Prospective Lebanon-Israel Peace Remarks Spark Controversy

Massad Boulos, a Trump adviser, stated that peace between Lebanon and Israel could soon happen, praising Israeli settlers during a meeting with settler leader Yossi Dagan. His comments sparked backlash for normalizing Israel’s settlement expansion and were criticized by Palestinian advocates. Boulos’s assertions come amid ongoing tensions and a rejection of normalization by Lebanese society, following significant casualties from recent conflicts with Israel.

In recent comments, Massad Boulos, an adviser to former President Donald Trump, suggested that peace between Lebanon and Israel could be achieved soon. His remarks, made during a meeting with extreme settler leader Yossi Dagan in Washington, have drawn significant condemnation. Critics view Boulos’s support for Israeli settlers as an endorsement of the illegal occupation of Palestinian territory and an encouragement for further settlement expansion.

Boulos, who has Lebanese heritage, openly praised Israeli settlers and demonstrated support by shaking hands with Dagan, head of the Samaria Regional Council, which oversees 35 illegal settlements. These settlements are widely condemned by the international community and the United Nations. He referred to Dagan as “your Excellency” in an effort to align himself with the Israeli narrative surrounding the occupied West Bank.

In expressing his views, Boulos stated, “We are looking forward to peace, and we are aiming for peace, and by the grace of God, this will be achieved, hopefully, soon.” This statement incited backlash, particularly among advocates for Palestinian rights who accused him of siding with those who promote land dispossession and ethnic cleansing.

Yossi Dagan commended Boulos and the Trump administration for their alignment with settler policies. He expressed a vision that emphasized collaboration for the future, indicating that Boulos’s comments echoed a broader pro-settler sentiment. Dagan expressed gratitude for the support received from President Trump.

Boulos’s recent assertions occur amidst rising discussions regarding potential peace negotiations between Lebanon and Israel, a prospect largely rejected by the Lebanese populace. Lebanon officially does not recognize Israel, and any interactions between its citizens and Israelis are criminalized. Recent conflicts between Hezbollah and Israel have strained relations further, resulting in significant casualties, including over 6,000 Lebanese deaths during the recent war.

Despite a ceasefire, violations persist as Israel conducts airstrikes and engages in provocations. Lebanese leadership emphasizes that any negotiations must address Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanese territory and the adherence to the 1949 armistice rather than pursuing normalization of relations. Speculation about regional normalization continues, but such moves are complicated by the ongoing relationship between Israel and Palestine, with leaders in Saudi Arabia setting conditions for normalization based on Palestinian autonomy.

Massad Boulos’s remarks about Lebanon-Israel peace have ignited controversy, particularly due to his support for illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank. As Lebanon navigates its complex relationship with Israel, the emphasis remains on addressing territorial disputes and prioritizing national sovereignty over potential normalization. Ongoing tensions, particularly following recent conflicts, further complicate the path to peace, underscoring the need for thorough negotiations that respect international law and human rights.

Original Source: www.newarab.com