**US Envoy Discusses Saudi Arabia and Qatar’s Investment in Lebanese Economic Zone as a Strategy to Disarm Hezbollah**

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beirut – Saudi Arabia and Qatar are ready to invest in an economic zone in south Lebanon near the border with Israel that woudl create jobs for members of the militant Hezbollah group and its supporters once they lay down their weapons,President Donald Trump’s envoy to the Middle East said Tuesday.

Tom Barrack made his comments in Beirut after trips to Israel and Syria where he discussed with officials there the ongoing situation in Lebanon following this month’s decision by the Lebanese government to disarm Hezbollah by the end of the year. Hezbollah’s leader rejected the government’s plan, vowing to keep the weapons.

On Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israeli forces could begin withdrawing from territory they hold in southern Lebanon after the lebanese government’s “momentous decision” to disarm Hezbollah.

The U.S.-backed Lebanese army is preparing a plan for Hezbollah’s disarmament that should be ready by the end of August.The government is expected to discuss the army’s plan and approve it during a meeting scheduled for Sept. 2.

“We have to have money coming into the system. The money will come from the Gulf,” Barrack told reporters after meeting President Joseph Aoun. “Qatar and saudi Arabia are partners and are willing to do that for the south (of Lebanon) if we’re asking a portion of the Lebanese community to give up their livelihood.”

“We have 40,000 people that are being paid by Iran to fight. What are you gonna do with them? Take their weapon and say ‘incidentally speaking, good luck planting olive trees’? it can’t happen. We have to help them,” Barrack said. He was referring to tens of thousands of Hezbollah members who have been funded since the early 1980s by Tehran.

“We, all of us, the gulf, the U.S., and Lebanese are going to act together to create a forum that’s gonna produce a livelihood.”

Could increased economic chance within the Lebanese economic Zone realistically outweigh the political and social factors driving support for Hezbollah?

The Proposed economic Intervention

Recent discussions led by a US envoy center around a novel strategy for Lebanon: leveraging substantial investment from Saudi Arabia and Qatar into a designated Lebanese Economic Zone (LEZ) as a means to weaken Hezbollah’s influence. The core premise is that economic empowerment and opportunity can offer a viable alternative to the political and social support currently enjoyed by the organization. This initiative represents a important shift in approach, moving beyond traditional sanctions and diplomatic pressure.

Key Players: The US envoy is actively mediating between Lebanese government officials, Saudi Arabian representatives, Qatari investors, and, indirectly, Hezbollah.

Investment Focus: Initial proposals suggest investments will target infrastructure development, job creation, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the LEZ. Sectors like tourism, agriculture, and technology are being prioritized.

Geographic Considerations: The location of the LEZ is crucial. Discussions are reportedly focused on areas with significant Shia populations, where Hezbollah holds considerable sway. The Lebanese landscape, with its coastal strip, mountains, and Bekaa Valley (as noted in recent geographical reports on Lebanon), presents unique challenges and opportunities for zone placement.

The Disarmament Link: A Complex Equation

The connection between economic investment and disarmament is not straightforward. The US strategy hinges on the belief that reducing economic desperation and providing legitimate employment opportunities will diminish the appeal of Hezbollah’s social programs and recruitment efforts.

How Economic Stability Could Impact Hezbollah’s Support Base

Reduced Reliance on External Funding: Hezbollah relies heavily on financial support from Iran. A thriving Lebanese economy, bolstered by Gulf investment, could lessen the need for external funding, possibly impacting the organization’s operational capabilities.

Alternative employment: Providing viable employment options within the LEZ could draw individuals away from Hezbollah-affiliated activities.

Shifting Loyalties: Economic improvement could foster a sense of national unity and diminish sectarian tensions, potentially eroding support for Hezbollah.

Countering Social Programs: Hezbollah provides extensive social services – healthcare, education, and financial assistance – to its constituents. A robust LEZ could offer competing, state-sponsored programs, reducing Hezbollah’s leverage.

Challenges and Potential Obstacles

Despite the potential benefits, the plan faces significant hurdles.

Hezbollah’s Response: the organization is likely to view the initiative with suspicion, potentially attempting to disrupt or co-opt the LEZ.

Lebanese Political Instability: Lebanon’s deeply entrenched political divisions and history of corruption pose a major risk. Ensuring openness and accountability in the management of the LEZ will be critical.

Saudi-Qatar Relations: Maintaining consistent cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Qatar, given their regional rivalry, will be essential for the plan’s success.

Iranian Influence: Iran is likely to actively counter the US-backed initiative, seeking to maintain its influence in lebanon.

Geopolitical Risks: The broader regional context,including ongoing conflicts and tensions,could undermine the stability of the LEZ.

The Role of the Lebanese Economic Zone (LEZ)

The LEZ is central to the strategy. Its success depends on several factors:

1. Strategic Location: selecting a location that maximizes economic potential while minimizing security risks.
2. Investment Incentives: Offering attractive incentives to attract both domestic and foreign investment.
3. Regulatory Framework: Establishing a clear and obvious regulatory framework that promotes business growth.
4. Infrastructure Development: Investing in essential infrastructure, including transportation, energy, and communications.
5. Security Measures: Implementing robust security measures to protect investors and ensure the safety of the LEZ.

Historical Precedents & Case Studies

While this specific approach is relatively new, there are historical precedents for using economic development as a tool for countering extremism.

Post-Conflict Reconstruction in Bosnia: International investment in Bosnia and Herzegovina after the Bosnian War helped to rebuild the economy and foster reconciliation, reducing the appeal of extremist groups.

Marshall Plan (Post WWII Europe): The Marshall Plan demonstrated the power of economic assistance in stabilizing war-torn countries and preventing the spread of communism.

UAE’s Economic Engagement in Egypt: The UAE’s significant investments in Egypt following the 2013 political upheaval aimed to stabilize the economy and counter the influence of Islamist groups.

Though, these examples also highlight the importance of good governance, transparency, and addressing underlying political issues. Simply injecting capital is not enough.

Keywords & Related Search Terms

Hezbollah disarmament

Lebanon economic crisis

Saudi Arabia Lebanon investment

Qatar Lebanon investment

Lebanese Economic Zone (LEZ)

US Middle East policy

Iran influence Lebanon

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