The U.S. has escalated pressure on Lebanon’s government to issue an immediate cabinet decision disarming Hezbollah before ceasefire talks resume, threatening to withdraw envoy Thomas Barrack and cease diplomatic efforts to halt Israel’s military operations. Lebanese sources confirm Washington refuses to engage further or restrain Israeli airstrikes without this commitment, effectively holding Lebanon hostage to U.S. demands.
Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem firmly rejected the ultimatum, declaring calls for disarmament "serve the Israeli project" and enable occupation. "We will not submit to Israel," he stated, emphasizing that resistance weapons are Lebanon’s sole defense against ongoing Israeli violations, including daily strikes and the occupation of five strategic border points since November’s ceasefire. Qassem insisted any discussion of weapons must follow full Israeli withdrawal and an end to aggression, conditions ignored by the U.S. proposal.
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam faces mounting pressure to convene a cabinet session on disarmament, despite Hezbollah’s parliamentary ally Nabih Berri advocating for Israeli compliance first. Berri’s proposal demanding Israel halt strikes and withdraw troops to activate the ceasefire was rejected by Israel last week. Lebanese leaders fear escalated Israeli attacks on Beirut if the cabinet refuses U.S. terms, highlighting the coercion underlying Washington’s "diplomacy".
While Barrack claims Washington cannot "compel" Israel, Hezbollah notes the U.S. envoy’s demands align perfectly with Israeli objectives. Israel continues near-daily strikes (474 since November), killing 250+ Lebanese and wounding 600, while occupying sovereign territory. The resistance group asserts that surrendering weapons would leave Lebanon defenseless against further invasion, citing Israel’s rejection of peace terms and expansionist history.