In a stark warning that underscores mounting U.S. frustration with Lebanon’s political paralysis and Hezbollah’s entrenched military power, U.S. Ambassador Tom Barrack has issued what he called Lebanon’s “final opportunity” to avoid armed confrontation. Speaking ahead of his departure from Beirut, Barrack declared that this visit would be his last unless Lebanon takes concrete steps toward disarming Hezbollah through a U.S.-mediated process with Israel.
“This will be my last visit to Lebanon,” Barrack said, addressing reporters in Beirut. “I will inform the President, the Prime Minister, and the Speaker of Parliament that they have one last chance. Either they learn their lesson and decide to enter into direct negotiations with Israel under U.S. auspices, to establish a timetable and mechanism for disarming Hezbollah — or Lebanon will be left to its fate.”
The Ambassador’s statement reflects a significant hardening of Washington’s tone, signaling that the U.S. may withdraw diplomatic protection for Lebanon in international forums if the country continues to allow Hezbollah to operate as an armed state within a state.
Barrack warned that failure to act would leave Lebanon “isolated and without allies,” noting that “no one will be able to pressure Israel to prevent it from doing whatever it deems appropriate to undertake disarmament by force.”
The remarks come amid rising regional tension and intensifying Israeli air operations along Lebanon’s southern border, as Tel Aviv signals it will no longer tolerate Hezbollah’s missile presence north of the Litani River. The group’s arsenal — estimated at more than 150,000 rockets and precision-guided munitions — has long been viewed by both Israel and the United States as an existential threat requiring resolution.
Sources in Beirut say Barrack’s comments reflect the Trump administration’s new regional security doctrine, which ties continued U.S. financial and diplomatic assistance to measurable Lebanese action on Hezbollah’s demilitarization. Washington has grown increasingly skeptical of Lebanon’s political leadership, particularly its unwillingness to confront Hezbollah’s dominance over state institutions, ports, and the national defense structure.
Analysts note that Barrack’s ultimatum represents a shift from containment to coercion — effectively warning Lebanese officials that the U.S. will step aside if Israel decides to act militarily. “This is a pivotal moment for Lebanon,” said a Western diplomat in Beirut. “The message is that the old policy of ambiguity is over. The U.S. expects results, not rhetoric.”
Hezbollah, for its part, has dismissed the U.S. envoy’s threats as “imperialist pressure,” accusing Washington of “serving Israel’s agenda.” Lebanese political factions remain deeply divided, with some leaders arguing that disarmament without a national consensus could destabilize the country and ignite another civil conflict.
Still, Barrack’s blunt tone signals dwindling patience in Washington. “Lebanon can no longer play both sides,” said one senior State Department official. “The choice is between sovereignty or subjugation.”
As Lebanon faces economic collapse, energy shortages, and political gridlock, the U.S. warning lands at a moment of extreme national vulnerability. Whether Beirut chooses dialogue or defiance could determine not just Hezbollah’s future — but the survival of Lebanon itself.
