U.S. envoy Morgan Ortagus asserted that Hezbollah should not be part of the new Lebanese cabinet, citing its military defeat by Israel. She emphasized ongoing U.S. commitment to preventing Hezbollah from gaining governmental power. Criticism from Hezbollah and Lebanese officials highlights concerns about interference in Lebanon’s sovereignty following a destructive conflict with Israel.
U.S. Deputy Special Envoy for the Middle East Morgan Ortagus stated in Beirut on February 7 that Hezbollah should not be included in Lebanon’s new cabinet, emphasizing it was militarily defeated by Israel. She expressed gratitude toward Israel for its role in defeating Hezbollah and claimed this marked the beginning of the end for the group’s influence in Lebanon and beyond. During her visit, she met with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to discuss the situation.
Ortagus mentioned the significant decline of Hezbollah, which suffered major setbacks during the recently concluded conflict with Israel. This war led to numerous casualties, including the loss of key leaders and the destruction of military assets. A ceasefire was established in late November 2023 but has faced complications regarding troop withdrawals and the presence of Hezbollah in violation of agreements.
The U.S. envoy insisted that Hezbollah must remain disarmed and excluded from the government being formed by Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam, who aims to address corruption and reform. Ortagus expressed confidence that the U.S. has set clear boundaries to prevent Hezbollah from exerting control over the Lebanese government and emphasized the necessity of the group’s continued military defeat.
President Aoun echoed the need for Israel to withdraw its troops from southern Lebanon and adhere to ceasefire terms to foster stability in the region. He asserted that the Lebanese Army stands ready to deploy to ensure safety and sovereignty against Israeli actions.
Ortagus’ remarks were met with backlash from Hezbollah and various officials, claiming her statements represented foreign interference in Lebanon’s sovereignty. Critics decried her commentary as filled with animosity and contrary to Lebanon’s right for self-determination and governance.
The article discusses the geopolitical tensions surrounding Hezbollah’s political influence in Lebanon following its military engagements with Israel. The context includes the aftermath of a war that resulted in significant casualties and damage, alongside ongoing diplomatic efforts for regional stability. Ortagus’s stance reflects U.S. objectives to limit Iranian influence through Hezbollah and stabilize the Lebanese government amid ongoing conflicts with Israel, illustrating the complex interplay of local and international politics in the region.
U.S. envoy Morgan Ortagus has declared Hezbollah should not be part of Lebanon’s future government, citing the group’s military defeat by Israel. This statement aligns with U.S. interests in limiting Iranian influence and ensuring regional stability. The backlash from Hezbollah and Lebanese officials highlights the sensitivity around foreign involvement in Lebanese affairs and underscores the complexities of establishing a secure and autonomous governance structure in the country.
Original Source: www.upi.com
