US Pressures Lebanon on Hezbollah Disarmament
The Trump administration has ramped up its calls for the Lebanese government to take action against Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed militant group. A high-ranking US official has even labeled Lebanon a “failed state” due to its lack of decisive action.
Thomas Barrack, the U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and special envoy for Lebanon and Syria, stated in Bahrain that Lebanon’s government is effectively paralyzed, which contributes to this designation. He highlighted that Hezbollah has a substantial arsenal, with around 40,000 fighters and a stockpile of 15,000 to 20,000 missiles and rockets. Interestingly, while militia members can earn about $2,200 a month, soldiers in the Lebanese National Army make just $275, leading to concerns about their preparedness.
Back in November 2024, the U.S. facilitated a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel, and earlier this August, the Lebanese government agreed to a U.S. initiative to disarm Hezbollah by the end of 2025.
However, experts suggest that Lebanon’s weakened government and military have struggled to curtail Hezbollah’s influence. Sarit Zehavi, a notable security analyst from the Alma Research and Education Center in Israel, remarked that Israel appears to be the only party actively working to disarm Hezbollah through military strikes. He further noted the Lebanese army’s failure to actively search neighborhoods for Hezbollah weapon caches.
Zehavi expressed that a more thorough effort is needed, including publicizing seized weapon locations. “None of this has been done,” he said.
A U.S. State Department official emphasized that dismantling Hezbollah and similar groups is crucial for stabilizing both Lebanon and the broader region. Meanwhile, U.S. Middle East envoy Morgan Ortagus insisted that the Lebanese military must fully execute the disarmament plan.
Israeli security officials have voiced similar apprehensions regarding Hezbollah’s operations. In an interview, one noted that while they’re aware of the Lebanese army’s attempts to uphold the ceasefire, that effort isn’t moving quickly enough for their comfort. “The Israeli Defense Forces have targeted Hezbollah operatives almost daily in the wake of the ceasefire,” the official added.
Recently, tensions heightened when the Lebanese army condemned an Israeli strike that killed municipal workers in the border town of Blida, labeling it “a criminal act” and a breach of the ceasefire. The IDF countered, asserting their forces fired in response to an immediate threat while attempting to dismantle Hezbollah’s infrastructure.
In light of recent escalating military tensions, President Joseph Aoun instructed the Lebanese military to combat any Israeli incursions openly. This comes after Israeli troops crossed into southern Lebanon overnight, resulting in the death of a municipal official.
Notably, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) condemned the Israeli assault, framing it as a blatant violation of Lebanese sovereignty. A security official from Israel assured that they still respect the ceasefire but concentrated on their obligation to counter Hezbollah’s military presence.
Interestingly, before recent events, UNIFIL was expected to assist the Lebanese army in disarming Hezbollah. However, some Israeli officials argue that UNIFIL has not met its goals effectively. Responding to suspicions about Hezbollah’s rearmament, a UNIFIL spokesperson reported that they have discovered hundreds of weapons caches since late November.
Matthew Levitt, an expert on Hezbollah, noted the group’s ongoing efforts to restore its military capabilities, which has entailed pressure from both local factions and Iranian influence. He suggested that the Lebanese government is indeed feeling this pressure, although Hezbollah remains unwilling to disarm completely.
Walid Fares, a U.S. academic specializing in Hezbollah, highlighted a nascent willingness among some Lebanese politicians to explore relationships with Israel, particularly given recent military setbacks for Hezbollah. It seems that there’s a growing sentiment that improving ties with Israel could entice U.S. support to help disarm militant groups.
One U.S. State Department official remarked that Lebanon’s decision to disarm Hezbollah represents a significant and historic commitment. The U.S. intends to continue advocating for a free and secure Lebanon.
However, queries directed at both the Lebanese embassy in Washington and the Lebanese government in Beirut about their stance have gone unanswered.
