US Looks for Lebanon Peace Push
WASHINGTON — With Israel’s military operations in Lebanon affecting many of Hezbollah’s senior leaders, there is growing belief in Washington and beyond that a new effort could be undertaken to address the political deadlock in Lebanon, potentially easing the ongoing war.
To this end, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken communicated separately via phone with acting Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati and parliament speaker Nabhi Berri on Friday, discussing the urgent need to resolve the situation, according to the State Department.
This week, Blinken also engaged in discussions with counterparts from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and France regarding how a resolution — especially the election of a new Lebanese president — might alleviate tensions in the Middle East. Such an election could persuade Hezbollah to reposition its forces away from Israel’s northern border to a line established by a U.N. Security Council resolution that concluded the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war.
“It’s clear that the people of Lebanon have a strong interest in the state asserting itself and taking responsibility for the country and its future,” Blinken stated. “The presidency has been vacant for two years now, and for the Lebanese people, having a head of state would be significant.”
He emphasized that Lebanon’s future should be determined by its people, without interference from outside forces including the United States or Israel.
For years, the U.S. and other international actors have pressed for an end to the political deadlock in Lebanon, but to no avail. The country’s sectarian power-sharing system has traditionally been susceptible to stalemate. U.S. officials attribute the two-year presidential vacuum to a lack of compromise by Iran-backed Hezbollah, which, while designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. and others, is also considered a legitimate political actor in Lebanon, part of the government fabric for nearly two decades.
Since former President Michel Aoun’s term ended in October 2022, Lebanon’s fragmented parliament has convened several times to elect a successor but has repeatedly failed. Hezbollah has backed Sleiman Frangieh, a Christian politician allied with them.
On the other side, various names have emerged as candidates, with the leading contender generally perceived to be Lebanese army commander Gen. Joseph Aoun, who is regarded as close to the U.S., though he has not officially declared his candidacy.
The ongoing political paralysis and stalling of measures to mitigate a severe economic crisis have led to three-quarters of Lebanon’s population facing poverty.
In light of the recent degradation of Hezbollah’s capabilities by Israel, some U.S. officials see a potential opportunity for movement in the political landscape of Lebanon. However, this perspective is not unanimous; some argue that Hezbollah has become too ingrained within Lebanon’s political, military, and social frameworks for its influence to be easily diminished. Despite skepticism, there is a willingness among some officials to explore the possibilities for change.
Diving deeper into diplomatic efforts, Blinken reiterated the significance of stabilizing the political crisis during his conversations with Mikati and Berri. He reaffirmed U.S. dedication to a diplomatic resolution aligned with U.N. resolutions, enabling civilians on both sides of the Israel-Lebanon border to return safely to their homes. Moreover, he emphasized the importance of filling the presidential vacancy through democratic processes that reflect the Lebanese people’s will, aiming for a stable and independent Lebanon.
In talks with various foreign ministers, including those from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and France, he remarked on the robust desire from both concerned nations and the Lebanese populace to see the state emerge stronger and take responsibility for its citizens’ welfare.
Looking ahead, Blinken is expected to participate in an international conference on Lebanon, hosted by France, later this month.
The U.N. resolution, under discussion, calls for a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon following the 2006 conflict, with the Lebanese army and U.N. peacekeepers to serve as the only armed presence in the area. However, the terms of this resolution have yet to be fully realized.
According to Ed Gabriel, president of the American Task Force on Lebanon, there is great respect for the leadership of Gen. Aoun, who heads the only fully functioning institution in Lebanon. He voiced that it is not in Lebanon’s interest for external parties to influence its sovereign right to elect its president.
“There is an opportunity right now for Lebanon’s parliamentarians to convene and elect a clean, competent, and reform-oriented president who can guide Lebanon through this critical phase,” he added.
