Former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs David Schenker stated that Hezbollah and corruption remain Lebanon’s primary challenges, emphasizing that the country must distance itself from conflict with Israel to regain sovereignty and economic stability.

“I believe the first and most fundamental issue is Hezbollah. The second is corruption. Hezbollah’s near-total control over Shiite politics is unhealthy, unproductive, and unreliable. Unlike other sects in Lebanon, the Shiite community has no real alternatives, which limits its options and weakens its political landscape,” Schenker told Nidaa Al-Watan newspaper.

In the interview, Schenker was asked whether Israel’s partial withdrawal from southern Lebanon constituted a tactical adjustment or a strategic shift and how it might impact the balance of power in Lebanon. He was also questioned on whether the move could further weaken Hezbollah or trigger a new escalation.

“Israel is working toward and hoping for the return of northern Israeli residents to their villages and settlements, which they fled after Hezbollah waged its war against Israel using all available means. One of these means is Israel’s retention of five strategic positions, which provide clear lines of sight that could threaten opposing towns and villages if anti-tank weapons were used against them, as was the case in the past.”

Explaining Israel’s delay in a full withdrawal, Schenker pointed to Lebanon’s commitment to deploying 10,000 Lebanese army soldiers in the south.

“However, the number of troops deployed so far has not reached 6,000 due to recruitment challenges, border issues with Syria, and the role assigned to State security forces in maintaining internal stability and civil peace,” he said. “These factors create complications for the new government. However, this does not mean that a complete Israeli withdrawal will not be achieved at some point in the near future.”

Schenker stated that Lebanon must seize the opportunity to redefine its foreign policy and distance itself from conflict with Israel.

“Lebanon must weaken Hezbollah and seize the opportunity to become a sovereign state that defines its own foreign policy, maintains good relations with all its neighbors, and has a future chance to establish a relationship with Israel—one that may not be close, but at least a normal one.”

“Iran and Syria should no longer be allowed to dictate Lebanon’s policies,” Schenker stressed, emphasizing the need for Lebanon to take necessary steps to end its “long national nightmare.”

When asked whether Washington is pressuring Lebanon for reforms by linking aid to the Lebanese Armed Forces’ performance in the south and the implementation of key resolutions, Schenker remarked, “I believe these are reasonable expectations.”

He clarified that Washington is not forcing Lebanon into an inappropriate course of action but noted broad recognition within Lebanon that these difficult steps are likely the only way for the country to become a successful and sovereign state.

Asked about reports suggesting that U.S. aid to Lebanon's army has been frozen or suspended, Schenker dismissed the claims: “I don’t think so. The United States understands that it played a role in negotiating the ceasefire and recognizes that the Lebanese Armed Forces need support. It is likely that salaries will come from Gulf states, as has happened before, since the U.S. does not have the authority to directly pay Lebanese army salaries. It did so once, and it was controversial. Other countries can step in, as the required amount is not substantial.”

He added that support for the Lebanese army in terms of equipment and other resources is expected to continue.

“This assistance is seen as important not only for Lebanon but also for regional stability, Israel’s security, and reinforcing Hezbollah’s setbacks or defeat,” he noted.