YONI BEN MENACHEM -- The United States has intensified pressure on Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah, following a high-level visit by an American delegation.
Washington has made it clear that dismantling Hezbollah’s arsenal is a precondition for any future negotiations or financial aid. The Lebanese government, which has been seeking more time, now finds itself cornered, as Hezbollah’s leader Naim Qassem—backed by Iran—has taken a hard line, warning that disarmament could trigger civil war.
Lebanese (Shiite) Speaker Nabih Berri expressed disappointment, telling Asharq Al-Awsat that the Americans “arrived with the opposite of what they promised us.” He noted that U.S. officials insisted Hezbollah must disarm before Israel even considers steps like withdrawal from Lebanese territory. Lebanon’s cabinet is scheduled to meet on September 2 to review the army’s proposal for dismantling Hezbollah’s weapons, though officials hinted the session could be delayed amid mounting internal tensions.
U.S. and Gulf officials have linked Lebanon’s recovery to Hezbollah’s disarmament, with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states aligning with Washington’s stance. One American proposal suggested transforming destroyed Shi’ite villages in southern Lebanon into industrial and tourism hubs, but Hezbollah rejected the idea, preferring to restore them as military outposts against Israel.