US Special Envoy Thomas Barrack delivered a strong message to Lebanese leaders on Monday, urging them to “seize the opportunity” for peace and reform while the region is moving forward on the path of change and the United States remains engaged and supportive, APA reports citing thisisbeirut.com.lb.
His remarks to the press followed a meeting with President Joseph Aoun at Baabda Palace, during which he received Lebanon’s official response to the American proposal for the disarmament of Hezbollah.
On his second visit to Lebanon, Barrack acknowledged receipt of Lebanon’s proposed amendments, compiled in a seven-page document, and said he would study them carefully, adding, however, that he was “very pleased” with the swift and measured tone of Lebanon’s reply.
He said the Lebanese government is currently working to address gaps in the ceasefire mechanism with Israel and reaffirmed that “Israel wants peace with Lebanon.”
He stressed that no strict timetable was being imposed on Lebanon. “It is working to arrive at a formula that reflects what it wants—once that’s done, the US will help make it happen.”
Following an obvious “carrot and stick” policy, the US envoy, who is also Washington’s ambassador in Türkiye, emphasized that Lebanon must act now, while conditions are favorable and international support—especially from US President Donald Trump—is still on the table.
“There is an opportunity in the air, and no one is better than the Lebanese at seizing such opportunities,” he said, cautioning that Lebanon would be left behind, as “the region is moving forward, and all the countries around are changing.”
While stressing Trump’s commitment to support Lebanon and help it achieve peace and prosperity, Barrack warned that the US president “does not have much patience.”
“Security and peace are fundamental—no one will come if Lebanon is at war,” he said bluntly.
