In a move marking a significant shift in its policy toward Lebanon, the United States Department of the Treasury has expanded its sanctions program to include active-duty security officers. This escalation targets what Washington describes as the political and security umbrella that allows Hezbollah to maintain influence within Lebanese state institutions.
The Treasury Department announced on Thursday the inclusion of nine individuals on its sanctions list under counter-terrorism laws. Among those targeted are Brigadier General Khattar Nasr El-Din, head of the National Security Department at General Security, and Colonel Samer Hamadeh, head of the Suburb Branch in the Lebanese Army’s Intelligence Directorate. The U.S. Alleges that both officers provided critical intelligence to Hezbollah over the past year.
Escalation into State Institutions
The inclusion of serving military and security personnel is unprecedented and suggests that the immunity previously afforded to these institutions is no longer guaranteed. Analysts suggest this development signals a broader U.S. Strategy to pressure the Lebanese state to move away from its “gray-zone” policies regarding Hezbollah’s presence and activities.
Did You Know? The recent sanctions mark the first time the U.S. Has targeted active-duty officers within the Lebanese Army and General Security, signaling a move beyond previous efforts that focused primarily on politicians and financial networks linked to Hezbollah.
Expert Insight: The inclusion of security officers suggests that Washington is no longer distinguishing between Hezbollah’s political and military wings, nor is it willing to overlook the integration of these actors within official state apparatuses. This policy shift indicates that future U.S. Engagement may be contingent on the Lebanese state taking more decisive action to separate its security institutions from the influence of non-state actors.
Pressure on Political Circles
The sanctions also reached the inner circle of Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, targeting Ahmad Baalbaki and Ali Safawi, a military official for the Amal Movement in southern Lebanon. These individuals are accused of coordinating security and military activities with Hezbollah, including joint operations against Israel. This represents the first direct targeting of figures close to Speaker Berri since the 2020 sanctions on former minister Ali Hassan Khalil.
Other notable figures sanctioned include former minister Mohammad Fneish, several Hezbollah members of parliament, and the Iranian ambassador assigned to Lebanon, Mohammad Reza Shibani. The U.S. Treasury stated these individuals work directly or indirectly for Hezbollah or under its direction.
Implications and Future Outlook
The timing of these sanctions, coinciding with ongoing negotiations between Lebanon and Israel, is viewed by observers as a pressure tactic intended to influence the Lebanese delegation’s stance. The U.S. Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, reiterated that Hezbollah is a terrorist organization that must be fully disarmed, emphasizing that Washington will continue to target officials who have “infiltrated the Lebanese government.”
While the Lebanese Army command stated that its officers perform their national duties with professionalism and discipline, and that their loyalty remains solely to the institution and the country, the potential for further isolation remains high. Beyond the political implications, sanctioned individuals face asset freezes and are effectively cut off from the international financial system, as institutions may avoid dealings with them to mitigate the risk of secondary sanctions.
Analysts suggest that if the Lebanese state does not initiate steps toward structural reform and distancing itself from Hezbollah’s influence, the U.S. Could increase its pressure on individuals perceived as part of the party’s support network.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was targeted in the latest round of U.S. Sanctions?
The U.S. Treasury sanctioned nine individuals, including two active-duty security officers: Brigadier General Khattar Nasr El-Din of General Security and Colonel Samer Hamadeh of the Lebanese Army. The list also includes politicians linked to Hezbollah, figures close to Speaker Nabih Berri, and the Iranian ambassador to Lebanon.
Why did the U.S. Target Lebanese security officers?
The Treasury Department accused the officers of providing significant intelligence to Hezbollah over the last year, viewing the action as a necessary step to weaken the political and security cover that allows Hezbollah to operate within state institutions.
How has the Lebanese Army responded to the sanctions?
The Lebanese Army command stated that its personnel perform their tasks with professionalism and discipline, emphasizing that the loyalty of its members is exclusively to the military institution and the nation.
Do you believe these sanctions will effectively change the relationship between the Lebanese security apparatus and non-state political actors?
