Ortagus in Mechanism meeting: LAF must now fully implement its plan
The U.S.-led ceasefire monitoring committee, known as the Mechanism, met Wednesday in Naqoura to “review the Lebanese Armed Forces’ (LAF) progress on maintaining the cessation of hostilities arrangements, and the advancing of disarmament efforts in Lebanon,” the U.S. embassy said.
“The session, hosted by UNIFIL, included Lt. Gen. Joseph Clearfield, chairman of the Mechanism, Counselor Morgan Ortagus, and senior representatives from each of the delegations. All members reaffirmed their shared commitment to stability in Lebanon and agreed to a more structured meeting occurrence, announcing that the 13th through 16th iterations of the Pentalateral will occur prior to the end of the year,” the embassy said in a statement.
“Formalizing the meeting schedule ensures that all participants are aligned, informed, and ready to present transparent updates to the international community,” said Clearfield.
“This predictability supports operational efficiency and builds the shared confidence and trust necessary to advance lasting peace in Lebanon,” he added.
During the Pentalateral, the Lebanese Army provided a detailed operational update, highlighting a recent operation to clear an underground facility (UGF) near Wadi Al-Aziyeh. The operation resulted in a reconnaissance of the area to be re-visited again at a later time. Clearfield commended the Lebanese Armed Forces’ professionalism and discipline.
“The LAF’s professionalism, and commitment is notable,” Clearfield said. “I have observed them conduct a wide range of operations, from providing escorts for olive harvesting to carrying out complex operations to locate, dismantle, and neutralize an underground facility believed to be used by malign actors. Their performance reflects the strength of Lebanon’s Armed Forces and their resolve to secure their nation’s future.”
The group also discussed ongoing mitigation opportunities for violations of the cessation of hostilities arrangements. Participants agreed that this issue will remain a standing agenda item in all future sessions as part of the collective effort to preserve peace and accountability under the cessation framework.
“We continue to monitor developments in Lebanon and welcome the government’s decision to bring all weapons under state control by the end of the year,” Ortagus said. “The LAF must now fully implement its plan,” she added.
“The Mechanism continues to play a central role in monitoring, verifying, and assisting in the enforcement of commitments made by both Israel and Lebanon,” the statement said.
Source: Naharnet
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