Parliamentary Elections in Lebanon

05/20/2022 11:45 AM EDT

Ned Price, Department Spokesperson

The United States welcomes that parliamentary elections in Lebanon were held on time and without major security incidents.  We congratulate the Lebanese people on their participation despite challenging circumstances.  We also recognize the important role the Lebanese Armed Forces and Internal Security Forces played in supporting the process and maintaining security.

We share the concerns raised by our partners in the international community of allegations of vote buying, clientelism, and reports of intimidation.

As Lebanon looks ahead, we urge those elected and the country's political leaders to heed the Lebanese people's call for change and to work seriously, and with urgency, to take the necessary actions to rescue the economy.  We also urge the swift formation of a government capable of and committed to undertaking the hard work required to restore the confidence of the Lebanese people and the international community.

Targeting Hizballah Financial Facilitator’s Abuse of the Business Sector

Ned Price, Department Spokesperson

05/19/2022 12:19 PM EDT

Hizballah continues to exploit the private sector and commercial activity to fund its illicit and destabilizing activities.  The United States is committed to protecting the international financial system from Hizballah's abuses and to supporting legitimate businesses in Lebanon, Iraq, and the broader Middle East.  Today, the United States is designating a key Hizballah businessman and financial facilitator, as well as several of his companies and associates in Lebanon and Iraq.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control has designated Ahmad Jalal Reda Abdallah and his network of associates and companies under Executive Order (E.O.) 13224, as amended, which targets terrorists, leaders of terrorist groups and other officials, and those providing support to acts of terrorism or to persons blocked under E.O. 13224.  The United States designated Hizballah as a Foreign Terrorist Organization in 1997 and as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist in 2001.

Hizballah structures companies to disguise its ownership and make the companies appear legitimate.  Through actions like those carried out today, we continue to counter Hizballah's exploitation of businesses to fund its terrorist activities and its efforts to destabilize Lebanon and the wider region.

For more information on this action, please see the Department of the Treasury's press release .