US envoy to visit Beirut for Hezbollah disarmament talk

US Ambassador to Türkiye Tom Barrack will arrive in Beirut on July 7 for a two-day diplomatic mission aimed at mediating border issues between Lebanon and Israel.

During his visit, Barrack is expected to engage with Lebanese officials on key topics including the disarmament of the Shiite movement Hezbollah, which is considered a prerequisite for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from five occupied areas in southern Lebanon, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The agenda also includes discussions on the demarcation of the Lebanon-Israel border, international aid to Lebanon, and a government reform program.

Earlier, during his visit to Beirut on June 19, Barrack proposed a timeline for Hezbollah to hand over its weapons to the Lebanese army, urging that this process be completed nationwide by November this year.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun plans to seek “firm guarantees” from the United States during his meeting with Barrack, specifically demanding an end to Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement signed on November 27, 2024, which have hindered reconstruction efforts in southern Lebanon.

Hezbollah has expressed willingness to cooperate with Lebanese authorities but has not committed to disarming forces north of the Litani River. Mahmoud Koumati, a member of Hezbollah’s executive council, dismissed what he called “humiliating options” imposed on Lebanon, warning that disarming resistance forces while Israeli troops remain would be “tantamount to suicide.”

By Sabina Mammadli