US issues new sanctions against Lebanese officials, companies aligned with Hezbollah

The United States has escalated its pressure on Hezbollah by imposing new sanctions targeting two Lebanese officials and a network of companies linked to the group. The U.S. Treasury Department's action adds Sleiman Antoine Frangie, leader of the Marada Movement, and Mahmoud Qamati, a senior Hezbollah member, to its Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) list.

According to the U.S. State Department, these officials have "deliberately and systematically undermine[d] the authority of the Lebanese state." Spokesperson Tommy Pigott stated that their alignment with Hezbollah obstructs Lebanon's ability to exercise full control over its territory and future, thereby entrenching a system of parallel power that weakens the nation.

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These officials have used their influence to deliberately and systematically undermine the authority of the Lebanese state. By aligning themselves with Hezballah, a terrorist organization, they have prevented the Lebanese government from exercising full control over its territories and over its future. These activities obstruct efforts to restore a sovereign, independent Lebanon, instead entrenching a system of parallel power that keeps Lebanon weak and divided, at the expense of the entire Middle East.

In addition to the officials, five companies associated with a Hezbollah-supporting network led by Alaa Hassan Hamieh were also sanctioned. The U.S. asserts that Hezbollah, which it designates as a terrorist organization, prioritizes Iran over Lebanon and acts as a major impediment to the country's recovery. The statement warned that those providing continued support to Hezbollah will face consequences, emphasizing the need for the group's disarmament for regional peace.

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[Hezbollah] is a terrorist organization that puts Iran, not Lebanon, first. It is the single biggest obstacle to Lebanon’s recovery and future, and holds the state hostage to a permanent state of conflict. Those who continue to provide political cover and material support to [Hezbollah] will suffer the consequences of their choices.