The U.S. has demanded Hezbollah’s exclusion from Lebanon’s government, stressing this is a “red line” according to Deputy Middle East Envoy Morgan Ortagus. The call comes amidst a deadlock in cabinet formation in Lebanon, emphasizing concerns over Hezbollah’s influence. The discussions follow a ceasefire agreement with a deadline for Israeli troop withdrawals, set for February 18.
The United States has called for Hezbollah to be excluded from Lebanon’s government, according to Deputy Middle East Envoy Morgan Ortagus during a meeting with President Joseph Aoun. Ortagus stated she was “not afraid” of Hezbollah since they have faced significant military defeats but emphasized that Hezbollah’s participation in the government is a “red line” for the U.S.
Despite being weakened by prior conflicts, Hezbollah sustains a strong political presence in Lebanon. Ortagus articulated that the U.S. aims to prevent Hezbollah from instilling fear in the Lebanese people, noting their governmental involvement must cease.
Ortagus’s visit is the first by a senior U.S. official since President Trump took office and follows Aoun’s election. It occurs amid difficulties forming a Lebanese cabinet, complicated by sectarian power-sharing and Hezbollah’s ally, the Amal Movement, demanding all Shia minister appointments, leading to a stalemate.
The ceasefire agreement finished in late November set a deadline of 60 days for the withdrawal of Israeli forces and Hezbollah’s armed presence from southern Lebanon. The current deadline for Israeli troop redeployment is February 18, although Israeli forces are still active in the area completing demolition operations.
Ortagus affirmed commitment to the February 18 deadline for troop redeployment, emphasizing that this date marks when Israeli forces would withdraw and Lebanese troops would take their place. However, she did not specifically indicate whether the Israeli army would fully exit Lebanese territory.
Hezbollah, a Shia Muslim group backed by Iran, has been a significant player in Lebanese politics, often troubling Western nations due to its military engagements and alliances. Recent conflicts, particularly those involving Israel, have sparked discussions about the group’s political legitimacy and influence within the government. The U.S. stance on excluding Hezbollah from the government reflects broader geopolitical concerns regarding Iran’s influence in Lebanon and the stability of the region.
In conclusion, the U.S. has firmly positioned itself against Hezbollah’s role in Lebanon’s government, asserting that this involvement must not occur to ensure the safety of the Lebanese people. As the struggle to form a government continues amidst sectarian divides, the focus remains on the upcoming troop redeployments linked to the ongoing tensions in southern Lebanon, highlighting the complexities of Middle Eastern political dynamics.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
