Fri Feb 07 13:28:02 UTC 2025: ## US Defiant on Hezbollah’s Role in Lebanese Government Amidst Tensions
**Beirut, Lebanon** – US Deputy Middle East Envoy Morgan Ortagus concluded a visit to Lebanon Friday, delivering a strong message against Hezbollah’s involvement in the Lebanese government, declaring she was “not afraid” of the group. Ortagus, the first senior US official to visit since President Trump took office, reiterated the US’s “red line” against Hezbollah’s participation in the government, asserting that the group’s military capabilities have been weakened. Her statements, however, immediately drew condemnation from Hezbollah’s parliamentary bloc head, Mohammed Raad, who denounced them as “blatant interference” in Lebanon’s internal affairs.
Ortagus’s visit coincided with a stalled cabinet formation process, hampered by Hezbollah and its ally, the Amal Movement’s insistence on approving all Shia Muslim ministers. Protests erupted near Beirut’s Rafik Hariri International Airport in response to her comments.
While acknowledging the ceasefire agreement brokered by the US and France following the recent conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, Ortagus referred to the extended February 18th deadline for Israeli troop withdrawal from southern Lebanon. She emphasized the US commitment to this date, stating that Lebanese troops would deploy following the Israeli withdrawal. However, she avoided explicitly confirming a complete Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory, as Israeli forces continue demolition operations in border villages.
The US position represents a significant challenge to Lebanon’s delicate political balance, further complicating the already strained formation of a new government. The strong rhetoric from both sides underscores the high stakes involved in navigating the complex relationship between the US, Hezbollah, and the future of Lebanon.
First Piper 