A U.S. State Department spokesperson told Al Sky News Arabia that Hezbollah alone is responsible for Israel’s continued presence in Lebanon.

He added that Hezbollah, which is backed by Tehran, is the biggest threat to Lebanon’s security and stability, the main obstacle to the country’s economic improvement, and the only negative point in Lebanon’s international image.

The spokesperson emphasized that Hezbollah must be disarmed and dissolved, and said that this move is an integral part of the pilot program for Israel’s withdrawal from some areas in southern Lebanon.

He added that this program, which aims at the phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from areas that come under the control of Lebanon’s state forces, is still the only practical path to achieving peace and security.

According to the American official, if the initial stages are successfully carried out, the program will be expanded.