**US Treasury Imposes Sanctions on Lebanese Officials and Others for Supporting Hezbollah**
The U.S. government announced on Thursday a new round of sanctions targeting Lebanese officials and individuals linked to Hezbollah, a militant group designated as a terrorist organization by the United States. The sanctions were imposed by the U.S. Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and are part of ongoing efforts to undermine Hezbollah's financial networks and influence in Lebanon.
The Treasury Department stated that the sanctions were aimed at individuals who are believed to obstruct Lebanon’s peace process and delay the disarmament of Hezbollah. Among those sanctioned are members of the previously designated Alaa Hassan Hamieh business network, which has been accused of facilitating financial support for Hezbollah's operations.
Hezbollah, which has received military and financial backing from Iran since its establishment in 1982, continues to play a significant role in Lebanon's political landscape. The U.S. has expressed concerns that the group could benefit from increased funding following a recent U.S.-Iranian interim memorandum of understanding aimed at reducing hostilities in the region.
U.S. President Donald Trump indicated on Wednesday that he had discussions with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad regarding efforts to combat Hezbollah's influence in Lebanon. The conversation comes amid fears that Iran may provide Hezbollah with additional financial resources, particularly after the signing of the memorandum, which seeks to address the ongoing conflict in the region.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized the need for Hezbollah to disarm to ensure a secure future for Lebanon. "Treasury will continue to target Hezbollah’s financial networks and hold accountable those who enable the group to undermine the Lebanese state and threaten prospects for lasting peace," he stated.
Among the individuals and entities sanctioned are:
- **Sleiman Antoine Frangie**: The leader of the Lebanese Marada Movement, Frangie has been accused of accepting financial support from Hezbollah in exchange for assisting the group in targeting reformist and independent candidates during Lebanese parliamentary elections.
- **Mahmoud Qamati**: Serving as the deputy head of Hezbollah’s political council, Qamati is believed to have coordinated cash smuggling operations from Iran to support Hezbollah.
- **Globe SARL**: This company is identified as the technical arm of Al-‘Ahd Company for Trade and Investment, which is linked to the sanctioned Alaa Hamieh business network.
- **Al-Shafa Administrative Services Ltd** and its CEO **Wael Constanteen**: Both have been sanctioned for their connections to Alaa Hamieh.
The sanctions reflect the U.S. government's ongoing strategy to counter Hezbollah's influence in Lebanon and the broader region. By targeting financial networks and key individuals associated with the group, the U.S. aims to disrupt the resources that enable Hezbollah to operate and exert its influence.
As tensions in Lebanon and the surrounding region continue to evolve, the U.S. remains committed to its stance against Hezbollah and its affiliates, seeking to promote stability and peace in Lebanon.