The reciprocal steps mentioned by Thomas Barrack regarding Israel, during his visit to Beirut on Monday, would not materialize until Lebanon had taken concrete measures to reassert State authority over all weapons, sources close to the U.S. State Department told Nidaa al-Watan newspaper.

The sources underlined that Washington is fully aware Lebanon stands at a “sensitive crossroads,” but stressed that any progress depends on the government demonstrating its ability to enforce the principle that arms remain under the State’s control.

They added that the United States remains positively open to, and supportive of, the Lebanese government’s decisions as it navigates this critical phase.

Hezbollah threatens civil war

Diplomatic sources said Barrack’s visit was aimed at valuing Lebanon’s decision and delivering a reassurance message to the Shiite community and other Lebanese that “there is no alternative to the path chosen by the government.”

But the sources cautioned that Hezbollah remained committed to the option of civil war if the army attempted to enforce disarmament, warning that the group itself could fragment if the government’s plan was carried out. Israel, they said, wanted to see concrete steps, describing the government’s decision as good politically but insufficient without execution.

The sources expressed concern that Lebanon might fail to use the decision to break its isolation, leaving confrontation between Israel and Hezbollah to persist unless the cabinet took practical action.

Barrack in Israel

Political sources said Barrack traveled to Israel after leaving Beirut. An Israeli political source told Al Arabiya that Israel had “no intention of keeping Lebanese territory.”

“Israel will do its part once Lebanon takes concrete steps. Withdrawal from the five points will take place under a coordinated mechanism with the ceasefire committee," one source said.

UNIFIL mandate renewal

At the United Nations in New York, the Security Council held a session on UNIFIL ahead of next week’s renewal vote. Official sources said France was seeking to keep the force in southern Lebanon for longer than one year and without changing its mandate, in line with Lebanon’s position.

In Paris, political and media circles expressed cautious optimism following the Barrack -Ortagus visit. The French foreign ministry told Nidaa al-Watan that renewing UNIFIL’s mandate was “important for the security of Lebanon, Israel and the region.” France, as penholder at the Security Council, was holding close consultations with partners, with negotiations already under way in New York.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot also spoke with U.S. counterpart Marco Rubio, while discussions on finalizing the draft and securing its adoption continued.

Diplomatic sources said Barrack and Ortagus might stop in Paris to brief French officials on their mission and UNIFIL renewal efforts.

The French foreign ministry noted that President Emmanuel Macron’s envoy, Jean-Yves Le Drian, continued regular visits to Lebanon as part of his mission and was expected back soon to pursue talks on reforms, reconstruction, and broader efforts to reinforce the authority of the Lebanese state.