The issue of Hezbollah’s weapons has moved to the forefront of Lebanon’s political agenda, with joint regional and international backing for a disarmament roadmap aimed at promoting national stability and easing tensions along the southern border with Israel.

The recent visit to Beirut by U.S. Presidential Envoy Thomas Barrack set in motion a series of high-level consultations among Lebanese leaders to formulate a unified official document on Hezbollah’s disarmament. In exchange, Lebanon is expected to receive international pressure on Israel to withdraw from five occupied points in southern Lebanon.

Coordinated Effort Between Three Presidencies

According to multiple sources speaking to AFP, President Joseph Aoun met with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam to begin drafting a unified position. A follow-up meeting with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri is expected to take place today to finalize the document, which will be presented to Barrack during his scheduled return to Beirut on July 7.

“Lebanon will preempt Barrack’s visit with several official steps,” ministerial sources confirmed, “including the submission of a unified working paper.”

One of the key steps involves scheduling a special cabinet session, in which a major portion will be dedicated to discussing arms control and the framework for handling Hezbollah’s military arsenal.

U.S. Proposal: Three Pillars for Stability

During his last visit, Barrack reportedly presented a U.S. working paper proposing a three-pronged plan:

1. Confine all non-state weapons, especially Hezbollah’s, to the authority of the Lebanese state.
2. Secure Israeli withdrawal from the five disputed border areas in southern Lebanon.
3. Launch a reconstruction initiative in the south, the southern suburbs of Beirut, and the Bekaa Valley.

Barrack’s comments were blunt:

“Hezbollah must disappear,” he said, signaling a shift toward a more assertive U.S. stance.

Domestic Reactions and Political Alignment

Former Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblatt backed the proposal, saying:

“The party must hand over its weapons, as it has done before.”

Barrack notably held a private dinner with Jumblatt, apart from his official meetings with Lebanon’s three presidents.

Faisal Sayegh, a senior figure in the Socialist Party, told Al Arabiya.net and Al Hadath.net that international consensus supports phased disarmament of Hezbollah by year-end. He added that Lebanon’s response to the U.S. paper follows a "step-by-step" principle, whereby each Lebanese measure must be met with reciprocal action from Israel.

“Lebanon is expected to submit a formal proposal outlining a timetable for Hezbollah to disarm,” Sayegh said, “and this proposal must be affirmed through a cabinet decision to demonstrate national commitment.”

Israeli Concerns

The Israeli army has accused Hezbollah of rearming and threatening civilian populations in southern Lebanon. Israel continues to cite Hezbollah’s military activity as justification for retaining control of the five border points.

Looking Ahead

With the clock ticking toward the next diplomatic visit, Beirut appears to be aligning its institutions around a shared framework for disarmament—one that could reshape the regional security landscape if paired with Israeli concessions.

The success of this effort will depend on mutual guarantees, political will, and continued international engagement led by the U.S.