US Official Morgan Ortagus warned against Hezbollah’s role in Lebanon’s new government, citing their defeat by Israel. Her comments were labeled as interference by Hezbollah, as Lebanon’s prime minister-designate, Nawaf Salam, aims to form a government amidst existing political pressures. The US emphasizes the need for reforms and corruption resolutions to regain international support for Lebanon’s economy.
A senior US diplomat, Morgan Ortagus, recently visited Beirut, where she expressed strong opposition to Hezbollah’s involvement in Lebanon’s new government, declaring the group was “defeated” in its conflict against Israel. Amid ongoing political pressure surrounding the formation of the government, Hezbollah criticized her comments as “blatant interference” in Lebanese sovereignty. Ortagus highlighted that the US has established rigid parameters to prevent Hezbollah from terrorizing the Lebanese populace.
Hezbollah has been significantly weakened following over a year of confrontations, culminating in a shift within Lebanon’s parliament that allowed for the election of Joseph Aoun as president and Nawaf Salam as prime minister, ending a prolonged political impasse. Ortagus claimed that Hezbollah’s control had come to an end, expressing gratitude to Israel for its role in defeating the group, which was previously regarded as a formidable political and military entity in Lebanon.
The situation remains tense as Aoun’s office clarified that not all of Ortagus’s statements reflect the presidency’s stance. Hezbollah’s parliamentary leader condemned her remarks as “full of malice and irresponsibility,” asserting that they constitute unwarranted interference in Lebanese political affairs. The decline in Hezbollah’s influence has been compounded by the repercussions of the war and the diminished support from Syria.
During her visit, Ortagus emphasized the necessity for Lebanon to address corruption and eliminate Hezbollah’s influence in the government in order to restore international confidence and unlock crucial financial assistance. To this end, Salam announced plans to exclude members of established political parties from government positions, aiming to prevent obstruction and promote necessary reforms.
Lebanon’s political structure has historically been divided along sectarian lines, which complicates the formation of a functioning government. The shared power dynamics between Hezbollah and allied parties such as Amal continue to pose challenges, particularly regarding the appointment of Shiite ministers. Salam’s commitment to reform and the establishment of a robust state is contingent on navigating these complex political waters efficiently.
In light of these developments, Aoun indicated that consultations for a new government were nearing completion while appealing for Israel to comply with withdrawal agreements. Under the terms of a ceasefire brokered by Washington, plans for a coordinated withdrawal of Israel and the deployment of Lebanese forces along the southern border remain actively under negotiation.
The backdrop of this diplomatic engagement stems from sustained tensions between Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant group, and Israel, which have resulted in protracted conflicts. The recent visit by US envoy Morgan Ortagus reflects ongoing US efforts to diminish Hezbollah’s political power in Lebanon and foster a government that aligns more closely with Washington’s interests. The complex sectarian makeup of Lebanon necessitates careful navigation to establish a government capable of enacting much-needed reforms stemming from the country’s continuing economic crisis, which began in 2019 and has been exacerbated by political stalemate.
In summary, the US envoy’s remarks highlight a determined stance against Hezbollah’s role in the Lebanese government amid efforts to foster stability and reform. The situation remains tenuous, as Lebanon struggles with historical political divisions that complicate government formation. With Aoun’s election and Salam’s leadership, there is cautious optimism for progress, contingent on effective engagement with multiple political factions and adherence to international agreements regarding Lebanon’s sovereignty and stability.
Original Source: www.themountainpress.com
