US envoy nears Lebanon-Israel ceasefire that would disarm Hezbollah terror group
Share this @internewscast.com

Tom Barrack, the U.S. special envoy to Lebanon, announced on Monday that his team intends to explore the possibility of a ceasefire agreement with Israel. This comes after Beirut approved a U.S.-supported plan for Hezbollah to lay down arms.

Following discussions with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Barrack noted that the U.S. aims to propose an economic recovery plan for Lebanon, following extensive diplomatic efforts. Hezbollah, labeled a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the U.S. since 1997, is a key Iranian ally in the region and is heavily sanctioned by the U.S.

Barrack is also set to meet with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Speaker Nabih Berri, who often negotiates on behalf of Hezbollah with Washington.

“The Lebanese government has fulfilled their role by taking the initial step,” stated Barrack, who also serves as the U.S. ambassador to Turkey. “We now need Israel to reciprocate with similar actions.”

Lebanese Prime Minister Salam commented that Qassem’s statements implied a risk of civil conflict, which is undesirable for Lebanon today, and such implications are wholly intolerable.

After the attacks on October 7, 2023, by Hamas, Hezbollah initiated attacks on Israel, which replied with airstrikes. Over 14 months of fighting ensued, marked by Israel’s precise attacks on Hezbollah’s hierarchy. Although large-scale hostilities stopped following a U.S.-mediated ceasefire in November 2024, there have been breaches since then.

The Israeli military has mentioned that frequent airstrikes in southern Lebanon aim to debilitate Hezbollah’s infrastructure and hinder their regrouping and rearming efforts.

Barrack warned Hezbollah that it will have “missed an opportunity” if it does not back the calls for it to disarm.

Ortagus during U.S. meeting with Lebanon leadership

U.S. deputy special presidential envoy to the Middle East Morgan Ortagus, attends the press conference of U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and Special Envoy to Syria Tom Barrack, after their meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at the presidential palace, in Baabda, east of Beirut, Monday, Aug. 18, 2025.  (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

Aoun and Salam both want to disarm Hezbollah and other non-state armed groups, and have demanded Israel halt its attacks and withdraw from the country. 

Aoun said he wants to increase funding for Lebanon’s cash-strapped military to bolster its capacity. He also wants to raise money from international donors to help rebuild the country.

The World Bank estimates that Hezbollah and Israel’s war in late 2024 cost $11.1 billion in damages and economic losses as large swaths of southern and eastern Lebanon were battered. The country has faced a crippling economic crisis since 2019.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Napheesa Collier torches WNBA leadership in exit interview

Napheesa Collier Criticizes WNBA Leadership in Candid Exit Interview

Collier, known for her candidness in championing players’ causes, criticized the current…
Arrest warrant issued for California doctor in Louisiana abortion pill case

California Doctor Faces Arrest Warrant in Louisiana Over Abortion Pill Case

Authorities in Louisiana have an arrest warrant out for a California doctor…
What happens now that a government shutdown is underway

Implications of the Current Government Shutdown

Washington is gearing up for what might be an extended federal shutdown…
SEC No Action Letter Signals Green Light for Innovation

SEC Greenlights Innovation with No Action Letter

In a notable advancement for the blockchain and decentralized tech industries, the…
Reported threat at Jewish Congregation of Venice prompts large police response

Large Police Presence Responds to Reported Threat at Venice Jewish Congregation

The Jewish Congregation received phone calls threatening to “kill everyone,” according to…
Through the roof: How much does it cost to live in Glynn County?

Skyrocketing Prices: What Are the Living Expenses in Glynn County?

The median home price in some areas has doubled in the last…
Strong earthquake kills 31 people in a central Philippine region hit by deadly storm just days ago

Powerful earthquake claims 31 lives in central Philippine region recently ravaged by a deadly storm

MANILA, Philippines — A 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck offshore in the central…
Marion County man charged with creating CSAM using AI

Marion County Resident Accused of Producing CSAM with Artificial Intelligence

Police say that Lucius Martin was arrested during a traffic stop, where…
Skeletal remains found near NYC strip mall believed to be nurse who disappeared 4 years ago

Skeletal Remains Discovered Near NYC Strip Mall Likely Those of Nurse Missing for Four Years

Late Monday afternoon, a partial set of skeletal remains was discovered in…
Iowa school superintendent resigns after ICE arrest rocks Des Moines district

Iowa School Chief Steps Down Following Immigration Arrest Impacting Des Moines District

The Iowa school superintendent, recently detained by federal immigration officials, has decided…
UNC Suspends Redneck Revolt Professor

UNC Places Redneck Revolt Professor on Suspension

UNC Chapel Hill professor Dwayne Dixon, a self-identified member of the far-left…
Anti-Defamation League retires glossary of extremist groups after backlash for including Charlie Kirk's TPUSA

ADL withdraws extremist groups glossary following criticism for listing Charlie Kirk’s TPUSA

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) recently decided to pull its entire “Glossary of…