Aug 18, 07:02 AM

US Envoy Barrack Supports Lebanese Push to Disarm Hezbollah, Presses Israel to Comply

U.S. envoy to Syria Tom Barrack said in Beirut on Monday that the Lebanese government has initiated a process to place all weapons under state authority, effectively dismantling Hezbollah’s armed wing. After meeting President Joseph Aoun at the presidential palace, Barrack told reporters the effort is "a Lebanese process" that enjoys Washington’s backing and aims to serve the country’s Shiite community by consolidating security under the state. Barrack added that Iran is "a partner" in the discussions and underlined that Washington is not using coercive tactics, characterizing the initiative as voluntary and nationally driven. He also met Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and other officials to discuss bolstering the Lebanese Army so it can assume full security responsibilities. The envoy urged Israel to fulfill its obligations under the cease-fire that ended its 2024 war with Hezbollah, saying “it is Israel’s turn to comply” with the terms restricting weapons in Lebanon to state forces. President Aoun pressed for accelerated international assistance for reconstruction in areas damaged by Israeli strikes and for additional funding to strengthen the army.