U.S. Envoy Declares Hezbollah Defeated, Sparks Controversy in Lebanon

Ortagus: Hezbollah’s Reign of Terror is Over, U.S. Backs Israeli Victory

U.S. Deputy Special Envoy for the Middle East, Morgan Ortagus, has asserted that Iran-backed Hezbollah has been “defeated by Israel” and should have no role in Lebanon’s next government. Speaking in Beirut on Friday, Ortagus emphasized that Washington remains committed to ensuring Hezbollah remains disarmed and politically sidelined.

“The end of Hezbollah’s reign of terror in Lebanon and around the world has started, and it’s over,” she said following a meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun.

Ortagus credited Israel with dealing a decisive blow to Hezbollah during the 14-month war that began in October 2023 in response to the conflict in Gaza. The war ended on November 27, 2024, with a U.S.-brokered cease-fire, but tensions remain high as Israel has yet to complete its military withdrawal from southern Lebanon. The cease-fire’s original 60-day deadline has been extended to February 18.

She reaffirmed that the Lebanese Army is expected to deploy in areas where Israeli forces withdraw, stating, “We are very committed to that date.” However, Lebanon has accused Israel of delaying its pullout, while Israel insists Hezbollah continues to maintain a military presence in violation of the agreement.

Backlash Over U.S. Comments on Hezbollah

Ortagus' remarks sparked sharp criticism from Hezbollah and other Lebanese officials, who denounced them as foreign interference in Lebanon’s internal affairs.

Hezbollah MP Mohammad Raad called her statement “irresponsible and full of hatred,” accusing the U.S. of protecting Israel while ignoring the destruction it caused in Lebanon and Gaza.

Lebanon’s Supreme Islamic Shiite Council leader, Mufti Ahmad Kabalan, rejected Ortagus’ claim that Hezbollah was defeated, stating, “No force in the world can get rid of Hezbollah.” He warned that Lebanon “will not be a colony of America or Israel.”

The Lebanese Presidency also distanced itself from Ortagus’ comments, issuing a statement that her remarks were “her personal opinion” and did not reflect Lebanon’s official stance.

Hezbollah’s Role in Lebanon’s Political Future

Lebanon is currently in the process of forming a new government under Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam, who has pledged to implement reforms and combat corruption. The U.S. has made it clear that Hezbollah’s involvement in the new government is a red line.

When asked whether she feared Hezbollah would attempt to retain influence, Ortagus responded, “I am certainly not afraid of a defeated military group.”

She also reiterated the U.S. position on Iran, stating that President Donald Trump is working to cut off Tehran’s funding of its regional “terror proxies” and prevent it from developing nuclear weapons.

Uncertain Future Amid Lingering Conflict

The Israel-Hezbollah war, which left over 20,000 people dead or wounded and displaced 1.2 million in Lebanon, has devastated large areas of the country, particularly in southern Lebanon and Beirut’s southern suburbs. The conflict has left Lebanon grappling with reconstruction efforts and political uncertainty, as international pressure mounts over the role of Hezbollah in the nation's future.

With February 18 set as the deadline for Israeli withdrawal, all eyes are now on whether tensions will escalate or if Lebanon will manage to transition into a post-war political landscape without Hezbollah’s military influence.

Photo: (Bilal Hussein / Associated Press)