Lebanon is set to unveil a strategy on August 31 to persuade Hezbollah to disarm, according to a U.S. envoy.
BEIRUT
Lebanon is set to present a plan on August 31 aimed at convincing Hezbollah to disarm, U.S. Special Envoy for Syria and Lebanon Thomas Barrack announced on Tuesday. The initiative comes amid ongoing regional tensions, with Israel expected to submit a counterproposal after reviewing Lebanon’s plan, according to Barrack.
Speaking after a meeting with President Joseph Aoun in Beirut, Barrack emphasized that Lebanon’s approach would not necessarily involve military action. “The Lebanese army and the government are not talking about going to war. They are talking about how to convince Hezbollah to give up those arms,” he said.
Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant and political group, was significantly weakened in last year’s conflict with Israel, which resulted in heavy losses among its fighters and leadership. A U.S.-brokered agreement ending that conflict included provisions for disarming armed groups within Lebanon.
Hezbollah’s deputy leader Naim Qassem had previously cautioned the Lebanese government against confronting the group directly, warning of dire consequences for the country. He added that Hezbollah and its ally Amal had postponed planned street protests against the U.S.-backed disarmament initiative to allow space for dialogue, though future demonstrations could target the U.S. Embassy in Beirut.
Meanwhile, Israel indicated it might reduce its military presence in southern Lebanon if the Lebanese Armed Forces took steps to enforce disarmament. Barrack’s announcement highlights ongoing U.S. diplomatic efforts to stabilize Lebanon while navigating complex domestic and regional dynamics, with the August 31 plan marking a key milestone in negotiations with Hezbollah and broader security arrangements in the region.
