Overview

• Israel said it is ready to support Beirut’s effort and would consider a phased reduction of its forces if the Lebanese Armed Forces begin implementing the disarmament plan.
• Lebanon’s cabinet has tasked the army to produce a disarmament roadmap by late August for discussion on Sept. 2, with implementation targeted by the end of 2025.
• Hezbollah’s Naim Qassem rejected the government plan, demanded an end to Israeli strikes and withdrawal from five positions in the south, and urged supporters to protest.
• U.S. envoy Tom Barrack said Saudi Arabia and Qatar are prepared to fund an economic zone in southern Lebanon to create jobs for Hezbollah members who lay down arms.
• The UN Security Council is set to vote on extending UNIFIL’s mandate for one year as Israel maintains five positions in southern Lebanon and continues targeted strikes.