US Special Envoy Thomas Barrack emphasized Washington’s commitment to supporting Lebanon’s sovereignty and advancing peace efforts amid ongoing ceasefire tensions with Israel. Speaking in Beirut after meeting Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, Barrack said, “The US has no business in trying to compel Israel to do anything.”

On his third visit to Lebanon since June, Barrack, who also serves as the US ambassador to Turkey and special envoy for Syria, met with top political and religious leaders to assess the fragile truce.

While a US- and French-backed ceasefire agreement has been in place since November 27, 2024, Barrack acknowledged it has not been fully successful. “There are reasons for that failure, and resolving them is a shared responsibility,” he said, underscoring ongoing diplomatic efforts for de-escalation.

Barrack described the disarmament of Hezbollah as an internal Lebanese matter but affirmed US willingness to support the Lebanese government’s initiatives.

Meanwhile, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun handed Barrack a memorandum reaffirming Lebanon’s commitment to assert state authority, confine weapons to the Lebanese Armed Forces, and preserve sovereignty. The document also emphasized that decisions on war and peace must rest with Lebanon’s constitutional institutions.

Despite the ceasefire, Israel has continued limited military actions, citing threats from Hezbollah. Israeli forces also maintain positions in five southern Lebanese locations, violating a February 18 withdrawal deadline.

Barrack reiterated that the US remains focused on diplomacy to stabilize the border and help Lebanon rebuild and recover economically.