Ali Hamieh
Ali Hamieh | |
|---|---|
| Born | Ali Hamieh 1977 Taraya, Lebanon |
Ali Hamieh (Arabic: علي حمية) is a Lebanese politician and engineer affiliated with Hezbollah. Born in 1977 in Taraya, Baalbek-Hermel Governorate, he served as Lebanon’s Minister of Public Works and Transport from September 2021 until early 2025 under Prime Minister Najib Mikati. In June 2025, he was appointed as an adviser to President Joseph Aoun for reconstruction affairs.[1][2]
Academic and professional background
[edit]Hamieh holds a degree in electronics from the Lebanese University, a master's in communications technology from the École Nationale d’Ingénieurs de Brest (ENIB) in France, and a Ph.D. in electronics and optical communications from the University of Western Brittany (UBO). In 2014, he received a certificate of eligibility for research management from UBO and was granted the rank of professor at the Lebanese American University and the Lebanese University. He has lectured at several Lebanese universities and at the Higher Institute of Doctorate in Science and Technology at the Lebanese University.[1][3]
Political career and public service
[edit]As Minister of Public Works and Transport, Hamieh focused on infrastructure development and reforms aimed at enhancing services at ports and airports to boost state revenues. During a visit to Morocco in July 2024, he emphasized Lebanon's readiness for presidential elections and the importance of internal dialogue for political stability. He also outlined plans to rebuild confidence in the banking sector through comprehensive reforms.[4][1][3]
In the context of regional tensions, Hamieh, despite his affiliation with Hezbollah, played a role in transferring control of Beirut International Airport from Hezbollah to the Lebanese Army in late 2024, following diplomatic pressure and to reduce the risk of Israeli attacks.[5]
Current role
[edit]As of June 2025, Hamieh serves as an adviser to President Joseph Aoun on reconstruction affairs, reflecting his continued involvement in Lebanon's political and infrastructural development.[3]
Ties to Hezbollah
[edit]Ali Hamieh is widely recognized as a Hezbollah-affiliated figure within Lebanese politics. He hails from a prominent Shia family in Lebanon, and his cousin, Talal Hamiyah, is a senior Hezbollah commander who leads the group's External Security Organization (Unit 910), responsible for foreign operations. His appointment as Minister of Public Works and Transport in September 2021 was part of Hezbollah's strategic acquisition of key governmental portfolios, notably the Ministries of Finance and Public Works, which oversee critical infrastructure such as ports, airports, and border crossings.[6] In his ministerial role, Hamieh has actively defended Hezbollah's interests. For instance, in June 2024, he publicly refuted allegations that Hezbollah was using Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport to store weapons, dismissing the claims as "ridiculous" and inviting media to inspect the facilitie.[7][8][5]
Despite his affiliation, Hamieh has occasionally taken actions that suggest a degree of independence. In late 2024, under international diplomatic pressure, he facilitated the transfer of control over Beirut International Airport from Hezbollah to the Lebanese Army, aiming to reduce the risk of Israeli attacks on the facility.[5]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c "Who Is Ali Hamieh, Lebanon's New Minister Of Public Works & Transport". www.the961.com. 2021-09-11. Retrieved 2025-06-04.
- ^ "Former Minister Ali Hamieh named Reconstruction Affairs Advisor to President Joseph Aoun". Al-Manar TV Lebanon. Retrieved 2025-06-04.
- ^ a b c "Hamieh appointed as Aoun's advisor on reconstruction affairs". L'Orient Today. 2025-06-03. Retrieved 2025-06-04.
- ^ "Hamieh from Morocco stresses national responsibility". MTV Lebanon. Retrieved 2025-06-04.
- ^ a b c "Who were the 7 high-ranking Hezbollah officials killed over the past week?". AP News. 2024-09-29. Retrieved 2025-06-04.
- ^ "Why Hezbollah wanted the Ministries of Finance and Public Works". Middle East Institute. Retrieved 2025-06-04.
- ^ "Hezbollah's Collaborators in the Government and the Story of Beirut Airport". UANI. Retrieved 2025-06-04.
- ^ Wright, Robin (2017-01-04). "My Reunion with a Lebanese Hijacker". The New Yorker. ISSN 0028-792X. Retrieved 2025-06-04.