BEIRUT (AP) – The U.S. special envoy to Lebanon, Tom Barrack, announced on Monday that his team would engage in discussions regarding a long-term cessation of hostilities with Israel. This comes after Beirut expressed its endorsement of a U.S.-backed initiative aimed at disarming the Hezbollah militant group.
Following a meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Barrack emphasized the need for an economic proposal to address post-war reconstruction in Lebanon. This effort is the result of extensive diplomatic exchanges between the U.S. and Lebanese officials over recent months.
Barrack is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Speaker Nabih Berri, who is often the intermediary for Hezbollah in talks with Washington. During his remarks, Barrack acknowledged that the Lebanese government has made significant efforts, stating, “I think the Lebanese government has done their part. They’ve taken the first step. Now what we need is for Israel to comply with that equal handshake.”
Lebanon's recent decision to back a plan for disarming Hezbollah has drawn ire from the Iran-backed group and its allies. They argue that Israel must first withdraw from five hilltops in southern Lebanon, which have remained occupied since the end of the 14-month war with Hezbollah last November, and cease the daily airstrikes targeting the country.
Naim Kassem, Hezbollah’s secretary-general, has publicly declared intentions to resist disarmament efforts and has raised concerns regarding the potential for civil unrest in Lebanon as a consequence of these developments. Barrack cautioned Hezbollah, stating that the group would have “missed an opportunity” if it does not heed calls to disarm.
Both President Aoun and Prime Minister Salam are aligned in their pursuit to disarm Hezbollah along with other non-state armed factions. They have also demanded the cessation of Israeli attacks and an Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territories. Aoun has articulated a need to increase funding for Lebanon's financially-strained military to enhance its capabilities, while also seeking to mobilize international support for reconstruction efforts in the country.
The World Bank has estimated that the prolonged conflict between Hezbollah and Israel in late 2024 inflicted approximately $11.1 billion in damages and economic losses, severely impacting large areas of southern and eastern Lebanon. The country’s economy has been in a critical state since 2019, compounding the urgency for reconstruction and stabilizing efforts.
Barrack's visit signifies a crucial point in U.S.-Lebanese relations, as both parties navigate the complexities of regional security and the pressing need for economic recovery amidst ongoing tensions with Hezbollah and Israel. The outcome of these discussions may have far-reaching implications for Lebanon's stability and its relations with both the U.S. and Israel.
