Lebanese MP Mohammad Raad condemned US official Morgan Ortagus’s assertions that Hezbollah would not participate in the future government. He criticized her remarks as insulting and detrimental to Lebanese sovereignty, while Ortagus maintained that Hezbollah had been defeated by Israel. Amid efforts by Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam to form a government, internal negotiations continue amidst external pressures from the US and Gulf nations.
Lebanese MP Mohammad Raad criticized US claims made by Morgan Ortagus, a visiting White House official, regarding Hezbollah’s future role in the Lebanese government. Raad expressed that Ortagus insulted a key part of Lebanon’s political framework and accused her of overt interference in the country’s sovereignty. He emphasized that Hezbollah remains integral to the national consensus, contradicting claims of its defeat by Israel in previous conflicts.
During a press conference, Ortagus expressed gratitude to Israel for its role in defeating Hezbollah, declaring that the group’s influence in Lebanon had come to an end. She asserted that Hezbollah would not be permitted to participate in the new Lebanese government. Additionally, she declared Washington’s commitment to facilitating Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon by February 18.
Raad rebutted Ortagus’s statements, arguing that Israel’s aggression in both Lebanon and Gaza highlights who truly supports terrorism and endangers civilian lives. He stated that the reality of the violence demonstrates the true aggressors in the ongoing conflict, advocating for the victims and emphasizing international law violations by Israel.
As Lebanon’s Prime Minister-designate, Nawaf Salam is focused on forming a new government amidst tensions and complexities. Recent government formation talks reportedly faltered after an imminent agreement was expected, particularly involving alliances between Hezbollah and the Amal Movement. The political landscape remains fraught with the influence of external pressures from the US and Gulf states, despite internal negotiations.
The ongoing tensions between Hezbollah and the US represent broader geopolitical struggles in the region. Hezbollah, a political and military organization in Lebanon, has been a significant player in Lebanese politics and conflicts with Israel. The US regards Hezbollah as a terrorist group, complicating diplomatic relations. Recent statements from US officials indicate a strong preference for excluding Hezbollah from governance, reflecting a shift in US policy towards Lebanon and its internal power dynamics.
Lebanese MP Mohammad Raad’s strong condemnation of US interference underscores the tensions surrounding Hezbollah’s political role in Lebanon. With ongoing government formation discussions complicated by external pressures, the situation reveals the complexities of Lebanese politics influenced by international dynamics. The conflict showcases the deep-rooted issues of sovereignty, national identity, and geopolitical stances in the region.
Original Source: thecradle.co
