President Trump stated that the situation in Lebanon remains an obstacle for U.S. interests in the region, but is a relatively small problem compared to reconstruction in Gaza and the Iranian nuclear issue.
“The only thing right now that’s standing in the way: we have Lebanon, with certain things that we’re working on that are very important. We have to solve the problem of Lebanon but it’s relatively small,” Trump commented.
He hinted that attention is being directed towards Lebanon as it undergoes consolidation of sovereignty under the state’s operational control and the disarmament of Hezbollah.
This past week, the Lebanese Cabinet deliberated on establishing a state monopoly on arms north of the Litani River, with a plan presented by head of the Lebanese army Rodolphe Haykal outlining that this process will last between four and eight months.
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam announced in January that the state had achieved operational control over southern Lebanon. However, arms stockpiles associated with Hezbollah are still present and Israel continues to strike alleged Hezbollah targets in this region.
U.S. officials have grown impatient on the Lebanese army’s slower and more hesitant approach towards Hezbollah. However, the two countries remain committed to a path of strengthening Lebanon’s sovereignty and reducing the influence of Hezbollah in the country.
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