Lebanon’s Crucial Juncture

Lebanon finds itself at a significant crossroads. After years under Iran’s influence and Hezbollah’s strong grip, there’s now a historic chance for the Lebanese people to reclaim their sovereignty and for the U.S. to further its own interests. However, for any real progress to be made, we need to be crystal clear about what needs to happen first.

The international community has invested years into addressing Lebanon’s various issues, including rampant corruption, a broken banking system, and ineffective governance across sectors like justice and law enforcement. These are indeed pressing concerns. Yet, none of these reforms can be truly effective—nor can they even begin—if Hezbollah continues to wield military power over civilians.

Lebanon cannot function with dual military forces. It’s simply impossible for one faction to remain loyal to Tehran while also claiming to protect Beirut. Only the Lebanese army should have the authority to defend the nation. The world, alongside Lebanon, must recognize Hezbollah as a terrorist organization, and Lebanon needs to commit to eradicating this threat.

This isn’t just a matter of policy preference; it’s a fundamental necessity. Every dollar invested in governance reform will be wasted if Hezbollah continues to control Lebanon through the threat of violence.

Hezbollah’s arsenal poses a serious risk, acting as a direct challenge to Lebanon’s sovereignty.

President Trump has made strides toward peace in the region by understanding that a show of strength resonates more with adversaries than mere hopes. However, to achieve real change in Lebanon, the U.S. must act decisively.

To start, we must end the failed mission of the UN interim forces in Lebanon (Unifil). With just weeks remaining in that mission, now is the time to pull the plug on this ineffective endeavor. For far too long, Unifil has merely served as a façade for Hezbollah’s military expansion, akin to the purpose Unrwa has become in Gaza. Sending American taxpayer dollars to support this mission is both pointless and morally questionable. It’s low-hanging fruit for immediate reform.

The United States should bolster the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), which embody the best hope for a unified, legitimate government in Lebanon. This means providing support in intelligence, advanced equipment, leadership training, and other essential resources. When legal institutions are empowered instead of illegal ones, positive outcomes are possible.

Moreover, it is vital to collaborate with allies to dismantle Iran’s weapons supply routes into Lebanon. Every missile, rocket, and piece of military hardware transferred from Iran to Lebanon must be identified and neutralized.

Syria, too, presents an opportunity for leveraging American influence. By asserting that Iranian weapons traversing Syrian territory will face repercussions, the U.S. can apply pressure to nearby adversaries.

This isn’t a quest for state-building through forever complicated Middle Eastern politics. It’s about recognizing that some issues have military solutions. Hezbollah’s arms were amassed not through diplomacy but through force.

The Lebanese populace deserves better than to live under the shadows of Iranian militias. They require a government that responds to their needs, not one beholden to Tehran. They should have access to economic opportunities instead of suffering from stagnation as a result of being a client state.

And let’s not forget the American people. Hezbollah is a terrorist group that has, over the years, taken American lives—service members and civilians alike. Its sustained presence only amplifies Iran’s threats against American interests worldwide.

However, simply wishing for change won’t suffice. Many Western policies have long been characterized by goodwill that has not translated into concrete action. President Trump appears prepared to take the necessary steps that prior administrations avoided.

Time is of the essence. Iran is already working to revive Hezbollah’s capabilities. Regional actors are jockeying for position regarding Lebanon’s future. If the U.S. does not act now, we risk watching yet another nation drift into Iran’s sphere, much like others in the region.

Lebanon’s future does not rest in the hands of the United Nations or more international conferences. It hinges on a fundamental principle: one nation, one legitimate military. This can set the stage for lasting peace. President Trump has both the tools and the opportunity to catalyze this change.

The real question isn’t whether Lebanon can be revitalized; it’s about whether the necessary actions will be taken for a stable Lebanon and Middle East.