Lebanon’s Leadership Defies US Pressure, Threatening Stability in the Middle East
Amid Lebanon’s refusal to disarm Hezbollah under US pressure, the risk of ongoing conflict threatens regional stability—and America’s security interests.
Lebanon’s political leadership, spearheaded by Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri—an ally of Hezbollah—has openly resisted Washington’s urgent calls to disarm the Iran-backed militant group. Instead, Berri advocates for a “calm national dialogue” on the future of Hezbollah’s weapons, delaying meaningful action that could stabilize a volatile region critical to American interests.
Why Is Lebanon Ignoring America’s Clear Call for Disarmament?
The United States has been clear: Hezbollah must relinquish its arsenal to uphold Lebanese sovereignty under legitimate state control. The current Lebanese government, influenced heavily by Hezbollah allies like Berri, is jeopardizing this objective by stalling behind rhetoric about dialogue rather than decisive enforcement.
This resistance comes despite recent agreements between President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and US envoy Tom Barrack aiming for swift disarmament by year-end. Meanwhile, Hezbollah leader Sheikh Naim Kassim refuses negotiations until Israeli forces withdraw from contested southern hilltops—a demand Israel rejects.
While Israel continues near-daily airstrikes targeting Hezbollah infrastructure to neutralize growing threats on its border, Lebanon downplays these actions even as innocent civilians suffer collateral damage. How long will Washington tolerate this cycle of violence and inaction?
America First Means Demanding Real Security Solutions Now
A stable Lebanon free from terrorist militias is not just a regional concern—it is vital for American national security. Allowing Hezbollah to maintain or rebuild military capabilities undermines efforts to curb Iranian influence and emboldens proxy attacks against US allies.
Berri’s portrayal of Hezbollah’s weapons as “honorable” ignores the reality that these arms fuel extremism and destabilization. His criticism of Israel’s defensive strikes distracts from the fact that militant provocations have caused over 4,000 deaths and $11 billion in damages since last year alone.
If Washington permits such duplicity under the guise of diplomacy, it risks repeating mistakes that harm American families through prolonged conflicts abroad—and increased threats here at home.
The time has come for pragmatic enforcement over politicized appeasement. Ensuring all weapons are controlled solely by Lebanon’s national military aligns with America First principles: defending our freedom by confronting threats head-on and supporting sovereign governments committed to peace.