US Envoy: Saudi Arabia and Qatar Ready to Invest in Lebanon Economic Zone for Disarmed Hezbollah
Investment in economic zone near Israel border to create jobs for Hezbollah supporters after disarmament.
Saudi Arabia and Qatar are prepared to invest in an economic zone in southern Lebanon, close to the border with Israel.
This investment aims to provide employment opportunities for members of the militant group Hezbollah and its supporters once they relinquish their arms, according to President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy, Tom Barrack.
Barrack made these remarks in Beirut following his visits to Israel and Syria, where discussions took place regarding the situation in Lebanon following the Lebanese government's decision to disarm Hezbollah by the end of the year.
Hezbollah's leader has rejected this plan, vowing to retain their weapons.
On Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated that Israeli forces could begin withdrawing from territories they occupy in southern Lebanon in light of the Lebanese government's 'momentous decision' regarding the disarmament of Hezbollah.
The US-backed Lebanese Army is currently developing a plan for Hezbollah's disarmament, which should be completed by late August.
A meeting scheduled for September 2 is expected to discuss and approve this plan.
Barrack emphasized the need for financial support to the system, stating that funds will come from Gulf countries such as Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
He noted that there are currently 40,000 individuals who are funded by Iran to engage in combat and suggested that these individuals would require alternative sources of income upon disarmament.
Barrack also mentioned the creation of an economic forum involving the US, Gulf countries, and Lebanon to generate livelihood opportunities.
Regarding direct discussions with Iran on the Hezbollah issue, Barrack stated that such interactions are indeed taking place.
Additionally, he expressed support for extending the mandate of the UN peacekeeping force deployed in southern Lebanon since 1978, known as UNIFIL.
The US favors funding the Lebanese Army over UNIFIL and supports a one-year extension of UNIFIL's mandate at the United Nations.
Following the recent war with Israel, which severely weakened Hezbollah, a US-brokered peace agreement necessitates the disarmament of armed groups by the Lebanese state.
Meanwhile, Hezbollah and its ally Amal have postponed protests against the US-backed disarmament initiative to allow for dialogue with the government.
However, future protests could target the US Embassy in Beirut.
Israel has indicated its willingness to reduce its military presence in southern Lebanon if the Lebanese Armed Forces take steps to disarm Hezbollah, according to a statement from Netanyahu's office.
This investment aims to provide employment opportunities for members of the militant group Hezbollah and its supporters once they relinquish their arms, according to President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy, Tom Barrack.
Barrack made these remarks in Beirut following his visits to Israel and Syria, where discussions took place regarding the situation in Lebanon following the Lebanese government's decision to disarm Hezbollah by the end of the year.
Hezbollah's leader has rejected this plan, vowing to retain their weapons.
On Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated that Israeli forces could begin withdrawing from territories they occupy in southern Lebanon in light of the Lebanese government's 'momentous decision' regarding the disarmament of Hezbollah.
The US-backed Lebanese Army is currently developing a plan for Hezbollah's disarmament, which should be completed by late August.
A meeting scheduled for September 2 is expected to discuss and approve this plan.
Barrack emphasized the need for financial support to the system, stating that funds will come from Gulf countries such as Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
He noted that there are currently 40,000 individuals who are funded by Iran to engage in combat and suggested that these individuals would require alternative sources of income upon disarmament.
Barrack also mentioned the creation of an economic forum involving the US, Gulf countries, and Lebanon to generate livelihood opportunities.
Regarding direct discussions with Iran on the Hezbollah issue, Barrack stated that such interactions are indeed taking place.
Additionally, he expressed support for extending the mandate of the UN peacekeeping force deployed in southern Lebanon since 1978, known as UNIFIL.
The US favors funding the Lebanese Army over UNIFIL and supports a one-year extension of UNIFIL's mandate at the United Nations.
Following the recent war with Israel, which severely weakened Hezbollah, a US-brokered peace agreement necessitates the disarmament of armed groups by the Lebanese state.
Meanwhile, Hezbollah and its ally Amal have postponed protests against the US-backed disarmament initiative to allow for dialogue with the government.
However, future protests could target the US Embassy in Beirut.
Israel has indicated its willingness to reduce its military presence in southern Lebanon if the Lebanese Armed Forces take steps to disarm Hezbollah, according to a statement from Netanyahu's office.
