US Confirms Support for Full Israeli Withdrawal from Lebanon and Hezbollah Disarmament

Masad Boulos, senior advisor to US President Donald Trump on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs, reaffirmed Washington's commitment to implementing the agreement concerning southern Lebanon. He emphasized that President Trump supports a complete Israeli withdrawal and is actively working towards peace in Lebanon and the broader region. Boulos, a Lebanese-American businessman and diplomat, also serves as a senior advisor to the State Department on African affairs and is the father-in-law of Tiffany Trump, the president's daughter.

In an interview with Al-Arabiya, Boulos acknowledged that any agreement faces challenges and delays but stressed the importance of overcoming these to ensure implementation. He praised Lebanese President Michel Aoun, Prime Minister Najib Mikati's government, and the Lebanese army for their excellent coordination with the US and the Israel Defense Forces to uphold the agreement. Boulos stated that President Trump has been fully committed to this path for the past two years, aiming to fulfill his promises to achieve peace in Lebanon and the region.

Regarding the influence of Iran, Boulos described the situation as a "regional war" and reiterated that the US views Hezbollah as an Iranian proxy. He accused Hezbollah of holding Lebanon hostage for decades and called for the Lebanese government and security forces to regain control and end Hezbollah's autonomous military status. When asked about US support for the Lebanese army, Boulos denied any decision had been made, noting that such funding requires Congressional approval.

Separately, sources told Al-Arabiya that during a meeting in the Oval Office, Lebanese President Michel Aoun presented President Trump with a comprehensive implementation plan. This plan aims to transfer all weapons held by Hezbollah to the Lebanese state and end Hezbollah's independent military status. The plan is part of the framework agreement signed on June 26 between Lebanon and Israel and outlines necessary security and military steps for both sides, with the US expected to support its execution. The roadmap emphasizes that all military weapons in Lebanon must come under exclusive state control, ending any independent armed presence, particularly Hezbollah's military structure. This monopoly on arms is deemed essential for restoring full sovereignty and achieving stability in southern Lebanon.