US sanctions on a prominent Lebanese politician today

The Wall Street Journal reported that US President Donald Trump's administration is expected to impose sanctions, on Friday, on the powerful Lebanese Christian politician, Representative Gebran Bassil, in an attempt to undermine Hezbollah's influence.

6 November, 2020 05:14

NEWS DESK

An American official and another person familiar with the plan told the newspaper that the United States is preparing to punish former Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil for helping his main ally, "Hezbollah," and this step is likely to reverse attempts to form a new government in the crisis-torn Lebanon.

The White House has been accelerating major sanctions targeting America's opponents in the Middle East, just 11 weeks before the end of the current presidential term.

Although a last-minute change is still possible, the decision was approved in principle by the Treasury Department and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who is expected to unveil the sanctions in Washington Friday before noon, one person said.

Treasury representatives did not respond to requests for comment, and a State Department spokesperson declined to comment.

J.O