American attempts to compel Hezbollah to disarm in Lebanon have encountered a significant setback. US envoys pressured Lebanese leaders, but the army has made it clear that it will not take any action that could harm the country’s peace. On August 17, US representatives Thomas Barrack and Morgan Ortagus visited Beirut and met with President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri. During the meetings, Barrack directly asked Army Chief General Rodolphe Hekal whether the army could force Hezbollah to disarm. General Hekal’s response was unequivocal: the army would not take any step that would go against the peace of the country.
