After Barrack controversial remarks, Salam reiterates commitment to disarm Hezbollah

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, like many other Lebanese, was surprised by U.S. Ambassador Tom Barrack's recent comments which questioned the Lebanese government's commitment to disarm Hezbollah following the November 2024 ceasefire with Israel.

In an interview with Sky News Arabia, Barrack had said "the Lebanese, and I don't mean this in a disrespectful way, all they do is talk", claiming that there is no real action on Hezbollah's disarmament.

"I affirm that the government is committed to fully implementing its ministerial statement, particularly with regard to carrying out reforms and extending the state's authority over all its territories," Salam said in a statement he posted Tuesday on the X platform.

"I am surprised by the recent statements made by Ambassador Thomas Barrack, which question the seriousness of the government and the role of the army" he said, adding that he is confident that the army is fulfilling its responsibilities in protecting Lebanon's sovereignty, ensuring its stability, and carrying out its national duties, including implementing the disarmament plan.

"On this occasion, I call on the international community to intensify its support for the Lebanese Army and to pressure Israel to withdraw from the territories it occupies, as well as to stop its repeated aggressions in implementation of the ceasefire agreement reached in November 2024."

Barrack had said in the interview that stirred controversy in Lebanon, that the U.S. military assistance to the Lebanese Army is intended for domestic purposes rather than confronting Israel. "We're gonna arm them (the Lebanese army) so they can fight their own people (Hezbollah) and not Israel."

Barrack also said that Hezbollah has "zero incentive" to lay down its weapons while facing constant Israeli military pressure and occupation and that Israel will not withdraw from five hills it is currently occupying in south Lebanon.

Israel had said it could withdraw from territory they hold in southern Lebanon once Hezbollah is disarmed. Barrack in his remarks pointed out that Israel might not while Lebanon and Hezbollah clearly want something in return, but it is not clear if he meant Israel will not withdraw before Hezbollah disarms or even after the disarmament.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had said if Lebanon takes the necessary steps to disarm Hezbollah, then Israel will respond with reciprocal measures, including a phased reduction of the Israeli military presence in southern Lebanon.

After the Lebanese government took last month the decision to disarm Hezbollah, Barrack said the "Lebanese government has done their part" and "now what we need is for Israel to comply with that equal handshake."

In the recent interview, he seemed to change his stance, accusing the government of only "talking" with no real action, and revealing that Israel will not withdraw which will give Hezbollah more excuses to keep its arms.

Salam expressed in his post Lebanon's deep belief in the possibility of achieving a lasting peace, founded on the principles of justice, international law, and U.N. resolutions.

To Barrack in the interview, peace was an illusion. It never existed and never will exist in this part of the world, he said.