Lebanon has formally proposed a reciprocal plan to the United States, offering to move Hezbollah’s heavy weapons north of the Litani River in exchange for Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory, a senior Lebanese official told Asharq Al-Awsat.

The official said U.S. officials were informed that Lebanon cannot unilaterally disarm Hezbollah in southern Lebanon without clear steps from Israel, including a full military withdrawal, a cessation of hostilities, and the return of Lebanese detainees.

"We’ve entered a dead-end equation with Israel over Hezbollah’s disarmament," the official said, describing the situation as a classic "chicken or egg" dilemma.

"Should Hezbollah pull back its weapons first, or should Israel withdraw from occupied Lebanese land?"

Under United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, Israel is required to pull out from all Lebanese territory south of the Litani River. However, Tel Aviv continues to press for Hezbollah’s complete disarmament across Lebanon, a demand Beirut views as unfeasible without reciprocal action.

The official revealed that President Joseph Aoun has formally conveyed Lebanon’s position to the U.S. administration, requesting firm American backing to pressure Israel. In return, Lebanon is prepared to take serious steps in line with Aoun’s inaugural speech that only the state may possess arms.

The Lebanese army has reportedly submitted a detailed action plan and budget to U.S. officials, outlining its commitments in response to Israeli steps. This includes troop deployments, weapons withdrawals, and additional security measures aimed at stabilizing the border.

Lebanon argues that continued Israeli military activity is obstructing the army’s ability to fully deploy in the south and weakening efforts to secure the border region. As a result, the government has directly requested U.S. guarantees to ensure Israel follows through, particularly if Hezbollah begins withdrawing its weapons north of the Litani.

Talks between President Aoun and Hezbollah, previously suspended during the Israel-Iran conflict, are expected to resume in the coming weeks, the report noted. Aoun has already appealed directly to senior Hezbollah figure Mohammad Raad, urging the group to transfer its heavy weaponry to the Lebanese army. The arms would then be either stored or dismantled, depending on national security considerations.

“This kind of weapon has lost its strategic value after the last war,” the source said. “It’s no longer viable for use.”

Lebanon’s top leaders are currently coordinating a unified response to a U.S. proposal delivered by American envoy Tom Barrack. The document, dubbed the “ideas paper,” outlines a four-point framework:

1. A gradual disarmament process for Hezbollah.

2. A step-by-step arrangement with Israel, where each side takes simultaneous, reciprocal measures.

3. A strategy for economic reform and international financial cooperation, especially with the IMF and World Bank.

4. A roadmap to address Lebanon’s unresolved issues with Syria, including border demarcation and the repatriation of refugees.

President Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam have reportedly agreed on a draft response. Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri will review the proposal and, if political consensus is reached, it will be submitted to the Cabinet before being formally handed to Barrack upon his return to Beirut in the coming weeks.

Berri is expected to take the lead in negotiating with Hezbollah on behalf of the Lebanese government, the report added.