Lebanon is drafting a response to a U.S.-backed proposal calling for the disarmament of Hezbollah by November in exchange for an Israeli military withdrawal, in a move that could mark a dramatic shift in the country’s political and security landscape.

U.S. special envoy Thomas Barrack presented the proposal during a June 19 visit to Beirut. According to sources, the six-page roadmap outlines a phased disarmament process for Hezbollah and other armed factions. In return, Israeli forces would pull back from southern Lebanon, and the U.S. would support reconstruction efforts.

Barrack emphasized urgency, saying this opportunity “may not come up again.” He is expected to return to Beirut next week for further discussions.

Disarmament, Reconstruction, and Prisoner Deals

The proposal includes:

• Full disarmament of Hezbollah by the end of 2025.
• U.S. financial backing for rebuilding areas damaged by Israeli airstrikes.
• A UN-monitored mechanism for the release of Hezbollah-linked prisoners held by Israel.
• Improved Lebanese relations with Syria and commitment to financial reforms.

However, U.S. officials have yet to receive Israeli approval for the roadmap.

Hezbollah's Position: Resistance Without Commitment

Sources say Hezbollah has not rejected the proposal outright and has begun informal cooperation with a Lebanese government committee. Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, a Hezbollah ally, is leading consultations. Yet, Hezbollah Secretary General Naim Qassem publicly reiterated opposition to foreign pressure: “We have the right to say ‘no’ to America, ‘no’ to Israel.”

Hezbollah claims the ceasefire deal that ended last year’s war applies only to southern districts, not to its national arsenal.

Strategic Shift in the Region

The disarmament proposal reflects a broader realignment across the Middle East following Israel’s 2023 war with Hamas and Hezbollah. Israeli airstrikes have already destroyed parts of Hezbollah’s arsenal, and some weapons caches have been handed over to the Lebanese army.

While the full dismantling of Hezbollah’s arms was unthinkable just two years ago, regional power dynamics — including Iran’s weakened position — have shifted considerably.