US envoy hails Lebanon’s response to disarmament proposal for Hezbollah

US special envoy Thomas Barrack expressed strong approval on July 7 for Lebanon’s response to a US proposal aimed at disarming Hezbollah, calling the reply “spectacular” and urging Lebanese leaders to seize the opportunity for peace in the region.

Following a meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in Beirut, Barrack told reporters he was “unbelievably satisfied” with the government’s reaction to the American plan presented last month, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media. 

The envoy confirmed he had received a detailed seven-page response from the Lebanese government and noted ongoing efforts to address shortcomings in the existing ceasefire mechanisms with Israel.

“What the government gave us was something spectacular in a very short period of time. I'm unbelievably satisfied with the response,” Barrack said, without revealing the contents of the response. 

The proposal, originally delivered during Barrack’s visit to Beirut on June 19, calls for Hezbollah to fully disarm within four months. In exchange, Israel would cease airstrikes on Lebanese territory and withdraw from remaining military posts in southern Lebanon still occupied after last year’s war.

Barrack emphasised that both Lebanon and Israel appear eager to avoid further conflict.

“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,” he said.

He reiterated that there is no strict deadline for Lebanon to finalise its position.

“It is working to arrive at a formula that reflects what it wants—once that’s done, the US will help make it happen,” Barrack stated.

“There is an opportunity in the air, and no one is better than the Lebanese at seizing such opportunities,” he added, cautioning that Lebanon risks falling behind as regional powers move toward reform and development.

While reaffirming President Donald Trump’s commitment to Lebanon’s peace and prosperity, Barrack also delivered a warning about the US administration’s expectations.

Security and peace are fundamental—no one will come if Lebanon is at war,” he said bluntly, adding that Trump “does not have much patience.”

By Sabina Mammadli