The United States Ambassador to the Middle East, Morgan Ortagus, has called for the immediate disarmament of Hezbollah and other armed groups in Lebanon, emphasizing that the Lebanese security forces must take the lead in this critical effort. Ortagus made the statement during an interview with Lebanese broadcaster LBCI, concluding her three-day visit to Beirut on Sunday.
During her stay in Lebanon, Ortagus met with key political leaders, including President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri, as well as other senior government officials. The visit came amid rising tensions in the region, following weeks of Israeli airstrikes on Lebanese soil, which targeted Hezbollah fighters and their weapons depots. These airstrikes were in retaliation for rocket fire that was launched from Lebanon into Israeli territory. Despite these developments, Hezbollah has denied any involvement in the rocket attacks.
Ortagus described the exchange of fire as a significant test of the fragile ceasefire that ended the year-long conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. She stressed the urgent need for the disarmament of Hezbollah and all militias operating within Lebanon. “It’s clear that Hezbollah must be disarmed, and it’s clear that Israel will not tolerate attacks on its territory. This is a stance we fully understand,” Ortagus said.
She further underscored that the United States would continue to pressure the Lebanese government to honor its commitment to maintaining peace in the region, which includes disarming Hezbollah and all other militant groups.
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