U.S. Deputy Envoy Morgan Ortagus announced that Hezbollah should not be part of Lebanon’s next government during her visit to Beirut. She cited the group’s military defeat and the need for political stability post-conflict. Ortagus referred to a redeployment deadline of February 18 regarding Israeli forces from southern Lebanon.
The U.S. has established a “red line” preventing Hezbollah from joining Lebanon’s upcoming government, as stated by U.S. Deputy Middle East Envoy Morgan Ortagus during her visit to Beirut. This marks her as the first senior U.S. official to visit since President Trump’s term began and since Joseph Aoun’s election as Lebanese president. Ortagus made her comments amid complications in Lebanon’s cabinet formation, which is often contested over sectarian divisions, particularly regarding approvals of Shi’ite ministers by Hezbollah’s ally, Amal.
Ortagus expressed confidence, asserting not to fear Hezbollah, highlighting that the group has been militarily defeated, referencing last year’s conflict with Israel. She reiterated the U.S. position, affirming that Hezbollah cannot intimidate the Lebanese populace and must not hold positions in the government. This message follows Hezbollah’s significant losses due to Israeli air and ground offensives.
The fighting, which concluded in late November, resulted in a U.S.- and France-brokered ceasefire, setting timelines for Israeli troop withdrawal and redeployment of Lebanese forces. Ortagus emphasized the importance of the upcoming deadline of February 18 for this redeployment, signifying U.S. commitment to the process. Her discussions also include meetings with various Lebanese officials to address government progress and Hezbollah’s role in the political landscape.
This article describes the current political climate in Lebanon, particularly regarding the influence of Hezbollah, an Iran-backed Shi’ite group. The situation follows a military conflict with Israel, which has shifted power dynamics within the Lebanese government. The U.S. aims to support stability in Lebanon by opposing the involvement of groups it identifies as terrorist organizations, establishing a mandate through envoy visits.
In summary, the U.S. has explicitly stated that Hezbollah must not be part of Lebanon’s forthcoming government, emphasizing their military defeat as a rationale. Ortagus’s visit highlights the U.S.’s active role in Lebanese politics and the ongoing challenges in government formation amidst sectarian disputes. The February 18 deadline for troop redeployment further illustrates the U.S. commitment to stability in the region.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
