Lebanon delays implementing arms restriction amid Syria concerns

U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and Special Envoy to Syria Tom Barrack speaks during an interview with The Associated Press at the U.S. Embassy in Aukar, northern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon, Monday, July 21, 2025. (AP)
U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and Special Envoy to Syria Tom Barrack speaks during an interview with The Associated Press at the U.S. Embassy in Aukar, northern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon, Monday, July 21, 2025. (AP)
Short Url
Updated 21 July 2025
Follow

Lebanon delays implementing arms restriction amid Syria concerns

Lebanon delays implementing arms restriction amid Syria concerns
  • Disarmament is a domestic matter, we cannot compel Israel to do anything: Barrack
  • Source tells Arab News Lebanon is afraid of what happened in Syria, extremely concerned about its borders

LEBANON: Lebanon has delayed the implementation of arms restrictions, Arab News has learned, amid growing concerns over developments in neighboring Syria — though it remains committed to disarming non-state militias, including Hezbollah.

US Special Envoy Tom Barrack, speaking from Beirut on Monday, said the issue of Hezbollah’s disarmament remains a domestic Lebanese matter.

“As far as the US is concerned, Hezbollah is a foreign terrorist group that we have no direct dealings with, and we are discussing this file with the Lebanese government,” said Barrack, who called on the Syrian government “to take responsibility for the developments that occurred in Sweida,” considering that “part of that responsibility may lie in the failure of communication between all Syrian components.”




Lebanon's Prime Minister Nawaf Salam (R) receives US special envoy for Syria Tom Barrack (2nd-L) at the government palace in Beirut on July 21, 2025. (AFP)

Barrack, who returned to Beirut on his third visit to Lebanon as part of his mission to establish a mechanism to implement the ceasefire agreement, including the withdrawal of Hezbollah’s weapons, expressed, after his meeting with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, “the US’s disappointment if no agreement is reached on the issue of arms and the failure of the ceasefire agreement.” He warned that when it comes to guarantees, “the US cannot compel Israel to do anything.”

Barrack began his meetings with officials by meeting President Joseph Aoun in the presence of the US Ambassador to Lebanon Lisa Johnson. Aoun handed him, “on behalf of the Lebanese state, the draft comprehensive memorandum for the implementation of Lebanon’s commitments, starting from the declaration of Nov. 27, 2024, through the ministerial statement of the Lebanese government, and the presidential inauguration speech,” according to a statement issued by the presidency’s media office. 

The statement clarified that “the draft memorandum centered on the urgent need to save Lebanon through the extension of the Lebanese state’s authority over its entire territory by its own forces alone, the exclusive possession of arms by the Lebanese armed forces, affirming the Lebanese constitutional institutions' sole authority over decisions of war and peace.

“This would go in parallel with preserving Lebanese sovereignty across all its international borders, reconstruction efforts, and launching economic recovery; all with the guarantee and support of Lebanon’s brothers and friends around the world, in a way that safeguards the safety, security, and dignity of all Lebanon and all Lebanese.”

A Lebanese political source told Arab News that “the Lebanese response handed to Barrack did not include a timeline for addressing the weapons issue, as the situation has changed in light of the developments in Syria.”

The source explained that Barrack’s meeting with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri on Tuesday, who is negotiating on behalf of Hezbollah, will be key to understand the next steps following the recent developments which “have raised more questions.”

The source continued: “The American document includes demands not only related to Hezbollah’s weapons, but also to Lebanon’s relationship with Syria and the border issue.”

it added: “The American side indeed wants a clear timeline for arms withdrawal, but in light of what happened in Sweida, will there be repercussions on Lebanon? Lebanon is afraid of what occurred and extremely concerned about its borders. It is demanding a halt to the entry of Syrians into its territory, including refugees and the potential approach of militants.”

In a press conference held after he met with Salam, Barrack said that the reason for his return to Beirut was “President Donald Trump’s great interest in achieving regional stability,” stressing that Beirut remains “at the center” of the process.

“As we have said before, Lebanon is the key to this experiment that began long ago with the emigration of religious minorities and political parties, who have succeeded around the world. The idea is to restore that success.”

Barrack said his return to the region comes amid instability in Syria, where government forces were recently deployed to contain deadly clashes between Bedouin and Druze communities that left hundreds dead last week.

