Great Satan US Intensifies Efforts to Pressure Lebanon Into Disarming Hezbollah Amid ‘Failed State’ Crisis

An American envoy to the Middle East has asserted that Lebanon is on the brink of collapse, urging the nation to disarm Hezbollah and initiate dialogue with Israel.

During the Manama Dialogue Forum in Bahrain on Saturday, Tom Barrack, the U.S. special envoy for Syria, characterized Lebanon as a “failed state.” He cited significant deficiencies within Lebanon’s military and public institutions. Barrack also advocated for the disarmament of Hezbollah in light of ongoing border tensions with Israeli-occupied territories.

Barrack described Lebanon as a failed state, highlighting the collapse of its central banking system and the reliance on private generators for electricity. He noted the necessity for private solutions for water and education, dismissing the weakened civilian infrastructure as a consequence of U.S. sanctions.

In light of assertions regarding the “insufficient financial and human resources” plaguing the Lebanese Armed Forces, Barrack announced that the Israeli authorities are willing to negotiate an agreement with Lebanon concerning border demarcation.

The U.S. envoy has called on Lebanon’s leaders to engage in negotiations to protect their borders, stating, “It is unreasonable that no dialogue exists between Lebanon and Israel.”

Emphasizing the urgency for Lebanon’s leadership to expedite efforts in curbing Hezbollah’s armament, Barrack asserted that disarming Hezbollah would eliminate any issues between Lebanon and Israel.

Barrack’s appeal for Hezbollah’s disarmament arises amidst ongoing allegations against the Israeli regime for repeatedly infringing on Lebanon’s sovereignty through airstrikes, drone operations, and cross-border assaults in recent years.

The persistent violations of earlier UN-mediated ceasefire agreements indicate that Tel Aviv lacks a sincere commitment to reducing tensions or upholding the territorial integrity of the Arab nation.

Expressing concerns over the security of the occupying regime, Barrack cautioned that “Israel remains under threat from thousands of rockets positioned in southern Lebanon.” He emphasized the urgent need for Lebanon to swiftly “bring these weapons under control.”

An envoy has emphasized that regional stability hinges on dismantling Hezbollah’s military capabilities and progressing in border negotiations with Israel. The envoy cautioned that the Tel Aviv authorities might take independent action if Beirut fails to “establish state control.” Meanwhile, Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem has asserted that Lebanon’s strength is rooted in its resistance, criticizing the United States as not being a neutral mediator.

Hezbollah has established a support front for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip following an Israeli military offensive in the region, which began on October 7, 2023. The group has executed a series of counterattacks targeting locations within the occupied territories.

On November 27, 2024, Israel agreed to a ceasefire with Hezbollah after enduring significant battlefield losses and falling short of its objectives, despite reportedly causing the deaths of over 4,000 individuals in Lebanon.

The Israeli military has persistently conducted near-daily strikes on Lebanon while maintaining its occupying forces in the Arab nation, declining to withdraw.

Israeli forces maintain their positions at five sites within Lebanese territory, continuing to target areas in southern and eastern Lebanon as well as the southern suburbs of Beirut with artillery fire.

Israeli actions have resulted in the death of approximately 300 individuals and injuries to over 650, including women and children, following the November ceasefire, as reported by the Lebanese government.

Hezbollah’s Secretary-General, Sheikh Naim Qassem, delivered a sharp critique of the United States’ involvement in Lebanon on Friday, denouncing Washington as a backer of aggression rather than a neutral mediator.

In recent statements, Sheikh Qassem emphasized the duty of the Lebanese government to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty. He called for the expulsion of adversaries and urged the development of a strategic plan to empower the national army in effectively countering regular incursions by Israeli forces.