In his visits to Lebanon, Tom Barrack speaks plainly: the Trump administration is not pressuring for agreement on proposed solutions but expects the involved parties to recognize their interests. The administration is accelerating efforts to build a network of ‘normal relations’ between Israel, Syria, and Lebanon, aiming to create a prosperous zone aligned with Washington’s strategic line from the East to the Mediterranean and the Gulf. Preparations are underway for Trump’s visit to Israel in December to crown these efforts led by envoys including Barrack and Morgan Ortagus.

The envoys are meticulously organizing relations among the Middle Eastern trio. Syria is expected to engage in security-diplomatic negotiations with Israel under US, French, and Turkish auspices, likely leading to security agreements and opening doors to political accords. Barrack strongly encourages Lebanon to resolve longstanding issues with Damascus to normalize relations, addressing contentious files such as refugees, prisoners, missing persons, Syrian deposits in Lebanese banks, and border demarcations.

The US is also working to extinguish tensions between Israel and Lebanon by achieving the disarmament of Hezbollah and transferring weapons to the state, expected by year-end. Netanyahu has pledged to withdraw forces once disarmament is complete, while the US promotes development projects near the Lebanese border as part of anticipated peace initiatives.

Washington imposes a vast political and economic siege on Israel, Syria, and Lebanon to push for agreements starting with security and potentially evolving into political accords, especially if Israel commits to the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative emphasizing a two-state solution and land for peace.

Simultaneously, US and international efforts continue to end the Gaza war and establish recognition of a Palestinian state, despite skepticism about Israel’s seriousness. The US sets a deadline by the end of the year for disarmament, resolving Lebanese-Syrian disputes, breakthroughs in Syrian-Israeli contacts, and Lebanese security arrangements with Israel, all under direct American sponsorship.

Trump’s potential December visit to Israel is seen as a culmination of entering comprehensive settlement climates unless Hezbollah launches an attack defending its weapons and positions, which may manifest as popular uprisings or escalations.