Massad Boulos, an adviser to Donald Trump, indicated that peace between Lebanon and Israel may soon be attainable. His supportive remarks towards Israeli settlers in the West Bank have faced criticism for appearing to legitimize illegal occupations. Amid ongoing tensions and opposition to normalization in Lebanon, Boulos’s statements highlight the intricate dynamics at play in Middle Eastern peace efforts.
Massad Boulos, an adviser to former US President Donald Trump, ignited controversy by claiming that peace between Lebanon and Israel is imminent. During a meeting in Washington with Yossi Dagan, the chairman of the Samaria Regional Council, Boulos expressed admiration for Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank, actions seen by critics as endorsing illegal settlements and the ongoing occupation of Palestinian territories.
Boulos, who has Lebanese heritage, made these statements while using rhetoric that aligns with far-right views, referring to the occupied West Bank by its Israeli name, “Samaria.” His warm reception of Dagan, highlighted in a social media video, included a formal greeting and expressions of gratitude towards the settlers. He stated, “We are looking forward to peace, and we are aiming for peace… this will be achieved, hopefully, soon.”
The reaction to Boulos’s comments was swift and severe, particularly from Palestinian advocates who accused him of endorsing figures implicated in illegal land acquisition and ethnic cleansing. Dagan, who champions the settler agenda, reciprocated the praise, linking his ambitions for the region with the support of Trump’s administration, which has been criticized for overlooking Israeli actions against Palestinians.
Boulos has amassed significant power as a billionaire and political figure, mobilizing Arab American voters for Trump’s campaign and subsequently taking on a role focused on Middle Eastern affairs. His recent remarks come amid heightened speculation regarding a potential peace agreement between Lebanon and Israel, a concept largely opposed within Lebanese society, which officially rejects recognition of Israel and criminalizes interactions with its citizens.
Following armed conflict between Hezbollah and Israel last year, in which Israel caused over 6,000 Lebanese casualties, the atmosphere surrounding negotiations remains tense. Israel persists in violations of ceasefire agreements through airstrikes and border provocations. Lebanese officials insist that any forthcoming discussions must prioritize Israeli withdrawal from occupied territories rather than normalization of relations.
Recent statements from US envoy Steve Witkoff suggested normalization could be on the horizon for Lebanon and Syria, driven by Hezbollah’s recent losses and the weakening regime of Bashar al-Assad. Meanwhile, Israel’s Foreign Minister raised the prospect of Lebanon following Saudi Arabia’s lead in establishing ties, contingent upon Palestinian independence.
In conclusion, Massad Boulos’ comments about the potential for imminent peace between Lebanon and Israel have stirred significant backlash. His expressions of support for Israeli settlers and endorsement of their actions are viewed as normalizing illegal occupation. The rejection of such normalization within Lebanese society, the historical context of conflict, and the call for Israel’s withdrawal underscore the complexities surrounding peace discussions in the region. The prospects of normalization are tenuous, heavily dependent on broader geopolitical changes and adherence to Palestinian rights.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
