US blames Hezbollah for blocking Lebanon’s economic recovery

The US State Department has accused Hezbollah of being the primary obstacle to Lebanon’s economic reconstruction, according to a statement made by a department spokesman to Al Jazeera. The Iranian-backed militant group, designated as a terrorist organisation by the United States, was singled out as bearing sole responsibility for the Israeli military presence within Lebanon’s territory.

The American position reflects growing frustration with the group’s continued operations in the country, which has been gripped by an unprecedented economic and financial crisis in recent years. Lebanon’s economy has collapsed dramatically, with the Lebanese pound losing more than 90 per cent of its value since 2019, and the country now faces severe shortages of fuel, electricity and medicines.

The State Department spokesman indicated that the pilot zones—areas in southern Lebanon where a ceasefire agreement has been implemented—represent the only practical pathway to achieving peace in the region. He expressed expectations that the Lebanese Armed Forces would complete clearing operations in these designated areas, a move that would effectively remove Hezbollah’s military infrastructure from the buffer zone along the Israeli border.

Hezbollah’s presence and military activities have long complicated Lebanon’s relationship with Israel and hindered international efforts to stabilise the country. The group’s control over significant portions of Lebanese territory and its cross-border operations have made it difficult for Lebanon to attract foreign investment and secure international financial support needed for economic recovery.

Source: Walla News — Original article in Hebrew.