Mon Aug 18 11:59:13 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a rewrite of the text as a news article:

**Summary:**

The US is mediating a plan to disarm Hezbollah in Lebanon by the end of the year, contingent on Israel ending military operations and withdrawing from Lebanese territory. While the Lebanese government has approved the plan, Hezbollah has refused to disarm until Israel complies. The US is now pressing Israel to cooperate, but analysts express doubt, especially given recent Israeli actions. The plan involves a phased approach, including troop deployments, prisoner releases, and economic reconstruction for Lebanon. There are concerns about Hezbollah’s potential resistance and the overall feasibility of the deal.

**News Article:**

**US Pushes Israel to Withdraw from Lebanon as Part of Hezbollah Disarmament Plan**

**Beirut, Lebanon** – US Special Envoy Tom Barrack is urging Israel to cooperate with a US-backed plan to disarm Hezbollah by the end of the year, following Lebanon’s approval of the initiative. The plan hinges on a phased approach where Israel ceases military operations in Lebanon and withdraws its troops in exchange for Hezbollah disarming.

“The Lebanese government has done their part,” Barrack told reporters on Monday after meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. “Now what we need is Israel to comply with that equal handshake.”

The four-phase roadmap includes Lebanon committing to Hezbollah’s disarmament, followed by troop deployments, prisoner releases by Israel, and ultimately, the dismantling of Hezbollah’s heavy weaponry, alongside economic reconstruction for Lebanon.

However, the plan faces significant hurdles. Hezbollah has stated it will not disarm until Israel ends its attacks and withdraws from occupied Lebanese territories. Security analyst Ali Rizk suggests the biggest obstacle is Israel, pointing to recent actions and statements by Israeli officials indicating an intention to remain in Lebanon.

“Ever since October 7, we’ve become accustomed to the fact that the Israelis don’t listen to what the Americans have to say,” Rizk told Al Jazeera.

While Barrack expressed optimism, stating a return to prosperity and peace is within reach, the plan’s success hinges on Israel’s willingness to adhere to the agreement. Aoun emphasized that “other parties” now needed to commit to the roadmap.

The initiative also comes amid concerns about potential internal conflict in Lebanon. Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem recently warned of civil war should the state attempt to confront or eliminate the group.

The US also intends to pursue an economic proposal for post-war reconstruction. The World Bank estimates the recent conflict caused $11 billion in damage and economic losses, exacerbating Lebanon’s already dire economic crisis.

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