US Special Envoy Tom Barrack on Monday reiterated the threat against Lebanon in an opinion piece posted on his social media accounts, warning that Beirut must “act” or face an “inevitable” Israeli attack.
The United States “must help Lebanon decisively distance itself from Hezbollah before it becomes drawn into the growing global movement toward zero tolerance for terrorist organizations,” Barrack wrote.
“If Beirut does not take action, Hezbollah’s military wing will inevitably face a major confrontation with Israel,” the US envoy added.
Barrack went on to say that Hezbollah’s disarmament is “not only a security necessity for Israel, but also an opportunity for Lebanon’s rebirth, restoration of sovereignty, and economic recovery.”
This was not the US envoy’s first threat to Lebanon.
In late September, Barrack confirmed Washington’s intention to bring the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) into direct confrontation with the resistance.
“Who are they going to fight? Are we going to give them weapons so they can fight Israel? I don’t think so. So you are giving them weapons so they can fight their own people: Hezbollah,” he said.
He also warned Lebanon to work to disarm Hezbollah or face a new Israeli war, while confirming that Israeli forces would not withdraw from southern Lebanon until the resistance groups laid down their arms.
Barrack’s latest comments came on the same day that Israeli warplanes violently attacked the al-Mahmoudiya Jarmaq area in southern Lebanon. Israeli drones also flew low over the capital.
A few days ago, Israel launched its largest offensive against Lebanon since the ceasefire, destroying millions of dollars worth of reconstruction equipment.
Since a ceasefire was established in November last year, Israeli attacks on the country have killed more than 300 people, including many civilians.
Israel has also expanded its occupation established during the ceasefire in violation of the agreement, and Tel Aviv has said it will not consider withdrawing until Hezbollah is first disarmed.
The US government has publicly supported Israel’s position on numerous occasions.
The Lebanese government decided to disarm Hezbollah in August after intense pressure from the United States.
Hezbollah rejected this decision. The country says it is ready to discuss a national defense strategy that would integrate the weapon into the Lebanese army and allow it to be used to defend the country if necessary.
But resistance groups stress that such talks cannot take place while Israel continues to attack Lebanon and occupy territory in the south.
Lebanese Armed Forces Commander Rudolf Heikal submitted a disarmament plan to the government in early September after being tasked with formulating a strategy following the Aug. 5 cabinet decision to disarm the resistance, which Hezbollah continues to reject.
Deliberations are classified and the military is ordered to submit monthly updates on implementation.
Due to confidentiality considerations, the plan’s timeline remains unknown. Some Lebanese media reports said the government had “withdrew” the decision.
Last month, Barrack said, “Lebanese… all they do is talk.”