US envoy says Israel’s turn to ‘comply’ as Lebanon moves to disarm Hezbollah
US envoy Tom Barrack has called on Israel to honour commitments under a ceasefire that ended its war with Hezbollah, after the Lebanese government launched a process to disarm the group.
“There’s always a step-by-step approach but I think the Lebanese government has done their part. They’ve taken the first step. Now what we need is Israel to comply,” Barrack said following a meeting in Beirut with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun.
Under the terms of the November truce, Hezbollah was to withdraw its fighters from the Israeli border, with all weapons brought under the control of the Lebanese state.
Israel was meant to fully withdraw its troops from the country, although it has kept forces at five border points it deems strategic.
Asked by reporters whether he expected to see Israel fully withdraw from Lebanese territory and stop its violations, Barrack said “that’s exactly the next step” needed.
“We need participation on the part of Israel, and we need an economic plan for prosperity, restoration and renovation,” the US diplomat added, referring to the need for urgent economic improvement in Lebanon, weighed down by a series of crises in recent years.
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