds, the ramifications of these discussions could have profound implications for Lebanon’s governance and the region's political landscape.
During her address, Ortagus emphasized that Hezbollah had suffered substantial losses during the recent conflict with Israel, presenting her view that the militia has been "defeated." This comes as Lebanon navigates a fragile ceasefire and ongoing volatility, raising concerns that any integration of Hezbollah into the government could jeopardize efforts for national stability.
While the response from Lebanese officials was notably absent, new President Joseph Aoun's administration faces the challenging task of managing relationships with Hezbollah, which has maintained a powerful presence in the country. Simultaneously, Washington's increased pressure aims to counter Hezbollah's long-standing political influence in Lebanon.
In addition to addressing Hezbollah, Ortagus also highlighted U.S. efforts aimed at curbing Iranian financial support for regional proxies, reinforcing the administration's commitment to curtailing external influences in Lebanon's internal affairs. As the situation unfolds, the ramifications of these discussions could have profound implications for Lebanon’s governance and the region's political landscape.
