U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham said Thursday that Israeli military operations in Lebanon would end “if Hezbollah were disarmed,” describing the ongoing cross-border strikes as a direct response to the militant group’s continued armed presence.
Graham argued that Israel’s incursions into Lebanese territory are intended to “suppress Hezbollah’s resurgence,” calling the group a destabilizing force in the region. He further warned that coordination between the Lebanese Army and Hezbollah in confronting Israel “hinders efforts to assist Lebanon,” suggesting that such cooperation undermines international support for the country.
Meanwhile, diplomatic sources told Al-Jadeed TV that U.S. envoy Morgan Ortagus emphasized the need for Lebanon to ensure Hezbollah’s disarmament not only south of the Litani River but throughout the entire country by the end of the year. According to the sources, Ortagus urged Lebanese officials to follow through on the army’s plan to achieve that goal.
It is worth noting that Graham’s remarks came just hours after Israeli forces carried out a ground incursion into the southern border town of Blida, advancing more than a kilometer beyond the frontier. During the raid on the municipal building, Israeli troops shot and killed Ibrahim Salameh, a municipal employee who had been staying there overnight.
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