US envoy in Beirut to present roadmap on Hezbollah disarmament

US Special Representative for the Middle East Tom Barrack has arrived in Lebanon to discuss a roadmap aimed at resolving the country’s conflict with Israel, a plan that includes the disarmament of Hezbollah.

According to Asharq al-Awsat, Barrack will meet on August 18 with President Joseph Aoun, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media. 

The newspaper reported that Lebanon’s government, which on August 5 approved a plan to transfer Hezbollah’s weapons to the Lebanese army by the end of 2025, expects Washington’s envoy to secure Israeli concessions in return. These would include a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from five occupied areas in southern Lebanon.

Speaking to Al Hadath TV on August 17, President Aoun said the Barrack roadmap complements the ceasefire agreement reached with Israel on November 27, 2024. However, he emphasised that Lebanon does not intend to pursue dialogue with Israel aimed at normalisation.

“Lebanon does not intend to enter into dialogue with Israel to normalise relations and is committed to pan-Arab efforts to achieve a just peace in the region,” Aoun stated.

The president also noted that backing the US initiative could open the way for much-needed international financial support to rebuild areas destroyed during recent Israeli strikes.

“Lebanon is tired of wars and crises, and we will make every effort to protect the country from internal and external shocks,” he added.

By Sabina Mammadli