US Ambassador in Turkey to Discuss Disarmament of Hezbollah

US Ambassador to Turkey, Tom Barak, who also serves as a mediator in the border issues between Lebanon and Israel, will be on a diplomatic mission to Beirut. According to Al Nahar newspaper, the US special envoy is set to discuss the disarmament of the Shiite Hezbollah movement with Lebanese leadership, an action that must precede the withdrawal of Israeli forces from five occupied areas in the south of the country.

Hezbollah has expressed a willingness to cooperate with Lebanese authorities but has not yet made specific commitments regarding the surrender of its weapons. The newspaper also reports that Lebanese President Joseph Aoun intends to demand 'strong guarantees' from the US. These guarantees primarily relate to halting Israel's aggressive actions that violate the ceasefire agreement signed on November 27, 2024, and impede recovery efforts in the affected areas of southern Lebanon.