U.S. envoy Tom Barrack on Monday called on Israel to take reciprocal steps following Lebanon’s announcement of its commitment to disarm Hezbollah.

Speaking from Beirut, the American envoy noted that the Lebanese government had taken “the first step” regarding the decision to dismantle Hezbollah’s arsenal, stressing that Israel must now act in kind.

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In his first visit to Beirut since Lebanese authorities confirmed their intention to disarm Hezbollah by the end of the year, Barrack said after meeting President Joseph Aoun:

“There is always an approach based on the principle of step by step, but I believe the Lebanese government has fulfilled its part. It has taken the first step.”

He added: “What we need now is for Israel to commit to a parallel move,” without disclosing the specific nature of the expected measure.

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A few days earlier, Lebanon had approved, during a cabinet meeting, the main objectives of a U.S.-drafted paper aimed at consolidating the ceasefire agreement, which includes ending the presence of armed groups, most notably Hezbollah.

The meeting reviewed the content of a memorandum delivered by U.S. envoy Tom Barrack to Lebanese officials.

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This memorandum outlines, in particular, a timeline and a mechanism for Hezbollah’s disarmament — a group which, prior to its recent confrontation with Israel, remained the most powerful political and military force in Lebanon.

Following the meeting, Lebanese Information Minister Paul Murcus announced the cabinet’s approval of the preamble of the American proposal, which stipulates, among other points: extending the authority of the Lebanese state over all its territory, strengthening legitimate state institutions, and ensuring that the possession of weapons is strictly limited to the state throughout Lebanon.

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