Lebanon Plans August 31 Proposal to Disarm Hezbollah

Lebanon plans to present a strategy by August 31 aimed at persuading Hezbollah to disarm, a move supported by the U.S. Special Envoy for Syria and Lebanon, Thomas Barrack. This initiative, backed by the Lebanese government and U.S. officials, focuses on dialogue and persuasion rather than military action, aiming to strengthen Lebanon's sovereignty and stability. Israel has welcomed Lebanon's decision, viewing it as an opportunity to restore state authority and has pledged to reduce its military presence in southern Lebanon in response to concrete disarmament steps. The U.S. has reiterated that this disarmament effort is a Lebanese decision, not driven by foreign powers, and has promised continued logistical and financial support to the Lebanese Armed Forces. Hezbollah, weakened after last year's conflict with Israel, has warned against confrontation, although it and its allies have temporarily suspended protests against the disarmament plan. The U.S. also announced an extension of the UN peacekeeping force's mandate in southern Lebanon to support stability during this process.