U.S. Deputy Envoy Morgan Ortagus has urged Lebanon’s new leaders to exclude Hezbollah from the government amid ongoing violence. She stated that Hezbollah has been defeated by Israel and reaffirmed the leadership’s commitment to keeping the militia out of political power. The Trump administration is also intensifying pressure on Iran to cease support for Hezbollah as part of broader regional stability efforts.
In a recent press conference in Beirut, U.S. Deputy Envoy to the Middle East, Morgan Ortagus, urged Lebanon’s newly appointed leaders to exclude Hezbollah from the government as they navigate a fragile cease-fire. Ortagus emphasized that Hezbollah, a powerful Iranian-backed militia, has faced significant setbacks against Israel, stating the group had been “defeated.” She reiterated the commitment of Lebanon’s leadership to ensure Hezbollah’s absence from government roles, although formal responses from Lebanese officials were not forthcoming.
Hezbollah has maintained a dominant position in Lebanese politics for decades, complicating the new government’s task of balancing power dynamics. The Trump administration aims to pressure Lebanon’s leadership to lessen Hezbollah’s influence, while also urging Iran to cease funding such militant proxies in the region. Ortagus’s visit marks the first by a senior U.S. official under the Trump administration since its inception, highlighting the heightened focus on the issue.
Hezbollah’s longstanding role in Lebanese politics has been characterized by its deep-rooted influence and support from Iran. The militia has historically been a major player within the Lebanese government structure, affecting national policy and security. The current U.S. administration is seeking to mitigate Hezbollah’s power amidst regional instability and ongoing conflicts, particularly following a prolonged war with Israel that has weakened the group’s standing.
The Trump administration’s recent engagement with Lebanon signals a strategic shift aimed at reducing Hezbollah’s political influence. During her discussions, Envoy Ortagus emphasized the need for Lebanon’s leaders to ensure Hezbollah is excluded from government roles, reflecting broader U.S. efforts to counter Iranian influence in the region. The outcome of these diplomatic efforts remains to be seen as Lebanon navigates complex political waters.
Original Source: www.nytimes.com
