US senators float sanctions if Lebanon’s Hezbollah disarmament plan is blocked
The top members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee warned Tuesday that Congress would pursue sanctions against anyone obstructing Lebanon’s plan to disarm Hezbollah.
“Lebanon deserves a free, prosperous, and secure future. That will only be possible if Lebanon is freed from the influence of Hezbollah and the Iranian regime,” said Senators Jim Risch, the panel’s top Republican, and Jeanne Shaheen, the committee’s top Democrat.
The lawmakers pointed to what they described as progress by the Lebanese government over the past year, including a cabinet decision endorsing the disarmament of militias.
“Failure to approve and carry out the disarmament would only send Lebanon back into chaos, and we are prepared to work with the Trump administration to ensure accountability for any who stand in the way of progress in Lebanon,” they wrote.
Risch and Shaheen reiterated Capitol Hill’s backing for President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam as they move to consolidate state authority over all weapons.
“We stand ready to support Lebanon’s success as its leaders fight for their country’s sovereignty,” they added.
The letter’s tone mirrors the Trump administration’s stance, strongly backing Lebanon’s current government. But American officials have cautioned that US and regional support is not open-ended, warning it could be withdrawn if tangible progress is not achieved by year’s end.
On Friday, the Lebanese government listened to and welcomed a plan by the army to disarm Hezbollah, a key US and international demand. No timeframe was given, and the five Shia ministers withdrew from the session as soon as the army chief entered.
