Ortagus’ visit encompassed diplomatic, security as well as social aspects

Aside from the usual “Mechanism” meetings, US envoy Morgan Ortagus visits to Lebanon witnessed crucial discussions with prominent Lebanese officials as well. This came as Ortagus visited Israel during the weekend, where she was briefed on the IDF’s defensive and offensive plans along the border with Lebanon as well as on Hezbollah’s activities. Although the diplomatic and military issues were prevalent, the US envoy has nevertheless tackled the social aspect in the south.

The diplomatic and security dimensions

Morgan Ortagus’ mission included visits to Lebanese officials, including President General Joseph Aoun, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berry and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. She stressed on two critical matters previously outlined in Tom Barrack’s message just last week: the exclusivity of arms in the hand of the legitimate Lebanese state as well as the necessity to conduct negotiations between Beirut and Tel Aviv. The two aforementioned issues remain contentious sticking points between Lebanon and Israel.

During their discussions, she allegedly focused on the security situation in southern Lebanon and along the Israeli Lebanese border, as tensions escalated in recent weeks. Following her visit to Tel Aviv, Ortagus conveyed Israeli fears regarding Hezbollah’s activities, which encompass smuggling of arms into Lebanon as well as efforts to rebuild its capacities. She condemned the Iranian-backed group’s violations of the November ceasefire agreement, warning that the situation may well destabilize even further should such defiance persist.

Meanwhile, President Aoun conveyed Lebanon’s viewpoint and demands regarding the matter. He called for an end to continuous Israeli airstrikes, which represent a similar violation to the aforementioned agreement. A statement released by the presidency claimed that Aoun asserted “the need to activate the work of the Cessation of Hostilities Monitoring Committee... particularly with regard to halting the ongoing Israeli violations.”

Despite Ortagus’ warnings, she nevertheless expressed Washington’s willingness to find a comprehensive and sustainable solution for the Lebanese Israeli conflict. She claimed that the Trump administration wants the ceasefire to succeed, seeking to support the “Mechanism” as well as its operations. Hence, the US envoy urged Beirut to seize the “golden” opportunity and not miss out on the course of peace that seems to engulf the region.

As for negotiations with Israel, President Aoun expressed his country’s readiness to embark on this process, however maintaining indirect talks with US mediation, instead of direct ones. From here, two pathways have been considered. The first being a revival of the maritime border agreement mechanism, during which the Lebanese and Israeli sides negotiated one another indirectly along the border, aided by American mediation efforts. The second, however, calls for the strict adherence to the “Mechanism” committee where both parties to the conflict are represented, along with 3 relevant international actors (UNIFIL, US and France).

The social dimension

The US envoy’s visit was not purely for diplomatic and security purposes, but social as well. Ortagus visited the Lebanese Ministry of Social Affairs, emphasizing an American inclination to support the state’s social presence in these areas.

Ortagus has reviewed with Minister Haneen Sayed regarding the ministry’s role, activities and vital needs to provide essential aid and service for the Lebanese population, specifically in southern Lebanon. It comes as the ministry has reportedly offered direct cash assistance to around 260,000 citizens affected by the previous war, an effort praised by the US envoy.

Ortagus’ visit to this ministry signals a US interest in a comprehensive plan, that is not confined to ensuring the stability of the ceasefire, it goes even further to provide social and economic assistance to the Lebanese, including southerners. Trump himself has even hinted about creating an economic zone in the south, providing jobs, stability and prosperity for local and national citizens. It stems from a liberal theory in international relations, the “economic peace theory,” which believes that economic interdependence and cooperation can foster peace and reduce the likelihood of conflict between nations or groups.