According to the pro-Hezbollah newspaper Al-Akhbar, a senior security source revealed Tuesday that US Ambassador Lisa Johnson is actively working to "prepare Lebanon for an era after Hezbollah," while encouraging politicians and citizens to separate the broader Shiite Muslim community from the terror organization. The source indicated that Johnson explicitly stated that Israel's military operations should be leveraged to "eliminate Hezbollah completely, beyond just degrading its military capabilities."
During discussions with Lebanese political figures, the ambassador reportedly stated: "Israel cannot accomplish everything through military means alone. The time has come for you to step up and initiate internal resistance." The report cited Johnson as saying, "The Lebanese people must demonstrate their determination to rise up and free themselves from Hezbollah."
The ambassador was quoted further: "Why does Hezbollah's potential defeat seem to frighten you? Its leadership structure has been dismantled, and we stand ready to support you. The entire free world will back your efforts. Our aim extends beyond merely restricting Hezbollah's influence. We intend to target its support systems and maintain pressure until the Iranian regime falls."
The source added that the ambassador advocated for meetings to support Lebanese Army Commander Joseph Aoun's bid for the presidency. The report indicated that while Johnson pledged American support for the Lebanese military's efforts to contain Hezbollah, she emphasized that "Lebanese political leaders must now take decisive action."
