US Deputy Special Presidential Envoy to the Middle East Morgan Ortagus arrived in Lebanon on Monday for talks that Beirut has been waiting for with anticipation. She just concluded a two-day visit to Israel. Ortagus is bringing a message that goes beyond just asking Beirut about disarming Hezbollah, Saudi-based news channel Al Arabiya reported.
“The Israeli air force has intensified its targeting and pursuit of Hezbollah members,” the report said. “Lebanon awaits the arrival of the US envoy to participate in the meeting of the ceasefire supervision committee on Wednesday, after she landed in Tel Aviv... and toured the border with Lebanon.” Israel has increased its strikes on Hezbollah in Lebanon, Al Arabiya reported. The strikes appear to have expanded to include the Bekaa valley and other areas, according to social-media reports in Lebanon.
“Since last Thursday, these strikes have resulted in the deaths of 11 people, including at least eight Hezbollah members,” Al Arabiya reported. “This brings the number of Israeli attacks on Hezbollah members to more than 365 in the 11 months since the ceasefire agreement took effect on November 25, 2024, according to Israeli media. Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem acknowledged the imbalance of power following the recent war, considering this imbalance to be temporary.” (Read More)
