US Deputy Special Envoy for Middle East Morgan Ortagus calls for swift disarmament of Hezbollah

BEIRUT — Morgan Ortagus, US Deputy Special Envoy for the Middle East, reiterated the urgent need to disarm Hezbollah and other armed militias in Lebanon, highlighting the crucial role of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) in achieving this goal. Her comments came during a three-day diplomatic visit to Beirut, where she held high-level discussions with Lebanese officials amid escalating tensions with Israel.

In an interview with Lebanese broadcaster LBCI, Ortagus stated, “It’s clear that Hezbollah must be disarmed, and it’s clear that Israel will not accept terrorists shooting into their country. That’s a position we understand.” She emphasized that disarmament should take place “as soon as possible,” though she acknowledged that no specific timeline had been established. Ortagus stressed that the sooner the LAF dismantles militia infrastructure and confiscates unauthorized weapons, the sooner the Lebanese people can achieve freedom from foreign influence and terrorism.

Her visit came after weeks of intensified Israeli airstrikes targeting Hezbollah operatives and weapons depots, including strikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs, a Hezbollah stronghold. The surge in hostilities has tested a fragile ceasefire agreement established in November, which had ended a year-long conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. The ceasefire requires the LAF to dismantle militia positions and confiscate unauthorized weapons, particularly in South Lebanon.

During her meetings with newly elected Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, a Syriac Maronite, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and other political leaders, Ortagus expressed optimism about Lebanon’s new government and its commitment to reforms. She emphasized the importance of expanding state authority over weapons and implementing economic reforms to unlock international aid and reconstruction funding. Ortagus also met with Lebanon’s finance and economy ministers, as well as the central bank governor, to discuss the country’s economic challenges and reform initiatives.

Despite international pressure, Hezbollah has resisted calls to relinquish its arsenal, arguing that its weapons are necessary to defend against Israeli aggression. The group has accused Israel of violating the ceasefire through continued aerial incursions and military presence in southern Lebanon. Critics warn that Hezbollah’s parallel military structure undermines state authority and jeopardizes Lebanon’s stability.

Ortagus’ remarks have drawn mixed reactions. While some view her statements as a reaffirmation of US support for Lebanon’s sovereignty, others see them as interference in the country’s internal affairs. Hezbollah’s representatives in parliament have condemned her comments, accusing the US of imposing its political agenda on Lebanon.

The situation remains precarious as Lebanon navigates its economic crisis and political fragmentation. Ortagus’ visit has highlighted the complexities of disarmament and the broader challenges facing Lebanon as it seeks to restore stability and sovereignty. The international community will closely monitor how these developments unfold in the coming weeks.