US Praises Hezbollah Disarmament Effort, Eyes Lebanon for Abraham Accords

In a major shift with implications for Middle East peace, U.S. envoy Thomas Barrack praised Lebanon’s response to a proposal aimed at fully disarming Hezbollah, calling it “spectacular” and opening the door for potential normalization with Israel under the Abraham Accords.

“The Israelis do not want war with Lebanon,” Barrack said after a meeting with Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun. “Both countries are trying to give the same thing the notion of a stand-down agreement, of the cessation of hostilities, and a road to peace.”

Hezbollah an Iranian-backed terrorist organization has long used southern Lebanon as a launching pad for attacks on Israel, placing both Lebanese and Israeli civilians in danger. The U.S.-led proposal calls for the full disarmament of Hezbollah within four months, in exchange for the withdrawal of Israeli forces still stationed in parts of southern Lebanon.

While some weapons have reportedly been handed over, there is growing skepticism that Hezbollah will follow through entirely. Reports suggest that elements within the group are resisting full disarmament, and sporadic skirmishes along the border continue.

Still, the U.S. is applauding Lebanon’s engagement and using the moment to push a broader regional reset. Barrack who also serves as U.S. ambassador to Turkey and special envoy for Syria hinted that Lebanon could be next in line to join the Abraham Accords, President Trump’s signature diplomatic breakthrough that normalized ties between Israel and several Arab nations.

Key developments:

• Lebanon issued a rapid response to a U.S. proposal for Hezbollah disarmament

• Hezbollah has reportedly begun withdrawing from southern Lebanon, but uncertainty remains

• The Trump administration is eyeing Lebanon and Syria as possible next entries into the Abraham Accords

• Dialogue has already begun between Syria and Israel, according to Barrack

Barrack made clear that Trump’s foreign policy is not about managing decline it’s about building bold alliances that benefit peace and American interests. “If you don't want change, it's no problem,” he said, warning regional holdouts. “The rest of the region is moving at Mach speed and you will be left behind.”

Israel’s Foreign Minister echoed the sentiment last week, stating Jerusalem is “interested in expanding the Abraham Accords circle of peace and normalization” and explicitly named Lebanon and Syria as target countries once security interests are safeguarded.

It’s the kind of deal-making only Trump-era diplomacy dares to attempt. While Biden’s State Department dithers with vague platitudes and bureaucratic inertia, the Trump team is quietly putting together real opportunities for peace by first removing the threats that prevent it.

If you support strong American leadership abroad and real progress toward Middle East stability, share this article and subscribe to our newsletter for updates on Trump’s foreign policy breakthroughs.