U.S. envoy Morgan Ortagus stressed the importance of excluding Hezbollah from Lebanon’s new government, supporting anti-corruption and reforms. Nawaf Salam was appointed as prime minister-designate amid stalled government formation due to sectarian politics. Hostilities continue, with recent Israeli airstrikes targeting Hezbollah amid accusations of ceasefire violations, complicating peace efforts.
In a press conference following her meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, U.S. deputy special envoy for Middle East peace, Morgan Ortagus, expressed her hope that Lebanese authorities will ensure Hezbollah remains excluded from the new government. Ortagus emphasized U.S. support for Israel’s efforts against Hezbollah, stating that the new Lebanese government must focus on anti-corruption and reform without including the militant group.
Ortagus remarked, “We have set clear red lines from the United States that (Hezbollah) won’t be able to terrorize the Lebanese people and that includes by being a part of the government.” Her comments came as Lebanese parliamentarians appointed Nawaf Salam as the new prime minister-designate, tasked with forming a government amidst Lebanon’s long-standing power-sharing challenges.
Progress on forming this government has stagnated, hindered by Lebanon’s sectarian political structure, where influential factions demand key ministerial positions. The ongoing socioeconomic crisis complicates the situation, with political power often divided among Christian, Shiite, and Sunni parties.
Ortagus’s visit coincided with an Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon, which targeted areas allegedly containing Hezbollah weaponry. This incident raises concerns regarding the stability of the ceasefire agreement, which is to be overseen by an international mechanism involving Israel, Lebanon, and UN representatives, amidst accusations of ceasefire violations by both sides.
The U.S. remains heavily involved in Middle Eastern geopolitics, particularly concerning Lebanon and its factions. Hezbollah, a significant paramilitary and political organization in Lebanon, is considered a terrorist group by the U.S. and Israel. The Lebanese government’s ability to function effectively has been complicated by its sectarian power-sharing framework, which can lead to deadlock over governance, especially during times of political and economic crisis. The recent ceasefire agreement also plays a crucial role in regional stability, as it seeks to regulate the presence of non-state armed groups.
U.S. envoy Morgan Ortagus has clearly articulated America’s stance against Hezbollah’s participation in the Lebanese government, highlighting the importance of reform and anti-corruption efforts. The challenges ahead for Lebanon include forming a new government while navigating a complex sectarian landscape and ensuring compliance with international agreements aimed at reducing sectarian violence and military engagement in the region. The ongoing military actions and accusations of ceasefire violations further complicate the already volatile situation in Lebanon.
Original Source: apnews.com
