Morgan Ortagus to pressure army to expedite disarmament plan in Beirut visit

U.S. envoy Morgan Ortagus is expected to push Lebanon’s military leadership to accelerate efforts to disarm Hezbollah forces positioned north and south of the Litani River during her visit to the country this weekend, according to media reports on Friday.

Agenda of the Visit

Lebanese daily Al-Binaa reported that Ortagus will arrive on Saturday and will not meet with political figures or government leaders. Instead, her focus will be on engaging directly with the five-member ceasefire monitoring committee, which includes representatives from France, the United States, Lebanon, Israel, and the U.N. peacekeeping force UNIFIL.

The meeting is scheduled for Sunday in the southern Lebanese town of Naqoura, where Ortagus will review the Lebanese Army’s disarmament plan. Discussions will also center on strengthening the army’s manpower, logistical support, and operational resources to ensure the plan can be implemented by the end of the year.

U.S. Security Assistance and Ceasefire Context

Washington has already pledged more than $117 million in security assistance to the Lebanese Army, underscoring its role as the key state institution in maintaining stability amid Lebanon’s broader political and economic crisis. The aid package is part of U.S. efforts to bolster the army’s ability to enforce a fragile ceasefire agreement with Israel and to limit Hezbollah’s military presence in southern Lebanon.

The disarmament plan is viewed as critical by international stakeholders seeking to reduce the risk of renewed escalation along the Lebanese-Israeli border, where periodic clashes between Hezbollah and Israeli forces have threatened to spiral into wider conflict.

What This Means

While Ortagus’ trip avoids Lebanon’s fractious political leadership, her direct engagement with the ceasefire monitoring committee highlights Washington’s intent to keep pressure on Beirut’s military command. The push comes at a time when Lebanon’s internal divisions, economic collapse, and Hezbollah’s entrenched influence continue to complicate the army’s ability to carry out such plans.

Her visit also signals a renewed U.S. commitment to ensuring the ceasefire framework remains in place, as regional tensions remain high and international partners press for concrete steps toward limiting Hezbollah’s operational reach.