What's happened
US officials, including Tom Barrack and Morgan Ortagus, are pressuring Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah by the end of 2025, amid ongoing tensions, Israeli military expansion, and Hezbollah's refusal. The Lebanese government has committed to a plan, but Hezbollah rejects disarmament without Israeli troop withdrawal. The situation remains tense and complex.
What's behind the headline?
Disarmament efforts face significant hurdles. Israel has expanded its military presence in southern Lebanon since the 2024 ceasefire, complicating disarmament negotiations. Hezbollah's refusal to disarm hinges on Israel's continued military operations and territorial presence, which it deems violations of the ceasefire. The US is advocating a 'step-by-step' disarmament, linking it to Israeli troop withdrawals and economic incentives for Hezbollah fighters, many of whom are funded by Iran. This approach aims to avoid escalation into civil war but risks entrenching regional divisions. The regional support from Gulf states like Qatar and Saudi Arabia signals a broader effort to stabilize Lebanon economically, but the core issue remains Hezbollah's weapons and regional influence. The US's emphasis on disarmament as a path to sovereignty underscores the fragile balance of power, with the potential for renewed conflict if negotiations falter. The ongoing Israeli expansion and Hezbollah's firm stance suggest that a resolution will require significant concessions and sustained diplomatic pressure, with the risk of escalation remaining high.
What the papers say
Al Jazeera reports that US officials, including Tom Barrack and Morgan Ortagus, are urging Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah, emphasizing that words must now turn into action. Barrack highlights the economic support from Gulf states to help Hezbollah fighters transition away from armed conflict, stressing the importance of addressing their livelihoods. The New Arab notes Barrack's visits to Israel and Syria, where he discussed disarmament and regional stability, and reports Israel's willingness to withdraw if Lebanon disarms Hezbollah. The Independent emphasizes Hezbollah's rejection of disarmament unless Israel withdraws, and details Israel's ongoing military presence and expansion in southern Lebanon, which complicates disarmament efforts. All sources agree that regional tensions, Israeli military expansion, and Hezbollah's refusal are key obstacles to disarmament, with US and regional efforts focused on economic incentives and diplomatic pressure.
How we got here
Lebanon's government recently decided to disarm Hezbollah by year's end, a move unprecedented since the civil war. Hezbollah, backed by Iran, refuses to surrender its weapons unless Israel withdraws from Lebanese territory and ends its attacks. The US and regional allies are supporting Lebanon's efforts to disarm Hezbollah and promote economic development, aiming to reduce regional tensions and prevent conflict escalation.
Go deeper
Common question
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Why is the US pushing Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah?
The US is urging Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah amid rising regional tensions, Israeli military expansion, and Hezbollah's refusal to give up its weapons. This complex situation raises questions about regional stability, the role of foreign influence, and the risks involved if disarmament doesn't happen. Below, we explore the key issues and what they mean for the Middle East.
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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.
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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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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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Joseph Khalil Aoun is a Lebanese Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces since 2017.
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Morgan Deann Ortagus is an American government official serving as spokesperson for the United States Department of State since 2019.
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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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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.