In an interview with Al-Hadath today, U.S. Deputy Special Envoy to the Middle East Morgan Ortagus addressed the ongoing tensions between Lebanon and Israel, emphasizing the need for diplomatic negotiations and economic reforms in Lebanon.
Ortagus reiterated that the Lebanese government is responsible for disarming Hezbollah, stating that no weapons should be in the hands of anyone except the Lebanese army. She emphasized that Iran and Hezbollah have dragged Lebanon into the current conflict, warning against the existence of a "state within a state." The U.S. has also imposed new sanctions on Hezbollah, aiming to weaken its military and financial capabilities.
Regarding the ongoing hostilities, Ortagus defended Israel’s actions, asserting that the country has the right to retaliate against rocket fire from Lebanon. She noted that the Israeli army has launched a spy balloon over villages in the western and central sectors and dismissed claims that Israel is violating the ceasefire agreement. She also made it clear that comparing Lebanon to Gaza is inaccurate.
Ortagus praised Israel’s recent handover of prisoners to Lebanon as a sign of goodwill and encouraged further diplomatic negotiations between the two nations. She acknowledged that the Lebanese President supports this approach and stressed that Israel’s withdrawal from the disputed five points of Lebanon must be achieved through dialogue.
The U.S. continues to support the Lebanese army but believes it is not doing enough to curb rocket attacks from armed groups. Ortagus reaffirmed President Donald Trump’s commitment to Lebanon, emphasizing that the U.S. aims to see economic reforms in the country. “Donald Trump is a loyal friend to Lebanon,” she added.
She also explained that the latest sanctions that we imposed today against Hezbollah are aimed at weakening its capabilities and stressed the need for the U.S. to see economic reforms in Lebanon.
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