A senior United States envoy has praised the Lebanese government’s response to a US proposal aimed at disarming Hezbollah amid Israel’s continued military presence in the country.

Beirut

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U.S. envoy Tom Barak has expressed satisfaction with Lebanon's response to a U.S. proposal seeking the disarmament of Hezbollah, a move intended to ease ongoing tensions with Israel. While Barak did not disclose details, he highlighted the importance of further discussions and noted a shifting regional context.

Hezbollah remains resistant to disarmament, citing continued Israeli military actions and occupation of Lebanese territory. Lebanese authorities have reiterated that only the state should bear arms and advocate for a peaceful resolution through dialogue. The issue remains divisive within Lebanon, with leaders emphasizing the need for Israeli withdrawal and adherence to international agreements as prerequisites for further progress.

U.S. envoy hails Lebanon’s response to Hezbollah disarmament proposals

U.S. envoy Tom Barak returns to Beirut to hear Lebanon's response to what he called suggestions presented last month. A U.S. roadmap to end tensions with Israel reportedly involves the disarmament of Hezbollah. Barak said he was satisfied without giving details about what he heard. Unbelievably satisfied with the response. Now what it takes is a Perian thrust to the details. But despite being weakened by Israel's war, Hezbollah remains defiant. The group's leadership said threats won't make it surrender and lay down its arms, at least while Israeli attacks continue. Our position is that first Israel must implement the agreement, withdraw from the occupied territories, stop its aggression and flights over the territory, return the prisoners and that reconstruction can then begin. When that's achieved, we can discuss the national defense strategy. Hezbollah argues it is Israel that is violating a ceasefire agreement in November that put an end to more than a year of hostilities. The Israeli army remains in positions within Lebanese territory and repeatedly strikes Hezbollah's military infrastructure and personnel. Lebanese authorities say they told the U.S. envoy these attacks must stop and Israel must withdraw in parallel with efforts to disarm Hezbollah. Lebanon's new leaders have repeatedly promised only the state will have the right to bear arms. They want to achieve this through dialogue, not force, because otherwise the country could be destabilized. The issue of disarmament is divisive in Lebanon and those pushing for state sovereignty say it is a necessity before being a foreign demand. So they are prime signatories on the U.N. resolution 1701. And they have to implement 1701, and thus far they have not. They are, you know, saying that they turned in their weapons in the south of Litani and they don't want to do it in the north of Litani. This is not in 1701. Barak used diplomatic language, but his message was there's a new reality in the region, pointing to Syria's dialogue with Israel. Lebanon, he said, should not be left behind. My belief is Israel wants peace with Lebanon. They do. How to get there is a challenge. Lebanon is under pressure. Post-war reconstruction aid, for example, has not been forthcoming and many people are concerned. If the authorities don't move quick enough against Hezbollah, Israel could increase pressure militarily. Zaina Khader, Al Jazeera, Beirut.

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U.S. envoy hails Lebanon’s response to Hezbollah disarmament proposals

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