Reports Say Barrack to Visit Israel, Warns Lebanon of 3-Month Window

As diplomatic efforts intensify in the Middle East, U.S. envoy Tom Barrack has reportedly informed Lebanese officials that they have a three-month window to devise a resolution concerning Hezbollah’s weapons arsenal. According to Lebanon’s al-Akhbar newspaper, Barrack delivered this message during his recent visit to Beirut, citing informed sources familiar with the discussions.

Urgency for Disarmament and Reconstruction Conditions

Barrack’s warning comes with significant implications. If Lebanon fails to demonstrate substantial progress toward resolving the Hezbollah arms issue within the set timeframe, the United States will likely continue withholding support for reconstruction efforts and broader economic assistance. The source quoted by al-Akhbar explained that such a failure would maintain the status quo: Israel’s ongoing military operations would persist, and no tangible movement would occur toward rebuilding critical infrastructure or stabilizing Lebanon’s economy.

Adding to the urgency, Barrack reportedly presented a preliminary plan outlining a phased process through which Hezbollah would relinquish its weapons. The U.S. has communicated a target deadline of November for Lebanon to initiate this disarmament plan, suggesting that Washington sees this timeline as critical to avoiding further regional deterioration.

Regional Diplomacy and Reactions in Beirut

Parallel reporting by Asharq al-Awsat confirmed that Barrack plans to travel to Israel in the near future before making another return trip to Lebanon within two weeks. His shuttle diplomacy highlights the sensitive nature of the current negotiations and Washington’s push to reach a breakthrough before the end of the year.

Within Lebanon, key political figures, including President Joseph Aoun, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, have underscored the necessity of any action being reciprocal. They stressed that Lebanon and Israel must make coordinated and simultaneous moves to reduce tensions and avoid a lopsided outcome. The trio of leaders made it clear during meetings with Barrack that unilateral concessions from Lebanon would not be politically viable.

Lack of Assurances but Promise of U.S. Support

Despite Barrack’s proposals, the U.S. envoy stopped short of offering firm guarantees regarding Israeli military conduct. According to the same sources, Barrack could not promise a full withdrawal of Israeli forces or commit to halting further Israeli escalation. However, he did express a willingness to support Lebanon diplomatically and economically, provided meaningful steps are taken toward disarmament.

This limited commitment underscores the delicate balance Washington is trying to strike—pressuring Lebanon to curb Hezbollah’s military capacity while navigating its close strategic ties with Israel.

What This Means Going Forward

Barrack’s visit highlights an inflection point in U.S. efforts to mediate between Lebanon and Israel amid a backdrop of ongoing regional conflict. With a deadline now clearly communicated, Beirut’s leadership must weigh its next steps carefully. The risk of further economic stagnation and continued Israeli military pressure hangs in the balance, and so far, Lebanon’s position hinges on reciprocal guarantees that may not be easily secured.

In the coming weeks, much will depend on whether Washington can facilitate trust-building measures between the two sides—and whether Lebanon’s fractured domestic politics can unite around a disarmament roadmap with meaningful incentives attached.