US Proposes Hezbollah Disarmament and Israeli Withdrawal from Lebanon
The United States has put forward a proposal that calls for the complete disarmament of Hezbollah by the end of the year and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon. The plan, presented on March 31, 2025, by President Trump’s envoy, Tom Barrack, aims to extend and stabilize the fragile ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel, which has been in place since last year’s conflict.
According to reports, the proposal highlights the increasing number of complaints regarding Israeli violations of the ceasefire, including airstrikes and cross-border operations. These actions pose a risk to the already precarious status quo. The document urges the Lebanese government to publicly commit to disarming Hezbollah by December 31, 2025, while simultaneously calling for Israel to cease all military operations in Lebanon.
Currently, Israel maintains control over five strategic points in southern Lebanon, citing the need for a buffer against attacks from the Iran-backed group. The first phase of the US proposal requires the Lebanese government to develop a plan for disarmament within 60 days, detailing how the army will take control of Hezbollah’s weapons. In return, Israel would begin withdrawing its forces from the contested areas and agree to release Lebanese prisoners detained during last year’s conflict. This process would be supervised by the International Committee of the Red Cross.
The proposal outlines a second phase, to be completed within 90 days, that calls for the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces. Additionally, it includes a financial plan aimed at rebuilding infrastructure damaged during the war. The final phase of the proposal calls for the dismantling of all heavy weapons possessed by Hezbollah, including missiles and drones.
Once these heavy weapons are forfeited, the US intends to convene with France, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and other allied nations to discuss the future of Lebanon, aiming to restore the country’s status as a prosperous and viable state.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has recently urged the military to devise a strategy for regulating Hezbollah’s arms. The group, which has faced significant losses in its conflict with Israel, has consistently rejected calls for demilitarization. Hezbollah has warned Lebanese lawmakers against acknowledging any disarmament orders, stating that compliance would be a “grave sin.”
The White House has not yet responded to inquiries regarding the proposal. The situation remains fluid as Lebanese lawmakers assess the implications of the US plan, which seeks to address longstanding tensions in the region.
