YONI BEN MENACHEM -- Thomas Barak, the U.S. special envoy for Syria, warned at a New York press conference this weekend that time is running out to resolve the Hezbollah weapons issue “in line with President Trump’s patience.”
“Trump is known for his patience,” Barak said, “but it is not unlimited.” He added that Trump has shown more goodwill toward Lebanon than any U.S. president since Eisenhower, and urged Lebanese leaders to seize the opportunity to act.
On Hezbollah's disarmament, Barak stated that if Lebanon's president, prime minister, and parliamentary speaker can reach a consensus, and if Hezbollah agrees to gradually relinquish its heavy weapons, it would mark a serious beginning. The main concern, he emphasized, is Hezbollah’s strategic arsenal—especially weapons that could threaten Israel.
Barak noted that for this to work, Lebanon’s military must be significantly strengthened. However, he admitted the Lebanese army hasn’t received salaries in months, making this a serious challenge. Still, he emphasized that public respect for the army could make it a viable force to negotiate and collect weapons—without sparking civil war. Hezbollah’s arms, he warned, are hidden in garages, basements, and beneath homes.