The US special envoy to Lebanon said his team would discuss a lasting end to conflict with Israel after Beirut endorsed a US-backed plan to disarm the militant group Hezbollah.
Tom Barrak, following a meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, also noted that Washington will seek an economic proposal for the post-war reconstruction of the country, after several months of active diplomacy between the US and Lebanon.
Mr. Barrak also plans to meet with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Speaker Nabih Berri, who often mediates between Hezbollah and Washington.
“I believe the Lebanese government has fulfilled its part of the obligation. It has taken the first step,” said Mr. Barrak, who is also the U.S. ambassador to Turkey.
“Now we need Israel to reciprocate this mutual handshake.”
Lebanon's support last week for a plan to disarm Hezbollah has angered the group and its allies, who say Israeli troops must first withdraw from the five hills they have occupied in southern Lebanon since the end of a 14-month conflict with Hezbollah last November and stop their near-daily airstrikes in the country.
Hezbollah Secretary General Naim Qassem has vowed to resist efforts to disarm the group, raising fears of civil unrest in the country.
Mr Barrak warned Hezbollah that it would “miss an opportunity” if it did not support calls for disarmament.
Mr. Aoun and Mr. Salam both seek to disarm Hezbollah and other illegal armed groups and demand that Israel stop its attacks and withdraw its troops from the country.
Mr Aoun has pledged to increase funding for Lebanon's underfunded army to improve its capabilities and plans to attract funds from international donors to help rebuild the country.
The months-long conflict between Hezbollah and Israel in late 2024 caused $11.1 billion in damage and economic losses, affecting large areas of southern and eastern Lebanon, according to the World Bank.
Since 2019, the country has also been facing a devastating economic crisis.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
