What's happened
US envoy Tom Barrack visited Beirut amid ongoing efforts to disarm Hezbollah. Lebanon's cabinet approved a US-backed plan for Hezbollah's disarmament, but Israel's continued occupation of border sites and Hezbollah's refusal complicate progress. Washington seeks regional stability and economic aid.
What's behind the headline?
The current situation underscores the complex interplay of regional security, sovereignty, and political will. The US is positioning itself as a mediator, emphasizing disarmament as a pathway to stability. However, Hezbollah's outright refusal and Israel's occupation of strategic sites reveal deep mistrust. The US-backed plan's success hinges on Israel's cooperation, which remains uncertain. The proposed economic zone aims to address security concerns without occupation, but Hezbollah's leadership has warned of civil unrest if disarmament efforts proceed without Israeli withdrawal. The regional dynamics suggest that progress will require significant diplomatic pressure and confidence-building measures. The next few weeks will be critical in determining whether disarmament can be achieved peacefully or if tensions will escalate.
What the papers say
The articles from The Independent, AP News, The New Arab, The Times of Israel, and Al Jazeera collectively highlight the ongoing diplomatic efforts and regional tensions. The Independent and AP News emphasize the US's role and the conditionality of disarmament on Israeli withdrawal. The New Arab provides context on Lebanon's internal decision-making and US proposals, while The Times of Israel and Al Jazeera focus on the diplomatic exchanges and Hezbollah's stance. Notably, The Independent and AP News echo the US's position that Israel's withdrawal is the next step, whereas Hezbollah's refusal remains a significant obstacle. The regional context is complex, with economic reconstruction plans intertwined with security negotiations, illustrating the multifaceted nature of the conflict.
How we got here
Following the 14-month war between Israel and Hezbollah in 2024, Lebanon's government decided to disarm Hezbollah by the end of 2025. Despite this, Hezbollah refuses to disarm until Israel withdraws from five strategic hilltops and halts daily airstrikes. The US has been mediating, proposing phased disarmament and regional economic initiatives, including an 'economic zone' in southern Lebanon. Israel continues to occupy border sites, citing security concerns, while Lebanon seeks to rebuild and regain sovereignty amid economic crises.
Go deeper
Common question
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What is the US doing to disarm Hezbollah in Lebanon?
The US is actively working to disarm Hezbollah in Lebanon as part of efforts to promote regional stability. Despite Lebanon's government supporting US-backed disarmament plans, ongoing conflicts, Israeli attacks, and Hezbollah's resistance make progress challenging. Many wonder what role US diplomacy plays and how regional tensions impact peace efforts. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this complex situation.
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The US has recently updated its immigration policies to scrutinize individuals based on anti-American, antisemitic, and terrorist-supporting activities. This move raises questions about how social media vetting and subjective judgments could impact immigrants' rights and the constitutional protections they are entitled to. Below, we explore the reasons behind these changes, their implications, and what they mean for future immigration enforcement.
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What is the US plan for Hezbollah disarmament in Lebanon?
The US is actively working to disarm Hezbollah in Lebanon as part of efforts to restore regional stability following recent conflicts. While Lebanon's government has approved a plan backed by the US, progress remains complicated by ongoing Israeli occupation and Hezbollah's resistance. Many are asking what the US's specific approach is and what it means for Lebanon and the wider Middle East. Below, we explore key questions about this complex situation.
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What is the US plan to disarm Hezbollah in Lebanon?
The US is actively mediating efforts to disarm Hezbollah in Lebanon, aiming to restore regional stability. Despite Lebanon's government approving a US-backed disarmament plan, progress remains slow due to Hezbollah's refusal and ongoing regional tensions. Many wonder what the US's specific strategy is and how it fits into the broader Middle East conflict. Below, we explore key questions about this complex situation and what it means for Lebanon, Israel, and regional peace.
More on these topics
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Hezbollah is a Shia Islamist political party and militant group based in Lebanon. Hezbollah's paramilitary wing is the Jihad Council, and its political wing is the Loyalty to the Resistance Bloc party in the Lebanese parliament.
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Thomas Joseph Barrack Jr. is an American private equity real estate investor and the founder and executive chairman of publicly traded REIT Colony Capital. Barrack has been a close friend and ally of former U.S. President Donald Trump and has represented
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Lebanon, officially known as the Lebanese Republic, is a country in Western Asia. It is bordered by Syria to the north and east and Israel to the south, while Cyprus lies west across the Mediterranean Sea.
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Joseph Khalil Aoun is a Lebanese Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces since 2017.
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
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Nawaf Abdallah Salim Salam is a Lebanese politician, diplomat, jurist and academic who is the prime minister-designate of Lebanon.
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Benjamin Netanyahu is an Israeli politician serving as Prime Minister of Israel since 2009, and previously from 1996 to 1999. Netanyahu is also the Chairman of the Likud – National Liberal Movement.