Lebanese officials discuss South Lebanon with visiting US envoy

Lebanese leaders held what they called “positive” talks with US Deputy Special Envoy for the Middle East Morgan Ortagus on Saturday, focusing on the fragile truce in south Lebanon and ongoing economic reforms.

President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam met Ortagus in Beirut, where discussions covered Israeli violations of a ceasefire deal with Hezbollah, the Lebanese army’s deployment in southern areas, and international efforts to monitor the November 27 truce.

“The talks were constructive,” said a presidential statement, highlighting discussions on the international monitoring committee and Israel’s delayed withdrawal from Lebanese territory.

Under the truce, Hezbollah was to pull back north of the Litani River and dismantle military infrastructure in the south, while Israel was expected to complete its withdrawal by February 18. However, Israeli forces remain stationed at five locations, citing “strategic” interests.

Ortagus also held meetings with Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri, a Hezbollah ally, and Army Chief Rodolphe Haykal. Discussions included Israel’s continued strikes, border security with Syria, and smuggling issues along the unmarked frontier.

The US diplomat’s visit comes amid new efforts by Washington and Paris to find a political resolution to border disputes. “We want to get a political resolution, finally, to the border disputes,” Ortagus told Lebanese channel Al-Jadeed last month.

Talks also extended to Lebanon’s economic crisis. With Karim Souaid newly appointed as central bank governor, Ortagus emphasized the need for reforms and an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Salam echoed the urgency of restoring economic stability and fighting corruption.

Ortagus’s visit follows a previous trip in February that drew backlash from Hezbollah supporters after she declared the group had been “defeated by Israel.” Despite losses in the latest war, the Iran-backed militia remains active in Lebanese politics and armed conflict.

The ceasefire, based on UN Resolution 1701, mandates that only Lebanese forces and UN peacekeepers operate in the south — a point reiterated by US and Lebanese officials.