“However, we must stress the need to focus and restore stability to Lebanon and hope to the region, and we will continue down this path. We will follow up on our meeting with your leaders, who have been more than helpful in reaching the conditions and solutions that will resolve this situation, not only for Lebanon but for all the issues happening simultaneously. We are bringing hope along with economic reforms and prosperity, and this is what we will work on.”

Barrack said: “There is a cessation of hostilities agreement that came into effect, but it has not succeeded. There are reasons for its failure, and that is part of what we are all trying to resolve. Failure would be disappointing to the US. There are no consequences, just disappointment. We are trying to help, influence, guide, and bring parties together; just some kind of influence to return to the model you all want to see: prosperity and peace for your children in the region.”

As for whether there are guarantees for Lebanon, Barrack argued that the US in “not here to impose anything on anyone, and we cannot compel Israel to do anything.”

He said: “We are here to use our influence and leverage to help reach an outcome. The matter is up to the government and everyone. When you grow tired of squabbling and rivalries, then everyone reaches the conclusion that there must be greater understanding and peace with neighbors so life can be better.”

Regarding the possibility of imposing sanctions on Lebanese officials, Barrack reiterated that “Sanctions against Lebanese officials is an extremely complicated issue.

“It exists and is sensitive, but it is not under consideration now,” he said. “What we are trying to do is bring peace and stability, not throw more fuel on the fire.”

On developments in Syria and the issue of minorities in Lebanon, Barrack said that US “feels great concern, sorrow, and sympathy toward all the events in Syria, and is offering support.

“There is recognition that the new parties trying to govern the country must understand the importance of accommodating minorities, engaging in dialogue, and coordinating with neighbors, including Israel, and pushing all these pieces together.”

Barrack argued that 15 years of civil war have left the country in dire conditions and its ethic minorities deeply divided.

“The situation in Lebanon is different; there is an existing government working with minorities and the army. There is a stable army understood by the people. In Syria, however, there is a new government, and minorities and tribes who spent most of their childhood in chaos and in the absence of government. What is happening is the result of tribal, individual, and familial clashes. What is happening is undoubtedly horrific, and a quick solution must be found.”

On Monday, Barrack toured and met with Maronite Patriarch Bechara Al-Rahi, Metropolitan Elias Audi of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Beirut and its Dependencies, Army Commander Gen. Rodolphe Haikal, former leader of the Progressive Socialist Party Walid Jumblatt, and met with several MPs during a dinner at the US embassy.

Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem, in a speech delivered on July 18, warned Barrack that he is “handing over Lebanon to Israel.” He asked: “Do they want Lebanon to be divided between Israel and Syria? The weapons are an obstacle because they enabled Lebanon to stand on its feet and prevented Israel from expanding.”

Qassem warned in his speech that “armed groups in Syria may launch an attack on eastern Lebanon,” saying: “All sects in Lebanon are under threat. Once we remove the danger, we are ready to discuss the defense strategy and the national security strategy.”

 


Lebanon’s cabinet meets to discuss Hezbollah’s arms after US pressure

Updated 6 sec ago
Follow

Lebanon’s cabinet meets to discuss Hezbollah’s arms after US pressure

Lebanon’s cabinet meets to discuss Hezbollah’s arms after US pressure
The session scheduled for 3:00 p.m. at Lebanon’s presidential palace is the first time that cabinet will discuss the fate of Hezbollah’s weapons
Pressure from the US and Hezbollah’s domestic rivals for the group to relinquish its arms has spiked following last year’s war with Israel

BEIRUT: Lebanon’s cabinet will meet on Tuesday to discuss Hezbollah’s arsenal, after Washington ramped up pressure on ministers to publicly commit to disarming the Iran-backed group and amid fears Israel could intensify strikes if they fail to do so.

The session scheduled for 3:00 p.m. (1200 GMT) at Lebanon’s presidential palace is the first time that cabinet will discuss the fate of Hezbollah’s weapons — unimaginable when the group was at the zenith of its power just two years ago.

Pressure from the US and Hezbollah’s domestic rivals for the group to relinquish its arms has spiked following last year’s war with Israel, which killed Hezbollah’s top leaders and thousands of fighters and destroyed much of its rocket arsenal.

