US presidential envoy Tom Barrack arrived in Beirut on Sunday for his third official visit to Lebanon in recent weeks, signaling a ramp-up in diplomatic efforts to ease escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah.
Barrack began his meetings on Monday with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at Baabda Palace, accompanied by US Ambassador Lisa Johnson. During the meeting, he officially received Lebanon’s response to the earlier American proposal conveyed through the embassy.
He then met with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam at the Grand Serail. After the meeting, Barrack stressed that “Lebanon’s stability and security are essential to the region,” adding that “President Trump places high importance on regional stability, and Lebanon plays a central role.”
Addressing the issue of Hezbollah, Barrack said firmly, “The disarmament of Hezbollah is strictly a domestic matter. For the US, Hezbollah is a foreign terrorist organization, but we are not exerting pressure. Our role is to assist, advise, and facilitate dialogue between the parties.”
He also clarified that Washington has no intention of imposing decisions on Israel: “We cannot force Israel to act, and it is not our role to dictate the realities on the ground.” He reaffirmed that the US aims to “restore stability, not fuel tensions,” and emphasized that sanctions on Lebanese officials are not on the table for now.
Barrack acknowledged the failure of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, noting that efforts are underway to identify and address the causes behind the breakdown.
Later in the day, Barrack is expected to meet with several political and religious figures, including Greek Orthodox Metropolitan Elias Audi, Army Commander General Rodolphe Haikal, and former Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Joumblatt. A dinner at the US Embassy with several MPs is also scheduled. On Tuesday, he will meet with the Speaker of Parliament, and on Wednesday, he is set to visit Bkerke to meet Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Bechara Rai.
According to US diplomatic sources cited by MTV, Barrack is carrying a direct message from President Trump, which includes an assessment of Lebanon’s reply to the American initiative. However, Hezbollah’s recent statements, especially by its secretary general, Naim Kassem, who reaffirmed the group’s rejection of disarmament and set strict conditions, are seen as a negative signal that could pose a serious obstacle to ongoing negotiations.
Local media reported that aides of Lebanon’s three top officials finalized a unified response to the US initiative following multiple bilateral meetings and consultations within an advisory committee.
Barrack later visited former Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Joumblatt at his residence in Clemenceau but left without making any public statement.
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