Mon Aug 18 16:54:07 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
U.S. Envoy Tom Barrack is urging Israel to honor the ceasefire agreement reached after its war with Hezbollah. The Lebanese government has initiated a process to disarm Hezbollah, and Barrack insists that Israel must now fulfill its obligations under the truce, including withdrawing troops from Lebanese territory and ceasing attacks. Barrack emphasizes the need for Israeli cooperation and a comprehensive economic plan for Lebanon’s recovery. The Lebanese government has endorsed a U.S. proposal with objectives like ensuring the ceasefire’s sustainability and phasing out non-state armed groups like Hezbollah. Hezbollah has vowed to fight any disarmament plans.
**News Article:**
**U.S. Envoy Urges Israel to Honor Ceasefire as Lebanon Moves to Disarm Hezbollah**
*Beirut, August 18, 2025* – U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and Special Envoy to Syria, Tom Barrack, today called on Israel to comply with the ceasefire agreement established after its war with Hezbollah, as the Lebanese government takes unprecedented steps to disarm the militant group.
Following meetings with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, Barrack emphasized that Israel must withdraw its troops from disputed border points and cease attacks on Lebanon.
“The Lebanese government has done their part. They’ve taken the first step. Now what we need is Israel to comply,” Barrack stated.
The November truce, brokered after a year of hostilities, stipulated the withdrawal of Hezbollah fighters from the Israeli border and the integration of their weapons under the control of the Lebanese state. However, Israel has maintained troops at strategic border points and continued striking Lebanon, demanding Hezbollah’s complete disarmament.
The Lebanese cabinet has endorsed a U.S. proposal that outlines eleven objectives to ensure the ceasefire’s sustainability, including the phasing out of armed groups like Hezbollah, border demarcation with Israel and Syria, and international support for Lebanon’s reconstruction.
While Prime Minister Salam urged the U.S. to pressure Israel to halt hostilities and withdraw troops, Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem vowed to resist any disarmament efforts. President Aoun warned that rejecting the U.S. plan could lead to intensified Israeli attacks and economic isolation for Lebanon.
Barrack stressed that dealing with Hezbollah is a “Lebanese process,” expressing optimism that progress would be seen on all sides in the coming weeks, leading to a “better life for the people” and paving the way for a “different kind of dialogue in the region.”
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