Diplomatic Standoff: U.S., Lebanon, and Israeli Tensions

U.S. special envoy Thomas Barrack states that Washington cannot force Israel to meet Lebanese demands to halt strikes. Lebanon seeks U.S. guarantees for disarming Hezbollah in exchange for Israeli troop withdrawal. Barrack emphasizes U.S. neutrality, dismissing any action to compel Israel or sanction Lebanon.

In Beirut, U.S. special envoy Thomas Barrack made clear that Washington cannot enforce Israeli compliance with Lebanese demands to halt strikes. His comments came after Lebanese officials requested the U.S. act as a security guarantor for disarming Hezbollah in exchange for Israel's troop withdrawal from southern Lebanon.

Barrack, after meeting with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, emphasized that the U.S. is neither forcing Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah nor threatening sanctions if disarmament doesn't occur. The envoy also dismissed any notion of compelling Israel to act.

This is Barrack's third visit to Lebanon in over a month, amid ongoing discussions on disarmament, economic reforms, and Syria-Lebanon relations. The context follows a U.S.-brokered ceasefire from last year's Israel-Hezbollah conflict. Disputes over ceasefire violations persist, with Lebanon and Hezbollah accusing Israel of occupying border points and conducting strikes.

(With inputs from agencies.)