Lebanese leaders finalize response to US Envoy’s 7-point proposal as talks continue in Beirut

BEIRUT — Intensive meetings and consultations are ongoing among Lebanon’s top officials, yet a unified and decisive outcome has yet to emerge in response to the seven-point proposal presented by US Ambassador to Turkey and Special Envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack. 

The proposal includes key conditions such as the disarmament of pro-Iranian Hezbollah and all other armed factions in Lebanon, improved diplomatic relations with Syria, and the linking of Lebanese prisoners’ release from Israel to the overall disarmament process. 

Nearly two weeks after Barrack’s most recent visit to Lebanon — reportedly marked by frustration due to delayed responses from Lebanese leaders — sources close to the country’s top officials told Al-Jadeed TV that the tripartite presidential committee, made up of President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, met Sunday evening at Baabda Palace to finalize Lebanon’s response. Barrack has since returned to Beirut to receive the official reply. 

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Sources confirmed that the response reflects a rare consensus, with no major internal disagreements. The reply reportedly emphasizes Lebanon’s longstanding demand for Israel’s withdrawal from all occupied territories in southern Lebanon, as well as international guarantees for post-conflict reconstruction and support for border demarcation with Syria — though the Shebaa Farms sovereignty dispute remains unresolved. 

The response also reiterates the government’s commitment to long-overdue financial and economic reforms. 

Parliament Speaker Berri had previously indicated that he had prepared a separate response to Barrack, but its contents remain undisclosed. Meanwhile, Hezbollah has declined to issue a direct reply to the US proposal. Sources say the group does not see a need to provide separate approval at this stage. 

Barrack has reportedly requested further clarification on specific aspects of Lebanon’s response, particularly concerning the timeline for the proposed disarmament. While the plan outlines various implementation phases, it lacks specific start and end dates, prompting additional questions from the US State Department. 

The official X account of the Lebanese Presidency confirmed that Barrack met with President Aoun, accompanied by US Ambassador to Lebanon Lisa Johnson. He also held talks with Prime Minister Salam at the Grand Serail, reiterating US support for Lebanon’s stability, while stressing that Washington cannot compel Israel to take any particular action. 

Barrack described Hezbollah’s disarmament as an internal Lebanese matter but reaffirmed the US position designating the group as a terrorist organization. He emphasized that Washington is committed to assisting Lebanon in efforts to restore regional stability. 

The US envoy is expected to continue his meetings with Lebanese lawmakers and ministers during a dinner event scheduled at Dara Makhzoumi’s residence on Tuesday.