The U.S. envoy to Lebanon, Thomas Barrack, praised Beirut’s timely response to a proposal calling for the complete disarmament of Hezbollah within four months in exchange for Israel’s troop withdrawal from southern Lebanon. Barrack noted that Lebanon’s response to the June 19 proposal was “spectacular” and “unbelievably satisfying”. However, the U.S. is still uncertain about Hezbollah’s full compliance with the terms, as reports suggest the group may be reluctant to relinquish all of its arms.
The developments come as regional tensions remain high, particularly with Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza and its continued presence in southern Lebanon to counter perceived threats from Hezbollah. The U.S. continues to push for a cessation of hostilities and a path to peace, highlighting the shared goal of both Lebanon and Israel. Additionally, the Trump administration is considering expanding the Abraham Accords to include countries like Syria and Lebanon, which could significantly alter the regional landscape.
The news comes amid ongoing negotiations to end Israel’s war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip after Jerusalem faced four fronts last fall, including a war on its southern border against Hamas, missile strikes with Iran, and a campaign in Lebanon. A truce was struck in Lebanon following a sophisticated pager bombing targeting hundreds of Hezbollah members across the country in September. This attack led to Hezbollah’s partial retreat from southern Lebanon, where it has reportedly relinquished some arms.
However, reports from Reuters on Monday indicated that Hezbollah may still be unwilling to fully disarm, with the details of the U.S.-Lebanon agreement remaining unclear. Israeli troops have remained in parts of southern Lebanon to counter what it argues is a continued threat posed by Hezbollah to Israeli communities on the northern border, and skirmishes have continued. Barrack, who also serves as U.S. ambassador to Turkey and special envoy for Syria, stated that he believes Lebanon and Israel share the same goal – peace.
“The Israelis do not want war with Lebanon,” he said. “Both countries are trying to give the same thing – the notion of a stand-down agreement, of the cessation of hostilities, and a road to peace.” Barrack also suggested that the Trump administration may look to add Lebanon to the list of nations that have normalized ties with Israel under the Abraham Accords. Fox News Digital could not confirm whether Beirut is yet interested in that level of diplomacy with its southern neighbor.
But Barrack also suggested that Syria has already begun “dialogue” with Israel. “The dialogue has started between Syria and Israel, just as the dialogue needs to be reinvented by Lebanon,” he said. “If you don’t want change, it’s no problem. The rest of the region is moving at Mach speed and you will be left behind.” The comments come one week after Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Sa’ar stated that Jerusalem is interested in expanding the Abraham Accords circle of peace and normalization.
“We have an interest in adding countries, such as Syria and Lebanon, our neighbors, to the circle of peace and normalization – while safeguarding Israel’s essential and security interests,” he added, though much of the normalization efforts would depend on Israel ending its war in the Gaza Strip.