On August 8, 2025, Reuters reported that the United States submitted a detailed plan to Lebanon, led by envoy Tom Barrack, to fully disarm the Iran-backed Hezbollah by December 31, 2025, aiming to ease regional tensions following the 2023 Israel-Hezbollah conflict.
Discussed during a Lebanese cabinet meeting, the plan outlines a phased approach to phase out non-state armed groups, deploy Lebanese forces to the borders, secure Israel’s withdrawal from five positions, resolve prisoner issues, and demarcate Lebanon’s borders with Israel and Syria. Lebanese Information Minister Paul Morcos clarified that only the plan’s objectives were approved, not its full details.
🇱🇧 The Lebanese government approves the goals of a US-backed proposal to solidify a ceasefire with Israel
➡️ The plan calls for the disarmament of Hezbollah and the deployment of the Lebanese army in southern Lebanon. https://t.co/kFP30oS1l3 pic.twitter.com/B27NWwUQ0V
— Anadolu English (@anadoluagency) August 7, 2025US’s Hezbollah Phased Implementation Strategy
The proposal includes four phases:
- Phase 1 (15 days): Lebanon issues a decree committing to Hezbollah’s disarmament by year-end; Israel halts military operations.
- Phase 2 (60 days): Lebanon implements a disarmament plan, with the Lebanese army deploying to key areas; Israel begins partial withdrawal and releases prisoners via the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
- Phase 3 (90 days): Israel withdraws from two remaining positions; funding is secured for Lebanon’s rubble removal and infrastructure rehabilitation.
- Phase 4 (120 days): Hezbollah dismantles heavy weapons, including missiles and drones; an economic conference led by the U.S., Saudi Arabia, France, and Qatar supports Lebanon’s reconstruction.
The plan seeks to extend and stabilise a November 2024 ceasefire, amid concerns over Israeli violations risking its collapse.
Lebanon APPROVES 'objectives' of US proposal to DISARM Hezbollah, Israeli withdrawal
'Hezbollah ministers and Muslim Shi'ite allies' WALK OUT of cabinet meeting says Reuters
Information Chief clarifies full details of plan NOT discussed pic.twitter.com/3jwYlJZlp8
— RT (@RT_com) August 7, 2025The U.S. State Department welcomed Lebanon’s commitment to state-controlled arms, while Israel’s government offered no immediate comment. Hezbollah ministers and Shi’ite allies withdrew from the cabinet meeting in protest, per Reuters sources. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasised Hezbollah’s autonomy, stating, “We act as a supporter but do not interfere in their decision-making.” The proposal follows a year of conflict that began in October 2023, with Hezbollah supporting Hamas, leading to significant Israeli offensives that weakened the group.
The plan’s urgency is driven by ongoing ceasefire violations, including Israeli airstrikes. Lebanon’s economic crisis and reconstruction needs make international support critical, but Hezbollah’s resistance and political influence pose challenges. The proposal aligns with U.S. efforts to counter Iran’s regional influence while stabilising Lebanon, though its success depends on cooperation from all parties.
