A high-ranking United States envoy has expressed strong approval of the Lebanese government’s recent response to a US proposal aimed at disarming the Shia Lebanese group Hezbollah. This commendation comes as Israel maintains its military presence and continues to launch attacks within Lebanon.
Thomas Barrack, an adviser to US President Donald Trump and Washington’s special envoy for Syria, returned to Beirut after presenting the US proposal on June 19. The plan called for Hezbollah to fully disarm within four months, contingent on a cessation of Israeli airstrikes and a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from five key positions in southern Lebanon. Barrack stated he was “unbelievably satisfied” with Lebanon’s seven-page reply, though he did not disclose its contents. Both nations, he suggested, are seeking a “stand-down agreement” and a path to peace.
Tensions remain high following the October 2023 conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which escalated into a full-scale confrontation by September of the following year, resulting in over 4,000 fatalities and the displacement of nearly 1.4 million people. Lebanon’s newly installed president and prime minister have vowed to strengthen the state and the army, asserting that the government’s power must supersede that of Hezbollah.
Despite a ceasefire agreement in November, Israel has continued its strikes on Lebanon, claiming these operations are necessary to prevent Hezbollah from rearming. Lebanese health officials report approximately 250 deaths and over 600 injuries from Israeli attacks since the ceasefire.
While Hezbollah has yet to issue a formal response to the US proposal, its leader, Naim Qassem, recently declared that the group would not disarm while Israeli aggression persists. Barrack acknowledged the need for guarantees regarding Hezbollah’s continued political role in Lebanon. However, on-the-ground signs of de-escalation are absent, with Israel conducting fresh airstrikes and a ground invasion in a border village just hours before Barrack’s arrival, which Lebanese officials view as a tactic to pressure Hezbollah before diplomatic talks. Recent Israeli drone strikes have resulted in casualties and injuries in southern Lebanon, further highlighting the volatile situation.
US foreign policy, Middle East conflict, Lebanon security
