Morgan Ortagus, the US Deputy Special Envoy to the Middle East, said that Hezbollah should not be part of the new Lebanese government that Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam is trying to form.
“Hezbollah has been defeated by Israel, and we are grateful for that,” Ortagus said after meeting with President Joseph Aoun at Baabda Palace on Friday morning. She reiterated that the United States “will continue working to reduce Hezbollah’s influence in Lebanon,” calling for the group’s disarmament.
Ortagus also suggested that Lebanon should adopt strategies aimed at attracting investment rather than relying on financial aid.
In a separate context, Ortagus conveyed the congratulations of US President Donald Trump to President Joseph Aoun, extending best wishes for his success and reaffirming US support for Lebanon and its people. She highlighted the enthusiasm of the Lebanese community in the US for Lebanon’s future, especially following General Joseph Aoun’s election as the Head of State.
In response, President Joseph Aoun linked the long-term stability of southern Lebanon to the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from areas they had occupied during the conflict. He stressed the importance of fully implementing UN Resolution 1701 and the ceasefire agreement announced on November 27, 2024, to end hostilities. The president also emphasized cooperation with international forces to ensure regional stability and the gradual restoration of liberated areas, for which a comprehensive reconstruction plan should be developed.
President Aoun further stated that the Lebanese Army is ready to deploy in the towns and villages from which Israeli forces will withdraw, as long as the withdrawal takes place before the February 18 deadline.
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