Over the weekend, U.S. envoy Morgan Ortagus visited Beirut with a tough message: the American administration expects Lebanon to fully disarm Hezbollah—not just south of the Litani River, as stipulated by UN Resolution 1701, but across the country.
According to reports in the Arab press, Ortagus called for a clear timetable for this disarmament and pressed Lebanese officials to establish three negotiating committees with Israel, covering military and political issues alike.
The U.S. message is clear: disarm Hezbollah and open talks with Israel—or face renewed conflict, fully backed by the Trump administration. Ortagus emphasized that a peaceful future for Lebanon depends on its government taking full control, eliminating militias, and breaking free from foreign terror influence.
This comes amid heightened tensions following Hezbollah rocket fire into Israel and IDF retaliatory strikes in Beirut’s Dahiya district. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz made it clear: “Beirut will be treated like Kiryat Shmona,” signaling that Hezbollah’s strongholds are now permanent targets.
Lebanon's leaders—President Joseph Aoun, Speaker Nabih Berri, and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam—are under immense pressure. While some fear internal unrest from Hezbollah and its ally Amal, the country’s deep economic crisis has made U.S. financial aid crucial. In this context, France’s President Macron has offered to mediate between Trump, Netanyahu, and Aoun to avoid further escalation.
Disarming Hezbollah is not a new demand. Aoun pledged to do so in his inaugural speech, and past Lebanese governments have agreed in principle. Now, the international community is demanding implementation.
Despite its losses and declining influence, Hezbollah refuses to surrender its weapons. Its deputy leader, Sheikh Naim Qassem, warned that “diplomacy still has a chance,” but also accused Israel of unrestrained aggression. Hezbollah MP Mohammad Raad lashed out at PM Salam's declaration that “the era of resistance is over,” calling it a betrayal of Lebanon’s martyrs.
Israeli officials believe Hezbollah is facing unprecedented pressure. If Lebanon fails to act, international momentum—led by the U.S. and France—may force a confrontation. The Trump administration is determined to end Iran’s armed presence in the region.
Lebanon now stands at a critical juncture: comply and reclaim sovereignty, or resist and risk another devastating war.