Islamabad, July 8, 2025: A high-ranking US diplomat has appreciated the Lebanese authorities for their reply to a US proposal aimed at disarming Hezbollah amid Israel’s ongoing military actions in the country.
Thomas Barrack, a close aide to US President Donald Trump who also serves as Washington’s ambassador to Turkiye and special representative for Syria, returned to Beirut on Monday after presenting the US offer during his June 19 trip.
The proposal suggested that the Lebanese Shia faction Hezbollah surrender all arms within four months in order for Israeli forces to halt air raids and the complete withdrawl from key five positions it has still control over in southern Lebanon.
“What the government gave us was something spectacular in a very short period of time, Barrack told reporters on Monday after meeting Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. “I’m unbelievably satisfied with the response.”
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Though Barrack confirmed receiving a seven-page response from Lebanese officials, he withheld its specifics.
He expressed optimism that both Lebanon and Israel are aiming to minute tensions. “Both countries are trying to give the same thing – the notion of a stand-down agreement, of the cessation of hostilities, and a road to peace.”
His comments follow continued Israeli strikes on Lebanon, despite a ceasefire agreed in November.
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The Israel-Hezbollah conflict ignited in October 2023 after Hezbollah attacked Israel in support of Hamas in Gaza. It the slowly turned into a major war by September, killing over 4,000 people and displacing nearly 1.4 million individuals. The key individuals killed in attacks were Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah and his successor, Hashem Safieddine.
Lebanon new leadership, however has pledged to strengthen the state and army, stressing Hezbollah should not surpass government power. In rsponse, Hezbollah’s deputy leader, Naim Qassem, insisted that the group wouldn’t disarm amid Israeli attacks.
