U.S. special envoy Tom Barrack has stated that his team is in the process of discussing a potential ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, which would involve disarming Hezbollah, a terrorist group supported by Iran. The Lebanese government has supported the U.S.-backed plan, but Hezbollah and its allies are opposed, citing fears of civil unrest.
Barrack, following a meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, also said Washington would seek an economic proposal for postwar reconstruction in the country, after months of shuttle diplomacy between the U.S. and Lebanon. Hezbollah, which the U.S. has officially designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization since 1997, remains Iran’s most powerful proxy in the region and has been subject to extensive U.S. sanctions.
Barrack is also set to meet with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Speaker Nabih Berri, who often negotiates on behalf of Hezbollah with Washington.