US sanctions nine Lebanese figures over Hezbollah disarmament dispute

What happened

Middle East Eye reports that the US Treasury Department has sanctioned nine Lebanese individuals accused of obstructing the peace process in Lebanon and impeding efforts to disarm Hezbollah. The Treasury Secretary emphasized that Hezbollah is considered a terrorist group that must be fully disarmed.

In its statement, the Treasury Department described Hezbollah as maintaining influence through a network of political representatives, including members of parliament, that work to resist Lebanese government attempts to disarm the group and uphold state sovereignty.

This action signals ongoing US policy targeting entities seen as enabling Hezbollah’s armed activities and perpetuating violence in Lebanon. It also reflects persistent tensions within Lebanon’s political environment over Hezbollah’s role as both a political party and an armed militia.

Known from the source

• The US Treasury Department sanctioned nine Lebanese individuals for obstructing peace and impeding Hezbollah disarmament.
• US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated Hezbollah is a terrorist organization that must be fully disarmed.
• The Treasury claims Hezbollah relies on political representatives, including parliament members, to block Lebanese government calls for disarmament and respect for state sovereignty.

What remains unclear

Given Hezbollah’s significant presence in Lebanese politics and Lebanon’s complex relations with Iran and the broader region, these sanctions could influence internal Lebanese dynamics and regional responses, particularly regarding security and disarmament debates.

What remains unclear: Confirm the full list and roles of the nine sanctioned individuals from an official US Treasury source. Verify Lebanon government reactions or statements regarding these sanctions and disarmament efforts. Ensure all attribution to US Treasury statements is accurate and clearly distinguished from unverified claims. Check for any additional relevant regional or Iranian responses to the sanctions.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: Middle East Eye. Open the source.