Overview
- U.S. envoy Tom Barrack said Lebanon will unveil an LAF-led disarmament plan on Aug. 31, with Israel to submit a step-by-step counterproposal tied to withdrawals and border security guarantees.
- Netanyahu’s office offered a phased reduction of IDF forces contingent on implementation by the Lebanese army, while Israeli troops continue to hold five positions inside southern Lebanon.
- Hezbollah deputy leader Naim Qassem rejected the initiative, warned of unrest, and said weapons would only be negotiable after Israeli withdrawal and an end to strikes.
- Barrack said Saudi Arabia and Qatar are prepared to fund a southern economic zone to create jobs for Hezbollah members and supporters who lay down arms.
- Diplomats are coordinating through a U.S.-led mechanism as the U.N. Security Council prepares to vote on extending UNIFIL’s mandate to August 2026.