Israel must comply with cease-fire to unlock Lebanon's stability
- Tom Barrack emphasized the need for Israel to comply with the ceasefire agreement after Lebanon took initial steps to disarm Hezbollah.
- The Lebanese government has endorsed a plan aiming for a state monopoly on weapons and disarmament by the year's end.
- Israel's ongoing military presence in southern Lebanon and airstrikes raises concerns about the stability and compliance with the ceasefire.
In Lebanon, U.S. Special Envoy Thomas Barrack has called for Israel to abide by the cease-fire terms established in November 2024, which aimed to end the conflict with Hezbollah. Following a meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on August 18, 2025, Barrack noted that the Lebanese government had taken initial steps towards disarming Hezbollah, thus it is now up to Israel to fulfill its obligations under the agreement. The Lebanese cabinet has approved a U.S.-backed proposal for disarmament, with a timeline to enforce state control over arms by the end of the year. Meanwhile, Israel maintains its military presence in southern Lebanon, citing ongoing threats from Hezbollah's terror infrastructure as justification for remaining in strategic positions. This ongoing tension underscores the delicate situation in Lebanon, where political instability and a dire economic crisis have prompted the government to seek international support and ensure peace in the region. Both U.S. and Lebanese officials emphasize that Israel's compliance is crucial for stability and economic recovery in Lebanon. Further engagement and cooperation from Israel is viewed as necessary to facilitate the disarmament process and aid in rebuilding Lebanon's war-torn regions.