Hezbollah disarmament 'integral' to Lebanon-Israel security process, US official tells 'Post'

The US reaffirmed on Sunday its backing for a security initiative designed to bolster stability along the Israel-Lebanon border following a recent intensification of tensions. The State Department's spokesperson told The Jerusalem Post that the "pilot zone" process remains the sole feasible route towards attaining enduring peace and security for both nations.

According to the spokesperson, "We eagerly anticipate the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) finishing clearance operations in the initial pilot zones, and once verification is complete, the process will broaden."

Emphasizing the importance of Hezbollah's disarmament, the spokesperson clearly indicated that Washington perceives the elimination of the Iran-aligned group's military capabilities as a crucial element of any enduring security arrangement. "The United States will persist in supporting the Trilateral Framework in line with our concern for regional stability, the prevention of further conflict, and President [Donald] Trump's ambition of fostering peace among nations," the spokesperson added.

Washington also provided a notably explicit appraisal of Hezbollah's role in Lebanon, attributing the country's economic and security predicaments to the terrorist organization. The spokesperson declared that Hezbollah has been the primary impediment to Lebanon's economic resurgence, the only stain on its international standing, and the most significant threat to the safety and stability of Lebanon.

Furthermore, the spokesperson attributed sole responsibility for Israel's presence on Lebanese soil to Hezbollah, asserting, "This is precisely why Hezbollah must be disarmed and dismantled."