U.S. Proposes Ambitious Plan to Disarm Hezbollah and End Israeli Operations in Lebanon

The U.S. has introduced a plan for Hezbollah's disarmament by year-end, halting Israeli operations, and troop withdrawal from south Lebanon. The proposal, part of a ceasefire extension, faces political resistance and outlines phased disarmament and economic reconstruction efforts to stabilize the region.

The United States has tabled a comprehensive proposal aimed at disarming Hezbollah by the year's close, concurrently ceasing Israel's military actions in Lebanon and facilitating troop withdrawal from five southern posts, as per a Lebanese cabinet agenda reviewed by Reuters.

Presented by U.S. President Donald Trump's envoy, Tom Barrack, this plan details a phased approach towards neutralizing the Iran-sponsored Hezbollah, who is opposed to disarmament post its conflict with Israel last year. Lebanon's government is currently deliberating the proposal amid resistance from Hezbollah-affiliated ministers.

Central to the proposal is a phased disarmament schedule, aiming to stabilize long-standing ceasefire violations between Lebanon and Israel. As Phase 1 unfolds, Lebanon must decree Hezbollah's disarmament by December, supported by Israeli military restraint, followed by a detailed Phase 2 implementation, a strategic Lebanese army deployment, and eventual economic reconstruction support led by international allies.

(With inputs from agencies.)