Following Israel’s crackdown on the armed group Hezbollah leadership in Lebanon, the United States is attempting to break the political stalemate in Lebanon to ease the escalating conflict.
On Friday, October 11th, Secretary of State Antony Blinken had separate phone calls with Lebanese Acting Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, reaffirming the U.S.’ commitment to resolving the border conflicts between Israel and Lebanon through diplomatic means, allowing displaced citizens of both countries to return home.
According to two statements released by the U.S. State Department, Blinken emphasized America’s support for Lebanon’s stability during the calls, discussing the issue of the presidential vacancy in Lebanon and the need to establish a government that reflects the will of the people for stability, prosperity, and independence in Lebanon.
The Secretary of State stressed that Lebanon cannot let Iran or Hezbollah jeopardize its security and stability.
Blinken expressed concern once again for civilian casualties and looked forward to the recent nearly $157 million humanitarian aid provided by the U.S. to the region to help affected populations.
Earlier this week, Blinken discussed with counterparts from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and France on how to solve the issues by electing a new Lebanese president and reducing tensions in the Middle East, which would assist Hezbollah in withdrawing its forces from the northern Israeli border back to the boundaries delineated by a UN Security Council resolution, ending the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah.
According to reports from the Associated Press, Blinken stated to the media in Laos on Friday, “The presidency has been vacant for two years, and for the people of Lebanon, having a head of state will be crucial.”
He mentioned that the future of Lebanon should be determined by its people, with no external forces intervening, including the U.S., Israel, or any other actors in the region.
For years, the U.S. and other countries have been urging an end to Lebanon’s political deadlock, but with no success.
The United States attributes Lebanon’s two-year presidential vacancy to Hezbollah, backed by Iran, refusing to compromise. Hezbollah is considered a legitimate political party in Lebanon and has been part of the Lebanese government for nearly two decades, despite being designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S., UK, EU, and Israel.
After the end of former President Michel Aoun’s term in October 2022, Lebanon’s deeply divided parliament failed multiple times to elect a successor, adding to the political crisis.
Meanwhile, the severe economic crisis in Lebanon worsens due to the political paralysis, with measures to alleviate poverty and address the crisis stagnant, leaving three-quarters of the country’s population in poverty.