BEIRUT — US Deputy Special Envoy for the Middle East, Morgan Ortagus, praised Israel for what she termed the “defeat” of Hezbollah and urged Lebanon to ensure the Iran-backed group remains excluded from the government. Speaking at a press conference in Beirut on Friday, Ortagus emphasized US support for Lebanon’s leadership while reaffirming Washington’s firm stance against Hezbollah’s political and military influence.
US Applauds Israel for Hezbollah’s Military Defeat
During her meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at Baabda Palace, Ortagus stated, “We are grateful to our ally Israel for defeating Hezbollah. It is thanks to President Aoun, Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam, and all who are committed to reforms and an end to corruption that Hezbollah remains disarmed and excluded from government.”
Ortagus stressed that the US has set “clear red lines” preventing Hezbollah from exerting political influence, adding, “The end of Hezbollah’s reign of terror in Lebanon and around the world has started, and it’s over.”
US Pressures Iran and Lebanon’s Political Landscape Shifts
Ortagus reiterated the Trump administration’s pressure on Iran to cut financial support to Hezbollah, citing Tehran’s role in “inflicting chaos” across the region. Her visit comes at a critical time as Lebanon struggles to form a new government, with negotiations stalled over Hezbollah and its ally Amal’s demand for a “blocking third”—a veto power in the cabinet.
Despite warnings from Lebanese officials that excluding Hezbollah could trigger a parliamentary crisis, the US remains adamant that the group must not be part of the next government.
Lebanon’s Political Deadlock and Israel’s Withdrawal Deadline
Salam has sought to include independent figures in his cabinet to address international concerns over corruption and governance reforms. However, disputes over key ministerial portfolios, particularly the Finance Ministry, have delayed the cabinet’s formation. Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri, who heads the Amal movement, has objected to the unilateral appointment of a fifth Shiite minister, further complicating the process.
Meanwhile, discussions between Aoun and Ortagus also touched on Lebanon’s ongoing border tensions with Israel. Aoun reiterated Lebanon’s demand for an end to “Israeli aggressions” and confirmed that the Lebanese army is prepared to take control of areas vacated by Israeli troops. Under a US-brokered ceasefire, Israel is set to complete its withdrawal from southern Lebanon by February 18, a deadline Ortagus reaffirmed as final.
“We are very committed to that firm date,” she told reporters, emphasizing the US role in ensuring a smooth transition of security control.
The US visit signals a significant shift in Lebanon’s political and security landscape, with Washington firmly backing the exclusion of Hezbollah from power. As the February 18 withdrawal deadline approaches, Lebanon faces mounting political uncertainty, with the balance of power between Western-aligned leaders and Hezbollah’s bloc hanging in the balance.
