US envoy to discuss further steps with Israel after Lebanon commits to disarming Hezbollah

The US special envoy to Lebanon said on Monday that his team would hold talks with Israel on a long-term end of hostilities with its neighbour after Beirut endorsed a Washington-backed plan for Hezbollah to disarm. 

Following a meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in Beirut, Tom Barrack also said Washington would seek an economic proposal for post-conflict reconstruction in the country. 

"I think the Lebanese government has done their part. They've taken the first step," said Barrack. "Now what we need is for Israel to comply with that equal handshake." 

Barrack is due to meet with both Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, who often negotiates on behalf of Hezbollah with Washington. 

Earlier this month, the Lebanese government approved a decision requiring the army to urgently develop a disarmament plan against Hezbollah and implement it before the end of the year. 

However, the move angered the Iran-backed militant group, who believe the Israeli military should first withdraw from a region in southern Lebanon that it has occupied since the end of its 14-month conflict with Hezbollah last November. 

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem threatened open confrontation if the Lebanese government proceeds with their plans to disarm the group, calling the cabinet decision an implementation of "US-Israeli orders". 

Both Aoun and Salam have urged Hezbollah and other non-state armed groups to disarm.

They have also demanded Israel stop near-daily airstrikes on Lebanon and withdraw from the country. 

Aoun said he wants to increase funding for Lebanon's cash-strapped military to bolster its capacity. He also wants to raise money from international donors to help rebuild the country. 

The conflict between Hezbollah and Israel has cost Lebanon $11.1 billion (€9.5 billion) in damage and economic losses by late 2024, according to the World Bank, as large swathes of the southern and eastern parts of the country were battered by airstrikes and limited fighting.

The country has also faced a crippling economic crisis since 2019.