US envoy set to negotiate Israel-Lebanon ceasefire following Hezbollah disarmament plan
“The Lebanese government has done their part. They’ve taken the first step. Now we need Israel to comply with that equal handshake,” Barrack said
The US special envoy to Lebanon, Tom Barrack, said today (18 August) his team will discuss a long-term cessation of hostilities with Israel, following Beirut's endorsement of a US-backed plan for Hezbollah to disarm.
After meeting President Joseph Aoun, Barrack also said Washington would push for an economic plan for post-war reconstruction, following months of shuttle diplomacy between the two countries. He is expected to meet Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, who often negotiates for Hezbollah with Washington.
"The Lebanese government has done their part. They've taken the first step. Now we need Israel to comply with that equal handshake," Barrack said.
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Lebanon's support for the disarmament plan has angered Hezbollah, which demands Israel withdraw from five hilltops in southern Lebanon and halt near-daily airstrikes. Hezbollah's deputy secretary-general Naim Kassem has vowed to resist disarmament, raising fears of civil unrest. Barrack warned the group it would 'miss an opportunity' if it refuses to cooperate.
Aoun and Salam back disarming Hezbollah and other non-state armed groups while calling on Israel to stop attacks and withdraw. Aoun also seeks to increase funding for Lebanon's military and raise international support for reconstruction.
The World Bank estimates the 2024 Hezbollah-Israel war caused $11.1 billion in damages and economic losses, compounding Lebanon's ongoing economic crisis.