In June, US envoy Thomas Barrack proposed a roadmap to Lebanese officials to fully disarm Hezbollah, in exchange for Israel halting its strikes on Lebanon and withdrawing its troops from five points they still occupy in southern Lebanon.

That proposal included a condition that Lebanon’s government pass a cabinet decision clearly pledging to disarm Hezbollah.

After Barrack made several trips to Lebanon to urge progress on the plan, Washington’s patience began wearing thin, Reuters reported last week. It pressured Lebanon’s ministers to swiftly make the public pledge so that talks could continue.

But Lebanese officials and diplomats say such an explicit vow could spark communal tensions in Lebanon, where Hezbollah and its arsenal retain significant support among the country’s Shiite Muslim community.

PROPOSED WORDING
On Monday evening, a group of dozens of motorcycles set out from a neighborhood in Beirut’s suburbs where Hezbollah has strong support, carrying the party’s flags.

Hezbollah’s main ally, Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, has been in talks with President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam ahead of Tuesday’s session to agree on a general phrase to include in a cabinet decision to appease the US and buy Lebanon more time, two Lebanese officials said.

Berri’s proposed wording would commit Lebanon to forming a national defense strategy and maintaining a ceasefire with Israel, but would avoid an explicit pledge to disarm Hezbollah across Lebanon, the officials said.

But other Lebanese ministers plan to propose a formulation that commits Lebanon to a deadline to disarm Hezbollah, said Kamal Shehadi, a minister affiliated with the anti-Hezbollah Lebanese Forces party.

“There’s frankly no need to kick the can down the road and postpone a decision. We have to put Lebanon’s interest first and take a decision today,” Shehadi told Reuters.

Lebanese officials and foreign envoys say Lebanese leaders fear that a failure to issue a clear decision on Tuesday could prompt Israel to escalate its strikes, including on Beirut.

A US-brokered ceasefire last November ended the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, though Israel has continued to carry out strikes on what it says are Hezbollah arms depots and fighters, mostly in southern Lebanon.

Thousands in besieged Sudan city at ‘risk of starvation’: WFP

Thousands in besieged Sudan city at ‘risk of starvation’: WFP
Updated 7 min 54 sec ago
Follow

Thousands in besieged Sudan city at ‘risk of starvation’: WFP

Thousands in besieged Sudan city at ‘risk of starvation’: WFP
  • “Everyone in El-Fasher is facing a daily struggle to survive,” said Perdison of WFP
  • “Without immediate and sustained access, lives will be lost“

PORT SUDAN: Thousands of families trapped in a besieged city in war-torn Sudan’s west are at “risk of starvation,” the World Food Programme warned on Tuesday.

Since May last year, El-Fasher, the state capital of North Darfur, has been under siege by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), who have been at war with the army since April 2023.

The RSF has encircled the city, blocking all major roads and trapping hundreds of thousands of civilians with dwindling food supplies and limited humanitarian access.

“Everyone in El-Fasher is facing a daily struggle to survive,” said Eric Perdison, the WFP’s regional director for eastern and southern Africa.

“People’s coping mechanisms have been completely exhausted by over two years of war. Without immediate and sustained access, lives will be lost.”

El-Fasher is the last major city in Darfur still held by the army, and has come under renewed attack by RSF fighters this year since the paramilitaries withdrew from Sudan’s capital, Khartoum.

A major RSF assault on the Zamzam displacement camp near El-Fasher in April forced hundreds of thousands of civilians to flee, with many seeking shelter in the city.

According to the WFP, prices for staple foods like sorghum and wheat — used to make traditional flatbreads and porridge — are as much as 460 percent higher in El-Fasher than in other parts of Sudan.

Markets and clinics have been attacked, while community kitchens that once fed displaced families have largely shut down due to a lack of supplies, the UN agency added.

Desperate families are reportedly surviving on animal fodder and food waste, while acute malnutrition is soaring, especially among children.

According to the UN, nearly 40 percent of children under five in El-Fasher are now acutely malnourished, with 11 percent suffering from severe acute malnutrition.

The rainy season, which peaks in August, is further hampering efforts to reach the city, with roads rapidly deteriorating.

Last year, famine was first declared in Zamzam, later spreading to two other nearby camps — Al-Salam and Abu Shouk — and some parts of Sudan’s south, according to the UN.

The war, now in its third year, has killed tens of thousands, displaced millions and created what the UN describes as the world’s largest displacement and hunger crises.

