Washington Targets Political and Financial Figures
WASHINGTON: The United States on Thursday announced a fresh round of sanctions targeting two Lebanese political figures and several individuals linked to a Hezbollah-affiliated business network, intensifying efforts to disrupt the group’s political and financial influence.
According to the US State Department, the sanctions were imposed under Executive Order 13224, which authorizes action against individuals and entities associated with designated terrorist organizations.
The US Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) added Sleiman Antoine Frangie and Mahmoud Qamati to its Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) list. As a result, any assets they hold under US jurisdiction will be frozen, while American citizens and companies will be prohibited from conducting business with them.
Officials said the sanctions also target members of a Hezbollah-linked commercial network overseen by an individual previously designated by Washington.
Political Influence and Security Concerns Highlighted
Frangie leads Lebanon’s Marada Movement and has served in several government positions over the years. He was also regarded as Hezbollah’s preferred candidate during Lebanon’s presidential race before withdrawing his candidacy in 2024.
Meanwhile, Qamati has long been considered a senior Hezbollah figure. Earlier this year, he drew attention after calling for the overthrow of Lebanon’s government and comparing the administration to Vichy France during a media interview.
US officials said the latest measures are part of broader efforts to counter individuals and networks accused of supporting Hezbollah’s political, financial and operational activities.
Financial Restrictions Take Immediate Effect
Furthermore, the sanctions immediately block access to any US-based assets connected to the designated individuals and restrict financial dealings involving American entities.
Washington maintains that targeting financial networks remains a key component of its strategy to limit Hezbollah’s regional influence and disrupt sources of support linked to the organization.
The latest sanctions come amid continued US scrutiny of political and economic actors accused of assisting Hezbollah or advancing its interests within Lebanon and across the region.
