Michel Issa: Disarming Hezbollah is essential for peace in Lebanon and the region

The new U.S. ambassador to Lebanon, Lebanese-born businessman Michel Issa, told Haaretz in an interview published Saturday that Washington is pressing for the disarmament of Hezbollah and other militias, calling it crucial to “ensuring peace” in Lebanon and the rapidly changing Middle East.

In the interview with the Israeli daily, Issa emphasized that the United States views the implementation of a Lebanese government decision made in early August to disarm Hezbollah and other armed groups as “essential to restore the authority of the state in Lebanon and secure its future.” He said that ending the activity of Iran-backed proxies in the region, including Iraqi militias, Yemeni Houthis and Hezbollah, “are key steps for ensuring peace in Lebanon and across the region.”

No comment on potential Lebanon-Israel talks

When asked about a possible negotiation process between Lebanon and Israel, which Beirut has requested for the past six weeks, Issa declined to comment. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun first called for talks with Israel on Oct. 13, during the signing of the Gaza truce brokered by President Donald Trump, and has renewed the invitation several times. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and much of Lebanon’s political class have also supported the request, criticizing Israel’s lack of response.

Lebanon is seeking talks to halt Israeli attacks on its territory, secure the release of Lebanese nationals abducted during last fall’s Israeli ground invasion, and demand Israel’s withdrawal from positions it occupies in the South, a process currently opposed by Hezbollah.

'Israel doesn’t need U.S. permission'

On Israeli strikes in Lebanon, including last Sunday’s operation that killed Hezbollah’s military chief Haytham Ali Tabatabai in Beirut’s southern suburbs, Issa stressed that Israel “does not need to obtain American permission” to defend itself. “Israel assesses its security needs and will take all measures it deems necessary to protect its citizens. There is no need to obtain authorization from the United States for that,” he said.

A senior U.S. official, quoted by Axios, denied that the Trump administration was informed of the strike in advance. Another official said Washington was aware Israel planned to “intensify” its strikes in Lebanon, without providing further details.

The strike, the first in southern Beirut since June, targeted a Hezbollah stronghold in a densely populated area, raising concerns about a possible escalation. In response, Hezbollah’s leader asserted the group’s right to retaliate at a time of its choosing. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned of a violent campaign if Hezbollah is not disarmed by the end of the year, a deadline set by the Lebanese army for retrieving the party’s arsenal south of the Litani River. Hezbollah has complied in the South but continues to refuse nationwide disarmament.

Issa also told Haaretz that while the U.S. priority is “a lasting peace between Lebanon and Israel,” the Trump administration is “also working to guarantee a future of peace and prosperity by strengthening business opportunities for Americans in Lebanon as well as with Lebanese partners.”