A senior United States envoy has praised the Lebanese government’s quick response to a US proposal aimed at disarming Hezbollah, amidst Israel’s ongoing military actions in the region.
Thomas Barrack, an adviser to President Donald Trump and Washington’s ambassador to Turkey, visited Beirut to deliver the US proposal on June 19.
The plan called for Hezbollah to completely disarm within four months, in exchange for a cessation of Israeli air strikes and a full withdrawal of Israeli military forces from five positions they continue to occupy in southern Lebanon.
Barrack expressed his satisfaction with the Lebanese government’s reply, stating, “What the government gave us was something spectacular in a very short period of time.” He made these comments to reporters following a meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun.
Although Barrack confirmed receipt of a seven-page response from Lebanon, he refrained from disclosing specific details regarding its contents.
He indicated a shared interest between Lebanon and Israel in pursuing a path to de-escalation, noting that both countries appear to desire an agreement to halt hostilities and move towards peace.
Barrack’s remarks come amid escalating tensions, as Israel has continued airstrikes against Lebanon despite a ceasefire agreement reached in November.
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah reignited in October 2023 when Hezbollah launched an attack on Israel in solidarity with Hamas in Gaza.
This confrontation evolved into a full-scale conflict by September of the following year, which resulted in over 4,000 fatalities, including high-ranking Hezbollah officials, and the displacement of approximately 1.4 million individuals, as reported by Lebanese authorities.
Recent Lebanese leadership, including President Aoun and Prime Minister, committed to reinforcing the state and military. They articulated a vision wherein Hezbollah should not possess military power exceeding that of the government.
Despite these declarations, Israel has escalated its military actions, citing the need to obstruct Hezbollah’s rearmament efforts.
According to Lebanese health officials, Israeli strikes have claimed the lives of around 250 people and left more than 600 injured since the ceasefire was put in place.
While Hezbollah has not publicly responded to the US proposal, its leader, Naim Qassem, stated that disarmament is not an option while Israel maintains its aggressive stance.
Qassem stressed during Ashura commemorations that Hezbollah would not be persuaded to soften its approach or disarm as long as Israeli hostility continues.
Barrack acknowledged the need for assurances to Hezbollah that it could continue operating as a political entity within Lebanon.
However, signs of de-escalation remain elusive on the ground. Just before Barrack’s visit, Israel executed a series of airstrikes on southern and eastern Lebanon while conducting ground operations in border villages.
Lebanese officials suggested that these military actions were likely intended to increase pressure on Hezbollah ahead of impending diplomatic discussions.
On Saturday, Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health reported that an Israeli drone attack in Saf al-Hawa, near Bint Jbeil, resulted in one fatality and two injuries.
Earlier that day, a separate drone strike wounded an individual in Shebaa, with reports indicating the attack targeted a residence in the village along Lebanon’s border with Syria and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.
The ministry further reported additional Israeli drone strikes in the area, resulting in more casualties, including an incident near Beirut that left one person dead and several others injured.
These events underscore the fragile situation in Lebanon as diplomatic efforts continue.
image source from：aljazeera
