US envoy Morgan Ortagus has called for the immediate disarmament of Hezbollah and other armed groups in Lebanon, urging that Lebanese military forces take swift action. Ortagus made the remarks during the final day of her three-day visit to Beirut, which was marked by rising tensions between Lebanon and Israel.
Speaking to Lebanese broadcaster LBCI, Ortagus emphasized the need to dismantle Hezbollah’s weapons infrastructure, particularly after weeks of escalating violence that saw Israeli airstrikes targeting Hezbollah positions and rocket fire exchanged between Lebanon and Israel. These events have once again heightened concerns over the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah that has been in place since the end of the 2006 Lebanon War.
Ortagus, who met with several key Lebanese leaders during her visit, including President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri, stated that the Lebanese army must take responsibility for disarming Hezbollah and ensuring the country’s stability.
The US envoy’s comments come at a time of increasing instability in the region. In recent weeks, Israeli airstrikes have targeted Hezbollah members and weapons depots in southern Lebanon, including two significant strikes on the southern suburbs of Beirut, which are known strongholds of Hezbollah. In retaliation, rockets were fired from Lebanon into Israeli territory. While Hezbollah has denied involvement in the rocket attacks, these exchanges of fire have escalated tensions between the two countries, testing an already fragile ceasefire.
The violence has raised concerns about the potential for another full-scale war between Israel and Hezbollah, which has already caused immense destruction in Lebanon during previous conflicts. The 2006 war left thousands dead and displaced many more, and the scars of that conflict have not yet healed. The US, alongside other international actors, has long been calling for the disarmament of Hezbollah, a move they argue is necessary for peace and security in the region.
Ortagus was clear in her statements, emphasizing that Hezbollah’s continued presence as an armed force in Lebanon poses a significant threat to regional stability. She noted that Israel would not tolerate any form of attack from Hezbollah and stressed the importance of the Lebanese government taking action to prevent such incidents in the future.
Hezbollah, a powerful Shiite militant group, has been operating in Lebanon since the 1980s and is backed by Iran. Over the years, the group has evolved from a paramilitary force into a major political actor in Lebanon. It holds significant influence in Lebanon’s political system, particularly among the country’s Shiite population. Hezbollah has also been a key player in Lebanon’s security, often filling the vacuum left by the Lebanese state in terms of providing military and social services in areas with limited state presence.
Despite its political role, Hezbollah’s status as an armed militia has been a point of contention. While the Lebanese government has called for disarmament in the past, Hezbollah’s role in the country’s defense against Israeli aggression has made the issue more complex. The group maintains that it is a legitimate resistance movement, while the international community, particularly the US, views it as a terrorist organization due to its ties with Iran and its involvement in attacks against Israeli and Western targets.
In her statements, Ortagus made it clear that the US views Hezbollah as a threat to regional security and peace. She emphasized that Lebanon’s sovereignty and stability depend on the disarmament of all armed groups, including Hezbollah. This, she argued, is necessary not only for Lebanon’s future but also to ensure that the country does not become a battleground for proxy wars involving foreign powers like Iran and Israel.
The Lebanese government has long faced a delicate balancing act in dealing with Hezbollah. While the group’s political arm holds significant influence, the Lebanese state has often found itself at odds with Hezbollah over issues of national security and sovereignty. The disarmament of Hezbollah is a particularly sensitive issue, as it would require the group to relinquish its military capabilities, something Hezbollah is unlikely to do without significant guarantees regarding Lebanon’s security.
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and other Lebanese leaders have expressed the desire for Lebanon to be free of foreign interference and for the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) to be the sole military force in the country. However, political divisions and Hezbollah’s powerful role in Lebanon’s military and political landscape make this a difficult goal to achieve.
Ortagus’s visit to Lebanon was aimed at reinforcing the US’s support for the Lebanese government while also pressuring officials to take stronger action against Hezbollah’s military capabilities. The US has repeatedly called for Lebanon to uphold its international commitments, including disarming all militias operating within its borders.
While the Lebanese government is under pressure to act, it is also facing significant challenges. The country is grappling with a severe economic crisis, which has led to widespread poverty, a collapse in public services, and mounting political instability. Many Lebanese citizens are frustrated with their government’s inability to address the country’s pressing problems, including corruption, unemployment, and inflation. Some view Hezbollah as a source of stability in the face of the government’s dysfunction, further complicating efforts to disarm the group.
In response to the recent exchange of fire with Israel, Hezbollah has denied any involvement in the rocket attacks launched from Lebanon into Israeli territory. The group’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, has stated that Hezbollah did not initiate the rocket fire, but rather, it was a result of the growing frustrations among local residents in southern Lebanon who were affected by Israeli airstrikes.
This denial has not quelled the fears of potential escalation, especially with Israel’s military vowing to retaliate if any further attacks occur. Hezbollah’s involvement in previous conflicts and its ongoing presence in southern Lebanon make it a key player in any future escalation. The group’s relationship with Iran also adds a layer of complexity, as any further conflict between Israel and Hezbollah could draw in other regional actors.
The call for Hezbollah’s disarmament is not new, but it is one that continues to grow in urgency as tensions in the region rise. The US has long advocated for the removal of armed groups from Lebanese territory, viewing it as a necessary step for peace and security in the Middle East. However, achieving this goal will require significant political will from Lebanon’s leadership and a shift in the balance of power within the country.
Ortagus’s visit to Beirut is a reminder that Lebanon’s future is at a crossroads. The country faces not only the threat of external aggression but also internal divisions that could threaten its stability. The path forward will depend on the ability of Lebanese leaders to navigate these challenges and work toward a future where Lebanon’s sovereignty is respected and its security guaranteed.
As the situation continues to evolve, the international community, including the US, will be watching closely to see if Lebanon’s government can take the necessary steps to disarm Hezbollah and restore order to the country. Until then, the shadow of conflict looms large over Lebanon, and the calls for disarmament will likely continue to grow louder.
