US special envoy to Lebanon Tom Barrack announced on Monday that discussions about a long-term ceasefire with Israel are on the table after Lebanon endorsed a US-backed plan to disarm Hezbollah, according to a report published by The Associated Press. Barrack, who recently met with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, reportedly said Washington will also pursue economic proposals to help rebuild Lebanon after months of shuttle diplomacy.
Lebanon Backs Disarmament Plan for Hezbollah
“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,” the US envoy said, per AP.
According to the report, the envoy is also set to meet with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Speaker Nabih Berri who has often served as Hezbollah’s negotiator with the US.
Hezbollah Pushback Sparks Concerns
Lebanon’s endorsement last week angered Hezbollah and its allies. The Iran-backed militant group insists that Israel must first pull back from five hilltops in southern Lebanon, which it has occupied since the 14-month war with Hezbollah ended last November. Hezbollah has also demanded Israel stop its “near-daily airstrikes”.
Meanwhile, Hezbollah secretary-general Naim Kassem has vowed to fight disarmament efforts, raising fears of potential civil unrest in the already volatile region. Barrack warned Hezbollah that the group risks missing an important opportunity if it refuses to disarm.
Lebanese Leaders Seek Military Support and Reconstruction Aid
Both President Aoun and Prime Minister Salam have expressed intent to disarm Hezbollah and other armed groups and called on Israel to halt attacks and withdraw its troops. Aoun has also stressed on the need to increase funding for Lebanon’s cash-strapped military to boost its capacity and is reportedly planning to seek international aid to rebuild the country.
The World Bank estimates that the 2024 war between Hezbollah and Israel caused $11.1 billion in damages and economic losses, as reported by The Associated Press. The country continues to struggle under a severe economic crisis that began in 2019.
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