The country is effectively split in two, with the army controlling the north, east and center of Sudan and the RSF dominating nearly all of Darfur and parts of the south.


Netanyahu says Israel must complete defeat of Hamas to free hostages

Netanyahu says Israel must complete defeat of Hamas to free hostages
Updated 24 min 48 sec ago
Follow

Netanyahu says Israel must complete defeat of Hamas to free hostages

Netanyahu says Israel must complete defeat of Hamas to free hostages
  • “It is necessary to complete the defeat of the enemy in Gaza,” Netanyahu said

Jerusalem: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Tuesday Israel must “complete” the defeat of Hamas to free hostages held in Gaza, a day after Israeli media reported the army could occupy the entire territory.

“It is necessary to complete the defeat of the enemy in Gaza, to free all our hostages and to ensure that Gaza will no longer pose a threat to Israel,” Netanyahu said during a visit to an army training facility.


US house speaker condemned over West Bank visit

US house speaker condemned over West Bank visit
Updated 33 min 38 sec ago
Follow

US house speaker condemned over West Bank visit

US house speaker condemned over West Bank visit
  • Mike Johnson tells Israeli settlers their country is ‘rightful owner’ of Palestinian territory
  • Palestinian Foreign Ministry: Trip ‘undermines Arab and American efforts to stop cycle of violence’

LONDON: US House Speaker Mike Johnson and other Republican officials visited the occupied West Bank on Monday in support of Israeli settlements, The Guardian reported.

Johnson met Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz and Foreign Minister Gideon Saar before his visit to the Palestinian territory.

The last high-profile American visit to the West Bank was in 2020, when then-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo traveled to Psagot, an Israeli settlement near the Palestinian city of Ramallah.

Johnson’s private trip was hosted by a pro-Israel organization and was not part of an official delegation from Congress, Axios reported.

He was joined by Republicans Michael McCaul, Nathaniel Moran and Michael Cloud of Texas, as well as Claudia Tenney of New York.

Johnson told settlers that their country is the “rightful owner” of the Palestinian territory, which “must remain an integral part” of Israel. “Even if the world thinks otherwise, we stand with you.”

The Palestinian Foreign Ministry condemned Johnson’s visit, and said Israel’s occupation of the West Bank is a “blatant violation of international law.”

The trip “undermines Arab and American efforts to stop the war and cycle of violence, while flagrantly contradicting the declared US position on settlements and settler violence,” it added.

Johnson also appealed to religious sensibilities in the US, saying his country should use its 250th independence anniversary next year “to remind the American people of its Judeo-Christian foundations that were formed here in the land of Israel.”

He is expected to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before returning to the US on Sunday.


Islamist militants free Moroccan truck drivers held since January, Mali says

Islamist militants free Moroccan truck drivers held since January, Mali says
Updated 36 min 55 sec ago
Follow

Islamist militants free Moroccan truck drivers held since January, Mali says

Islamist militants free Moroccan truck drivers held since January, Mali says
  • The men and their three trucks disappeared in January while crossing without an escort from Dori in Burkina Faso to Tera in Niger

BAMAKO: Islamic State-affiliated militants have released four Moroccan truck drivers kidnapped in January, Mali said late on Monday, according to state media, highlighting growing intelligence cooperation between the two countries.

The men and their three trucks disappeared in January while crossing without an escort from Dori in Burkina Faso to Tera in Niger, an area known for jihadist threats, a diplomatic source said at the time.

They were shown alongside Mali junta leader Assimi Goita in footage broadcast on Monday night by state media, which reported that they had been freed on Sunday.

Junta-led Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali are battling militant groups linked to Al-Qaeda and Islamic State that have been destabilising West Africa’s Sahel region for more than a decade.

All three countries have halted defense cooperation with France and other Western forces and turned toward Russia for military support. And last year they announced their withdrawal from the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS), raising the risk of diplomatic isolation.

Morocco has meanwhile drawn closer to the three landlocked countries.

In April, the foreign ministers of Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali endorsed an initiative offering them access to global trade through Morocco’s Atlantic ports. Morocco also mediated to secure the release in December of four French nationals who had been held in Burkina Faso for a year.

The release on Sunday of the four truck drivers came as a result of cooperation between the security and intelligence services of Mali and Morocco, Malian state media reported.