US officials interviewing
candidates for BDL chief

Saudis are also being looped in

The United States is actively engaging with the government on the selection of the country’s next central bank governor, aiming to prevent corruption and illicit financing through the banking system, including transactions linked to Hezbollah, according to five sources familiar with the matter, as reported by Reuters.

Washington’s scrutiny of candidates for Lebanon’s top monetary policy role underscores its intensified involvement in the country, which has been grappling with an economic meltdown for over five years. The move also signals the US’ ongoing efforts to weaken Hezbollah.

According to Reuters, the U.S. is reviewing the profiles of several potential candidates for the position. Three Lebanese sources briefed on the matter, a Western diplomat, and an official from former U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration confirmed Washington’s involvement.

Among the candidates under consideration are former minister
Camille Abousleiman, investment firm head Firas Abi-Nassif, International Monetary Fund (IMF) official Jihad Azour, and asset management executives Philippe Jabre and Karim Souaid (See our story of ten days ago).

American officials interview candidates
Two Lebanese sources and the Trump administration official told Reuters that U.S. officials have conducted interviews with some of the candidates both in Washington and at the U.S. embassy in Lebanon. These interviews reportedly focused on the candidates’ willingness to combat ‘terrorist financing’ and whether they would take a strong stance against Hezbollah’s financial activities.

A former Trump administration official told Reuters that the U.S. has been clear about its expectations: “The guidelines are: “No Hezbollah and nobody who has been caught up in corruption. This is essential from an economic perspective.” The official emphasized the need for a governor committed to reform and resisting Lebanon’s entrenched “business as usual” practices.

Role in economic recovery
U.S. officials have been coordinating with Saudi Arabia on the selection of Lebanon’s next central bank governor, according to the Western diplomat and the Trump administration official cited by Reuters. Saudi officials have not publicly commented on the matter.

The new Lebanese administration is seeking to restart talks with the IMF for a financing program, but securing international support hinges on implementing reforms. Western and Arab nations have also made economic and governance reforms a prerequisite for providing reconstruction aid to Lebanon, which suffered extensive damage during Israel’s war on Lebanon.