Israeli Withdrawal in Exchange for Hezbollah Disarmament: Insights from the American Delegation Visit to Baabda

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US Weighs Hezbollah Disarmament Plan as Israel Signals Step-by-Step Withdrawal

BEIRUT – American officials are weighing a Lebanese plan to persuade Hezbollah to disarm, as Israel indicated its withdrawal from Lebanon would be contingent on the militant group’s demobilization. The developments came during meetings between an American delegation led by Tom Barak and President Joseph Aoun in Beirut.

According to statements from the American delegation, Lebanon will present a plan on August 31 aimed at convincing Hezbollah to relinquish its weapons.In conjunction with this, a financing plan is being developed to support those who choose to disarm.

“Israel is ready to go step by step with the Lebanese government,but now it depends on actions,not sayings,so that each Lebanese step is met with an opposite israeli step,” said Morgan Ortagus,a member of the delegation.

Israel has affirmed it does not seek to occupy Lebanon, but its withdrawal will be “in proportion to the steps taken to disarm Hezbollah.”

The American officials also expressed support for extending the mandate of UNIFIL forces for another year and praised the performance of the Lebanese army south of the Litani River. Concerns about Iranian and Syrian influence in the region were also addressed.

Senator Lindsay Graham,another member of the delegation,stressed the importance of Hezbollah’s disarmament,stating it is a Lebanese decision-and in Lebanon’s best interest-not a demand imposed by Israel. Washington reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Lebanon’s sovereignty and defending its religious diversity.

The U.S.delegation has emphasized that any progress on border arrangements or withdrawal talks with Israel is dependent on concrete steps towards disarming Hezbollah, which they claim maintains targets outside of lebanon’s borders.

What are the key verification mechanisms being proposed by the US to ensure Hezbollah’s disarmament?

The Baabda Meeting: A Critical Juncture in Lebanon-Israel Relations

The recent visit by a high-level American delegation to Baabda, Lebanon, for discussions with President Najib Mikati and Lebanese Armed forces (LAF) Commander General Joseph Aoun, centered on a potential framework: an Israeli withdrawal from contested territories in exchange for the verifiable disarmament of Hezbollah. This proposal represents a notable shift in diplomatic approaches to the long-standing conflict and has sparked intense debate. The core of the discussion revolves around establishing a enduring security arrangement that addresses both Israeli concerns regarding Hezbollah’s military capabilities and Lebanese sovereignty claims over the Shebaa Farms and other disputed areas.

Key Talking Points from the American delegation

Sources indicate the American delegation, led by Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern affairs, barbara Leaf, emphasized the following points during the Baabda meetings:

Verification Mechanisms: The US is pushing for robust, internationally-monitored verification mechanisms to ensure Hezbollah’s complete disarmament. This includes potential on-the-ground inspections and intelligence sharing.

Phased withdrawal: An Israeli withdrawal would likely be phased, contingent upon demonstrable progress in Hezbollah’s disarmament. This phased approach aims to mitigate risks and build trust.

Strengthening the LAF: Continued US support for the Lebanese armed Forces is crucial.The goal is to empower the LAF to maintain security in southern Lebanon following an Israeli pullout,preventing a power vacuum. This includes ongoing training, equipment provision, and financial assistance.

UNIFIL’s Role: The United Nations Interim force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) would likely play a key role in monitoring the ceasefire and verifying compliance with the disarmament agreement. Discussions focused on potentially expanding UNIFIL’s mandate and resources.

Regional Stability: The US framed the proposal as vital for broader regional stability, arguing that a resolution to the Lebanon-Israel conflict could de-escalate tensions and create opportunities for cooperation.

The Israeli Perspective: Security Concerns and Red Lines

Israel has consistently stated its primary concern is preventing Hezbollah from rearming and posing a threat to its northern communities. Key Israeli demands, reportedly communicated through back channels, include:

Complete Disarmament: Not just a reduction in Hezbollah’s arsenal, but a complete dismantling of its military infrastructure, including its extensive rocket and missile capabilities.

Elimination of Border Tunnels: Israel is especially concerned about tunnels dug under the Lebanon-Israel border, used for infiltration and attacks. Any agreement must address the destruction and monitoring of these tunnels.

Control of Strategic Terrain: Israel seeks assurances that Hezbollah will not regain control of strategic terrain in southern Lebanon, allowing it to re-establish its military presence.

Guarantees Against Iranian Support: Israel wants guarantees that Iran will cease providing Hezbollah with weapons and funding. This is a major sticking point, given Iran’s close ties to the organization.

Hezbollah’s Stance and Potential Obstacles

Hezbollah has publicly rejected calls for disarmament, viewing its military capabilities as essential for defending Lebanon against Israeli aggression and resisting Israeli occupation. Significant obstacles to the proposed agreement include:

Internal Lebanese Politics: Deep political divisions within lebanon complicate the negotiation process.Hezbollah enjoys significant political influence, and any agreement requiring its disarmament would face strong opposition from its allies.

Hezbollah’s Regional Role: Hezbollah is a key player in regional conflicts, particularly in Syria and Iraq. Disarming Hezbollah could weaken Iran’s regional influence,which Israel seeks to curtail.

The Shebaa Farms Dispute: The status of the Shebaa Farms, a small strip of territory claimed by Lebanon but occupied by israel, remains a contentious issue. Hezbollah insists on the full return of the Shebaa Farms as a precondition for any disarmament agreement.

Trust Deficit: A deep-seated lack of trust between Israel and hezbollah, stemming from decades of conflict, poses a major challenge to reaching a lasting agreement.

The Role of International Mediation

Beyond the US, other international actors are involved in mediating the Lebanon-Israel conflict.

France: France has historically played a significant role in Lebanese affairs and is actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions.

Qatar: Qatar has been involved in indirect negotiations between Israel and Hezbollah, facilitated by US mediation.

United Nations: UNIFIL continues to play a crucial role in monitoring the ceasefire and providing a platform for dialogue.

potential Benefits of a Resolution

A successful resolution to the Lebanon-Israel conflict,based on an Israeli withdrawal in exchange for Hezbollah’s disarmament,could yield significant benefits:

regional Stability: Reduced tensions and a decreased risk of war.

Economic Development: Increased investment and economic opportunities in Lebanon and Israel.

Improved Security: Enhanced security for both Lebanese and israeli citizens.

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