U.S. Envoy Declares Hezbollah ‘Defeated’, Advocates Government Exclusion
U.S. Envoy Morgan Ortagus declared Hezbollah “defeated” and advised against its participation in the Lebanese government, prompting Hezbollah to criticize U.S. interference. Aoun’s presidency and Salam’s new government face significant political challenges in a sectarian system where Hezbollah seeks to maintain influence despite military losses. The U.S. calls for anti-corruption measures highlight the need for reforms in light of Lebanon’s economic crisis.
In a recent visit to Beirut, U.S. Deputy Special Envoy for the Middle East, Morgan Ortagus, emphasized that Hezbollah should not be part of Lebanon’s new government, declaring the group as “defeated” in its conflict with Israel. He stated that there are strict limits on Hezbollah’s influence, aiming to protect the Lebanese population from its terror tactics.
Hezbollah condemned Ortagus’s remarks as interference in Lebanon’s sovereignty as Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam faces challenges in forming a government amid competing pressures from the group. Ortagus’s statements followed a lengthy period of hostilities that weakened Hezbollah and facilitated President Joseph Aoun’s election—seen as a step favored by Washington against Hezbollah.
Highlighting Israel’s role in diminishing Hezbollah’s power, Ortagus declared, “the end of Hezbollah’s reign of terror in Lebanon and around the world” and expressed gratitude to Israel for its actions against the group. However, Aoun’s office later clarified that her comments did not represent the presidency’s official stance.
Mohammed Raad, the head of Hezbollah’s parliamentary bloc, labeled Ortagus’s assertions as irresponsible and accused her of meddling in Lebanese affairs. The internal conflict escalated further following a devastating war last year that resulted in significant losses for Hezbollah, including the death of its long-time leader, Hassan Nasrallah.
During her visit, Ortagus expressed hopes for a new Lebanese government that would prioritize anti-corruption measures and limit Hezbollah’s political influence, emphasizing the international community’s demand for reforms in light of Lebanon’s economic crisis. Salam pointed out his intention to keep members of political parties out of his cabinet to tackle corruption effectively.
Lebanon’s political system, characterized by sectarian power-sharing, complicates Salam’s efforts. Hezbollah and its ally, Amal, have insisted on approving candidates for Shiite ministerial positions, a demand rejected by Salam, highlighting the ongoing political stalemate in the country.
Salam has committed to enacting reforms and maintaining UN resolutions that call for Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon, promising that the Lebanese army would secure areas vacated by Israel. After his discussions with Ortagus, Aoun indicated that consultations for the new government were nearing completion.
The political landscape in Lebanon has been significantly affected by Hezbollah’s presence, an Iran-backed group pivotal in both governance and military operations against Israel. Recent developments have seen U.S. officials urging the exclusion of Hezbollah from government, citing the group’s perceived defeat in previous conflicts and the need for political reforms to alleviate the country’s economic crisis. Salam’s government formation attempts encounter challenges due to sectarian quotas and Hezbollah’s insistence on influence over certain ministerial appointments.
The remarks by U.S. envoy Morgan Ortagus reflect a decisive stance against Hezbollah’s integration in the Lebanese government, positioning the group as increasingly isolated following military setbacks. The ongoing political maneuvering amid a deeply fractured system illustrates the challenges faced by Prime Minister-designate Nazir Salam as he attempts to reform Lebanon’s governance. This situation underscores the broader international push for accountability and reform within Lebanon amidst crippling economic conditions.
Original Source: www.themountainpress.com
