A key and sole item on the Cabinet’s session agenda that kicked off at 3:00 PM at the Presidential Palace in Baabda: the proposal submitted by US envoy Tom Barrack. The full text of the proposal - a seven-page memorandum - was published Thursday morning by the local media outlet Nidaa al-Watan, ahead of the ministerial meeting.
In the document, Barrack outlines a phased diplomatic initiative aimed at stabilizing the ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel, reached in November 2024, and setting the stage for a sustainable political and economic recovery. The proposed plan includes four sequential phases: the disarmament of Hezbollah, redeployment of the Lebanese Army across all national territory, border control (including with Syria), and sweeping international support for reconstruction.
Core Objectives: Disarmament, Sovereignty, and Regional Stabilization
Framing itself as a “comprehensive and permanent solution,” the document calls for substantial security reforms in exchange for diplomatic, military, and financial guarantees. It places the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 - adopted in 2006 but never fully enacted - at its core. The resolution mandates the extension of Lebanese state authority across the country and reserves all decisions of war and peace to legitimate national institutions.
Specifically, the memorandum proposes the gradual disarmament of all non-state actors, chiefly Hezbollah, including in areas north and south of the Litani River. Heavy weaponry, such as missiles and drones, would be handed over to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF).
To ensure compliance, the plan calls for a US-led monitoring mechanism involving France, Lebanon, Israel, and the United Nations, with biweekly coordination meetings.
The Four-Phase Roadmap (Spanning 120 Days)
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Phase I (Days 0–15): Ceasefire stabilization, cessation of military activity by both Israel and Hezbollah, and formal approval of the plan by the Lebanese government, including a commitment to disarmament.
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Phase II (Days 15–60): Development and initial execution of a LAF deployment plan, supported by US technical assistance. Israel would begin withdrawing from five positions along the border, and Lebanese prisoners would be released via the Red Cross.
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Phase III (Days 60–90): Full Hezbollah withdrawal from south of the Litani, increased LAF presence in the Bekaa Valley and northern regions, and commencement of infrastructure repairs.
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Phase IV (Days 90–120): Complete dismantling of non-state military capabilities, nationwide security control by the LAF, final demarcation of international borders, and the launch of an economic recovery conference co-sponsored by the US, France, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.
Border Demarcation with Syria
The memorandum also emphasizes the importance of border demarcation with Syria, particularly in the Bekaa Valley, Qalamoun, and Wadi Khaled, areas where sovereignty remains ambiguous. The plan aims to curb arms trafficking and facilitate the return of Syrian refugees.
In exchange, Damascus would be offered conditional sanctions relief and gradual reintegration of its border regions into regional economic frameworks, should it cooperate.
Counter-Narcotics as a Strategic Priority
A third component focuses on disrupting narcotics networks, particularly the production and smuggling of Captagon. The plan proposes forming specialized units within the Lebanese military and security forces, coordinating with Syrian counterparts under international supervision, and linking economic incentives to measurable results.
Carrot and Stick Approach
The US plan blends incentives - economic conferences, investment promises, military aid, and partial sanctions relief - with pressure tactics. Non-compliance would trigger targeted sanctions and freeze foreign assistance.
Hezbollah-Amal Alliance Eyes Cabinet Strategy
The proposal is expected to provoke intense debate during the Cabinet session, especially among ministers from the Hezbollah-Amal duo. Two of its ministers, Rakan Nassereddine (Health) and Tamara El-Zein (Environment), had walked out of Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting in protest of the disarmament timetable.
According to An-Nahar, Hezbollah-Amal ministers are inclined to attend Thursday’s session, but they are expected to oppose the official adoption of Barrack’s roadmap. Should it appear that the plan is set for approval, the bloc may withdraw to deprive the session of a consensus.
LBCI TV reported that participation from the alliance remains contingent on the outcome of ongoing political consultations. The group is reportedly seeking a “course correction” formula that aligns with its red lines.
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