Deputy United States Special Envoy to the Middle East Morgan Ortagus called for the immediate disarmament of Hezbollah and other non-state militias in Lebanon, warning that their continued operations undermine both Lebanese sovereignty and regional peace, Reuters reports.
In a televised interview with Lebanon's LBCI, aired Sunday, Ortagus asserted, "It's clear that Hezbollah has to be disarmed and it's clear that Israel is not going to accept terrorists shooting at them, into their country, and that's a position we understand."
The interview came at the conclusion of Ortagus's three-day diplomatic mission to Beirut, during which she held discussions with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, and other senior officials and political figures.
Her visit occurred amid rising hostilities along the Israeli-Lebanese border. Israeli airstrikes have recently intensified, striking Hezbollah infrastructure and weapons depots, including targets in the southern suburbs of Beirut. In response, rockets have been fired into Israel from Lebanese territory, though Hezbollah has denied involvement.
"We continue to press on this government to fully fulfill the cessation of hostilities and that includes disarming Hezbollah and all militias," Ortagus said Sunday, according to Reuters.
Pressed on whether Washington has set a firm deadline, she replied, "As soon as possible."
"There's not necessarily a timetable so to speak, but we know that the sooner that the LAF is able to meet these goals and disarm all militias in the state, the sooner the Lebanese people can be free," she noted.
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar last week issued a sharp warning to Lebanon, demanding that it take immediate action to dismantle terrorist organizations operating within its territory.
Speaking at an international media briefing, Sa’ar accused Lebanon of allowing hostile groups to operate freely within its borders.
“We expect Lebanon to take action to uproot terrorist organizations acting within its borders against Israel. What we saw here is cooperation between Iran, Hezbollah, and Hamas on the soil of Lebanon in order to initiate terrorist attacks against Israelis,” Sa’ar stated.
On Sunday, IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir held a situational assessment on the Lebanese border. As part of the visit, Zamir met with the commanders operating in the sector, both regular and reservist personnel, and expressed his appreciation for their service. He was also presented with updated operational plans.
“We are continuing the campaign to strengthen our defense while demonstrating initiative and proactive action. To our reservists — if there is something truly remarkable about the people of Israel, it’s you. We will do everything to strengthen the reserve system in every aspect. People keep showing up because of your leadership - as commanders,” Zamir stated.
The Chief of Staff clarified his directive that the IDF does not permit civilians to go beyond the border, rather only within the territory of the State of Israel, and only in areas where that has been permitted in the past, in accordance with the security situation.