Fri Feb 07 14:44:51 UTC 2025: ## US Envoy Demands Hezbollah Exclusion from Lebanese Government Amidst Tensions

**Beirut, Lebanon –** The newly appointed U.S. Deputy Special Envoy for Middle East Peace, Morgan Ortagus, issued a strong statement on Friday demanding that the Lebanese government exclude Hezbollah from any ministerial roles. Following a meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Ortagus expressed gratitude to Israel for its role in defeating Hezbollah during the recent 14-month war and emphasized the U.S.’s “clear red lines” against Hezbollah’s involvement in the government. The Lebanese Presidency responded that it was unconcerned with Ortagus’s viewpoint.

This statement comes amidst ongoing difficulties in forming a new Lebanese government, with sectarian power-sharing negotiations stalled. Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam faces challenges in balancing the demands of various factions, including Hezbollah and the Amal Movement (Shiite) and the Lebanese Forces (Christian).

The situation is further complicated by the ongoing implementation of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah. While the deadline for Israel’s troop withdrawal from southern Lebanon has been extended to February 18th, Israel accuses Lebanon of slow deployment of troops and UN peacekeepers, a claim Lebanon refutes citing Israel’s own delays. Both sides accuse the other of ceasefire violations, with Israel reporting airstrikes against Hezbollah weapon sites. An Israeli airstrike occurred in Sidon province on Friday, further escalating tensions. The U.S.-led International Monitoring and Implementation Mechanism is overseeing the ceasefire, but the situation remains highly volatile.

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