The United States is calling on the Lebanese government to intensify efforts to dismantle Hezbollah’s military capabilities and those of other non-state actors, a US State Department spokesperson revealed in a statement on Wednesday, following US envoy Tom Barrack’s mission in Beirut.
“We need the Lebanese state to do more to fully remove weapons and infrastructure belonging to Hezbollah and non-state actors across the country,” the spokesperson emphasized, underscoring Washington’s concerns over the militant group’s ongoing influence in Lebanon.
The official warned against any resurgence of Hezbollah’s ability to “commit violence and threaten security in Lebanon or Israel,” reaffirming the US stance that such groups must be restrained to preserve regional stability.
The spokesperson acknowledged that the Lebanese Army has “made progress” in curbing Hezbollah’s presence in southern Lebanon but stressed that “there is still more work to be done.”
While refraining from discussing private diplomatic exchanges, the spokesperson referenced recent remarks by Barrack, who reportedly expressed satisfaction with Beirut’s initial response to American demands.
“As Ambassador Tom Barrack has said publicly, he was incredibly satisfied with the initial response from the Lebanese government but also indicated that we now need to get into the details,” the US official continued.
Beyond security, the spokesperson emphasized that Lebanon’s challenges require comprehensive reforms.
“Security reforms alone are not enough in Lebanon,” he said, stressing that “Lebanon must pass critical economic and judicial reforms to ensure its financial stability and restore the confidence of the international community.”
In particular, the statement urged Lebanon’s parliament to move forward with essential legislation, including a long-delayed bank restructuring law and laws guaranteeing judicial independence.
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