The United States has expressed strong approval of Lebanon’s response to a proposal aimed at disarming Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant group. On Monday, Beirut responded to a U.S. proposal that outlined the complete disarmament of Hezbollah in exchange for the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon. U.S. Envoy Thomas Barrack commended Lebanon’s swift and positive response, describing it as “spectacular.” He made these remarks following discussions with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, who assumed office in January.

This development occurs amid ongoing efforts to resolve Israel’s conflict with Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Last fall, Israel faced multiple threats, including hostilities with Hamas on its southern border, missile exchanges with Iran, and tensions with the Houthis in Yemen. A truce was reached in Lebanon after a sophisticated pager bombing targeted hundreds of Hezbollah members in September. Although Hezbollah has retreated from southern Lebanon and reportedly surrendered some weapons, there are indications that the group may not fully disarm. The specifics of the U.S.-Lebanon agreement remain undisclosed.

Israeli forces continue to occupy parts of southern Lebanon, citing ongoing threats from Hezbollah to Israeli communities near the northern border. Skirmishes persist despite efforts for peace. Barrack, who also serves as the U.S. ambassador to Turkey and special envoy for Syria, emphasized that both Lebanon and Israel share a common goal of achieving peace. He noted that neither country desires war and both are working towards a cessation of hostilities.

Barrack hinted at the possibility of Lebanon joining the Abraham Accords, a key initiative of former President Trump aimed at normalizing relations between Israel and Arab nations. While Beirut’s interest in such diplomacy remains uncertain, Barrack mentioned that Syria has already initiated dialogue with Israel. He stressed the importance of regional cooperation and warned that countries resistant to change risk being left behind as others progress rapidly.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar recently expressed interest in expanding the Abraham Accords to include neighboring countries like Syria and Lebanon, contingent upon resolving the conflict in Gaza. The normalization efforts aim to enhance peace and security while safeguarding Israel’s interests.