The United States is increasing pressure on Lebanon over security concerns in the south, questioning the Lebanese army’s role in preventing rocket launches and urging action to resolve border disputes.
US Deputy Special Envoy Morgan Ortagus emphasized Washington’s commitment to stability in Lebanon, reaffirming strong US-Lebanese ties while pushing for urgent reforms, during an interview with Asas Media.
“The United States enjoys a strong relationship with Lebanon, and our partnership continues to strengthen under the leadership of President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam,” Ortagus said. “We continue to push urgently for the necessary reforms so that Lebanon can once again be the shining star of the Middle East.”
Ortagus confirmed that she sent letters to President Aoun, Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri and Prime Minister Salam, calling for the formation of committees to accelerate efforts in resolving security challenges in the south. However, she refrained from disclosing details of US discussions with Lebanese officials.
“We do not disclose our conversations with the Lebanese government. However, we are pushing both sides toward negotiating a long-term border agreement,” she stated.
When asked about the escalating situation in southern Lebanon, where Israeli airstrikes have hit multiple targets, Ortagus redirected the focus, asserting that the primary concern should be Lebanese military actions.
“The correct question is: Why does the Lebanese army continue to allow rocket launches from Lebanese territory? What more can the Lebanese army do to uphold the ceasefire and disarm Hezbollah in the south?”
Ortagus also commented Berri’s stance that committees should be formed after Israel implements the ceasefire. “There is an existing ceasefire. A ceasefire is in place in the region,” she countered.
The US diplomat reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to engaging with both Lebanese and Israeli governments to resolve ongoing border disputes. “We will continue working with the Lebanese government and the Israeli government, whether through the mechanism (of ceasefire monitoring) or diplomatic channels, to resolve all outstanding border issues,” she said.
On concerns that committee discussions might lead to normalization between Lebanon and Israel, Ortagus avoided controversy, stating, “As I have repeatedly said, we are focused only on resolving border disputes at this time, nothing more.”
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