Communication between the United States and the Lebanese government has become “nearly at a standstill,” a source at the United States Department of State told Al Arabiya and Al Hadath on Thursday, as doubts grow in Washington about Beirut’s willingness to confront the influence of Hezbollah.

The source said the U.S. administration plans to inform the commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces on Friday that it is dissatisfied with his performance, reflecting rising concern in Washington over the Lebanese authorities’ handling of Hezbollah’s armed role in the country.

According to the source, U.S. officials increasingly question whether Lebanese authorities are serious about curbing the group’s influence.

The U.S. administration therefore considers any negotiations between Lebanon and Israel to be ineffective under the current circumstances, the source said. Instead, U.S. officials argue that priority should be given to concrete steps on the ground to rein in Hezbollah  before any diplomatic track can move forward.

The source added that U.S. information indicates Hezbollah fighters remain present south of the Litani River with roughly the same strength — or possibly even in greater numbers — despite international calls for the area to be free of the group’s military presence.

According to the source, U.S. officials have also raised concerns about what they describe as direct coordination between the Lebanese army and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.

Washington is expected to press Beirut to take serious action against Hezbollah before pursuing any negotiation process, the source added.