Ortagus set for Lebanon visit to discuss Israel withdrawal

Morgan Ortagus, the U.S. deputy special envoy for Middle East peace, is expected to travel to Beirut this week, marking her second visit to Lebanon since assuming her role. According to local media reports, her visit will focus on Israel’s planned withdrawal from southern Lebanon on February 18.

Ongoing Negotiations Over Israel’s Withdrawal

Initially, Israel was supposed to withdraw its troops from southern Lebanon by January 26, as part of the ceasefire agreement brokered in November. However, the deadline was extended to February 18. Reports indicate that Israel is now requesting another extension, a move that has added further complexity to the situation.

Ortagus’ Previous Visit and Controversial Remarks

During her previous visit last week, Ortagus expressed hope that Lebanese authorities would prevent Hezbollah from having any role in the newly formed government. She also praised Israel, stating she was grateful to the U.S. ally for what she described as defeating Hezbollah.

Her comments sparked backlash in Lebanon, where many viewed them as interference in domestic affairs. The Lebanese Presidency distanced itself from her remarks, emphasizing that her views did not reflect the official position of the state.

Despite her stance, Hezbollah has actively engaged in government negotiations, particularly regarding the allocation of Shiite Muslim seats, in line with Lebanon’s sectarian power-sharing system.

Background on Ortagus’ Role

Ortagus, a former U.S. State Department spokesperson and U.S. Navy Reserve officer, recently stepped into the role of deputy special envoy for Middle East peace in President Donald Trump’s administration. She replaced Amos Hochstein, who had played a crucial role in brokering the November 27 ceasefire, which ended over a year of hostilities, including two months of intense conflict.

Ceasefire Terms and Challenges

Under the original ceasefire agreement, the Lebanese military was to deploy in the south alongside U.N. peacekeeping forces (UNIFIL), while Israel gradually withdrew over a 60-day period. Additionally, Hezbollah was required to move north of the Litani River and dismantle any remaining military infrastructure in the south.

Ortagus reaffirmed last week that the United States remains fully committed to the February 18 withdrawal deadline.

Israel’s Request for Another Extension

Despite the ceasefire terms, reports indicate that Israel is now seeking to extend its troop presence further and maintain control over five strategic border points, citing security concerns and the need for a buffer zone.

However, Lebanon has firmly rejected this proposal. Instead, Lebanese officials have suggested that the U.N. peacekeeping forces (UNIFIL) or the Lebanese Army take control of these five key locations, rather than allowing an extended Israeli military presence.

As negotiations continue, Ortagus’ upcoming visit will likely play a key role in determining the next steps regarding Israel’s withdrawal timeline and the future of the ceasefire agreement.