US says Hezbollah must disarm for 'safe and sovereign' Lebanon

US demands Hezbollah disarm

The US State Department on Saturday insisted that Hezbollah must surrender its weapons for Lebanon to become a "safe and sovereign country," sharpening Washington's stance amid ongoing truce violations in southern Lebanon. "The United States stands with the Lebanese people and wants Lebanon to be a safe and sovereign country. For that to happen, Hizballah must disarm," a spokesperson said in remarks posted by the US Embassy in Beirut on the social media platform X.

Trilateral Framework cited

Washington reiterated that the Lebanese government serves as the sole legitimate channel for discussions regarding the nation's future under the existing Trilateral Framework. "The Trilateral Framework clearly states that the Lebanese Government is the sole legitimate interlocutor for discussions about the future of Lebanon and on behalf of the Lebanese people," the spokesperson said, referring to the US-mediated agreement reached on June 26 that outlines terms for regional stability.

Ambassador's proposal

Citing recent remarks by US Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa, the spokesperson outlined a potential pathway for Hezbollah to relinquish its arsenal through direct dialogue with the Lebanese state. "When Hizballah decides it is ready to do so, it can talk with the Lebanese state, with whom we are already in dialogue, and tell them it is ready to turn in its weapons," the spokesperson said, adding that Washington could subsequently "try to bring the views close to each other."

Truce violations persist

The spokesperson accused Hezbollah of rejecting talks with Lebanon, the United States, or Israel because it was "simply taking orders from Iran" rather than acting in Lebanese interests. "It's time for Hizballah to do what's best for Lebanon and the Lebanese people," the spokesperson added. Lebanon and Israel reached the US-mediated framework agreement on June 26 that provides for gradual Israeli withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territory in exchange for Lebanese army deployment and disarmament of armed groups, though Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon have continued despite ongoing implementation talks.