US envoy Morgan Ortagus declared Hezbollah ‘defeated’ during her visit to Lebanon, urging the exclusion of the group from the new government. The visit coincided with President Joseph Aoun’s election and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam’s attempts to form a cabinet amidst significant political challenges. Ortagus highlighted a commitment to reforms and accountability, stressing the necessity to curb Hezbollah’s influence in Lebanese politics.
In Beirut, US Deputy Special Envoy for the Middle East Morgan Ortagus emphasized the necessity of excluding Hezbollah from Lebanon’s new government, declaring the Iran-backed group “defeated” in its conflict with Israel. Her statements followed the election of President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam amidst a politically fragmented parliament. Ortagus highlighted the US’s firm position against Hezbollah’s participation in governance as a safeguard against the group’s potential threats to the Lebanese populace.
Hezbollah’s diminished power is attributed to over a year of hostilities which severely weakened the group, including significant losses to its leadership and military capabilities. The changing dynamics have allowed Lebanon’s parliament to successfully elect Joseph Aoun and approve Nawaf Salam as prime minister, breaking a prolonged political stalemate. Ortagus expressed that Hezbollah’s military influence is effectively curtailed and called for a reformed government free from corruption.
The US official’s visit aims to reinforce discussions around governance reforms in Lebanon, where traditional political parties are often blamed for widespread corruption. Ortagus expressed optimism that the fledgling government would initiate vital reforms to alleviate Lebanon’s financial crisis triggered by years of mismanagement. Salam, in making strides toward reform, indicates a decisive departure from the entrenched political affiliations that have historically obstructed effective governance in the country.
Salam has pledged his administration will consist of members outside existing political parties to prevent governmental obstruction. This move aims to distinguish his government from the conventional sectarian power-sharing model that has plagued Lebanese politics. Despite political pressures from Hezbollah and its allies, Salam remains firm in his approach to ensure a government characterized by transparency and accountability.
The renewed political efforts come amid calls for Israel to adhere to a UN resolution. This resolution demands Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon, allowing the Lebanese army to deploy there alongside UN peacekeepers. Ortagus affirmed Washington’s commitment to ensuring the agreed timeline for the Israeli withdrawal is upheld, further promoting stability in the region post-conflict.
The situation in Lebanon has been volatile due to Hezbollah’s longstanding political and military involvement, backed by Iran, which has influenced Lebanon’s internal politics significantly. The recent conflicts with Israel escalated tensions, resulting in Hezbollah’s diminished capabilities. With the election of President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, there is potential for significant political reform after a challenging period of governance stasis. US intervention aims to stabilize the political landscape by imposing conditions on Hezbollah’s involvement in government, aiming for a transparent and accountable administration. The political climate in Lebanon is characterized by sectarian divisions coupled with a history of corruption, leading to widespread public disillusionment. The necessity for reforms is urgent, as Lebanon faces severe financial crises exacerbated by systemic mismanagement. Salam’s commitment to excluding existing political parties aims to break this cycle of corruption and empower a new governance framework that prioritizes national interests over sectarian agendas.
The US aims to eliminate Hezbollah’s influence in Lebanese governance following the group’s recent military setbacks against Israel. Deputy Special Envoy Ortagus’s warnings against Hezbollah’s participation represent a broader US strategy promoting governmental reform in Lebanon. The country’s leadership aims to re-establish political stability by addressing corruption and maintaining sectarian balance, all while adhering to international resolutions regarding its southern border with Israel.
Original Source: www.france24.com
