Lebanon Responds to U.S. Disarmament Plan as Tensions Flare with Israel

by Worthy News Jerusalem Bureau Staff

(Worthy News) – In a pivotal development for the region, Lebanon’s new leadership has submitted a detailed response to a U.S. proposal aimed at disarming Hezbollah and de-escalating hostilities with Israel. The plan, delivered last month by U.S. special envoy Thomas Barrack, outlines a four-month timeline for Hezbollah’s full disarmament in exchange for an Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon and a cessation of airstrikes.

Following a meeting Monday with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Barrack expressed rare diplomatic optimism. “What the government gave us was something spectacular in a very short period of time. I’m unbelievably satisfied with the response,” said Barrack, who also serves as U.S. ambassador to Turkey and special envoy for Syria. The Lebanese presidency confirmed that a seven-page reply had been submitted and included ideas for a “comprehensive solution.”

The response comes amid renewed Israeli airstrikes in southern and eastern Lebanon, as well as a cross-border ground assault targeting Hezbollah positions. Ten civilians were wounded in the strikes, Lebanon’s health ministry reported. The Israeli military claimed the operations targeted Hezbollah weapons systems and infrastructure near the border.

While the Lebanese government has pledged to enforce a state monopoly on armed forces in line with the November ceasefire agreement, Hezbollah remains defiant. Deputy leader Naim Qassem reiterated Sunday that the group will not disarm until Israel fully withdraws from the five remaining positions it occupies in southern Lebanon and halts all military aggression. “We will not be part of legitimizing the occupation in Lebanon and the region,” Qassem said in a televised address. “We will not accept normalization.”

Hezbollah, weakened after last year’s war with Israel which decimated much of its leadership and arsenal, has already surrendered some weapons depots to the Lebanese army under U.S. mediation. However, it continues to resist full disarmament, citing ongoing Israeli operations and unresolved territorial disputes. Sources indicate the group may be considering a reduction of its arsenal while maintaining a deterrent capability.

The U.S. proposal is part of a broader regional shift. Syria, now under a post-Assad government, has signaled openness to reimplement the 1974 disengagement agreement with Israel and begin indirect talks to reduce tensions. Barrack emphasized the urgency for Lebanon to keep pace with regional developments. “If you don’t want change, it’s no problem,” he warned. “But the rest of the region is moving at Mach speed, and you will be left behind.”

He also hinted at a potential political future for Hezbollah if it transitions from armed resistance to democratic participation. “Hezbollah needs to see that there’s a future for them — not one that’s solely harnessed against them.”

With Hezbollah’s disarmament still a contentious issue, the next weeks will test whether Lebanon’s fragile political consensus can hold — and whether Israel will pause its strikes long enough for diplomacy to take root.

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