The United States special envoy, Tom Barrack, has urged Israel to withdraw from Lebanese territory after Beirut approved a plan to disarm the Hezbollah group by the end of the year.
In exchange, Israel would end its military attacks on Lebanese territory. Barrack emphasized that the plan requires cooperation from both sides, stating, “there’s always a step-by-step approach, but I think the Lebanese government has done their part.
They’ve taken the first step. Now what we need is Israel to comply with that equal handshake.”
The US-backed plan outlines a four-phase roadmap for Hezbollah to hand in its arsenal as Israel halts ground, air, and sea operations and withdraws troops from Lebanon’s south.
Despite Hezbollah’s outright refusal to disarm, Lebanon’s cabinet approved the plan on August 7, raising concerns that Israel might intensify its attacks on Lebanon.
Barrack described the cabinet’s decision as a “Lebanese decision that requires Israel’s cooperation” and noted that the US is discussing the plan with Israel.
Hezbollah will not agree to hand over its arms unless Israel stops launching attacks and withdraws from occupied Lebanese territories, according to security affairs analyst Ali Rizk.
Rizk believes that if Israel takes these steps, Hezbollah might be willing to discuss a national defense strategy, potentially merging its weapons into the state.
However, Rizk expressed skepticism about Israel’s willingness to comply, citing recent visits by Israeli army chief Eyal Zamir to occupied Lebanese territory and statements by far-right Israeli ministers intent on staying in Lebanon.
“Ever since October 7, we’ve become accustomed to the fact that the Israelis don’t listen to what the Americans have to say, even when the Americans somewhat escalate their tone,” Rizk said.
US envoy Tom Barrack also announced that Washington would seek an economic proposal for post-war reconstruction in Lebanon.
After meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Barrack expressed optimism, stating, “A return to prosperity and peace is within reach. I believe we will witness progress in several areas in the coming weeks.”
The World Bank estimates that the war caused $11 billion in damage and economic losses, and Lebanon has faced a crippling economic crisis since 2019.
The plan’s success hinges on Israel’s compliance and Hezbollah’s willingness to disarm. Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem has warned of civil war if the state attempts to confront or eliminate the group.
In a written statement, Aoun said “other parties” now need to commit to the roadmap’s contents. Barrack will meet with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Speaker Nabih Berri, who often negotiates on behalf of Hezbollah with Washington, to further discuss the plan.