Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun urges U.S. envoy Morgan Ortagus to halt Israeli bombings in southern Lebanon, citing civilian casualties and continued violence despite a ceasefire. The talks occur amid Lebanon’s efforts to finalize a new cabinet, with U.S. concerns regarding Hezbollah’s political power highlighted. Ortagus emphasizes reducing Hezbollah’s influence in the government while the Lebanese presidency downplays her statements.
Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun called on the United States to intervene and persuade Israel to cease its bombings in southern Lebanon. He communicated these concerns to Morgan Ortagus, the deputy special presidential envoy for the Middle East, during her visit to Beirut. Ortagus is noted for being the most senior U.S. official to visit Lebanon since President Trump’s return to office and the selection of a new Lebanese leadership.
Despite a declared ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon persist, leading to accusations from both parties about violating the truce. Last month, Israeli gunfire resulted in the deaths of at least 22 individuals, including a Lebanese soldier, with over 120 others wounded as civilians attempted to return home.
Ortagus’s visit coincides with ongoing negotiations by Lebanon’s Prime Minister-designate, Nawaf Salam, to finalize his cabinet. She stated that the U.S. has established firm boundaries against Hezbollah’s influence, emphasizing that they should not terrorize Lebanese citizens or partake in government roles.
In response, the Lebanese presidency clarified that some of Ortagus’s comments reflect her personal opinion, expressing disinterest in those statements. The U.S. continues its push to curtail Hezbollah’s presence in the cabinet, despite the group’s control over all Shiite positions in Lebanon’s parliament.
While Aoun was favored by the U.S. for the presidency, Hezbollah did not support his candidacy. The ceasefire agreement stipulates that the Lebanese Army and UN peacekeeping forces expand their presence in southern Lebanon, gradually allowing Israeli withdrawal. While significant progress has been made, the Lebanese Army’s deployment is not yet complete in all specified areas.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has resulted in violence and instability in southern Lebanon. The U.S. routinely engages with Lebanese leaders to address these issues, especially to reduce Hezbollah’s political influence. Tensions escalate with Israeli airstrikes, leading to civilian casualties and prompting international calls for a ceasefire. The intricate relationship between Lebanon’s government, the U.S., and Hezbollah complicates efforts to maintain peace in the region, as various factions hold considerable power. Key players include President Joseph Aoun, who navigates U.S. policies while managing Hezbollah’s local influence, and U.S. officials like Morgan Ortagus, who advocate for a reduced Hezbollah role in governance. The larger context includes the need for stability in Lebanon amidst regional hostilities.
In conclusion, President Aoun’s appeal to stop Israeli bombings highlights escalating tensions in Lebanon amid ongoing strikes despite a ceasefire. The U.S.’s push to limit Hezbollah’s political influence adds complexity to the negotiations as Lebanon’s leadership seeks stability. Ortagus’s visit underscores the importance of U.S.-Lebanese relations in addressing regional security concerns, particularly with the ceasefire arrangements involving the Lebanese Army and UN peacekeepers still in progress.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
