The US sanctioned two Lebanese businessmen and one lawmaker on Thursday for “contributing to the breakdown of the rule of law in Lebanon,” the Treasury Department said.

And for the first time, an individual widely believed to be backed by former Prime Minister Saad Hariri was added to the list.

Jihad al-Arab, a wealthy businessman in Lebanon, Dany Khoury, close to the also-sanctioned Gebran Bassil, and MP Jamil al-Sayyed were designated in the latest announcement.

“These individuals, who are members of Lebanon’s business and political elite, are being designated pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13441, which targets persons contributing to the breakdown of the rule of law in Lebanon,” a statement from the Treasury Department read.

“The Lebanese people deserve an end to the endemic corruption perpetuated by businessmen and politicians who have driven their country into an unprecedented crisis,” Director of the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) Andrea Gacki said. “Now is the time to implement necessary economic reforms and put an end to the corrupt practices eroding Lebanon’s foundations. Treasury will not hesitate to use its tools to address impunity in Lebanon.”

BREAKING: US anti Corruption sanctions on 3 #Lebanon figures: Jihad Al Arab, Dany Khoury, and Jamil Sayyed pic.twitter.com/7LT9D7r4x9

— Joyce Karam (@Joyce_Karam) October 28, 2021