U.S. Policy Toward Lebanon: Obstacles to Dismantling Hezbollah’s Grip on Power

The House Foreign Affairs Committee Republicans held a hearing on U.S. policy toward Lebanon, focusing on the challenges of dismantling Hezbollah's influence. Discussions emphasized the need to strengthen Lebanese state institutions, advance economic reforms, and ensure Hezbollah's disarmament. Witnesses highlighted Hezbollah's continued access to illicit cash flows through unregulated financial networks and institutional capture, which undermine disarmament efforts. The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) have made some progress but lack full control, particularly in southern Lebanon, and require conditional U.S. security assistance tied to performance. The committee also discussed the importance of economic reform to restore Lebanon's financial stability and reduce Hezbollah's power base, as well as the potential for Lebanon to join the Abraham Accords contingent on political progress. Sanctions targeting corrupt officials and financial facilitators of Hezbollah were recommended to support reform and disarmament efforts. Overall, the meeting underscored a multifaceted U.S. strategy combining security aid, economic reform, sanctions, and diplomatic engagement to weaken Hezbollah and promote Lebanese sovereignty.