Amid Rising Tensions with Israel, US Envoy Morgan Ortagus Arrives in Lebanon

The Lebanese National News Agency reported Monday the arrival of US Envoy Morgan Ortagus in the capital, Beirut. This visit comes amidst growing fears in Lebanon that Israel might launch a new, large-scale air war against Hezbollah.

Purpose of the Visit and Escalating Tensions

• Ortagus's Goal: Informed sources revealed that Ortagus will seek to prevent the deterioration of the situation or the expansion of the war in the region during her visit to Beirut.

• Israeli Escalation: Israel has intensified its raids on southern and eastern Lebanon in recent days, resulting in the deaths of more than ten people, mostly Hezbollah members, according to Lebanese security sources speaking to Reuters.

• Lebanese Fears: Lebanon fears that this bombing campaign could be a prelude to a broader Israeli air campaign against the country, despite the ceasefire reached in November 2024 to end the year-long war between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah.

International Warnings and Hezbollah's Stance

• Barak's Warning: Another US envoy, Tom Barrack, warned last week that Hezbollah could face a new confrontation with Israel if the Lebanese authorities do not move quickly to completely disarm the group, a demand Hezbollah has rejected so far.

• Scenario of a Broad Strike: European sources confirmed to "Sky News Arabia" that a broad Israeli strike against Lebanon might be "only a matter of time."

• Ambiguity of Israeli Position: The sources added that it is unclear whether Israel would treat the Lebanese State as a complicit or failing party in the matter of withdrawing Hezbollah's weapons in the event of a broad strike.