Morgan Ortagus, the deputy to the U.S. President’s special envoy for Middle East peace, continued her tour of Lebanese leaders on Saturday, the day a new government was formed. She met with outgoing Prime Minister Najib Mikati, his successor Nawaf Salam and Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri. Both Berri and Mikati, during their respective meetings with the U.S. envoy, called for the withdrawal of the Israeli army from the areas it still occupies in southern Lebanon.

Berri stressed to the diplomat that the situation in South Lebanon "is not satisfactory," as the Israeli army continues to occupy certain areas and villages, demolish buildings, and conduct airstrikes, in "persistent violation" of UN Resolution 1701 and the cease-fire. He urged the U.S. administration, which he described as the "guarantor of the agreement," to compel Israel to fully implement the resolution, particularly the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory. He also praised the role of the Lebanese Army, which continues its deployment south of the Litani River.

Adopted in 2006, UN Security Council Resolution 1701 serves as the basis for the cease-fire agreement. It stipulates that no armed group should be present south of the Litani River, that the Lebanese army must be deployed in this zone alongside the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), and that all Israeli incursions — land, sea and air — into Lebanese territory must cease.

Systematic destruction of towns and villages

During his meeting with Ortagus, Mikati also urged the United States to ensure the full implementation of the cease-fire agreement concluded on Nov. 27 between Lebanon and Israel, as well as the full enforcement of Resolution 1701. He requested that the U.S., as the primary sponsor of the cease-fire and a key ally of Israel, guarantee the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from the remaining occupied Lebanese territories by Feb. 18, the new deadline set after the extension of the cease-fire implementation.

The former Prime Minister also called for an end to the "systematic destruction of towns and villages" by Israel, which remains present in most of the border villages in the Marjayoun district and continues daily demolition operations. Additionally, he demanded the full implementation of Resolution 1701, including the settlement of disputes along the Blue Line, which demarcates the border. The National News Agency (NNA) reported that adherence to international resolutions would lead to stability in the region, particularly in South Lebanon.

Ortagus also held talks with Nawaf Salam.

On Friday, the day she arrived in Beirut, Ortagus met with President Joseph Aoun. Following their discussion, she stated that any participation of Hezbollah in the new government is a "red line" for the U.S.. She also thanked Israel for "ending" Hezbollah’s "reign of terror" in Lebanon. These remarks sparked a strong backlash from Hezbollah and its allies.

Triggered on Oct. 8, 2023, by Hezbollah, the war against the Israeli army has resulted in more than 4,000 deaths in Lebanon and the destruction of entire villages and neighborhoods in several regions, particularly in the South, the Bekaa Valley, and the southern suburbs of Beirut.