Ortagus Set for Final Beirut Visit Before Departure

U.S. Deputy Special Envoy for the Middle East, Morgan Ortagus, is scheduled to arrive in Lebanon later this week, according to several media outlets. This visit may mark her final diplomatic mission to the country before transitioning to another role within the U.S. administration.

Reports suggest that Ortagus’ reassignment is not directly related to her handling of Lebanese affairs, but rather part of a broader personnel reshuffle within Washington. Although speculation had circulated about an imminent replacement, some diplomatic sources have indicated that no immediate change is expected, as Ortagus continues to engage actively on Lebanese matters and has not initiated any transfer of responsibilities to a potential successor.

Focus on Hezbollah and Tensions with Lebanese Officials

One of the key items on Ortagus’ agenda during her visit is expected to be the issue of Hezbollah’s weapons. Sources cited by Lebanese media report that she intends to press for clear commitments and a defined timeline for disarmament. This aligns with her previously firm stance on reducing the group’s military influence in Lebanon—a policy position that has drawn both support and criticism across local and regional actors.

While some officials have commended her strict diplomatic approach, others have viewed her style as confrontational. Reports from Beirut-based publications suggest that her relationship with Lebanese Army Commander Rodolphe Haykal has been strained, and that President Joseph Aoun has expressed discomfort with her tone in engagements with local leaders. In one instance, her criticism of prominent political figure Walid Jumblat reportedly caused unease among pro-U.S. contacts within the country.

Despite such tensions, Ortagus has remained a vocal advocate for policies aimed at curbing Hezbollah’s role in Lebanon, a stance that has resonated with Israeli officials. Commentators from Israeli media have suggested that her departure could reduce momentum on initiatives seen as beneficial to Israeli security interests, particularly those concerning Hezbollah’s disarmament.

Washington Dynamics and Internal GOP Support

Ortagus’ position within the administration came following the tenure of Amos Hochstein and was reportedly secured due to strong backing from key Republican figures, despite initial resistance from former President Donald Trump. At the time of her appointment, Trump acknowledged past disagreements with Ortagus, including her early criticism of his foreign policy and public persona during the 2016 primary campaign. Nevertheless, he confirmed the decision to appoint her, citing broad Republican support as the primary reason.

Ortagus maintains close ties with several high-profile Republican officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Senator Lindsey Graham, and former national security adviser Mike Waltz. She also previously worked alongside Trump’s former envoy Ric Grenell and played a role during the administration’s earlier Middle East initiatives in collaboration with Jared Kushner.

Reports indicate that her next assignment has been finalized and will be officially announced by U.S. Special Envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff. Journalist Laura Loomer, citing White House sources, stated that Ortagus had expressed interest in the role of Special Envoy to Syria but that the position has instead been awarded to Tom Barrack. Loomer noted that Ortagus will instead be reassigned to another role within the Trump administration.

Potential Successor and Strategic Implications

While her replacement has not yet been officially named, some observers have pointed to Joel Rayburn as a likely candidate. Rayburn is known for his hardline stance on Iran and has played a central role in U.S. policy on Syria over the past decade. If appointed, his background suggests a continuation—or possible intensification—of Washington’s tough posture toward Iranian-linked groups operating in Lebanon and Syria.

Ortagus’ final visit comes at a critical time for Lebanon, as international stakeholders seek to recalibrate their positions on Hezbollah’s military presence, economic stability, and regional alignment. Whether her successor will maintain the same tone or pursue a more measured approach remains to be seen, but her tenure has clearly left a marked impression on both allies and critics across the Lebanese political landscape.