U.S. Push to Disarm Hezbollah Sparks Political Tensions in Beirut
U.S. envoy Tom Barrack arrives in Beirut to press a government plan to disarm Hezbollah by year’s end. Hezbollah rejects the plan outright, warning of “civil strife,” while the government accuses the group of undermining state sovereignty.
The arrival of U.S. envoy Tom Barrack in Beirut has intensified Lebanon’s political standoff over Hezbollah’s arsenal. Barrack’s visit — his fourth since he introduced a U.S. proposal to stabilize a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon in June — comes after the Lebanese cabinet endorsed a plan to dismantle Hezbollah’s armed wing by December 2025.
Government Plan and International Framework
The government’s 11-point paper includes full implementation of the Taif Accord, enforcement of U.N. Resolution 1701, and restoring the state’s monopoly over war and peace decisions. It also calls for extending Lebanese sovereignty across all territories and preventing any parallel military force.
Hezbollah’s Response
Hezbollah has denounced the initiative as “an American order implemented by the Lebanese government,” with deputy secretary-general Naim Qassem warning it would trigger internal strife. The group insists it will not surrender weapons while “Israeli aggression” continues.
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam criticized Hezbollah’s stance as a veiled threat and accused the movement of undermining national unity.
Conflict Background
The standoff follows Israel’s October 2023 offensive on Lebanon, which killed more than 4,000 people and wounded 17,000. A ceasefire took effect in November 2024, but violations have continued, with Israeli forces withdrawing only partially from the south.