ALWAGHT- Lebanese authorities were urged by the US Deputy Special Envoy to the Middle East to take tangible measures to disarm Hezbollah.
US officials expressed strong support for Lebanon’s recent decision to pursue a plan aimed at disarming Hezbollah, emphasizing the need for concrete action rather than words. Morgan Ortagus highlighted that Israel would progress gradually alongside Lebanon, encouraging reciprocal steps by both sides, following a meeting between a US delegation and President Joseph Aoun.
US envoy Tom Barrack noted that Lebanon’s army and government would submit a detailed plan for Hezbollah’s disarmament by the end of the month, with expectations that Israel would respond with proposals for withdrawals and security guarantees. Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam had tasked the army in early August to draft measures to restrict weapons to the state, marking a significant step toward implementing the US-backed initiative.
Hezbollah condemned the government’s move as a “grave sin,” arguing it serves Israel’s interests, especially given the continued Israeli occupation of five key areas in southern Lebanon and frequent violations of the November 2024 ceasefire. Despite the push for disarmament, Hezbollah maintains its position that its weapons remain essential as a deterrent against Israel.
