A Hezbollah supporter takes a selfie while waving a Hezbollah flag as he stands on a tree outside the Iranian Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon, Wednesday, June 25, 2025, during a gathering to honor the Islamic Republic of Iran for what organizers described as "breaking American and Israeli aggression." (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar) APTOPIX Lebanon Iran Israel
The United States has unveiled a proposal urging Hezbollah to fully disarm by the end of this year, alongside a call for Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon. The plan, presented on Thursday by President Trump’s envoy, Tom Barrack, aims to “extend and stabilize” the fragile ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel, which followed a violent conflict in 2022.
The proposal emphasizes the urgency of addressing recent complaints regarding Israeli violations of the ceasefire. Reports indicate an increase in airstrikes and cross-border operations by Israel, raising fears that the already fragile situation could deteriorate further. According to Reuters, the document details that Lebanon should publicly commit to disarming Hezbollah by December 31, 2025, in exchange for Israel halting all military operations—ground, air, and sea—within the country.
Israel currently maintains control over five strategic locations in southern Lebanon, which Israeli officials assert are necessary to prevent attacks from the Iran-backed militant group. The proposal outlines a phased approach to disarmament and military withdrawal. The second phase requires Lebanon to oversee the disarmament process within 60 days, during which lawmakers must develop a detailed plan for the army to assume control of all weaponry. In tandem, Israel would commence the withdrawal of its forces from the five positions, also agreeing to release Lebanese prisoners captured during the last conflict. This process would be supervised by the International Committee of the Red Cross.
Within 90 days, the plan calls for the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon, supported by a financial framework for rebuilding infrastructure destroyed during the conflict. The final phase mandates the dismantling of all heavy weapons possessed by Hezbollah, including missiles and drones. Following this, the US will collaborate with France, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and other allied nations to realize President Trump’s vision for Lebanon’s return to stability and prosperity.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has urged the military to devise a strategy for managing the disarmament of Hezbollah, which suffered significant losses during the previous war with Israel. The group has rejected calls for demilitarization, warning Lebanese lawmakers that compliance with such demands would be considered a “grave sin.”
The White House has yet to provide a response to requests for comments on the proposal. As the situation unfolds, the international community watches closely, given the potential implications for regional stability.
