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US envoy urges Israel to withdraw forces as Lebanon takes first step

Iran Press TV

Monday, 18 August 2025 10:44 AM

US Special Envoy Tom Barrack has said that with Lebanon's government taking the first step, Israel must now reciprocate by withdrawing its forces from Lebanese territory.

Speaking during a meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Monday, Barrack commended Lebanon for "significant steps forward" and expressed optimism for progress in the near future.

"We will see progress in the coming weeks, meaning a better life for the Lebanese people and neighboring countries... and later we will witness a roadmap for a different kind of dialogue between Lebanon and its neighbors," Barrack said.

He noted that Lebanon's reforms and initial decisions have set the stage for broader cooperation and regional stability, underscoring that the success of the process requires reciprocal action.

"After Lebanon's first move, the ball is now in Israel's court," he said, referring to the decision to disarm the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah.

Asked by reporters about whether he expected to see Israel fully withdraw from Lebanese territory, Barrack said, "That's exactly the next step" needed.

The US envoy claimed there was "no American proposal directed at Israel," stressing instead that Washington's role was focused on "implementing an agreement that was violated."

When questioned about Hezbollah's disarmament, Barrack emphasized that the issue falls under Lebanon's sovereignty, claiming, "We are not considering issuing any threats. Dealing with Hezbollah is a Lebanese procedure, and our role has been advisory."

On August 5, Lebanon's Prime Minister Nawaf Salam tasked the country's army to develop a plan to restrict weapons to the state by the end of the year, a decision that aims at disarming Hezbollah, which has for decades defended the country from external aggression, especially from the Israeli enemy.

Two days later, during a cabinet meeting, the Lebanese government officials further discussed the US push for disarming Hezbollah and endorsed its "objectives."

Hezbollah condemned the government's decision as a "grave sin," warning that it fully serves the interests of Israel, which still occupies areas in Lebanon and carries out near-daily violations of a November 2024 ceasefire.

Israel continues to maintain its occupation of five significant regions in southern Lebanon, namely Labbouneh, Mount Blat, Owayda Hill, Aaziyyeh, and Hammamis Hill, all situated near the border.