US Envoy Tom Barrack Warns Israel May Act If Lebanon Fails to Control Hezbollah

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In a sharp policy statement, US Envoy to Syria Tom Barrack has warned that Israel could take unilateral military action if the Lebanese government fails to assert control over Hezbollah. The remarks came in a policy essay that has drawn attention across the Middle East, highlighting the growing tension between Washington’s strategic goals and the complex political dynamics in Lebanon.

Hezbollah’s Role Under Scrutiny

Barrack argued that Hezbollah’s influence within Lebanon’s political structure is preventing the implementation of a Washington-supported disarmament framework known as the “One More Try” plan. He described the group’s continued armament as a key obstacle to regional peace, emphasizing that dismantling Hezbollah remains essential for long-term stability in the Levant.

Framing his stance within US President Donald Trump’s “Peace Through Prosperity” policy, Barrack suggested that weakening Hezbollah’s military power would be a necessary step toward ensuring security for both Lebanon and its neighbors. He cautioned, however, that a renewed conflict could derail Lebanon’s 2026 general elections and push the nation deeper into political instability.

In the same essay, Barrack also urged the US Congress to reconsider the Caesar Act sanctions on Syria, which were originally designed to pressure Damascus over human rights violations. He argued that, given the formation of a new Syrian government, maintaining these sanctions could be counterproductive and may hinder broader peace efforts in the region.

Barrack commended the Trump administration’s earlier move to ease certain sanctions, describing it as a “pivot from coercion to cooperation.” He maintained that diplomatic flexibility, rather than punitive isolation, could better serve US interests and foster regional stabilization.

The statement comes at a time when tensions in the Middle East remain high, with Israel, Lebanon, and Syria caught in overlapping conflicts and political uncertainty. Barrack’s comments underscore the United States’ continuing effort to balance its security objectives with the shifting realities of regional politics.