The United States has proposed that Hezbollah fully disarm across all Lebanese territory by November in exchange for a halt to Israeli military operations and the release of reconstruction funds, sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.

Lebanese officials are currently drafting a formal response to the initiative, which would mark the most significant effort yet to curb the Iran-backed group’s armed presence.

The proposal, delivered in a six-page document by U.S. envoy to Syria and Ambassador to Turkey, Thomas Barrack, during a June 19 visit to Beirut, outlines a phased plan for disarmament and includes political, security, and economic incentives aimed at stabilizing Lebanon.

According to three sources briefed on the talks, the plan calls for Hezbollah and other armed factions to surrender their weapons in stages, with full disarmament to be completed by November or, at the latest, by year’s end. In return, Israeli troops would withdraw from occupied areas in southern Lebanon, airstrikes targeting Hezbollah would cease, and billions in aid would be unlocked to help rebuild areas damaged by Israeli bombardment during last year’s war.

Barrack, the sources said, urged Lebanese leaders to seize the opportunity, warning that “this moment may not come again.” He requested an initial response by July 1 and is expected to return to Beirut for follow-up talks next week.

The document also encourages Lebanon to improve relations with neighboring Syria and enact long-delayed financial reforms. It includes a provision for a United Nations-backed mechanism to oversee the release of Hezbollah-linked detainees held by Israel.

A special committee composed of representatives from President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri is currently reviewing the proposal and formulating Lebanon’s response, according to the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the discussions.

Any final agreement, the sources said, must be unanimously approved by Lebanon’s government.

Speaker Berri, a close ally of Hezbollah, has been in direct contact with the group to convey its position to the committee.

“Hezbollah has not rejected the committee’s work and has even begun signaling openness to discussions,” said one source. “But the group has not committed to disarming.”

A third source added that the mere fact Hezbollah is engaging in dialogue marks a significant shift.

“What was unthinkable two years ago is now on the table,” the source said, noting regional power dynamics have changed dramatically since the October 2023 war between Israel and Hamas.