The US Treasury Department announced sanctions on nine individuals accused of enabling Hezbollah to undermine Lebanon's sovereignty. The list includes members of Lebanon's parliament, an Iranian diplomat, and security officials in Lebanese state institutions.

State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott stated that the sanctions serve as a warning to politicians, businessmen, and security officials supporting Hezbollah that there will be real consequences.

The sanctioned individuals include Mohamed Abdel-Mottaleb Fanich, a leader in Hezbollah's executive council; Nizammeddine Fadlallah, a Hezbollah member of parliament; and longtime activists Ibrahim al-Moussawi and Hussein Al-Hajj Hassan.

Also sanctioned were Iran's ambassador-designate to Lebanon, Mohammad Reza Sheibani; two security officials from the Amal Movement, Ahmad Asaad Baalbaki and Ali Ahmad Safawi; and two Lebanese security officials, Samir Hamadi and Khattar Nasser Eldin, accused of sharing intelligence with Hezbollah.

The US is offering a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to the disruption of Hezbollah's financial mechanisms.

Hezbollah dismissed the sanctions as an "attempt to intimidate the free Lebanese people" and said they would have "absolutely no practical effect on our strategic choices." The group called the sanctions a "badge of honor."

The sanctions come as Israel continues strikes on Lebanon despite a 45-day extension of a ceasefire. Israeli air raids targeted towns in southern Lebanon, killing one person.

Lebanon's Health Ministry reports at least 3,089 killed and 9,397 wounded since March 2.

The US is brokering peace talks between Israel and Lebanon. Political negotiations are set for June 2-3, while security talks are scheduled for May 29 at the Pentagon.

Al Jazeera's Manuel Rapalo noted the sanctions are part of a US crackdown on individuals obstructing Hezbollah's disarmament, a key sticking point in talks.

Source: www.aljazeera.com