On February 7, 2025, during her first official visit to Lebanon, U.S. Deputy Middle East Envoy Morgan Ortagus made significant headlines by firmly stating the U.S. stance on Hezbollah's involvement in the Lebanese government.
Meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam, Ortagus articulated her strong opposition to Hezbollah's participation, declaring it as crossing a "red line" for Washington. She emphasized, "We have set clear red lines...that [Hezbollah] won’t be able to terrorize the Lebanese people, and that's includes by being part of the government." This marked Ortagus as the first senior U.S. official to visit Lebanon since President Donald Trump’s administration took office and President Aoun’s election.
Ortagus's comments were rooted in the backdrop of Hezbollah’s significant military setbacks against Israel, which, according to her, weakened the group considerably. She expressed gratitude to Israel for its military success, stating, "Hezbollah was defeated by Israel and we are grateful to our ally Israel for defeating Hezbollah." Such remarks reflect the current U.S. foreign policy approach which seeks to undermine Hezbollah's influence within Lebanon.
The backdrop of her visit is pivotal, as Lebanon is still grappling with political paralysis. The cabinet formation process is at a standstill due to Hezbollah's insistence on maintaining key positions within the government alongside its political ally, the Amal Movement. This deadlock jeopardizes the country's attempts at reform and economic recovery as Lebanon is desperate for international support to mend its post-war financial crisis.
Ortagus's visit has sparked protest among Hezbollah supporters, who took to the streets to demonstrate against her remarks, which they perceivably viewed as interference. Mohammed Raad, head of Hezbollah's parliamentary bloc, condemned her statements, calling it "blatant interference in Lebanese sovereignty." His remarks underscored the tension surrounding Hezbollah's role and the growing rhetoric involved between U.S. representatives and Lebanese political dynamics.
Notably, President Aoun's office quickly distanced itself from Ortagus's comments, indicating they represented her personal viewpoint and were not aligned with the presidency’s official stance. This creates additional layers to the political narrative as Lebanon navigates its relationships with foreign powers and internal factions.
Ortagus urged for reforms, reflecting international demands for transparency and anti-corruption measures, which have been longstanding concerns among foreign backers. Lebanese officials, including Prime Minister-designate Salam, recognize the necessity for building governmental integrity without Hezbollah's influence, which complicates their peace and governance strategy.
Simultaneously, the U.S. remains committed to ceasing Hezbollah's military capabilities, which involved not just rhetoric but also practical measures such as maintaining pressure on Iran, Hezbollah's primary backer. "That starts with the pressure President Trump is placing on the Islamic Republic of Iran so they can no longer fund their terror proxies," emphasized Ortagus, reflecting the broader geopolitical tensions involving U.S. relations with Iran and the proxy conflicts within the region.
Ortagus's visit also addressed the stalled ceasefire and the arrangements for withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, with new deadlines set for February 18, emphasizing continued U.S. involvement in Lebanese affairs.
The ramifications of Ortagus's visit and statements have substantial potential to reshape Lebanon's political fabric, especially as Salam attempts to form his cabinet largely influenced by the external geopolitical climate shaped by U.S. interests. With significant political factions advocating opposing views, the U.S. position presents both opportunities and challenges for Lebanese politics.
Her remarks signaled not only support for Israeli military operations but also contend with the operational status of Hezbollah, which has operated centrally since its establishment. The focus now lies firmly on Lebanon's responses to external pressures and the internal mechanisms of its governance.
While the protests against Ortagus’s recommendations reflect turmoil within the population sympathetic to Hezbollah’s historical role, the U.S. message symbolizes its long-standing effort to influence outcomes within Lebanon. The hope from U.S. leadership, including Ortagus, appears to be set on not just limiting Hezbollah’s political reach but encouraging the formation of a government capable of implementing substantial reforms and embodying effective governance.
To date, the duality of the political situation continues, juxtaposing U.S. pressure, domestic power struggles within Lebanon, and the overarching influence of Hezbollah, all creating a complex interplay destined to define the future of Lebanon.
The situation remains fluid, alongside growing calls for reform, as citizens and governments both watch closely to see how Lebanon’s political future will unravel against this backdrop of external declarations and internal dynamics.