US Links Israeli Withdrawal From Lebanon to Hezbollah Disarmament

The United States has stated that the Israeli military will withdraw from Lebanese territory only after the disarmament of Hezbollah. U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Michelle Issas conveyed this condition during a meeting with Sheikh Ali Al-Khatib, the deputy chairman of Lebanon's Higher Islamic Shiite Council, who is considered close to Hezbollah. Issas indicated that the U.S. is willing to mediate talks with Hezbollah, but not directly, requiring Beirut's involvement as an intermediary. Al-Khatib, however, proposed a reversed sequence, suggesting that Hezbollah would disarm only after the Israeli withdrawal.

The discussions occurred amidst ongoing Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon and increased efforts to achieve Hezbollah's disarmament. According to Lebanese media, Ambassador Issas attempted to ease tensions by stating the U.S. harbors no hostility towards the Shiite community and emphasized that disarmament is the path to a resolution. Al-Khatib countered, asserting that the U.S. is not genuinely seeking a solution, and expressed skepticism that groups like Hezbollah or Hamas would voluntarily relinquish their weapons.

The author of the original piece suggests that achieving disarmament requires a comprehensive approach involving a significant, uncompromising military operation combined with strong financial and political pressure, arguing that negotiation attempts are counterproductive and lead these groups to overestimate their importance and become less willing to compromise. The author also expresses doubt that such a military operation will be conducted.