Trump adviser Massad Boulos has controversially asserted that peace between Lebanon and Israel is on the horizon, while expressing support for Israeli settlers. His remarks have drawn significant criticism from Palestinian advocates who view them as a normalization of Israel’s illegal actions in occupied territories. Amid ongoing conflicts and a turbulent history, any future peace efforts must address Lebanon’s concerns regarding territorial integrity and historical grievances.
Massad Boulos, an adviser to former President Donald Trump, has ignited controversy by declaring that peace between Lebanon and Israel is “imminent.” He made these remarks during a meeting with Yossi Dagan, chairman of the Samaria Regional Council, which oversees numerous illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank. Critics argue that such statements normalize Israel’s occupation and bolster settlement expansion in Palestinian territories.
Boulos, who has Lebanese heritage, met Dagan in Washington and expressed his support for Israeli settlers, praising their efforts and referring to West Bank settlements by their Israeli name, “Samaria.” He conveyed his “heartfelt appreciation” to the settlers, along with hope for a rapid achievement of peace in the region. These remarks faced severe backlash from Palestinian advocates, who accused Boulos of endorsing ethnic cleansing and land seizures.
Dagan commended Boulos, aligning with Trump’s administration, which was criticized for its unwavering support of Israel’s actions in the West Bank. He proclaimed a divine purpose in their collaboration, asserting that they are united in advancing their vision for the region. This collaboration underscores ongoing tensions regarding the Israeli occupation and settler expansion on Palestinian lands.
Boulos’ statements arrive amid rising speculation about establishing peace between Lebanon and Israel, a notion largely opposed by the Lebanese populace, who do not officially recognize Israel. Historical conflicts, including recent clashes between Lebanon’s Hezbollah and Israel, have fostered animosity, compounded by significant casualties resulting from Israeli military actions in Lebanon.
Lebanese leaders have emphasized that any future negotiations should concentrate on Israel’s withdrawal from occupied territories and the restoration of the 1949 armistice agreement, rather than a complete normalization of relations. In this context, recent comments from U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff suggested that Lebanon and Syria could soon normalize ties with Israel, despite Hezbollah’s previous military setbacks and the precarious state of the Assad regime in Syria.
In conclusion, Massad Boulos’s assertions regarding imminent peace between Lebanon and Israel, coupled with his overt support for Israeli settlers, have sparked significant outrage and criticism. As tensions remain high due to Israel’s ongoing occupation and Lebanon’s historical resistance, the prospect of peace requires careful consideration of territorial rights and historical grievances. Future negotiations must prioritize the acknowledgement of these issues to achieve lasting resolutions.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
