In an interview held after his departure from Lebanon, US special envoy Tom Barrack urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to show “tolerance and understanding” toward Lebanon, stressing that such an approach would benefit both countries.
“I come from your region, I have Lebanese blood,” said Barrack, whose family hails from Zahle. In the interview, Barrack relayed a conversation that he had with Netanyahu, in which he asked him to do the right thing and “give Lebanon a chance.”
Barrack added that Netanyahu had responded positively to his request. “I was impressed by his manner. He’s authentic,” the envoy said.
Hezbollah, the Shia Community and Lebanon’s Future
Addressing Lebanon’s political landscape, Barrack described Hezbollah as both a political party rooted in Lebanon’s Shia community and, at the same time, an Iranian-backed proxy. He emphasized that the issue is “not the weapons themselves but their utilization,” and argued that Lebanon must find “a better solution for its Shia population.”
“The young generation will change things,” he added, criticizing what he called the “Jurassic Park generation” for corrupting the country. He stressed that the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) remain “the only truly communal institution” and suggested that Hezbollah could eventually evolve into a political party integrated into the national framework.
Barrack further noted that other donor states such as the Gulf states could provide alternatives to Iranian influence.
Regional Dynamics: Syria, Israel and US Policy
On regional developments, Barrack highlighted what he called “historic” talks between Syria and Israel, indicating that Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa was ready to negotiate with Israel in the interest of his country. “His goals today align with Washington’s,” Barrack said, underlining US confidence in the Syrian leader’s willingness to compromise.
He further argued that without the Gulf states, there is no future for Syria or Lebanon, underscoring the importance of Arab financial and political support in stabilizing the region.
He reiterated his view that US President Donald Trump was uniquely positioned to bring lasting peace to the Middle East, despite the region’s history of millennia-long conflict.
“Everyone is tired of war,” he concluded.
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