Feb. 10, 2025

The Deputy Presidential Special Envoy for the Middle East, Morgan Ortagus, began her role with a visit to Lebanon where she delivered a strong statement on behalf of the new administration: We “are committed to making sure that Hizballah is not a part of this government in any form, and that Hizballah remains disarmed and militarily defeated.”

Ortagus praised Israel for its role in defeating the Iranian proxy in Lebanon and President Trump for reviving the “maximum pressure” campaign to reduce Iranian revenue to the point it can no longer fund terrorist groups like Hezbollah and Hamas.

Said Ortagus: “[W]e have set clear red lines from the United States that they won’t be able to terrorize the Lebanese people, and that includes by being a part of the government. So, the end of Hizballah’s reign of terror in Lebanon and around the world has started, and it’s over.”

Ortagus also indicated that agreement has been reached for the Israeli Defense Force to redeploy to South Lebanon on February 18 in cooperation with the Lebanese Armed Forces. This will ensure that Hezbollah does not regroup in those areas.

Mohammad Raad, head of the “Loyalty to the Resistance” bloc, the political wing of Hezbollah in the Lebanese parliament, said the US envoy’s statement was “full of hate and irresponsibility. It targeted a Lebanese component that is an integral part of the national agreement and Lebanese political life that stood up to Israeli aggression and emerged victorious,” 

“{Ortagus’] statements were met with a wave of Lebanese popular support on social media,” wrote AMCD Senior Advisor, Dr. Walid Phares on X. “Immediately after a statement by the Lebanese Presidency claimed Ortagus statements against Hezbollah ‘represent only her opinion.’ Ms. Ortagus is appointed directly by the President and represents the will and position of President Trump which IS United States policy. Lebanese officials are being exposed for the first time to the Trump change of policies. They need to get an update about US policy regarding Hezbollah and position themselves accordingly.”

Phares continued, “The mistakes made by ‘March 14’ coalition politicians by including the Khomeinist militia in the Cedars Revolution government in 2005 should not be repeated, and the reckless inclusion of Hezbollah in electoral coalitions should never happen again.”

“Finally, we have an administration committed to moral clarity,” added AMCD co-chair John Hajjar. “Our foreign policy in the Middle East has been adrift for years with no one willing to push back as Hezbollah gradually infiltrated and encroached upon the Lebanese government and civic life. Only with the demise of Hezbollah, can the Lebanese government once again represent the will of the Lebanese people – not the will of Iran.”

“Bravo, Ms. Ortagus!” added AMCD co-chair Tom Harb. “You have finally said what the Lebanese people have been longing to hear for decades. The US government is now fully committed to helping the Lebanese people throw off the yoke of this terrorist organization. The Lebanese people have hope once again!”