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ISRAEL

Ultimatum from the US to Lebanon: Hezbollah must disarm before August 31

Israel should respond with a counterproposal once it receives the details of the initiative

The United States Special Envoy for Syria and Lebanon, Thomas Barrack, announced in Beirut that the Lebanese government will present on August 31 a plan aimed at convincing Hezbollah to hand over its weapons. According to his explanation, Israel will respond with a counterproposal once it receives the details of the initiative.

"What Israel is saying is that it doesn't want to occupy Lebanon and would be happy to withdraw as soon as it sees what the plans are for Hezbollah's disarmament", Barrack stated after meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun.

Deputy Envoy Morgan Ortagus emphasized that the process should be gradual and coordinated: "These are small steps with the Lebanese government. With every step Lebanon takes, we'll encourage Israel to act in the same direction."

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The US special envoy for Syria | La Derecha Diario

A day earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had opened the door to a phased withdrawal of Israel Defense Forces (IDF) from southern Lebanon, as well as a reduction in airstrikes, to the extent that Hezbollah complies with the disarmament order issued by the Lebanese government.

According to previous reports, Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer informed Barrack that Israel would be willing to progressively halt targeted operations against Hezbollah leaders and to withdraw from several strategic points in the south of the country.

However, he stressed that certain border villages should remain evacuated to serve as a buffer zone.

The initiative seeks to open a space for negotiation that reduces tension on Israel's northern border and limits Hezbollah's influence in Lebanon's politics and security.

The success of the plan will depend on the Lebanese government's ability to exert pressure on the armed organization, which is considered by the United States, the European Union, and Israel as a terrorist group, but also forms part of the local political fabric.

The timeline set for August 31 marks a key point in the talks, although diplomats warn that the feasibility of Hezbollah's disarmament is still uncertain given the military and social magnitude of the Shiite movement.

➡️ Israel

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