Senator Jim Risch, the top Republican on the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has called on Lebanon to “weaken Hezbollah’s grip” and ultimately “eliminate it entirely,” amid bipartisan support in Congress to bolster the Lebanese Army’s ability to secure both its Syrian border and the UN-demarcated Blue Line with Israel.

In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Risch underscored Washington’s heightened focus on Lebanon’s security and sovereignty, warning that the country faces a critical crossroads after decades of Iranian influence.

“Lebanon is at a pivotal moment. After decades of Iran’s authoritarian grip over Beirut, the Lebanese people have an opportunity to break free,” he said. “There is a lot of work that still needs to be done.”

In a message addressed to the Lebanese people, Risch emphasized that Congress “pays close attention to Lebanon’s security and stability, not only for the wellbeing of its people, but for the stability of the region and the world.”

He said Lebanon’s new leadership has a chance to “restore Lebanese sovereignty and build a prosperous future,” but insisted that meaningful reforms are imperative.

“The new government must implement reforms to eradicate corruption and remove Hezbollah from the Lebanese landscape entirely,” he said.

Risch also highlighted the critical importance of government control over customs, the airport, and key access roads into and out of the country as a means to continue undermining Hezbollah’s influence.

Praising the “courage” of the Lebanese people, Risch noted that their efforts have put the country “on the right track.” He argued that U.S. support for the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) has yielded tangible results, saying the LAF is now “in a position to expel Hezbollah entirely.”

Risch vowed to continue working with colleagues from both parties and the Biden administration “to support a safe, stable, and prosperous Lebanon.”

Risch’s comments come as he is set to receive the prestigious Philip Habib Award for Distinguished Public Service from the American Task Force for Lebanon (ATFL) during a ceremony on Wednesday. Also being honored are former U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein and Lebanese-American businesswoman Micheline Nader.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, ATFL President Ambassador Edward Gabriel said he returned from a recent visit to Lebanon “more optimistic,” citing what he described as a genuine commitment by senior Lebanese officials, notably President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam,  to uphold the ceasefire agreement and initiate economic reforms that could help steer Lebanon back on track. He added that support from the U.S. administration, including Deputy Special Envoy for the Middle East Morgan Ortagus, who is expected to visit Beirut soon, will be key.

U.S. Military Aid to the Lebanese Army

A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Asharq Al-Awsat that Congress has provided “significant assistance” to the Lebanese Armed Forces in recent years. The funds have been used to “train and equip the LAF, enhance its tactical and operational capabilities, and expand its capacity to carry out additional missions, including border security” with both Syria and Israel.

As Lebanon struggles to secure its northern border and dismantle Hezbollah’s terror infrastructure south of the Litani River, the official said Congress wants the LAF to “assume full responsibility for security along Lebanon’s borders.”

Reform and Reconstruction as Precondition for Aid

The statements follow what Gabriel described as an “exceptional” visit by the ATFL delegation to Lebanon, during which they met with President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, more than a dozen ministers, 30 lawmakers, Army Commander General Rodolf Haykal, Central Bank Governor Karim Souaid, and others.

Gabriel emphasized that all these officials “understand time is not on Lebanon’s side if it wants U.S. support for reconstruction,” noting that Washington has made it “abundantly clear that reform is a prerequisite for any reconstruction aid.”

He said both Aoun and Salam expressed strong willingness to uphold the ceasefire north and south of the Litani River and to push forward with the needed economic and governance reforms to get the country “back on track.” He added that he sensed “seriousness in tackling security and economic challenges and a shared willingness to work together.”

Banking Reform and Corruption Crackdown

Gabriel said Washington has made it clear that both economic reforms and adherence to the ceasefire are “equally critical” when it comes to U.S. support for Lebanon. He urged the Lebanese Parliament to pass a long-awaited banking bill aimed at overhauling the financial sector and addressing the needs of small depositors in a fair manner.

“There is a need for a strong, transparent, and corruption-free public sector,” he said. “There will be zero tolerance if Lebanon fails to uphold the ceasefire agreement.”

Gabriel also reiterated that continued U.S. funding for the LAF remains “vital” because a well-funded army is essential to ensuring Lebanese stability and border security. He stressed that this, in turn, “would enable Gulf countries and other friends of Lebanon to step in with reconstruction funds.”