US Special Envoys in Israel to discuss security arrangements with Lebanon and Syria

JERUSALEM – US Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack and Special Presidential Envoy for the Middle East Morgan Ortagus arrived in Israel on 24 August to discuss Israeli security interests in Lebanon and Syria.

Informed sources report the two envoys met first with Israel’s Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and Defense Minister Israel Katz, before meeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

The Americans have been mediating security arrangements between Israel and Lebanon, and between Israel and Syria, for months. 

Regarding Lebanon, Barrack and Ortagus reportedly asked Israel this week to refrain from attacks on Hezbollah targets inside the country and to demonstrate goodwill by withdrawing troops from certain locations in southern Lebanon, as was agreed upon in the November 2024 ceasefire. Stopping attacks on Hezbollah and (partially) withdrawing troops would take the wind out of Hezbollah’s sails to not disarm.

The two special envoys are expected in Lebanon on 25 August for a three-day visit for new talks with Lebanese officials.