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3. Morgan Ortagus Calls for Proposals to Disarm Hezbollah According to Resolution 1701

Morgan Ortagus, the US Deputy Special Envoy for the Middle East, surprised Lebanese officials with a message that was more measured and diplomatic than anticipated ahead of her visit. Rather than taking a harder line on disarming Hezbollah, Ortagus approached the issue through the framework of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and the ceasefire agreement. She underscored the need for concrete proposals, emphasizing that such a process was crucial for any future progress. Additionally, she made it clear that no reforms nor any economic or financial recovery could succeed as long as weapons remained outside the control of the Lebanese state.

Ortagus also addressed the potential risks of disarming Hezbollah, raising concerns with Lebanese officials about the fear that the process could trigger civil war. The response from the Lebanese side was unequivocal: such a scenario appeared unlikely. However, the Lebanese government must demand that Hezbollah disarm within a set timeframe, in line with an implementation plan yet to be defined. This step is particularly important given that Hezbollah had accepted both Resolution 1701 and the ceasefire agreement, neither of which grants the group the right to bear arms.

On the issue of violations of Resolution 1701 and the ceasefire agreement, Ortagus noted that violations persist on the Lebanese side. She stressed the importance of intensifying meetings and contacts within the monitoring commission to address these issues. Lebanon, for its part, reiterated the need to stop Israeli violations, finalize the Israeli withdrawal, resolve the issue of prisoners and clarify the disputed points along the Blue Line. Ortagus made it clear to Lebanese officials that her stance on disarming Hezbollah and reforms reflects not only that of the United States but also that of its allies, including Arab countries. She concluded by stating that no progress, investment or reconstruction could be envisioned as long as Hezbollah remained armed.

In related developments, Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri has decided to create three diplomatic working groups to address the issues of occupation, disputed points and prisoners. However, this decision is contingent upon the effective implementation of the ceasefire. Once this condition is met, the other issues can be addressed and the formation of these groups can proceed without the involvement of diplomats, in line with Lebanon's wishes.