Lebanon is preparing to present a comprehensive plan on August 31, 2025, aimed at persuading Hezbollah to disarm through non-military means. This significant diplomatic initiative is a key component of a broader U.S.-brokered peace agreement designed to foster regional stability.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated Israel's readiness to reduce its military presence in southern Lebanon in a phased manner. This reciprocal measure is contingent upon the Lebanese Armed Forces taking concrete steps against Hezbollah's weaponry. Israel views this as an opportunity for Lebanon to reclaim its sovereignty and strengthen its state institutions.
However, Hezbollah, through its leader Naim Qassem, has firmly rejected the disarmament plan. Qassem has accused the Lebanese government of aligning with Israeli interests and warned of potential civil unrest, stating that Hezbollah will not relinquish weapons that protect them from Israeli aggression.
The Lebanese cabinet has officially approved the objectives of the U.S. proposal, which includes the gradual cessation of non-state armed groups and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon. Saudi Arabia and Qatar have signaled their support by offering to invest in a new economic zone in southern Lebanon. This initiative aims to create employment opportunities for former Hezbollah members and supporters who lay down their arms, providing a pathway for economic integration and stability.
U.S. Special Envoy Thomas Barrack has been actively involved in these discussions, emphasizing that the Lebanese plan will focus on persuasive, non-military strategies to encourage disarmament. He has also indicated that the U.S. will support the extension of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon's (UNIFIL) peacekeeping mandate for another year. The diplomatic efforts underscore a delicate balance, with the U.S. urging concrete action from Lebanon while Israel signals its willingness to reciprocate with troop reductions. The success of this plan hinges on navigating the deep-seated political and security concerns of all parties involved, particularly in light of Hezbollah's strong opposition and the ongoing regional dynamics.