According to a high-ranking Lebanese source, quoted by Lebanon Files, the Trump administration is determined to open a direct diplomatic channel between Lebanon and Israel.
The source, who recently met with US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff in Doha, revealed that Washington is dissatisfied with Lebanon's handling of the Hezbollah arms issue. The US considers it ineffective, while criticizing an overly accommodating approach.
Steve Witkoff made it clear that the United States will ask Lebanon to engage in direct political negotiations with Israel. These discussions are expected to be led by a Lebanese civilian, while Israel will be represented by its Strategic Affairs Minister, Ron Dermer, a close ally of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
According to Witkoff, despite repeated Israeli airstrikes that have neutralized part of Hezbollah’s military power, the Iran-backed militia continues to influence Lebanese politics and is likely to block any efforts for peace with Israel.
US Conditions
Washington is conditioning any reconstruction efforts in southern Lebanon, the Beqaa Valley and the southern suburbs of Beirut on tangible progress in negotiations with Israel. Additionally, Gulf countries have been informed by Washington that they will not be able to participate in the reconstruction of southern Lebanon unless an agreement with Israel is reached.
Meanwhile, Tel Aviv will continue to occupy the five border points in the South for at least another year. It refuses the idea of negotiating over the 13 disputed border points until the diplomatic process moves forward.
The United States wants a complete disarmament of Hezbollah, not only south of the Litani River, but also in the Beqaa and northern Lebanon. US military aid to the Lebanese Army could be suspended if the Lebanese government does not comply with this condition.
Witkoff further indicated that Washington would encourage Lebanon to establish a commission to demarcate land borders with Israel and Syria, resolve the maritime boundary issue with Cyprus and place the status of the Shebaa Farms under United Nations supervision after a comprehensive agreement.
The Palestinian Camps
In addition to Hezbollah’s disarmament, Washington is also pushing for a drastic reduction of weapons present in Palestinian camps. According to Witkoff, no significant economic or institutional reforms will be possible in Lebanon without full cooperation with the US strategy in the region.
Witkoff stressed that Lebanon and Hezbollah must acknowledge the new geopolitical realities. Iran remains a central concern for the US, and Washington appears set to intensify its pressure by June to limit Tehran’s influence in Lebanon.
A Crucial Choice for Lebanon
According to the US envoy, Lebanon must choose between following the path laid out by Washington or remaining trapped in political and economic instability. The coming months will be decisive in determining whether Beirut will move forward with a peace process with Israel or remain stuck in political paralysis.
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