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

The spokesperson added that the terror organization bears sole responsibility for Israel's presence on Lebanese soil, saying, “This is precisely why Hezbollah must be disarmed and dismantled."

The United States reaffirmed on Sunday its support for a security process aimed at strengthening stability along the Israel-Lebanon border following a recent escalation, stressing that the disarmament of Hezbollah is an essential component of the framework.

A US State Department spokesperson told The Jerusalem Post that the “pilot zone” process remains the only viable path toward achieving long-term peace and security for both Lebanon and Israel.

“We look forward to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF)'s completion of clearance operations in the first pilot zones and, after clearance is verified, the process will expand,” said the spokesperson.

The spokesperson emphasized that Hezbollah’s disarmament is an integral part of the process, signaling that Washington views the removal of the Iran-backed group’s military capabilities as a central element of any lasting security arrangement.

“The United States will continue to support the Trilateral Framework in keeping with our interest in regional stability, the prevention of further conflict, and [US] President [Donald] Trump's agenda of promoting peace between nations,” he added.

Hezbollah responsible for Lebanese economic, security issues, spokesperson says

Washington further delivered an unusually direct assessment of Hezbollah’s role in Lebanon, blaming the terrorist organization for the country’s economic and security challenges and arguing that its continued armed presence is incompatible with Lebanon’s long-term stability.

“Hezbollah has been the primary obstacle to Lebanon's economic recovery, the only blemish on its international reputation, and the biggest threat to the safety and stability of Lebanon,” the spokesperson said.

He added that the terror organization bears sole responsibility for Israel's presence on Lebanese soil, saying, “This is precisely why Hezbollah must be disarmed and dismantled."