Chadi Hileneh, "Akhbar al-Yawm" agency

Ortagus Delivers U.S. Ultimatum: Disarm Hezbollah or Face Elimination

U.S. Escalation Reflects a Significant Policy Shift on Lebanon

English version based on the Arabic-language article published by Akhbar al-Yawm

U.S. Deputy Envoy to the Middle East Morgan Ortagus has urged the Lebanese government to make a final decision on the disarmament of Hezbollah, warning that Washington is pressing for swift action on the issue.

Speaking from Doha, Ortagus said the disarmament should not be limited to areas south of the Litani River but must extend across all Lebanese territory. Her remarks come amid growing U.S. pressure to reduce the group’s influence and enforce state control over arms.

The issue has reemerged at the center of diplomatic discussions, with U.S. Senator James Risch, the ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, taking an even firmer stance. Risch called on the Lebanese to "completely get rid" of Hezbollah and said Washington believes the Lebanese Army is now capable of confronting the group. He also underscored bipartisan support in Congress to strengthen the army’s role, especially along the Syrian and Israeli borders and at key infrastructure points such as customs and the airport.

Thus, the shift in tone signals a hardening of U.S. policy toward Lebanon’s internal power dynamics. It coincides with heightened Israeli military activity in southern Lebanon, which is intended to send political signals ahead of Lebanon’s municipal elections scheduled for Saturday.

A U.S. diplomatic source told the "Akhbar al-Yawm" agency that Ortagus is delivering a clear message from the Trump administration not only to Hezbollah but also to the Lebanese state: Washington wants to see all weapons confined to the state’s security forces. The source said the U.S. is growing impatient and expects swift action north of the Litani River, as was done in the south under the terms of the ceasefire agreement.

"If this is not achieved quickly", the source said, "the alternative would be the complete dismantling of Hezbollah’s military capability", pointing out that Ortagus is said to be acting on direct instructions from President Donald Trump, with support for her high-level messaging.