U.S. envoy Morgan Ortagus is scheduled to arrive in Beirut for crucial discussions aimed at addressing the disarmament of militant group Hezbollah. Her visit comes amid rising fears in Lebanon of a renewed conflict with Israel due to recent Israeli airstrikes targeting Hezbollah strongholds.
The visit coincides with escalating concerns following Israel’s intensified bombings in Lebanon’s south and east, resulting in numerous casualties. Ortagus will reportedly attend a meeting to assess the Lebanese army’s compliance with the 2024 ceasefire agreement, which aimed to halt the prolonged conflict with Hezbollah.
This development follows warnings from U.S. envoy Tom Barrack and a lethal Israeli operation targeting a suspected Hezbollah arms dealer. UN peacekeepers neutralized an Israeli drone, citing its threat to their patrol. These events underscore growing tensions in the region.
(With inputs from agencies.)