BEIRUT – A senior U.S. official on Wednesday berated Lebanese politicians for fighting over the formation of a new government for months while millions endure mounting economic hardship.
David Hale, U.S. undersecretary of state for political affairs, said America and the international community are ready to help, “but we can do nothing meaningful without a Lebanese partner.” Hale spoke on a two-day visit to Lebanon amid a monthslong political deadlock and dangerous rift between the president and prime minister-designate.
The split has prevented the formation of a new Cabinet tasked with halting the country’s rapid economic collapse. The outgoing government resigned last August, following a massive explosion at Beirut’s port that killed 211