How does the United States propose to disarm Hezbollah? Any mention of disarming or departure carries a great deal of weight in an area where shaky ceasefires and failed promises frequently make headlines across the world. The tiniest move on the diplomatic chessboard can have far-reaching political and practical effects, as history has shown. Leaders have balanced delicate talks with meticulous planning over the years, walking a tightrope between strife and peace. New conversations that have the potential to change a decades-long trend of animosity are now subtly gaining pace.
The United States suggests disarming Hezbollah and ceasing Israeli activities in Lebanon
The United States has presented Lebanon with a proposal for disarming Hezbollah by the end of the year, along with ending Israel’s military operations in the country and the withdrawal of its troops from five positions in south Lebanon, according to a copy of a Lebanese cabinet agenda reviewed by Reuters. The plan, submitted by U.S. President Donald Trump’s envoy to the region, Tom Barrack, and is being discussed at a Lebanese cabinet meeting on Thursday
It sets out the most detailed steps yet for disarming the Iran-backed Hezbollah, which has rejected mounting calls to disarm since last year’s devastating war with Israel. The U.S. State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Lebanese government ministers could not immediately be reached for comment. Hezbollah had no immediate comment on the proposal.
The USA advocates for a ceasefire plan as tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border increase
Israel dealt major blows to Hezbollah in an offensive last year, the climax of a conflict that began in October 2023 when the Lebanese group opened fire at Israeli positions at the frontier, declaring support for its militant Palestinian ally Hamas at the start of the Gaza war. The U.S. proposal aims to “extend and stabilise” a ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel brokered in November. It said
“The urgency of this proposal is underscored by the increasing number of complaints regarding Israeli violations of the current ceasefire, including airstrikes and cross-border operations, which risk triggering a collapse of the fragile status quo.”
- The refusal of Hezbollah to surrender its weapons.
- The conflicting interests of regional actors.
- Security issues facing Israel after its exit. The political unpredictability of the current government of Lebanon
Despite the diplomatic optimism behind the scenes, challenges still exist
Notwithstanding the plan’s loftiness, difficulties nevertheless stem from the actual situation on the ground. With strong ties to Iran and considerable sway in southern Lebanon, Hezbollah has long been considered one of the most potent non-state military organisations in the area. There have been numerous, mostly unsuccessful calls for its disarmament.
In addition to pressure, this most recent endeavour will need significant incentives for all parties concerned. Another divisive topic is Israel’s military involvement in Gaza. Israeli leaders are still hesitant to leave the region without unambiguous security guarantees, despite mounting international pressure for a settlement. Many worry that new dangers could swiftly replace any void left by previous ones and not be like Ukraine boosts defense budget by $9.8B amid war.
During Phase 3, within 90 days, Israel will withdraw from the final two of the five points it holds, and funding will be secured to initiate rubble removal in Lebanon and infrastructure rehabilitation in preparation for reconstruction. In Phase 4, within 120 days, Hezbollah’s remaining heavy weapons must be dismantled, including missiles and drones. In Phase 4, the United States, Saudi Arabia, France, Qatar and other friendly states will organise an economic conference to support the Lebanese economy. Maybe it will be like Russia, which unleashed over 700 drones on Ukraine days after U.S. arms pledge.
GCN.com/Reuters