Morgan Ortagus: Lebanon wanted peace. Israel was slow to see the opening - interview
In an interview with The Jerusalem Post , Morgan Ortagus discussed the opportunity for peace and normalization between Israel and Lebanon, drawing on her experience serving as Deputy Special Presidential Envoy to the Middle East and Special Envoy to Lebanon.
Ortagus reflected on efforts to build direct dialogue between Israelis and Lebanese, the weakening of Hezbollah, and the role Iran continues to play in Lebanon and across the region. She emphasized that momentum toward peace has come not only through diplomacy, but from Lebanese and Israeli citizens who want a different future for their countries.
She also discussed the importance of sustained U.S. engagement and the ongoing diplomatic efforts led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa.
“Israel and Lebanon are neighbors,” Ortagus told The Jerusalem Post. “If anyone’s going to have peace, that should be the two of them.”
Ortagus also reflected on the legacy of Senator Lindsey Graham and his belief in strengthening the U.S.-Israel relationship and advancing a more peaceful and secure Middle East.