Beirut – On Monday, Tom Barrack, the US Special Envoy for Syria, reiterated the necessity for Israel to uphold its obligations under the ceasefire agreement with Lebanon that concluded hostilities with Hezbollah in November 2024, reports 24brussels.
The accord mandated both Israeli defense forces and Hezbollah to withdraw from southern Lebanon. Nonetheless, Israel has opted to retain its military presence in “strategic” locations near the Lebanese border, while the Lebanese government has initiated measures aimed at demilitarizing Hezbollah.
Why is the US pressing Israel on ceasefire compliance?
During discussions in Beirut with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Barrack stated, “I think the Lebanese government has done their part. They’ve taken the first step. Now what we need is Israel to comply.”
“That’s exactly the next step,”
he added when questioned by journalists regarding the expectation for a complete Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory. The US envoy emphasized, “The next step is to involve Israel, and we need an economic plan focused on prosperity, restoration, and renovation,” particularly in light of Lebanon’s acute political and economic pressures.
Barrack noted that the US is “in the process of now discussing with Israel what their position is,” indicating that “in the next few weeks you’re going to see progress on all sides,” which he believed would lead “to a better life for the people… and at least the beginning of a roadway to a different kind of dialogue” in the region.
How has the Lebanese government advanced demilitarisation efforts?
The US diplomat’s visit coincided with Lebanon’s cabinet assigning the army to devise a strategy for disarming Hezbollah by year’s end. On August 7, a second cabinet session addressed a US proposal outlining a timetable for Hezbollah’s disarmament, with Washington urging Lebanon to act accordingly.
The Lebanese cabinet approved the US proposal, which comprises 11 objectives, including “ensuring the sustainability” of the November truce with Israel and the “gradual end of the armed presence of all non-governmental entities, including Hezbollah, in all Lebanese territory.”
How does Israel continue airstrikes despite the announced ceasefire?
Despite declaring a ceasefire on November 27, 2024, Israel has conducted airstrikes in Lebanon with regularity. Since the ceasefire, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have executed approximately 500 airstrikes and various ground operations targeting Hezbollah assets throughout Lebanon, particularly in southern Lebanon, the Beqaa Valley, and regions adjacent to the Litani River.