US Envoy Satisfied with Lebanon's Response to Hezbollah Disarmament Proposal

U.S. envoy Thomas Barrack expressed strong approval of Lebanon's response to a U.S. proposal aimed at the complete disarmament of the Iran-backed Hezbollah within four months, in exchange for Israel withdrawing troops from southern Lebanon and halting air strikes. Barrack described the Lebanese government's reply as "spectacular" and "thoughtful," highlighting progress despite Hezbollah’s leader insisting on retaining some weapons for defense against Israel. The proposal, delivered in June, seeks to build a path toward peace by ending hostilities and establishing state monopoly over arms, a goal shared by Lebanese leaders President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Salam. However, Hezbollah has not publicly committed to full disarmament and reportedly considers only reducing its arsenal, while Israel continues to maintain military posts and launch strikes to counter perceived threats. Barrack emphasized the need for ongoing dialogue and noted regional dynamics accelerating toward peace, referencing talks between Israel and Syria as a model Lebanon should follow. The situation remains delicate as the ceasefire holds but tensions persist along the Israel-Lebanon border.