US envoy, Netanyahu discuss restraining attacks on Lebanon, withdrawal
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US envoy Thomas Barrack has urged "Israel" to ease attacks on Lebanon and withdraw from the points it is occupying during talks with Netanyahu.
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US Ambassador to Turkey and Special Envoy to Syria Tom Barrack speaks during an interview for The Associated Press at the US Embassy in Aukar, northern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon, Monday, July 21, 2025 (AP)
US envoy to Syria Thomas Barrack met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the situations in Syria and Lebanon on Sunday.
Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reported details of the meeting between Barrack and Netanyahu, revealing that the former had conveyed the United States' request for "Israel" to restrain its attacks against Hezbollah's infrastructure.
Additionally, Barrack reportedly emphasized Washington's request for "Israel" to withdraw its military forces from several positions inside Lebanon.
The meeting, first reported by Axios citing three Israeli and US sources, followed discussions between Barrack and both "Israel's" Minister for Strategic Affairs, Ron Dermer, and Security Minister Israel Katz.
The Axios report pointed out that the significance of the meeting lies in the fact that the Trump administration is simultaneously seeking to implement new security arrangements between "Israel" and Lebanon and between "Israel" and Syria as a "first step toward future normalization of relations."
Additionally, Ynet reported that Barrack is "mediating between Israel and Syria to reach a security agreement while simultaneously pressuring the Lebanese government to disarm Hezbollah and other armed factions in Lebanon."
When in Lebanon...
Meeting with Lebanese President Michel Aoun on Monday, August 18, Barrack commended Lebanon for taking what he described as significant steps forward while also expressing his optimism for progress in the near future.
He noted that Lebanon’s reforms and initial decisions have set the stage for broader cooperation and regional stability, while emphasizing that the success of the process requires reciprocal action and adding that the Lebanese government has taken the first step and now "Israel" must take a reciprocal step.
When asked about Hezbollah’s refusal to hand over its weapons, Barrack underscored that the matter is an internal Lebanese issue, stating, "We are not considering issuing any threats" and explaining that "dealing with Hezbollah is a Lebanese procedure, and our role has been advisory."
On August 5, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam announced that the Lebanese Army had been tasked with drafting an implementation plan to achieve the state’s monopoly over arms. The plan is due before the Council of Ministers no later than August 31.
Two days later, on August 7, the Lebanese Cabinet approved the broad objectives outlined in the US envoy’s paper. Information Minister Paul Morcos noted that detailed discussions would begin only after the army submits its proposed plan.
