US cannot force Israel to stop strikes, says envoy during visit to Lebanon
Barrack was responding to calls from Lebanese officials who want the US to act as a guarantor to ensure that Israel halts strikes on Lebanese territory. Speaking after a meeting with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, he said: 'The US has no business in trying to compel Israel to do anything.'
Lebanon has asked the US to help secure a full withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon and an end to Israeli airstrikes, in return for Hezbollah handing over its weapons.
Last month, the US proposed a four-month roadmap to Lebanese leaders, calling for Hezbollah to disarm fully. In exchange, Israel would stop strikes and pull its troops from disputed areas near the border.
Barrack made it clear that the US is not pressuring Lebanon to act. 'There's no consequence, there's no threat, there's no whip,' he said. He also stated that Washington was not considering sanctions against Lebanese officials if Hezbollah does not disarm.
Barrack, who also serves as US ambassador to Turkey and special envoy for Syria, is a close adviser to President Donald Trump. This is his third trip to Lebanon in just over a month.
The US plan also includes wider reforms in Lebanon, such as disarming all non-state armed groups, improving the economy, and rebuilding relations with Syria.
Israel and Hezbollah fought a war last year that ended with a US-brokered ceasefire. It required both sides to stop fighting, for Israel to withdraw, and for Lebanon to be free of all weapons not held by the state, especially in the south.
While Hezbollah has handed over some weapons in that region, Israel says the group is still active and violating the ceasefire. Lebanon and Hezbollah argue that Israel has broken the deal by continuing to hold five positions on the Lebanese side of the border and by launching strikes on what it claims are Hezbollah targets.
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