Lebanon Proposes Linked Steps for Israeli Withdrawal and Hezbollah Disarmament

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said on Monday that his government has submitted proposals to the American envoy Thomas Barrack aimed at achieving a simultaneous Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory and a coordinated process to disarm Hezbollah. The plan reflects Beirut's push to reinforce state sovereignty and implement UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

Coordinated Measures for Sovereignty

Speaking after his meeting with Barrack, Salam emphasized that the proposal includes steps to confine all arms to the Lebanese state and to extend full state control over national territory—a vision rooted in the 1989 Taif Agreement. “Hezbollah is an inseparable part of the Lebanese state,” Salam said, adding that the proposal includes activating the ceasefire coordination committee.

Barrack, who also serves as the U.S. ambassador to Türkiye and special envoy to Syria, praised the Lebanese response as "highly satisfactory," highlighting a swift and constructive approach to the proposals. “Receiving a comprehensive seven-page reply from the Lebanese government in such a short time was impressive,” he said.

Parliamentary and Presidential Support

Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri also met with Barrack and described the talks as "positive and constructive," reaffirming that any solution must safeguard Lebanon’s interests and Hezbollah’s concerns. President Joseph Aoun likewise handed the U.S. envoy a set of ideas for a comprehensive settlement that could lead to de-escalation in southern Lebanon.

Hezbollah Rejects Disarmament Amid Tensions

However, Hezbollah’s stance remains unchanged. Deputy Secretary-General Naim Qassem dismissed the idea of disarmament, stating during an Ashura ceremony in southern Beirut that ongoing Israeli aggression makes any such move unrealistic. “The issue is not Hezbollah’s weapons, but the persistent attacks on Lebanon,” Qassem declared.

The developments come shortly after Israeli airstrikes targeted southern Lebanon, intensifying regional tensions. Hezbollah argues that its arsenal remains essential for national defense.