US imposes sanctions on Lebanese Hezbollah lawmakers and security personnel

US Imposes Sanctions on Nine Individuals Accused of Aiding Hezbollah

The United States Department of the Treasury has designated nine individuals, including members of Lebanon’s parliament and security officials, under sanctions for allegedly enabling Hezbollah to undermine Lebanon’s sovereignty. The list includes four Hezbollah members, an Iranian diplomat, and two security officials from the Amal Movement.

According to the US Department of State, those sanctioned have been accused of obstructing the peace process in Lebanon and impeding the disarmament of Hezbollah. The individuals include Mohamed Abdel-Mottaleb Fanich, a leader in Hezbollah’s executive council; Nizammeddine Fadlallah, an elected member of the Lebanese parliament; and Ibrahim al-Moussawi and Hussein Al-Hajj Hassan, longtime officials with the group.

The US Department of State has stated that those sanctioned will face real consequences if they have been aiding Hezbollah and undermining the sovereignty of the Lebanese government. The sanctions also include Iranian ambassador-designate to Lebanon, Mohammad Reza Sheibani, and two security officials from the Amal Movement.

Hezbollah has responded to the sanctions by stating that they will have “absolutely no practical effect on our strategic choices”. The group added that the sanctions serve as a badge of honor for those targeted by them. The US is offering a reward of up to $10m for information leading to the disruption of Hezbollah’s financial mechanisms.

The latest round of sanctions comes amid ongoing Israeli attacks on Lebanon, which have resulted in significant loss of life and destruction. According to Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health, at least 3,089 people have been killed and 9,397 wounded since March 2, when Israel resumed its war on the country. The US has also been brokering peace talks between Israel and the Lebanese government, with negotiations scheduled for June 2 and 3.

The sanctions are part of a broader effort by the US to crack down on individuals it says are standing in the way of the disarmament of Hezbollah.

Source: Al Jazeera